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MICHIGAN. 






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PHILADELPHIA : 

I). W. ENSIGN & aO. 

1880. 



3=3^g|@^g^ 



PREFACE. 



The object steadily kept in view in the preparation of this history has been to furnish an exhaustive 

accurate account of events of importance or general interest which have occurred within the territory 

comprehended in tiie counties of Berrien and Van Buren, from the first discovery of this region by 

) men down to the present time ; to exclude everything of doubtful authenticity, but to embody all 

„otainable facts in the narrative, and at the same time to confine it as closely as practicable to the limits of 

the t\4'0 counties, referring to no outside matters, except such as could not well be omitted because of their 

close connection with the history of the region which is especially noticed. 

The work is divided into three parts. The fii-st nineteen chapters are devoted to matters common to both 
counties, viz. : the discovery and exploration of this section of country by French adventurers and priests; 
its occupation by the Miami Indians, and afterwards by the Pottawattamies ; the operations of Indian 
traders through all this region ; the several Indian cessions of land, covering the territory now included in 
Berrien and Van Buren ; navigation and harbor improvements at St. Joseph, South Haven, and New 
Buffalo ; internal improvements,— in the matters of Territorial roads, State roads, plank roads, and railways 
traversing both counties ; military history,— principally referring to the services performed in the war of the 
Eebellion by a number of Michigan regiments, all or nearly all of which contained soldiers from both 
counties; and finally an article on the fruit-belt of Western Michigan, which covers the greater part, if not 
all, of both Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Next, after these general chapters, is given a separate history 
of Berrien County, Niles City, and each of the several townships; and this part is followed by a similar 
sejjarate history of Van Buren County and its townships. 

Tlie amount of time and labor which has been expended in the preparation of this history is great. 
Some or the material has been gleaned from the very few (reliable) published works which bear upon the 
subject ; much more from county, township, and society records, and files of old newspapers ; but by far the 
greater part has been obtained from the oldest residents and best-informed people of the two counties,— of 
whom more than three hundred have been applied to for information, and have given it. 

The result of all this patient labor and research has been so satisfactory that the work is now presented 
to its patrons with the confident expectation that their verdict will be a favorable onl;. Every efibrt has 
been mt.de to render the history as nearly perfect as it is possible for such a work to be ; and, this being the 
case, no apology is thought necessary. It is proper, however, to make this explanation : that if errors are 
discovered (as it is nearly certain there will be) in the orthography of some of the family names of the early 
and lattT residents of the counties, it is largely due to the fact that the names have been found spelled 
differently (and sometimes in as many as four or five different ways) in the county, township, church, and 
societ'- tecords, and that in several instances different members of the same family vary in the orthography 
of/) BuJ surname. Under such circumstances, it is not a matter of surprise if the several writers of the 
-^d township histories, often finding themselves wholly at a loss to know which manner of spelling 
I have sometimes made the mistake of choosing the wrong one. y 



PKEFACE. 



To those who have kindly given their aid in the collection of material for the work, the writer d( 
to express his acknowledgments ; especially to the editors and proprietors of the several newspapers 
county and township officers, the gentlemen of the legal and medical ]>rofessions in the two counties, an< 
pastors and leading members of the churches. The pioneers and other citizens of Berrien and Van B 
who have furnished information are too numerous to receive the separate individual mention to which 
are entitled, but grateful thanks are tendered to each and all for the assistance which they have will 
and courteously given. 

F. 

Philadelphia, Pa., March 26, 1880. 






CONTENTS. 



h:istoi?.io.a.il>. 



HISTOKT OP BEKEIEN AND VAN BTIKEN 
COUNTIES. 

CHAPTER PAQE I 

I. — Discoveries and Explorations 9 

II. — The Miami Occupation IS 

III. — The Pottawattamie Occupation ..... 21 

IV.— The Pottawattamies of the St. Joseph after 1815 . . 30 
V. — Cessions of Indian Territory — Erection of Counties and 

Towns upon it ....-..■■ 35 | 

VI. — Navigation — Harbor Improvements 39 | 

VII. — Internal Improvements 47 

VIII.— Military History— The Sauk War— The Great Rebellion 57 

IX.— The Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Infantry Regiments . 67 

X. — Seventeenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-fourth Infantry . 80 
XI.— Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Infantry . . . .85 
XII. — Twenty-eighth Infantry — First Engineers and Mechanics 

— First Sharpshooters 91 ' 

XIII.— First and Second Cavalry 95 ! 

XIV.— Third Cavalry 99 

XV.— Fourth Cavalry 103 | 

XVL— Seventh, Ninth, and Eleventh Cavalry . . . . 108 j 

XVII. — Western Sharpshooters, and One Hundred and Second ; 

United States Colored Troops 112 

XVIII. — Other Soldiers from Berrien and Van Buren Counties 115 

XIX.— The Fruit Belt US 



BERRIEN COUNTY. 



127 



XX. — Natural Features — Early Settlement 

XXr. — Erection and Organization of Berrien County — Courts 

and County Buildings 130 

XXn.— The Press of Berrien County 136 

XXIII.— The Medical and Legal Professions .... 141 

XXIV.— Civil List— County Societies 148 

XXV.— City of Niles 153 

XXVI.— Buchanan Township 174" 



XX'"II.— Benton 
XXVIII.— Berrien 
XXIX.— Bainbridge 
XXX. — Bertrand 
XXXI.— Chickaming 



187 
203 
213 
227 
232 



CHAPTER 

XXXII. —Galien Township 
XXXIII.— Hagar 

XXXIV.— Lake " 

XXXV.— Lincoln 
XXXVI.— Niles " 



PAQE 

236 
242 
248 
255 
260 



XXXVII.— New Buffalo Township 270 

XXXVIII.— Oronoko 
XXXIX.— Pipestone 
XL. — Royalton 
XLI. — St. Joseph 
XLII. — Sodus 
XLIII.— Three Oaks 
XLIV.— Watervliet 
XLV. — Weesaw 



278 
292 
304 
312 
327 
332 
339 
353 



VAN BUREN COUNTY. 

XLVI. — Erection and Organization of the County — Location of 

County-Seat 
XLVII. — Courts — Records — County Buildings — Civil List 
XLVIII.— The Press of Van Buren County 
XLIX. — The Learned Professions 
L. — County Societies . 
LI. — Antwerp Township 
LIT. — Arlington " 
LIII. — Almena " 
LIV. — Bangor " 
LV. — Bloomingdale Township 
LVI.— Columbia 
LVII.— Covert 
LVIII.— Decatur 
LIX. — Geneva " 

LX.— Hartford -- " 
LXI.— Hamilton 
LXII.— Keeler 
LXIII. — Lawrence *' 
LXIV.— Paw Paw 
LXV.— Pine Grove 
LXVI.— Porter " 

LXVII.— South Haven " 
LXVIII.— Waverly 



359 
3f>2 
367 
369 
373 
374 



434 
439 
449 

454 



;)21 
527 



-BXOarTi..A.FT3LXC!J^lLi. 



Hon. George H. Jerome 
Joseph C. Larimore . 
Major L. A. Duncan . 
Joseph Coveney 
Hon. Lorenzo P. Alexande 
.lao.ib P. VanRiper . 
Geoige H. Richards . 
Eleazer and Henry C. M 
Jehial Enos 
Steri,.e Brunson . 
Lewis Sutherland 
G. N. Lord 
Phiiieas Pearl . 
Warren H. Pearl 
J. .TJ Higbee 
Port- . Bury . 



ton 




-^ 




facing 


1 

m 

172 

173 

ISO 

184 

185 

186 \ 

197 

199 1 

199 

200 

200 

201 

201 

202 

202 



Luther Kinney . 
Elkanah Nickerson 
Edwin T. Dickson 
Nathan McCoy . 
Israel P. Hutton 
Silas Ireland 
Nathaniel Brant . 
Sidney Spencer . 
Martin Tioe 
John K. Bishop . 
Samuel Messenger 
George H. Rough 
John C. Morgan . 
Alfred W. Ames . 
David A. Cuthbert 
Henry Renbarger 



PAGE 

202 
203 
211 
212 
212 
213 



231 
235 
236 

240 
240 



CONTENTS. 



■bxc>g:rj^'fts:x(Oj^il,. 



Mrs. Mary Witter 240 

Cyrus Thurston .....•••■• -"^^ 

Frank Jerue -^2 

R. B. Huston 242 

James Hannah ... ....... 247 

Anthony S. Bishop 247 

Isaac Hathaway . 253 

John H. Nixon 253 

Norman E. Landon .....••■■ 254 

David Myers 259 

L. W. Archer 259 

Dr. J. N. Percell 259 

Burton Jarvis 269 

Daniel Fisher 2T0 

John Murray 277 

Richard Phillips 277 

Robert Cassiday 300 

George C. Hartman ......... 300 

Josiah Gano 301 

Amasa a»d Norman C. Preston 301 

Thomas Evans 302 

AVilliam Ridenour ......... 302 

Mrs. Mary Burton 302 

Miles Davis 303 

Morgan Bnos, M.D 303 

Henry Ashoff facing 304 

William H. Tryon "308 

Dr. Edward Hall 309 

George H. Scott 310 

John Bort 311 

Hon. Alexander H. Morrison facing 31 1 

Dr. Lyman Collins 326 

J. C. Caldwell 326 

Walter Donaldson 327 

John B. Rush 332 

Josephus Fisher .......... 332 

Edward Vetterley 339 

Edward Brant 350 

Harvey C. Sherwood ......... 351 

W. W. Allen 351 

Joseph Knapp .......... 352 

S. P. Merri6eld 352 

Sebastian Smith 353 

Gabriel F. Penwell 358 

George Boyle .......... 358 

Jason A. Sheldon facing 384 

Lysandor Bathrick 388 

Jonathan J. Woodman ........ 389 

Henry Waite 390 

James M. Lull 391 

Peter Harwick .......... 391 

J. R. Bangs 392 

Orange Stephens 392 

N. L. Surdam 393 

Alvin Chapman .......... 399 

Edward P. Mills 404 

Asa Crofoot 405 

Jacob Erkenbeck 406 

Alonzo W. Stevens 400 

Charles U. Cross facing 407 

William W. Kinney 416 

John M. Vanauken 417 

Thomas Cross 417 

John Southard 418 

David K. Charles 418 

William S. Charles 419 

Anson Goss 419 

Thomas Kemp 419 

Orlando S. Brown 420 



PAOK 

J. G. Miller 420 

John Sebring 428 

Aaron K. Tedrow 428 

J. G. Clark 428 

H. H. Howard 429 

A. S. Brown 433 

J. N. Hinckley 433 

William Packard ....... facing 434 

Edward A. Rood 438 

Alfred S. Packard 439 

Ale.\ander B. Copley facing 440 

Dolphin Morris .......... 446 

Charles H. Morris 447 

Nancy (Beaver) Morris ........ 447 

Elias and Samuel Morris 448 

Dr. C. T. Baker . ^- '."' 449 -• 

Gilman and Philena White ....... 453 

N. S. Taylor 453 

Clark Pierce . .454 

Hon. Fabius Miles 462 

Thomas Conklin 464 

Henry P. Phelps 465 

G. G. B. Yeckley between 466, 467 

Aaron and Austin M. Barney .... *' 466, 467 

Robert Nesbitt " 468, 469 

Capt. Josiah R. Hcndryx 470 

Philotus Haydon 472 

James M. Osborn 473 

Erastus Osborn 473 

John Bennett .......... 474 

John Q. Adams 475 

William Horton 476 

A. S. Wise 476 

John H. Collins 476 

Dr. George Bartholomew 483 

Orrendo M. Sikcs 484 

Orman V. Rosevelt 485 

Charles Duncombe ......... 485 

Albert E. Gregory 486 

Tobias Byers 486 

A. S. Haskin, M.D facing 492 

David Ferris "496 

Anson U. Barnes '499 

Eaton Branch 500 

T. W. Howard 501 

Howard S. Allen 501 

Abner M. Munger 501 

Albert Harrison .......... 514 

Elder Joseph Woodman facing 514 

Peter Grempa .......... 515 

Anderson C. Webb ......... 515 

Henry W. Rhodes 516 

Edwin Barnum 516 

David Woodman . . . . » • • • • . ^17 

Philip Sherrod 518 

William H. Leo 518 

Jeremiah H. Simmons ........ 519 

Henry Wilson 520 

G. F. Harrington [■;520 

B. A. Murdock 521 

David Wise between 524J 525 

D. 0. Everest j 526 

Samuel Bartlett J 531 

Sanford Corey 1 532 

Nelson Corey .......... I 532 

Russol V. Munger | 532 

Manasseh Kern ..........' 53>3 

William H. Hurlbut a^-'^ 



CONTENTS. 



ILILjTJSTE.J^TI03srS. 



Outline Map of Berrien and Van Buren Counties 
Geological Map of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. 



Court-IIoufi, Jail, and Countj' Buildings . . . facing 



. MLES CITY. 

Eesidenee of Maj. W. S. Millard 

Property of Maj.-L. A. Duncan 

Church of the Immaculate Conception 

Premises of Mrs. J. B. Millard 

Residence and Surroundings of lion. G. H. Jerome 

Portrait of Hon. George H. Jerome . 

" Joseph C. Larimore .... 

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Capt. George H. Richards . 
Portraits of Joseph Coveney and Wife 
Portrait of Hon. L. P. Alexander 

" Jacob J. Van Riper .... 



facing 156/ 
160/ 
" 164/ 
" 16S 
171- 
. 171 
. 173 



facing ,174, 
" v/isn 



BENTON TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of James F. Higbee (with portraits) 
G. N. Lord " 

" Luther Kinney " 

" Capt. E. Nickerson " 

Property of L. Kelley 

Residence of Lewis Sutherland (with portraits) 

Portrait of Eleazer Morton .... 

Portraits of Henry C. Morton and Wife 

Portrait of Jehial Eros 

*' Sterne Brunaon .... 

Residence of W. H. Pearl (with portraits) 

Portraits of Phineas Pearl and AVife . 

Residence of J. D. Bury (with portraits) . 

BERRIEN TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of .Silas Ireland (with portraits) 

** Israel P. Hutton " 

" Edwin T. Dickson " 

Portrait of Nathan McCoy .... 



facing 188'' 
" 190/ 
" 192/ 
194/ 
194 ,' 
196/ 
. 197 
. 198 
. 199 
. 199 
facing 201^ 



facing 204 - 



208 , 
212 



BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Nathaniel M. Brant (with portraits) . facing 216- 

" the late Martin Tice '• . " 220^- 

Portraits of Sidney Spencer and Wife ..... 225 

" John K. Bishop and Wife 226 

BERTRAND TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of George H. Rough ..... facing 227^' 

" Charles F. Howe (with portraits) . . " 228/ 

" the late F. A. Howe •' . between 230, 231^ 

" Samuel Messenger ... •' 230, 231 

CHICKA.'ttING TOWNSHIP. 

Lakeside Farm — Residence of John C. Morgan (three views) 

facing 232 •' 

Portrait of Alfred W. Ames 236 

GALIEN TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of the late Henry Renbarger, present residence of 

D.'ivid Cuthbert facing 236- 

" Cyrus Thurston (with portraits) . . " 238- 

Portrait of Mrs. Mary Witter 241 

Residence of R. B. Huston (with portraits) . . facing 242—, 

" Frank Jerue " 3364- 

HAGAR TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of James Hannah (with portraits) . . facing 246 "~- 

Portraits of Anthony S. Bishop and Wife .... 248 



facing 268 
. 270 



facing 



LAKE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Isaac Hathaway (two views) . . facing 253 ~" 

Portraits of .Isaac Hathaway and Wife ..... 253 

" John H. Ni.\on and Wife 254 

" N. E. Landon and Wife 254, 255 

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of D.avid Myers (with portraits) double page 

between 256, 257'" 
" the late L. W. Archer (with portraits) . facing 258-^ 
Portrait of J. N. Percell, M.D 260 

NILES TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Burton Jarvis (with portraits) 
Portrait of Daniel Fisher ...... 

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of John Murray (with portraits) 
l^ortraits of Richard Phillips and Wife 

ORONOKO TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Aaron Van Patten .... 

PIPESTONE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of George C. Ilartmau .... 

" William Ridenour (with portraits) 

" Miles Davis 

" Thomas Evans " 

" Robert Cassiday '' 

" Milton Preston " 

Sarah Wells 

Portraits of Josiah Gano and Wife .... 

Portrait of Mrs. Mary Burton ..... 

" Morgan Enos, M.D. .... 

ROVALTON TOWNSHIP. 

Portrait of Henry Ashoff . _ 

Portraits of A. G. Abbee and Wife .... 

" W. H. Tryon and Wife 

Portrait of Dr. Edward Hall 

Portraits of George H. Scott and Wife 

'* John Bort and Wife .... 

ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP. 

View of the Park Hotel 

Portrait of Joseph W. Brewer ..... 
" Hon. A. H. Morrison .... 

Residence of Dr. Lyman Collins (with portrait) 
The Michigan Basket-Factory of A. W. Wells & Co. . 
Residence and Manufactory of A. H. Morrison . 

St. Joseph's (R. C.) Church 

Portrait of J. C. Caldwell 

" Walter Donaldson 

SODUS TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of J. B. Rush (with portr,aits) . 

Portrait of Josephus Fisher 

THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Mrs. Edward Vetterley .... 
WATERVLIET TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Edward Brant (with portraits) 

" Joseph Knapp 

" Harvey C. Sherwood (three views 

Portrait of W. W. Allen .... 

" S. P. Merrifleld 

Views of Pomona Point, Paw Paw Lake, Property of 

WEESAW TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of George Boyle (with portraits) 
•' G. F. Pen well " 



facing V 
facing V 



292- 

294- 

296- 

298- 

300- 

301\ 

301 

301 

302 

303 



304 
306 
308 
310 
310 
311 



facing 
facing ■ 



312" 

313 

314 



318- 
320- 
324, 

,326 



.328, 
332 



facing 


340 


. 


344 




351 




351 




352 


of S. Smith 




facing 


353 


facing 


354 


" 


356 



CONTONTS. 



XXjl-,TJSTTi.J^TX01>TS. 



V-A-OSr BTJE.EI>r GOTJIiTTir. 



View of Court-House and County Offices . 

ANTWERP TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Hon. J. J. Woo.IuKin (with portraits) 
'• Peter llarwiek (with portraits) 

James M. Lull .... 

Henry Waito 

'•■ J. R. Bangs (with portraits) . 

Nathaniel h. Surdam (with portraits) 
Portraits of Jason A. Sheldon and Wife . 
" Lysander Bathrick and Wife . 

Residence of Orange Stephens (with portraits) . 

ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Alvin Chapman (with portraits) . 
AliMENA TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Alonzo AY. Stevens 



facing V 37-1 — 
376- 

" ='"\ 
378/'- 

380_ 

382 — 

" ^ 381 

•*- 388 

392 



facing 400- 
" 404- 
404- 
. 406 



facing 



" Asa Crofoot 

Edward P. Mills .... 
Portraits of Jacoh Erkonbeck and Wife . 

BANGOR TOWNSHIP. 

Portraits of Charles U. Cross and Wife 
Residence of Thomas Cross (with portraits) 

" William S. Charles '• 

" Anson Goss " 

Property of J. G. Miller 

Residence of Wm. W. Kinney .... 
Portrait of John M. Vanaukcn .... 
Portraits of John Southard and Wife 
Residence of D. K. Charles (with portraits) 

" 0. S. Brown " ■ ■ '' 
Portraits of Thomas Kemp and Wife 

BLOOMINGDALE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of H. H. Howard (with portraits) . . facing 
Church and Parsonage — Store and llesidenee of J. Q. 

Clark (with portraits) 

Residence of Catharine Tedrow (with portraits) . ■' 

'* John Sebriug ..... 

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Mrs. S. D. Brown (with portraits) . facing 

" W. J. Dennis " 

Portraits of J. N. Hinckley and Wife .... 

COVERT TOWNSHIP. 

Portraits of William and W. 0. Packard . 
Residence and Mill of A. S. Packard (with portraits) 
Portrait of E. A. Rood 



i407 
408- 
410- 
412- 
414-- 
416- 
417 
418 
418- 
420- 
420 



422 ■ 

424 

426. 

428. 



430 -. 
432^ 
434 



facing 



V4a 



'434 

436- 

4.38 



facing -J 440 

442-- 
444- 
. 446 
. 448 



448! 
448J' 



DECATUR TOWNSHIP 

Portrait of Alexander B. Copley 

Decatur Union School Building " 

Residence of C. T. Baker, M.D. (with portrait) 
Portraits of Dolphin Morris and Wife .... 
" Elias and Samuel Morris. .... 

Old Homestead of Dolphin Morris, late Resilience of C. H. 

Morris faciu 

Portraits of the late C. H. Morris and Wife . . " 

GENEVA TOWNSHIP. 

Residences of Gilman and Philena White, Irvington 

between 450, 45]r-^ 
Geneva Mills and Residence of S. W. Trowbridge " 450,451-- 
Rosidenoe of Noble S. Taylor (three views, with portraits) facing 453^ — . 
Portraits of Clark Pierce and Wife 454 



PAGE 

facing 456- 
460- 
462 



facing 465 . 
between 466/467 
466^^467 



facing 



facing 



facing 



HARTFORD TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Thomas Conklin (with portraits) . 
" Henry Phelps ** 

" Fabius Miles 

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of A. S. Wise (with portraits) . 

Portrait of «. G. B. Yeckley . 

Portraits of Aaron and Austin M. Barney 

Residence of Robert Nesbitt (with portraits) . " 468,^69- 

Residence and Stock-Farm of J. R. & H. J. Hendryx facing 471- 

Portraits of Josiah R. Hendryx and Wife ..... 471 

Residence of James M. Osborn (with portraits) . facing 472 

Portrait of Philotus Haydon 473 

" Brastus Osborn 474 

Residence of John Bennett (with portraits) . . facing 474 

Portraits of John Q. Adams and Wife 475 

Residence of J. H. Collins (with portraits) . . facing 476 

Portraits of William Horton and Wife 476 

KEELER TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Charles Dunoombe (with portraits) 

'■ A. E. Gregory 

0. V. Roseveit 
Camping-Ground of E. Pardee (three views) 
Portrait of Dr. George Bartholomew . 
Residence of 0. M. Sikes (with portraits) . 

*' Tobias Byers *' 

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Howard S. Allen (with portraits) . 

Portrait of A. S. Uaskin. M.D 

Residence of T. W. Howard (with portraits) 
Portraits of David Ferris and Wife . 
Residence of A. U. Barnes (with portraits) 
Portrait of Eaton Branch ..... 

PAW PAW TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of David Woodman (with portraits) . 

" Albert Harrison " 

" G. F. Harrington " 

" Philip Sherrod .... 

" A. C. Webb 

'• B. A. Murdock (with portraits) . 

Portraits of Elder Joseph Woodman and Wife . 

'' Peter Gremps and Wife . 

" Henry W. Rhodes and Wife . 

Portrait of Edwin Barnum .... 

" William H. Lee ... 

'•' Jeremiah H. Simmons 

Residence of Henry Wilson (with portraits) 

PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

Portrait of Chauncey Wise ....... 

Residence of David Wise (with portraits) . . between 524, 
Portraits of D. 0. Everest and Wife 

PORTER TOWNSHIP. 

Portrait of Sanford Corey between 528. 

Residence of A. M. Munger .... '' 528, 

R. V. Munger .... " 528, 

" the late Luke Munger (with portrait) " 528, 

'• Samuel Bartlott (with portraits) . . facing 

Portrait of Nelson Corey ........ 

" Manasseh Kern ....... 

SOUTH HAVEN TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of W. U. Hurlbut (three views, with portraits), facing 
Leighton Block and First National Bank Building . " 

WAVERLY TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of 0. A. Brock facing 



478 - 

4S0 - 

482 

483 

483 

4S4 - 

JS6 



488 — 

492 

494 

490 

498 

500 



facing 



508 

510- . ' 

514-^^*1^5^ 

515 

516 

517 

519 

519 

520- 



629 
529 
529 

529 ■ 

530 — 
532 
533 

534- 
538 — 



f^ 



GEOLOGICAL MAP 



or THE LOWER PENINSULA —^ 



e BLANC ID. 



liphinaUnn. of Colors 
I — I Melderhtnf Group 
I I Samilion. 
CI^Mark Shale 
C^ Wca'erty Group 
f [ Caj-boniffrowsZ^mfston, 
t Jioh'V.tl'ihj'-t\.- |— 1 CoalMeasures 

PRisQUE Ns^-J^'C"""' <rv 




H I ST O E Y 



OF 



BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



BY FRANKLIN ELLIS. 



CHAPTER L 

DISCOVERIES AND EXPLOEATIOWS. 

French Adventurers, Hunters, Fur-Traders, and Priests — The Fran- 
ciscans — Tho Jesuits — Establishment of Posts and Missions in 
the Northwest — Formal Possession of the Upper Lake Country 
taken by the French — The Unknown Waters of Lake Michigan — 
La Salle, the Adventurer and Explorer — Louis Joliet and Jacques 
Marquette — Their Voyage to the Mississippi — Discovery of the St. 
Joseph River — Death of Marquette — La Salle's Explorations — First 
Vessel on the Upper Lakes — Sailing of the "GrifEn," bound to the 
Mouth of the St. Joseph, where she never arrived — La Salle on the 
St. Joseph in 1679—" Fort Miami" built at the mouth of the River 
—Passage up the St. Joseph in Canoes — Journey to the Illinois — ■ 
Return by AVay of the Mouth of the St. Joseph— First Overland 
Journey from the St. Joseph to the Detroit River — Return to the St. 
Joseph in 1680 — Destruction of "Fort Miami" — .\nother Journey 
to the Illinois — Return to the St. Joseph — " Fort Miami" Rebuilt — 
Clearing and Preparations for Ship-Building at the Mouth of the 
St. Joseph — Winter Quarters at " Fort Miami" — Remote Tribes of 
Indirtns coming to the St. Joseph for French Protection — Councils 
with the Illinois and Miamis — Expedition to the Mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi — La Salle's subsequent Visits to the St. Joseph River. 

The earliest white explorers of the country which is 
now the State of Michigan, as of all the regions lying on, 
and contiguous to, the great lakes of the Northwest, were 
traders, priests, and adventurers, who were all subjects of 
the king of France. The government of that country had 
moved with great energy to extend its power in America, 
and, as early as 1604, French colonists had settled in 
Acadia, now Nova Scotia. Quebec was founded in 1608, 
and from that point, and from Montreal, there were sent 
forth innumerable expeditions, led by Frenchmen, whose 
object was the opening of trade or the establishment of 
their flag and their religion among the Indian tribes of the 
remote regions stretching away from the St. Lawrence to 
the Mississippi. Hunters and fur-traders were in most 
cases the first to penetrate the wilderness, but these were 
closely followed by missionaries of the Romish Church, 
usually accompanied by representatives of the military 
power of France. " The establishment of the mission was 
the precursor of military occupancy. The priest and the 
soldier went hand in hand ; and the cross and the fleur-de- 
lis were planted side by side." 

The Franciscan fathers were the first to enter the new 
and promising missionary field ; and when, in the year 
2 



1615, Samuel de Champlain, the French Governor of 
Canada, led an expedition of discovery as far as the shores 
of Lake Manitoulin (the northern arm of Lake Huron), 
the priests of that order either accompanied him or fol- 
lowed immediately after, and established Catholic missions 
among the Huron tribes who lived there. But in 1625 
the pioneer priests of the far-fitmed Jesuit order arrived in 
Canada, and they, by their fiery zeal and almost super- 
human energy, pushed aside the less aggressive Franciscans, 
and took the lead in the occupation of the missionary 
ground throughout the entire lake region. Sixteen years 
after the arrival of the Jesuits two of their number — 
Fathers Raymbault and Jogues — had reached the outlet of 
Lake Superior, and were bending all their energies to the 
task of converting the savages around the Saut Ste. Marie. 

The route by which the early traders, priests, and expe- 
ditions reached Lake Huron and the waters above it was 
from Montreal by way of the Ottawa River, thence across 
to Georgian Bay and Lake Slanitoulin, and along the 
shores of the latter to the Saut and Lake Superior. The 
route by way of Niagara River and Lake Erie was con- 
sidered impassable, for on the shores of those waters dwelt 
the powerful and vindictive Iroquois, who were deadly 
enemies of the French ; and it was not until fifty-four 
years after Champlain's visit to Manitoulin that the first 
canoe bearing a white man (the fearless Joliet, on his return 
from Lake Superior) passed through the Detroit River into 
Lake Erie. A few months later two priests, Dollier de 
Casson and Galinee, crossing from the western end of On- 
tario to Erie, passed up over the same route, as will be 
mentioned in succeeding pages. 

In 1654 the French fur-traders had penetrated to Green 
Bay, and Father Mercier was with them there, laboring to 
make Indian prcselytes. This point had, however, been 
visited fifteen years earlier, by Jean Nicollet,* wlio pushed 
farther on, to the waters of the Wisconsin River, and after- 
wards lost his life among the Algonquins. In 1655, Jean 
de Quens, a missionary, was at Green Bay, and reported 
that large and powerful Indian tribes were there ; one of 
which tribes, he said, numbered sixty villages. In the same 
year a large number of these savages, in fifty cauocs, went 

® An interpreter who had been employed at Throe Rivers, on the 
St. Lawrence, and also among the Xqjitminr/ Indians. 

9 



10 



HISTORY OF BP:RRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



down to Quebec for the purpose of establishing a fur-trade 
with the French. In 1660, Rene Menard, an aged Jesuit 
priest, explored Lake Superior as far as Chemoimenon 
Bay, and attempted to found a mission there, but failed in 
his attempt, and died in the wilderness. In 1G66* the 
Jesuit priest Claude Jean Allouez established the mission 
of St. J]spnt, at La Pointe, where he was joined soon after- 
wards by Father Louis Nicholas. In 1G68, Fathers Claude 
Dablon and Jacques Marquette founded a permanent mis- 
sion at the Saut Ste. Marie. This was the fii'st real settle- 
ment made by Europeans within the boundaries of the pres- 
ent State of Michigan. In the autumn of 1669, Allouez was 
sent to Green Bay, where he founded a mission, to which 
he gave the name of St. Francis Xavier, his first mass at 
that place being pronounced on the festival day of that 
saint, the 3d of December. The mi.ssion of St. Ignace, 
on the northern shore of the Strait of Michillimackinac, was 
established in 1671, by Marquette and Dablon, the latter 
being at that time Superior of the Missions of the Lakes. 

Formal possession of the upper lake country was taken 
in the summer of 1671, in the name of the French mon- 
arch, by Daumont dc St. Lusson, a military leader, who 
had been sent out in the previous year by Jean Talon, In- 
tendent of Canada, to search for copper mines reported by 
Indians and others as existing on the shores of Lake Su- 
perior. St. Lusson called a council of the Indian tribes, 
to be held at the Saut Ste. Marie in the spring of 1671, and, 
in response to the call, representatives of the Pultdwatta- 
viies, Sauks, Miamis, Wlimehagoes, Mcnomiiiees, and nine 
other tribes met him at the point designated, where, on the 
14th of June, the grand ceremony was performed. The 
parties present on the part of France were St. Lusson, 
Louis Joliet, a force of fourteen French soldiers, armed 
and fully accoutred, and four Jesuit priests, — Futher.s 
Dablon, Allouez, Gabriel Druilletes, and Louis Andre, — all 
clad in the sacred vestments of their order. On the part 
of the aboriginal owners of the country there wore the rep- 
resentatives of fourteen tribes living on the borders of 
the great lakes, in what are now the States of Michigan, 
Wisconsin, and Illinois, and the Dominion of Canada. A 
large wooden cross was reared, and blessed by Father Da- 
blon, who was highest in priestly authority of any present. 
A cedar post had been prepared, bearing a metallic plate, 
on which was engraved the royal insignia of France. This 
post was raised and firmly planted beside the cross, while 
the soldiers chanted the Dumiiie sahum fac Rcgem and 
the Jesuits prayed for the king. Then St. Lusson ad- 
vanced with drawn sword, rai.sed a sod of earth with his 
left hand, and in a loud voice made this proclamation : 

"In the name of the Most High, Mighty, and Re- 
doubted Monarch, Louis, Fourteenth of that name. Most 
Christian King of France and of Navarre, I take posses- 
"sion of this place, Sainte Marie du Saut, as also of Lakes 
Huron and Superior, the island of Manitoulin, and all 
countries, rivers, lakes, and streams contiguous and adja- 
cent thereunto ; both those which have been discovered 
and those which may be discovered hereafter, and all their 
length and breadth, bounded on the one side by the seas of 

■■ Some accounts mivko the date of this event some two or three 
years liitur. 



the North and of the West, and on the other by the South 
Sea ; declaring to the nations thereof that from this time 
forth they are va.ssals of 11 is Majesty, bound to obey his 
laws and follow his customs ; promising them, on his part, 
all succor and protection against the incursions and invasions 
of their enemies ; declaring to all other potentates, princes, 
sovereigns, states, and Republics, — to them and their sub- 
jects, — that they cannot and are not to seize or settle upon 
any of the parts of the aforesaid countries, save only under 
the good pleasure of His Most Christian Majesty, and of him 
who will govern in his behalf; and this on pain of incur- 
ring his resentment and the efforts of his arms." The 
speech was closed by the leader's shout of " Vive le Roi 1" 
which was taken up and echoed by the soldiers ; and the 
deafening yells of the savages mingled with and swelled the 
acclamation. Then Father Allouez harangued the red audi- 
tory. After a reverent mention of the cross as the symbol 
of the holy religion which he was endeavoring to establish 
among them, he continued : " Look at this post, to which 
are fixed the arms of the great chief of France, whom we 
call king. He lives across the sea. He is chief of the greatest 
chiefs, and has no equal on earth. /. '1 the chiefs whom you 
have ever seen are but children beside him. He is like a 
great tree, and they are but the little herbs that one walks 
over and tramples under foot. You know Ouontio,f that 
famous chief at Quebec ; you know, and you have seen, that 
he is the terror of the Iroquois, and that his very name 
makes them tremble since he has laid their country waste 
and burned their towns with fire. Across the sea there are 
ten thousand Onontios like him, who are but warriors of 
our great king of whom I have told you. When he says, 
' I am going to war,' everybody obeys his orders ; and each 
of these ten thousand chiefs raises a troop of a hundred 
warriors, some on sea, and some on laud. Some embark 
in great ships such as you have seen at Quebec. Your 
canoes carry only four or five men, or at the most ten or 
twelve ; but our ships carry four or five hundred, and some- 
times a thousand. Others go to war on the land, and they 
are so numerous that if they should stand in a double line, 
they would reach from here to Mississaquenk, which is more 
than twenty leagues away. When our king assaults his 
enemies he is more terrible than the thunder; he makes 
the earth shake ; the sky and the sea are on fire with the 
flash of his cannon ; he goes in the midst of his warriors 
covered with the blood of his enemies, whom he slays in 
such numbers that he does not count them by the scalps, 
but by the streams of their blood. The number of the pris- 
oners whom he takes is so great that he makes little account 
of them, but lets them go where they will, to show that he 
is not afraid of them. No one now dares make war on him. 
All the nations beyond the sea have submitted to his power 
and have humbly asked for peace. Men come from every 
part of the world to listen to him and admire him. All 
that is done on the earth is decided solely by him." Again 
the savages yelled their approval and admiration ; again the 
soldiers shouted " Vive Ic Roi!" and the French occupation 
of the lake was complete, so far as this formal act of the 
military and priestly power could make it. 



f Tlic iKunt- given liy lliu Indians to Ihc French tiovernor of Canada. 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 



11 



But although, as has been shown above, the zeal and enter- 
prise of the French traders and priests had led them as far 
to tlie west and north as the waters of the Wisconsin River 
and to the head of Lake Superior, and though the French 
officer, St. Lusson, had taken verbal possession of an in- 
definite extent of country, embracing both that which had 
then been and that which might afterwards be discovered, 
it seems quite clear that the groat body of Lake Michigan 
— all that part lying south of the mouth of Green Bay — 
was yet an unknown sea, whose eastern and southern shores 
had never been visited by any other people than the native 
Indians. It is not certain, however, as to who were the first 
white explorers of these waters and this wilderness, or what 
was the preci.se time when such discovery and exploration 
was made. These questions are matters of some doubt, 
and must probably remain so. 

In some historical accounts of this region it has been 
stated that in 16G9 the Jesuit fathers Marquette, Dablon, 
and Allouez set out in canoes and made a circuit of Lake 
Michigan, discovering and entering the stream now known 
as the St. Joseph River. This account, however, seems 
improbable for a number of reasons, among which is the 
fact that in the year named Father Marquette was located at 
the St. Esprit mission, at the western end of Lake Superior, 
and during the summer months was engaged in 'a tour of 
discovery around the .shores of that lake. There is also the 
significant fact that when St. Lusson set up the arms of 
France at the Saut Ste. Marie in June, 1671, he announced 
that he thereby took possession in the name of his king, of 
Lakes Huron and Superior, but made no mention of Lake 
Michigan (or Lake of the Illinois, as it was earliest known 
among the French), as it seems reasonable to suppose that 
he would have done if the existence of such a lake had then 
been known. And if the omission had been made through 
inadvertence, there were Dablon and Allouez (two of the 
alleged explorers of the lake two years before) present to 
correct him, and to cause their discovery to be included in 
the announcement of occupation. Still another circum- 
stance tending to the same conclusion is the following: 
In May, 1670, two Sulpitian priests. Fathers Galinoe and 
Dollier do Casson, came up through Lake Huron and 
reached the Saut Ste. Marie, where they found Fathers Dab- 
lon and Marquette in charge of the mission. Remaining 
there a short time, they then returned to Montreal by way 
of Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River, and after their 
return Galinoe made a map purporting to be of the lake 
region which they had visited. On that map the lower 
peninsula of Michigan did not appear, nor was Lake Michi- 
gan portrayed, except the north part of it as far as Green 
Bay, which part was made to appear as merely a prolonga- 
tion of Lake Huron, and named, with the last mentioned, 
as " IMichigane ou Mcr Douce des Hurons." As Galinee 
had then just returned from a visit to Dablon and Mar- 
quette, it is difiBcult to believe that he could have remained 
ignorant of the result of that exploration if it had really 
been made by them at the time stated ; and it is equally 
improbable that he would have omitted to place Lake 
Michigan upon his map if he had been aware of its 
existence. 

In the Jesuit map of " Lac Tracy ou Suporicur," how- 



ever (published soon after Galinee's map), the northern part 
of the lower peninsula of Michigan is shown ;* but the first 
map in which the lake and peninsula were laid down with 
anything like accuracy in their whole extent was one made 
in 1672 or '73. The name of the maker of this map is not 
shown, but Parkman, in his " Discovery of the Great West," 
assumes it to be the production of that fearless and energetic 
explorer. La Salle. f He mentions it as showing the great 
lakes, including Lake Michigan (designated upon it as " Lac 
Mitchiganong ou des Illinois"), with considerable accuracy, 
and as bearing, at a point directly in front of the present site 
of Chicago, a note of remark in French, of which the literal 
translation is: "The largest vessels can come to this place 
from the outlet of Lake Erie, where it discharges into Lake 

«• Of this Jesuit map Fatlier Dablon says : " Tt was drawn by two 
fathers, very intelligent and observing, who did not wish to incorpor- 
ate anything e.xccpt what they had seen with their own eyes. That 
is the reason why they have only inserted the upper parts of Lakes 
Huron and Illinois, although they have coasted much on both." That 
is to s.ay, they only inserted the upper (by which he means the north- 
ern) part of Lake Illinois (Michigan), because they knew nothing of 
it, except in the part which they had coasted, between Michilliniack- 
inac and Green Bay. There is no reason to believe that the Jesuits, 
who were always c.\ceedingly anxious to appropriate to themselves the 
honor, as well as the advantages, of first discovery, would have omitted 
any lake or country which they had even partially explored. 

f Rene Robert Cavelier was the name of this famous man. lie was 
the son of Jean Cavelier, a wealthy merchant of Rouen, iinJ was born 
in that city in 1043. The title or designation of Sieur de la Salle, by 
which he was generally known (but which was not a title of nobility) 
was obtained from an estate of that name owned by the family, and 
situated near Rouen. In his youth he was educated by the Jesuits, 
and, as some accounts have it, was intended for the priesthood. He, 
however, dissolved his connection with the order, and through all hia 
after-life hated them most cordially. Being of an adventurous turn 
of mind, and having a brother (a Sulpitian priest) in Canada, he 
sailed for that country in the spring of 1C66. At first he took a grant 
of land at La Chine, near Montreal, from the seminary of St. Sulpice, 
and appears to have lived on it in compar.ative quiet for about threa 
years ; but having become fired with a desire for exploration, and hav- 
ing obt.ained the (Jovernor's permission to conduct an expedition (at 
his own cost), he set out in July, llifii), with the ultimate intention of 
discovering and exploring the great river (Mississippi) which Indians 
reported to exist five hundred leagues westward, and which wiis then 
believed to flow into the Vermilion Sea, or Gulf of California. He 
reached the western end of Lake Ontario, but wiis there taken sick 
with a fever. During his sickness a part of his men deserted, and 
the expedition was broken up ; but after his recovery he entered the 
country of the Iroquois, found the Allegany River, and passed down 
that stream and the Ohio to the present city of Louisville, being then 
much nearer the Mississippi thau he probably supposed. He, how- 
ever, proceeded no farther at that time, on account of the positive re- 
fusal of his men to go on. His expedition through Lake Michigan to 
the present site of Chicago, and thence to the Illinois River, in 1071, 
as also his building the first sailing-vessel on the upper lakes, in 1C7SI, 
and his subsequent journeyings by way of the St. Joseph River, of 
Michigan, to the Illinois River, are mentioned elsewhere in these 
pages. He finally reached the Mississippi, and descended on its 
mio-hty current to the Gulf of Mexico, in 16S1. He went to France 
in 1083, and in the following year sailed with an expedition bound for 
the Gulf of Mexico and the mouth of the Mississippi. But, either 
through design of the commander of the vessels or by accident, they 
missed the mouth of the river, and soon after found themselves in 
Matagorda Bay. La Salle and his followers were landed in Tex.is, 
where, after enduring great hardships and disappointments, he was 
deliberately murdered by two of his own men, in March, 1687, at the 
age of forty-four years. He is represented as a handsome man with 
blonde ringlets, apparently belter fitted for the sulons of Paris than 
the forests of the New World; but a thousand evidences show him to 
have possessed a lion heart, with nn energy and hardihood that made 
him the foremost explorer of his time in America. 



12 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Frontenac [Ontario], and from tins marsh, into which they 
can enter, there is only a distance of a thousand paces to the 
river Divine [Desplaines], which can lead tliem to the river 
Colbert [Mississippi], and thence to the Gulf of Mexico." 
Of this map Parkuian says that " it was evidently made be- 
fore the voyage of Juliet and Marquette [of which an ac- 
count is given below], and after that voyage of La Salle in 
which he discovered the Illinois, or at least the Desplaines 
branch of it." It was in the year 1071 that La Salle made 
the voyage to which Parkiuau alludes as above, and which 
he further mentions as follows : " It appears that the inde- 
fatigable explorer embarked on Lake Erie, ascended the De- 
troit to Lake Huron, coasted the unknown shores of Mich- 
igan, passed the straits of Michilliniackinac, and, leaving 
Green Bay behind him, entered what is described as an in- 
comparably larger bay,* but which was evidently the south- 
ern portion of Lake Michigan." This allusion to La Salle's 
coasting along unknown shores, and entering a " bay" in- 
comparably larger than Green Bay, indicates a strong prob- 
abihty that very little, if anything, was known of the southern 
part of Lake Michigan at that time. 

The voyage in which Joliet and Marquette discovered 
the Mississippr lliver, and to which reference has been made 
above, was accomplished by them in 1G73. On the 17th 
of May in that year, with a company of five other French- 
men (seven in all), in two bark canoes, they set out from 
Point St. Ignace, skirted the north shore of Lake Michigan, 
passed through Green Bay to the mission at its head, thence 
up the Fox River, through Lake Winnebago, and across 
the portage tb the Wisconsin River, down which they 
floated, until, on the 17th of June, they emerged upon the 
broad bosom of the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien. Then 
they drifted down its swift current by day, camping on the 
river bank at night (or sleeping in their canoes, moored in 
the stream, for fear of hostile Indians), for more than four 
weeks, until they reached the mouth of the Arkansas River, 
whence, on the 17th of July, they again turned their faces 
northward, and worked slowly and laboriously up the great 
river to the mouth of the Illinois, which they entered, and 
passed up to an Illinois village, mentioned by Marquette as 
Kaskaskia, which was near the site of the present village of 
Utica. There a chief offered to guide them to the great 
lake of the Illinois (Michigan). The offer was gladly ac- 
cepted ; the party followed up the Desplaines River and 
across the short portage to the present site of Chicago,-|- 
where they embarked on the lake, and reached the Green 
Bay mission in the latter part of September, after an ab- 
sence of about four months. 

Father Marquette had formed the project of establishing 
a Jesuit mission at the Indian town which he had discov- 
ered on his return from the Mississippi, and had promised 
the Illinois chief's that he would soon return to them for 

* "II rcconnut une baye incomparablemcnt plus large" is the lan- 
guage of the French account. 

j- It has been stated, in some accounts, that they returned by the 
St. .Joseph Kiver, but I'aikman says distinctly that their route was 
by Chicago, — a fact which he learned from the original narrative, writ- 
ten in French. On his ne.\t journey Marquette returned by the St. 
Jusejih. 



that purpose. In pursuance of this plan, 1iq set out from 
Green Bay mission on the 25th of Octobc;', 1G74, accom- 
panied by two Frenchmen and a number or Potlawattamie 
and Illinois Indians ; all embarked in ten canoes. They 
proceeded to Sturgeon Cove, crossed the portage, thence to 
Lake Michigan, and paddled along the shore of the lake to 
the Chicago River, which they entered, and continued their 
way to a point some five or six miles inland, where they 
halted ; for the holy father had become too sick and weak 
to proceed farther. His illness continued unabated, so 
that he was obliged to pass the winter in that place ; but 
at the end of March, 1675, having sufficiently recovered to 
be able to resume the journey, he started with his followers, 
descended the Desplaines lliver, and proceeded to the Illi- 
nois village by the route over which he and Joliet had re- 
turned from their Mississippi expedition in the fall of 1G73. 

lie was received with great cordiality and rejoicing by 
the Indians of the Illinois tribe, and at a grand council, 
convened at his request, there were said to have been as- 
sembled five hundred chiefs and old men, three times that 
number of young men and warriors, and a vast concourse 
of women and children. Here he made his object known ; 
he " displayed four large pictures of the Virgin, harangued 
the assembly on the mysteries of the faith, and exhorted 
them to adopt it." In short, lie there laid the foundation 
of a mission which he named the Immaculate Conception. 
But his malady had returned in an aggravated form, and, 
feeling that his days were numbered and nearly finished, 
he decided to return at once to the north, hoping to reach 
St. Ignace, and to die there under the shadow of its mis- 
sion cross. So, about the middle of April, he set out, ac- 
companied by his two Frenchmen, — Pierre and Jacques, — 
and with several Indian guides, to go to Lake Michigan by 
a difi'erent route from that over which he had passed in his 
previous journeys, intending to strike the lake on its eastern 
side, and to pass northward along that shore to Michilli- 
mackinac. 

The sick priest and his party took their way up the Illi- 
nois River to the mouth of the Kankakee (tiien called by 
the Indians Teankakeek), and thence up the latter stream 
to a point near its head, where they landed and crossed a 
portage of five or six miles in length, which brought them 
to the waters of a stream to which they gave the name of 
" River of the Miamis" becau.se they found the principal 
village of that Indian tribe located a short distance south 
of it, on the portage. The Indian name which Marquette 
bestowed on the river continued to be used by the French 
explorers and priests for something more than a quarter of 
a century after that time, and is found appHed to the stream 
in their accounts of operations in this region until about 
the year 1703 ; but in the following pages the later and 
present name — St. Joseph — will be used without further 
explanation, to avoid obscurity of meaning, and circumlo- 
cution. 

The place where the Jesuit and his followers reached the 
St. Joseph is at or near the present city of South Bend, 
Ind., and from that point they passed down the river in 
their canoes to its mouth, where the village of St. Joseph 
now stands. There is no doubt that Marquette and his 
two voyageurs were the first white men who explored this 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 



13 



river for any considerable distance, and it is not improbable, 
though it is not certain, that they were the first of Euro- 
pean birth or descent who ever knew definitely of its ex- 
istence. 

From the mouth of the St. Joseph, Marquette and his 
two French boatmen moved northward along the eastern 
border of the lake, where no sign of civilization or life re- 
lieved the dreary monotony of the wild and lonely coast. 
The priest, though rapidly sinking, still hoped to reach the 
shelter of his beloved St. Ignace; but when, on the 19th of 
May, they came to the mouth of a small stream that enters 
the lake a short distance south of Sleeping Bear Point, in 
the present county of Leelenaw, he felt that the hour of 
his departure was near at hand, and asked his companions 
to land, and take him on shore to die. They complied with 
his request, erected a rude shelter of bark near the shore, 
and tenderly brought him to it. Knowing that he had but 
a few liours more to live, he calmly gave directions as to 
the manner of his burial, administered the sacrament to his 
humble but faithful friends, and died the same night in 
perfect peace and with the names of the Saviour and the 
Blessed Virgin on his lips. His followers buried him 
there in accordance with his directions, and then, bidding 
adieu to the .spot, hastened to Mithillimackinac to recount 
the events of the journey and its sad ending to the holy 
fathers at St. Ignace. In the spring of the following year 
the remains of Maiquctte were disinterred by some Ottawa 
Indians, who had been his religious pupils at St. E.sprit, 
and who carried the bones to St. Ignace, where they were 
buried with great solemnity and ceremony beneath the 
mission chapel. 

Marquette's voyage down the St. Joseph was a most in- 
teresting event in itself, both because it was the first time 
that the river, from its mouth to the portage, had been 
passed over by Europeans, and because this had been done 
by the famous Jesuit in the last days of his life, when the 
chill and .shadow of approaching dissolution was already 
upon him ; but it was still more important because by this 
means the route was discovered, over which the far more 
vigorous explorer. La Salle, was to pass, by way of the 
harbor and river of St. Joseph, to the Illinois, the Missis- 
sippi, and the sea. 

La Salle at this time was living on his seignioral posses- 
sions at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, but the intelli- 
gence of Marquette's discovery had caused all his ambition 
for exploration to flame up anew, and he at once resolved 
to outdo the exploit of the Jesuit by following the Mis- 
sissippi from the country of the Illinois to its ocean outlet. 
He still believed that a passage might be found through it 
to the Vermilion Sea, and thence to China and Japan ; 
and he also had an eye to the vast and profitable trade 
which might be prosecuted with the tribes in its valley, of 
which trade it was a part of his project to secure a monop- 
oly. Besides, he would gain high honor and favor by ex- 
tending the dominion of his king and being the means of 
establishing the holy Catholic religion among the Indians 
of the remote West. He was always a zealous supporter of 
the Church, though he preferred that the missionary field 
should be occupied by the fathers of the Ilecollet order 



rather than by the Jesuits, whom he thoroughly di.sliked 
and distrusted. 

Having digested and matured his plans, he went to 
France in the year 1677 and procured an interview with 
the prime minister, Colbert, to whom he unfolded his 
views. He was well received, and with little difficulty ob- 
tained authority from the king to prosecute his proposed 
exploration, on condition that it was to be done at his own 
expense. His own slender resources being wholly insufiicient 
for the purpose, he supplemented them by loans, which he 
obtained without great diflBculty from his wealthy relatives 
and friends; and, having done this and completed all neces- 
sary preparations, he sailed from France for Canada, July 
14, 1678, bringing with him tools, cordage, naval stores, 
and all the articles necessary for the building and equipping 
of a vessel or vessels upon the lakes, as well as a consider- 
able stock of merchandise suitable for Indian trade. There 
also came with him and in his employ thirty men — sailors, 
mechanics, and laborers — as assistants in the schemes he 
had in view ; and he was accompanied by Henri de Tonty,* 
an Italian officer, who had lost a hand in the wars of his 
native country. He was engaged by La Salle as a lieu- 
tenant or second in command, and he faithfully and fear- 
lessly performed the duties of that position. 

On his arrival in Canada, La Salle lost no time in com- 
mencing preparations for the business he had in hand. He 
immediately sent out fifteen men to the "Lake of the Illi- 
«cits,"f tor open "trade with the Indians and to collect pro- 
visions for the use of the expedition. Then he named the 
Niagara River as a point of rendezvous, and ordered the 
remainder of his company forward to that point, for which 
they started on the 18th of November. La Salle and Tonty 
followed soon after, and, having obtained the consent of the 
neighboring Indians, a stockaded warehouse was commenced 
and preparations were made for the building of a vessel on 
Lake Erie. This work was vigorously prosecuted during 
the winter, and at the opening of spring the vessel was 
launched in the Niagara River, about two leagues above 
the Falls. Soon afterwards she was moved up the river to 
Black Rock, and there completed, rigged, and equipped. 
She was of about forty-five tons' burdenj and armed with 
five small cannon ; but the Indians who flocked to see her 
regarded her with as much wonder, admiration, and fear as 
if she had been a ship-of the-liue. She was named by her 



« Several writers, in their accounts of La Salle's voyages, have 
spelled this name Tonti. Parkman, however, who has examined 
original documents bearing Tonty's signature, says he signed his 
name in the Gallicized form, which has accordingly been adopted in 
these pages. 

f The earliest name given to Lake Michigan by the French was 
"Lake of the ////imis," because it afforded access to the country of 
the Illinois tribe of Indians. The Jesuit Allouez gave it the name 
of Lake St. Joseph, in 1676, and the Franciscan priest, Membre, who 
accompanied La Salle in his expedition of 1679, named it Lake Dau- 
phin. These names, however, do not appear to have been adopted to 
any great extent among the French. Allouez gave its Indian name 
as Marhihigfiitiiit/, but Dablon wrote it Mitch i(/ajion. 

J This is the tonnage given by Hennepin in his narrative of 16S3. 
In a later edition he gives it as sixty tons, which many later writers 
have given as the correct size. Parkman, however, who is the highest 
authority in the matter, considers the smaller figure to be the correct 
one. 



14 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



commander the " Griffin,"* and was the first sailing-vessek 
that ever floated on the lakes above Niagara. 

The commander of the " Griffin" had encountered so 
many obstacles and dclay.s in his preparations for the expe- 
dition, that nearly eight months elapsed from the time when 
the vessel's keel was laid before she was ready to commence 
her perilous voyage. Her company consisted of La Salle, 
twenty-nine French followers, — sailors, artisans, and other 
employes, — one Indian hunter of the Mohican tribe, well 
skilled in woodcraft, and three Franciscan friars, Fathers 
Louis Hennepin, Zenobe Membre, and Gabriel Ribourde, 
the first named being mentioned as the historian of the 
expedition. 

On the 9th of August, 1671), the anchor of the " Griffin" 
was hoisted, her sails set to a favoring breeze, and she stood 
boldly out among the billows of Lake Erie, bound for a 
passage through unknown waters to a port (which she never 
reached) now known as the harbor of St. Joseph, on Lake 
Michigan. Three days were passed in traversing the length 
of Lake Erie, and on the fourth day the little craft entered 
Detroit River, where she took on board the lieutenant, 
Tonty, who had been sent on in advance early in the sum- 
mer to look after the men who had been ordered West in 
the preceding fall. 

Passing up through the lake and river of St. Clair, the 
expedition emerged upon the waters of Huron, where a 
violent storm was encountered, during which the "Griffin" 
was in imminent danger of foundering ; but the gale finally 
abated, and in due time she came to anchor in front of the 
Jesuit mission of St. Ignace, at Michillimackinac. Here 
La Salle found four of the men whom he had sent forward 
to open trade and collect supplies. These had treacherously 
appropriated the merchandise entrusted to them, and had 
commenced trading on their own account. La Salle ar- 
rested them and took them on board, and, having learned 
that several other deserters were at the Saut Ste. Marie, he 
dispatched Tonty to that place with orders to capture them 
with their plunder, and then to proceed up the east shore 
of Lake Michigan and rejoin the party at the mouth of the 
Miamis (St. Joseph) River. 

Having made these dispositions. La Salle left St. Ignace 
aud sailed westward to an island at the mouth of Green 
Bay, where he found several other men of his advance 
party, who had been faithful and had collected a large and 
valuable lot of furs. He therefore decided to send the ves- 
sel immediately back to Niagara with these furs, which were 
to be transported thence to Montreal to satisfy in part the 
demands of his many and clamorous creditors in Canada. 
So the merchandise was placed on board the " Griffin," and 
on the 18th of September .she sailed for Niagara, with 
orders to return with all practicable dispatch to the St. 
Joseph River, where the party would be found awaiting 
lier arrival. 

When the " Griffin" and her crew had departed. La Salle, 
with the remainder of his company, — viz., the three friars, 
ten other Frenchmen, and the Muhicau hunter, — left the 
island in four large canoes and proceeded southward. They 



■^■' ?o named in honor of Count Frontenac, whose crest bore the figure 
of a griffin. A carved figure of that imaginary monster adorned the 
jirow of the little vessel. 



passed along the west shore of the lake, paddling by day 
and bivouacking on shore at night, always on their guard 
against savages, and sometimes compelled to remain for 
several days at a time on an island or the main land, on ac- 
count of storms upon the lake. Their progress was slow 
and laborious, but early in October they reached the place 
where Milwaukee now stands, and about a week later passed 
the present site of Chicago. If, from a point between these 
two places, they could have crossed the lake on a direct 
course to their destination at the mouth of the St. Joseph, 
it would have shortened their route and lightened their 
labor materially ; but this, of course, it would have been 
madness to attempt at that inclement season, even if their 
canoes had been burdened with none other than their living 
freight ; but in this case they carried a heavy addititmal 
load, consisting of arms, merchandise, a blacksmith's forge, 
and a variety of other necessary implements and tools. So 
the voyagers kept on their way near the shore, around the 
southern curve of the lake (meeting near its head a large 
party of Outagamie or Fux Indians, who at first showed 
hostility, but were soon brought to apparent friendliness by 
a judicious display of force), turned northward, passed the 
present site of Michigan City and New Buffiilo, and on the 
1st of November moored their canoes in safety within the 
harbor of St. Joseph. 

It was the intention of La Salle to make this the ba.se 
of his operations and his vessel's principal port on Lake 
Michigan. In the royal permission given him to prosecute 
his discoveries he was empowered to built forts in the newly- 
fuund region, and to hold possession of them on certain spe- 
cified terms, and he was granted a monopoly of the traffic 
in buffalo-skins, — a new branch of trade which he expected 
to open in the Mississippi valley with enormous profit to 
him.self, — but he was at the same time expressly prohibited 
from engaging in the fur-trade with the Oltawas or other 
Indian tribes of the upper lakes. We have seen, however, 
that one of his first acts was to violate this condition, by 
the collection of the large lot of furs with which the 
" Griffin" sailed from Green Bay, and there is no doubt 
that it was his intention to continue the traffic in defiance 
of the prohibition, and to establish a post at this point to 
secure the trade of the Indian tribes of the neighboring 
country. 

Immediately after his arrival he commenced the con- 
struction of a fort, or stockaded enclosure of logs, on the 
bluff bank of the St. Joseph, though his men demurred and 
objected strongly to the delay, wishing to push on at once 
to the lliinois villages, so as to procure provisions from that 
tribe before they set out for their winter hunting-grounds. 
La Salle, however, was immovable in his determination. 
It was necessary that such a work should be built for de- 
fense in case of emergency, and there was nothing to pre- 
vent its erection while they were waiting for the return of the 
" Griffin" and the arrival of Tonty from Michillimackinac. 
Tonty was to bring twenty-one men with him, and La Salle 
told his followers here that, though they should all desert 
him, he, with his Mohican hunter and the three priests, 
would remain until the arrival of the lieutenant and his 
party. The men yielded, and the construction of the fort 
wcTit on. At the end of three weeks, when it was nearly 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 



15 



completed, Tonty arrived, but had with liim only ten men, the 
others having, on account of the failure of provisions, been 
left some thirty leagues to the northward to support tliem- 
sekes by hunting. The commander immediately sent Tonty 
back with two assistants to bring them in, but their canoe 
was swamped in a gale, their arms and provisions lost, and 
the party returned in a condition bordering on starvation. 
The men who had been left behind, however (excepting 
two who had deserted), came in a few days afterwards. 

The arrival of thfese detachments was gratifying to the 
commander, but he was yet very anxious on account of the 
" Griffin," which was still absent, though she had had more 
than time enough to complete her voyage from Green Bay 
to Niagara and thence back to the rendezvous. But he 
felt that he could wait no longer for lier arrival, and there- 
fore made preparations for setting out on his way to the 
Mississippi, detaching two men from his party, however, 
with orders to go to Michillimackinac, there to intercept 
the vessel and pilot her to her destination. But they were 
to wait and watch in vain for the white wings of the 
" GrifiSn," for she had sunk to an unknown resting-place 
beneath the waters, and nothing was ever known of her 
fate. . 

The force of La Salle now consisted of tliirty-lhree per- 
sons, including himself, the Mohican hunter, and the priests, 
and on the morning of the 3d of December this force was 
mustered ready for departure. The fort on the bank of 
the river had been completed, and a cpace around it cleared 
of trees to give unobstructed play for musketry. The work 
itself — named by the commander "Fort Miami" — was left 
without a garrison,* but it stood ready to give shelter to 
the advancing force if it should be compelled to retreat 
before hostile Indians. 

The party embarked in eight canoes, struck out into the 
icy current of the St. Joseph, and paddled briskly up the 
stream along its marshy shores. After a time they entered 
a more rolling and wooded country, and at length came to 
an abrupt turn in the river, — at the .site of the city of 
South Bend, — in the vicinity of which they knew was the 
eastern end of the portage over which they were to cross 
to the stream called, in Indian, Teankakeek (Kankakee), 
one of the head-waters of the Illinois. The Indian hunter 
had previously gone on shore for game, and in his absence 
there were none of the party sufficiently skilled in the mys- 
teries of the forest to discover where the portage trail struck 
the river. The result was that they passed the proper 
place without detecting it. La Salle then went ou shore to 
find the hunter, but he himself became lost in the mazes 
of the forest and the blinding snow-storm, and remained 
through the night. In the mean time the hunter had 
returned, the trail was discovered, and the party encamped 
for the night near the river. On the following day they 
crossed the portage, — some five or six miles in length, — 
carrying their canoes, baggage, and implements. Arriving at 
the head-waters of the Kankakee, they embarked, and floated 

*Tuttle, in his "History of Michigan" (page 105), says that ten 
men were left to garri.son the fort, but this is clearly disproved by 
Parkman, as are also a number of other statements found in the same 
work in reference to the operations of La Salle and Allouez on the 
St. Joseph. 



down that stream and the Illinois River until they came to 
an Indian village containing four hundred and sixty lodges, 
but which was entirely deserted. They helped themselves 
to corn from the Indian caches and resumed their way, 
passing by the site of the city of Peoria. A short distance 
below, they found a village of eighty lodges, inhabited by 
Indians of the Illinois tribe, who received the party well 
at first, but soon began to grow cold and suspicious. La 
Salic erected a defensive work of logs near this place, 
and called it Fort Crevecoeur (Broken Heart), which indi- 
cates that he was then in deep despondency, caused by the 
doubtful attitude of the Indians, the desertion of a part of 
his men, and the almost certainty of the loss of the " Griffin," 
on whose safe return so much of the success of his project 
depended. Under these circumstances he determined to 
return to Canada for needful assistance ; but meantime he 
commenced the building of a vessel of about the same size 
as the lost " Griffin," with which, in the future, he expected 
to explore the course of the Mississippi. 

Leaving Tonty in command at Fort Criveccour with 
about fifteen men, La Salle, accompanied by his Indian 
hunter and four of his French followers, commenced his 
return journey on the 2d of March, 1680, and worked 
slowly back along the ice-bound streams, over a part of the 
same route by which they came, but struck Lake Michigan 
at its head, and passed thence along the shore to the mouth 
of the St. Joseph and Fort Miami, which he reached on 
the 24th of March. Here he found the two men — Cha- 
pelle and Le Blanc — whom he had sent out in the preced- 
ing December to look for the " Griffin." Their report having 
extinguished his last lingering hope of her safety, he ordered 
the two men to join Tonty at Fort Crevecoeur and pre- 
pared to move eastward with his party across the Michigan 
peninsula. The incidents of this stage of their journey — • 
which was unquestionably the first ever made by white men 
through the wilderness of Southern Michigan from lake to 
lake — are thus narrated by Parkman : 

" They were detained till noon of the 25th in making a 
raft to cross the St. Joseph. Then they resumed their 
march, and as they forced their way through the brambly 
thickets their clothes were torn, and their faces so covered 
with blood ' that,' says the journal,f ' they could hardly 
know each other.' Game was very scarce, and they grew 
faint with hunger. In two or three days they reached a 
happier region. They shot deer, bears, and turkeys in the 
forest, and fared sumptuously. But the reports of their 
guns fell on hostile ears. ... On the evening of the 28th, 
as they lay around their fire under the shelter of a forest 
by the border of a prairie, the man on guard shouted an 
alarm. They sprang to their feet, and each, with gun in 
hand, took his stand behind a tree, while yells and bowlings 
filled the surrounding darkness. A band of Indians were 
upon them, but, seeing them prepared, the cowardly assail- 
ants did not wait to exchange a shot. 

" They crossed great meadows overgrown with rank 
grass, and set it on fire to hide the traces of their passage. 
La Salle bethought him of a device to keep their skulking 



f Manuscript " Relation des Decouvertcs," from which the account 
was translated by Parkman. 



16 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



foes at a distance. On the trunks of trees from wliich he 
had stripped the baric, he drew with charcoal the marlis of 
an Iroquois war-partj, with the usual signs for prisoners 
and for scalps, hoping to delude his pursuers with the belief 
that he and his men were a band of those dreaded warrioi'S. 
Thus, over snowy prairies and half-frozen marshes, wading 
sometimes to their waists in mud, water, and bulrushes, 
they urged their way through the spongy, saturated wilder- 
ness. During three successive days they were aware that 
a party of savages was dogging their tracks. They dared 
not make a fire at night lest the light should betray them ; 
but, hanging their wet clothes on the trees, they rolled them- 
selves in their blankets and slept together among piles of 
spruce* and pine boughs. But the night of the 2d of 
April was excessively cold. Their clothes were hard-frozen, 
and they were forced to kindle a fire to thaw and dry 
them. Scarcely had the light begun to glimmer through 
the gloom of the evening when it was greeted from the 
distance by mingled yells, and a troop of Mascoutiii war- 
riors rushed towards them. They were stopped by a deep 
stream, a hundred paces from the bivouac of the French, 
and La Salle went forward to meet them. No sooner did 
they see him and learn that he was a Frenchman than they 
cried that they were friends and brothers, who had mistaken 
him and his men for Iroquois, and, abandoning their hostile 
purpose, they peacefully withdrew. Thus his device to 
avert danger had well-nigh proved the destruction of the 
whole party. Two days after this adventure two of the 
men fell ill from fatigue and exposure, and sustained them- 
selves with difficulty till they reached the banks of a river, 
probably the Huron. Here the sick men rested; their com- 
panions made a canoe. There were no birch-trees and they 
were forced to use elm bark, which at that early season 
would not slip freely from the wood until they loosened it 
with hot water. Their canoe being made, they embarked 
in it, and for a time floated prosperously down the stream, 
when at length the way was barred by a matted barricade 
of trees fallen across the water. The sick men could now 
walk again, and, pushing eastward through the forest, the 
party soon reached the banks of the Detroit." Thus was 
made the first exploration of the overland route between 
the Detroit River and the mouth of the St. Joseph, — a route 
which, a little more than a century and a half later, in the 
early days of railroad projects and schemes of public in- 
ternal improvement, became the subject of many a debate 
in the legislative halls of Michigan and very familiar to 
surveyors and pioneers. 

Tiie party crossed the Detroit River on a raft and trav- 
eled through the woods to Lake Erie, where they embarked 
in a canoe and paddled to Niagara. At length, after great 
hardship, La Salle reached Montreal, where with much 
difficulty he collected fresh supplies of stores and ammu- 
nition, and started on his return journey with a company 
of twenty-five men, comprising a surgeon, ship-carpenters, 
and other mechanics, laborers, soldiers, and voyageurs, — 
everything needed to finish the vessel he had left on the 
stocks, and to sail her down the Mississippi. His return 



~ This Bceins to bo an error, as no spruce is found in the region 
tlirough wliieli tliey pivssed. It was probably tamarack, wliioli they 
mistook for spruce. 



route was by Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay, and Lake Huron 
to Michillimackinac, and thence by the eastern shore of 
Lake Michigan to St. Joseph River, which he reached on 
the 4th of November. 

On his way hither he had been apprised of the destruc- 
tion of Fort Miami during his absence, and now he found 
the report to be true. The men whom he had left at Fort 
Crevecceur, on the Illinois, had deserted, stolen the goods 
and stores deposited there, and, proceeding thence northward 
on their way to Michillimackinac, had passed down the St. 
Josi'ph and leveled and burned the logs which formed Fort 
Miami ; of which nothing now remained but the charred 
debris. The commander made no stay here, but pushed on 
in haste up the river and across the portage to the Illinois. 
He, however, left five men at the ruined fort, in charge of 
some heavy stores, to wait for his lieutenant, the Sieur de 
la Forest, who, with thirteen men, had for some reason 
been left behind at Michillimackinac, but with orders to 
come up without delay to the St. Joseph. 

On his arrival at Fort Cr^vecoeur, — or rather at the 
place where it had once been, — La Salle found that it also 
had been destroyed by the mutineers. His most earnest 
desire now was to find Tonty, whom he had left in charge 
of the fort on his departure for Montreal. For this pur- 
pose he passed on down the Illinois to its junction with 
the Mississippi, beholding for the first time the broad, 
swift current of the Father of Waters. But, finding no 
signs of Tonty, he turned back in despair from the great 
river which had so long been the subject of his dreams, 
and retraced his way up the Illinois. On the 6th of Jan- 
uary, 1G81, his party reached the mouth of the Teanka- 
keek, but, instead of going up that stream over the route 
by wliich they came, they took the northern branch of the 
river ; but, soon finding their way blocked by ice, they left 
their canoes and traveled through deep snow towards the 
St. Joseph, where they arrived after many days of excessive 
fatigue and hardship. 

Here they found the Sieur de la Forest with his eighteen 
men, including the five who had been left by La Salle in 
charge of the stores. They had heard nothing of the lost 
Tonty, but during the absence of the commander they had 
rebuilt the fort, and around it on the plateau^ they had 

f This old fort — afterwards strengthened or rebuilt by the French 
government — is supposed to have stood near the edge of the bluff", on 
or a little north of the spot where now stands the St. Charles Hotel, 
in the village of St. Joseph. It is said that when the first settlers 
came here, a half century ago, they found at that place a large open 
spac«, which had evidently been cleared by the hand of man. There 
is little doubt that this was the clearing commenced by La Salle when 
he built the fort, and e.vtcnded by his men in the winter of 16S0-SI. 

In recent years, when, in the prosecution of village improvements, 
a part of this plateau was graded down, a number of human skele- 
tons were discovered buried here. It is said that on some of these 
the hair was found in a good state of preservation, and that in one 
or two instances there were decayed remnants of what ajipeared to 
have been silken robes, indicating, as was believed, that the wearers 
had been priests; also, that there were found "silver brooches," 
which appeared to have been worn on the person, and seemed to show 
that the wearer was of considerable rank and consequcnco. But an 
examination of the old accouixt books of William Burnett, the trader, 
who located on the St. Joseph about 1785 (as will be mentioned here- 
after), explains this "silver-brooch" question, and divests it of all its 
imaginary signiticanco, for in the invoices of that trader's stock the 



DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS. 



17 



cleared a considerable area of ground for planting in the 
following spring. Besides this, they had constructed a saw- 
pit, and had already sawed out (by hand) the timber and 
planking for a new vessel. This was, unquestionably, the 
first project for the building of vessels ever commenced on 
the St. Joseph, or within the limits of the counties of 
Berrien and Van Buren, as it was also probably the first 
attempt of the kind made at any point on Lake Michigan. 

The winter of 1680-81 was spent by La Salle at his 
headquarters, Fort Miami. " Here," says Parkman, " he 
might have brooded on the redoubled ruin that had befallen 
him, — the desponding friends, the exulting foes, the wasted 
energies, the crushing load of debt, the stormy past, the 
black and lowering future. But his mind was of a diifor- 
ent temper. He had no thought but to grapple with ad- 
versity, and out of the fragments of his ruin to rear the 
fabric of a triumphant success." 

The banks of the St. Joseph at that time presented a 
new scene, and a strange one for this wilderness. Here, 
domiciled within the log inclosure of the fort, were La 
Salle and La Forest, with a company of twenty-five French- 
men and the Indian hunter who had followed the com- 
mander's fortunes so long and faithfully. The clearing, 
the piles of freshly-sawed planks and ship-timber, and the 
presence of so numerous a company of white men, must 
have given the place a decided appearance of civilization. 
And, as a background and contrast to the picture, there 
were seen near the fort the bark wigwams of a band of 
Eastern Indians, who were, says Parkman, " exiles from 
their homes and strangers in this Western world ; a band of 
refugees, chiefly Ahenukis and Mohicans, driven from their 
native seats, who had roamed into these distant wilds and 
were wintering in the friendly neighborhood of the French." 

The S/iawanoes, living in the valley of the Ohio, had 
heard of the presence of the French on the St. Joseph in 
the winter of 1680-81, and in the following spring a chief 
of that tribe came to Fort Miami to ask their protection 
against the fearful Iroquois, of whose attack they stood in 
constant dread. Their chief promised to come to the fort 
in the following autumn with all his band, which num- 
bered two hundred warriors. No account is found of his 
subsequent appearance on the St. Joseph, but the Shawa- 
iioes did afterwards join the Indian settlements under pro- 
tection of the French in Illinois. 

On the first of March, 1G81, while the face of the coun- 
try was yet covered by the snows of winter, the command- 
ant set out with La Forest and nineteen men (leaving the 
remainder at Fort Miami), bound on another mission to the 
Illinois, to induce the Indians to make peace among the 

item of "silver brooches'' occurs of'teuer than any other, excepting 
only the item of *' Fpirits." And not only are they mentioned fre- 
quently, but in great numborH ; as many as one thousand of the large 
size anil eleven hundred of the second size being sent at one time by 
one of Burnett's agents (Baptiste Lalime) when he left St. Joseph on 
a trading trip to the Kankakee; so that these "silver'' trinkets must 
have been nearly as plenty among the Indians of this region (during 
Burnett's time) as leaves are supposed to have been in Vallombrosa. 
The cost of the "silver brooch" appears from Burnett's books to have 
been about twenty cents, though this may have been the cust price. 
There is nothing very strange, then, about their being found with 
Indian skeletons. 



several tribes, and to settle at Fort Crevecceur under French 
protection. The St. Joseph River at that time was cov- 
ered with ice, so that La Salle and his party were compelled 
to make the journey across the country on foot. They 
traveled on snow-shoes, dragging their canoes after them, 
for use upon the breaking up of the ice, which occurred 
soon afterwards. They reached the Illinois country, accom- 
plished the object of the mission, and returned to Fort 
Miami, but without La Forest, he having been dispatched 
to Michillimackiiiac to communicate with Tonty, who had 
at last been heard from at that place. 

Later in the spring, La Salle, with ten men in canoes, 
ascended the St. Joseph and crossed the portage to the 
great village of the Miamis, with whom his business was 
similar to that on which he had visited the Illinois. Meet- 
ing with the same success with the former as he had with 
the latter tribe, he again returned by way of the St. Jo- 
seph to the fort. He had now made the necessary arrange- 
ments for safe pas.sage through the Indian country, and for 
assistance by the tribes on his projected journey to the 
mouth of the Mississippi, but before commencing that 
arduous undertaking he must go to Montreal to procure 
means, material, and men for the expedition. For this 
purpose he set out with a party in canoes, leaving the fort 
in the latter part of May, 1681. They passed down the 
east coast of Lake Michigan to Michillimackinac, and 
thence along the shores of Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and On- 
tario to the St. Lawrence, and reached Montreal in safety. 

The necessary men and material were collected, and La 
Salle again traversed the same weary way on his return, 
reaching his base of operations at the mouth of the St. 
Joseph River late in November, and having paddled more 
than two thousand miles in canoes since his departure from 
the place, six months before. With him returned his 
brave lieutenant, Tonty, who had been found at Michilli- 
mackinac after his weary and perilous wanderings among 
the savages of Illinois and Wisconsin. The presence of 
this one trusty companion was more highly prized by the 
commander than would have been an acces.'^ion of fifty men 
to the strength of his force. 

During a stay of about a month at the fort, all prepara- 
tions for the great journey to the Mississippi were com- 
pleted, and on the 21st of December a part of the expedi- 
tion, led by Tonty and accompanied by the Recollet father 
Membri5, embarked in six canoes upon the waters of the 
wintry lake and skirted the frozen shores around its south- 
ern curve. La Salle, with the remainder of the party,* fol- 
lowed by the same route a few days later, and joined them 
at the mouth of the Chicago River. There they constructed 
sledges, and loaded the canoes and stores upon them (for the 
streams were frozen over), and, hauling these, they crossed 
the portage and passed down the valleys of the Desplaines 
and Illinois Rivers to the foot of Peoria Lake, where, find- 
ing the river open, they lauTiehcd the cSnocs and embarked. 
They passed swiftly down the Illinois, and on the 6th of 
February reached its junction with the Mississippi. " Here, 
for the time, their progress was stopped, for the river was 
full of floating ice. The Indians, too, had lagged behind, 

-■' The expedition was composed of twenty-three Frenchmen and a 
number of the Eastern Indians who had been living near Fort Miami. 



18 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



but witliin a week all had arrived, the navigation was once 
more free, and they resumed their course." In their way 
down the great river they met several hitherto unknown 
tribes of Indians and encountered many strange adventures, 
but they accomplished the object for which the commander 
had so long labored. On the 9th of April, 1G82, in full 
sight of the blue expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, La Salle 
reared a cross and a column inscribed with the name of the 
French sovereign, and took possession for him of the valley 
of the river and a contiguous country of indefinite extent, 
which he named Louisiana. 

The expedition returned up the Mississippi and Illinois 
Rivers to Peoria Lake, and about the 1st of September, in 
the same year, La Salle again descended the St. Joseph 
River, on his way to Quebec, from whence it was his inten- 
tion to proceed to France and report his discovery to the 
prime minister. But on his arrival at jMichillimackinac he 
received intelligence which changed his plans and caused 
him to return to the Illinois by way of Fort Miami. The 
journey was made late in the autumn of 1GS2; and this 
was the last visit ever made here by the great explorer who 
planned and directed the first occupation by white men of 
the valley of the St. Joseph. On his return from the Illi- 
nois, in the fall of 1683, he took the route by way of the 
Chicago portage, descended to Quebec, and soon after sailed 
for France, He never again visited the northern portion 
of America, but he afterwards, on an expedition to the Gulf 
of Mexico (originated and commanded by him), landed in 
Texas, and was murdered there in 1GS7, as has already been 
mentioned. 

It does not appear that after the final departure of La 
Salle the river St. Joseph and the fort on its bank were 
ever used by the French for the purposes which he had had 
in view, — that is, as a port for vessels coming from Lake 
Erie and a base of supply for military and trading posts on 
the Illinois. In fact, very little is known of events whick 
occurred during the next succeeding eighty years in the St. 
Joseph valley, or in any part of the territory to which this 
volume has especial reference. 



CHAPTER IL 

THE MIAMI OCCUPATION. 

The Miamis in the St. Joseph Valley — Forays of the Iroquois — I.a 
Salle's Council and Treaty with the Miamis — Removal of the 
Miamis and Eastern Indians to the Illinois lliver — The " Debatable 
Ground" — Antecedents of the Miamis — Their Return to the St. 
Jose])h Valley — Attack and Massacre of the Miamis by the Sioux 
— The Mission of St. Joseph established among the Miamis — In- 
dian Plot to Exterminate the Miami Tribe — Their final Removal 
from the St. Joseph Valley. 

The history of the savage tribes who, prior to the be- 
ginning of the eighteenth century, inhabited the region 
which now includes the counties of Berrien and Van Buren, 
is veiled in almost complete obscurity, and nearly the .same 
is true of the Indian occupancy of the same territory dur- 
ing a succeeding period of more than sixty years. The 
earliest event, the record of which tlirows any ligiit on the 



subject, was the discovery, in or about 1675, of the St. Jo- 
seph River and its designation by the French as the " River 
of the Miamis" on account of its course being through the 
country which was then peopled by that tribe. There is 
nothing, however, in the old narratives to show that the 
discoverers found them in any great numbers in the St. Jo- 
seph valley, nor is any mention made, in the accounts of La 
Salle's numerous journeyings up and down this river in the 
years 1679 to 1682, of his finding their settlements at any 
point on the stream below the portage. Their principal 
village was at the southwestern end of this portage, at the 
head of the Teankakeek (Kankakee) River, to which 
place, in 1681, La Salle went up from Fort Miami to hold 
grand council with the chiefs of the tribe. But, although 
they were chiefly located farther to the southward, and 
their principal village was outside the valley of the St. 
Joseph, it is evident that they regarded that valley and the 
contiguous country as a part of their domain, and held it as 
such, though not to the complete exclusion of other tribes. 

The Iroquois, or Five Nations, though living far away 
to the east, within' the present State of New York, had 
hitherto been the terror and scourge of the Western Indians, 
and had rendered their country almost uninhabitable by 
reason of their destructive and bloody incursions. The 
territory of the Miamis, however, had for a time been an 
exception, because that tribe had been allied with the East- 
ern enemy in their forays against the Illinois. It was 
doubtless the intention of the Iroquois, after having used 
tlie Miamis to conquer the Illinois and other tribes, to turn 
upon these, their allies, and exterminate them also. Indi- 
cations of their perfidy had already become apparent. In 
1680 a party of Iroquois, in returning from an expedition 
against one of the Illinois tribes, had met and slaughtered 
a band of Miamis, " and had not only refused satisfaction, 
but intrenched themselves in three rude forts of trees and 
brushwood in the heart of the il/«(Hu' country." The Miamis 
were of course terrified at this threatening demonstration 
on the part of the fierce Iroquois, whom they, in common 
with the other tribes, believed to be as invincible as they 
were sanguinary. 

It was while this state of affairs existed, that La Salle 
seized upon the opportunity to meet the Miamis in council 
at their village, as before mentioned. The object which he 
had in view was to induce them to make peace with the 
Illinois nation, and to place themselves under the protection 
of the French, on the Illinois River, where he proposed 
to establish a strong central post, to congregate around it 
a large number of tribes friendly to the French, and to 
band them all in a defensive alliance against the irruptions 
of the dreaded Five Nations. When he came to the Miamis^ 
village, on the occasion of the council, he found there " a 
band of Iroquois warriors, who had been for some time in 
the place, and who, as he was told, had demeaned them- 
selves with the insolence of conquerors." He met these 
warriors with a menacing arrogance which eclipsed their 
own, and so completely browbeat and cowed them by his 
threats that they stole away from the village under cover 
of night. 

The Miamis who had stood in the greatest dread of 



THE MIAMI OCCUPATION. 



19 



tlieir fierce visitors, were amazed at this result, and in the 
council which followed they readily yielded to the proposals 
of the French leader, whom they regarded as a superior 
being. After he had addressed them, in their own tongue, 
in a speech which was at once eloquent, complimentary, and 
convincing, and had further won their hearts by presents 
of clothing, hunting-knives, guns, and wampum belts, the 
whole assemblage gave vent to yells of satisfaction, and the 
chiefs replied to his overtures, " We make you the master 
of our beaver and our lands ; of our minds and our bodies. 
We cannot wonder that our brothers from the East wish to 
live with you. We should have wished it too, if we had 
known what a blessing it is to be the children of the great 
king." Finally, they agreed to make peace and an alliance 
with the Illinois, and to remove to the neighborhood of 
Peoria Lake, there to live under French protection. In 
accordance with this agreement they vacated their country, 
and removed to that place in 1681.* Probably they stood 
in such dread of the vengeance of the Iroquois that they 
would not have dared to remain here longer if they had 
been so disposed. 

It has already been mentioned that a band of Eastern 
Indians had built their bark wigwams near the mouth of 
the St. Joseph in the autumn of 1080, and pas.sed the suc- 
ceeding winter there, evidently for the purpose of avail- 
ing themselves of the protection of Fort Miami and its 
French garrison. At the Miami village there was found a 
much larger band, in which there were a few Virginia In- 
dians, but of whom the mnjority were Narragansetts, from 
Rhode Island, intermixed with Mohicans, Abenakis, and 
other New England tribes, who had, perhaps, some of them, 
fought under King Philip, and all of whom, after the death 
of the great chieftain, had been compelled to flee from their 
native hunting-grounds to escape the retributive vengeance 
of the New England settlers. The band which had win- 
tered at the fort (having apparently been joined by a part 
of those found at the Miami village) remained there during 
the summer and fall ; and when the French started in De- 
cember on the Mississippi exploration, thirty-one of them 
(eighteen warriors and ten women, whom they insisted on 
taking with them to perform the labor, and three children, 
who necessarily accompanied their mothers) joined the ex- 
pedition and went with it to the Gulf of Mexico. These, 
on their return, remained on the Illinois. Those of the 

* The strength of the Minmis in their new home on the Illinois, 
two years after their removal thither, was mentioned as hcing thirteen 
hundred warriors. This was based on the report of La Salle to the 
French minister on bis return to France from the Illinois country. 
A few years afterwards they were oecuj>ying a rudely fortified village 
at Buffalo Rock, on the Illinois Kiver, — a place which was visited by 
Charlevoix in 1721, and was mentioned by him as " Le Fort des 
Ninmls," though the tribe had evacuated the place before that time. 

While they remained on the Illinois River they became cftnsider- 
ably weakened and demoralized, and upon the failure of La Salle's 
grand project of Indian colonization around the Rock of St. Louis 
(near the present Peoria), they, with other tribes, left the place. The 
Miaiiiia (or at least a large part of them) returned to settle on their 
former possessions, — not, however, at the site of their old village on the 
Kankakee, but in the valley of the St. Joseph, and principally near 
its mouth, where, as we shall see, a mission was established among 
them a few years later. Before the opening of the mission, however, 
they were attacked by the Sioux and lerribly punished. After this a 
part of them appear to have migrated to the southward. 



Eastern band who remained at the fort on the St. Joseph 
after the departure of the French, and those who were at 
the village of the Miamis, afterwards migrated with that 
tribe to the Illinois River. 

Though the St. Joseph was named by its French discov- 
erers the " River of the Miamis," and the country through 
which it flows was included in the possessions of that tribe, 
it does not appear to have ever been very firmly held or 
thoroughly occupied by them. In the narrative, before 
quoted from, of the journey of La Salle's party across the 
peninsula in the spring of 1680, it is said of the region 
bordering, and to the eastward of, the St. Jo.seph River, 
that it was a " debatable ground, infested with war-parties 
of several adverse tribes, and none could venture here without 
risk of life," and that a war-party of the Mascoutins from 
Wisconsin were at that time roaming in the vicinity. Ac- 
counts are also given of Outagamies {Foxes) and other 
tribes fiom the northwest of Lake Michigan, traversing 
these forests in 1079 and 1680. 

The Miamis themselves were from Wisconsin, where 
they and the Mascoutins were found located together, on 
the Fox River, by the Jesuits Allouez and Dablon, in 
1670. In the account of the visit of those priests it was 
stated that the two tribes together numbered more than 
three thousand, and that the chief of the 3Iiamis " was 
honored by his .subjects like a king, and his demeanor 
towards his guests had no savor of the savage." In the 
same year the tribes on the Fox River were visited by St. 
Lusson, on which occasion the Miamis entertained him with 
a sham battle and the Indian game of la crosse. His in- 
terpreter, Nicholas Perrot, "-gave a marvelous account of 
the authority and state of the Miami chief, who, he said, 
was attended day and night by a guard of warriors." 

The circumstances above noticed point to the conclusion 
that the J/('a»ii tribe removed, soon after 1670, from the 
Fox River to the country bordering the waters of the Kan- 
kakee and the St. Joseph ; that their occupation of this 
region was of but recent date when the French first ex- 
plored the last-named river ; that they never became very 
firmly or thoroughly established here ; and that the tribe 
emigrated from the lake region to the Illinois River in 1681, 
leaving their former domain unoccupied, and in truth " a 
debatable ground." 

After about ten years' ab.«ence they returned to the St. 
Joseph Valley, and (as is believed, for reasons which will 
appear in succeeding pages) made their principal settle- 
ments on the lower part of that river. Here, a few years 
after their return, they were assailed by the ferocious 
Sioux, who slaughtered a large number of the less warlike 
Miamis. An account of this massacre is found in a report 
on Indian afiiiirs, made by La Motte Cadillac to Count 
Pontchartrain, dated " Fort Pontchartrain [Detroit], Aug. 
31, 1703," as follows: "From time immemorial our allies 
have been at war with the Sioux; and on my arrival at 
Fort Michillimackinac [in 1695], in conformity to the 
orders of Count Frontenac, I attempted to negotiate a truce 
between the Sioux and all our allies. Succeeding in this 
negotiation, I took the occasion to turn their arms against 
the Iroquois, with whom we were then at war ; and, soon 



20 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



after, I effected a treaty of peace between the Sioux and 
the Frencli and their allies, which lasted two years. At 
the end of that time the Si'onx came in great numbers to 
the villages of the jMiamis, under pretense of ratifying the 
treaty. They were well received by the Mimnis, and after 
spending several days in their villages departed, apparently 
perfectly satisfied with their good reception, as they cer- 
tainly had every reason to be. 

" The Mlimiis, believing them already far distant, slept 
quietly ; but the Sioux, who had premeditated the attack, 
returned the same night to the principal village of the 
Miumis, where most of the tribe were congregated, and, 
taking them by surprise, slaughtered nearly three thousand 
and put the rest to flight. This perfidy irritated all the 
nations. They came to Michillimackinac with their com- 
plaints, begging me to join them and exterminate the 
Sioux. But the war which we then had upon our hands 
did not permit me to listen to their proposition, so it 
became necessary for me to hold a great council and play 
the orator in a long harangue. In conclusion, I advised 
them to ' weep their dead and wrap them up, and leave 
them to sleep coldly till the day of vengeance should 
come,' telling them that we must sweep the land on this 
side of the Iroquois, as it was necessary to extinguish even 
their memory, after which the allied tribes could more 
easily avenge the atrocious deed that the Sioux had just 
committed upon them. In short, I managed them so well 
that the afiair was settled in the manner that I proposed." 

This account given by La Motte indicates the year 1(397 
as the date of the massacre. There is every reason to be- 
lieve that the number which he mentions as having been 
slain by tlie Sioux is a great exaggeration, but there is no 
reason to doubt that the loss of the Miamis was very 
severe. It was probably at this time that a portion of the 
tribe fled southward to the valley of the Wabash, which 
region they continued to occupy, as also the country border- 
ing the Maumoe, a stream which was for many years known 
as the Miami River of Lake Erie. 

If, as La Jlotte's account seems to imply, the entire body 
of the surviving Miamis fled before the onslaught of the 
bloody Sioux, it is certain that a part of the tribe after- 
wards returned to the St. Joseph ; and these were, in later 
accounts, freciuently mentioned as " the Miamis of the St. 
Joseph" in distinction from " the Miamis of Ouyatanon" 
and other divisions of the tribe. The first named appear 
to have been principally located at the mouth of the river 
whose name they bore ; and here, at about the commence- 
ment of the eighteenth century, the Jesuit mission of St. 
Joseph was established for the purpose of converting them 
to Christianity. 

As to which of the Jesuit fathers was the founder of 
this mission, there is as much doubt as there is concerning 
the exact date of its commencement. In some historical 
accounts it has been stated that it was begun by Father 
Claude Jean Allouez during the first Miami occupancy 
(and by some placed as early as 1G75). and that about the 
same time, a trading-post was opened and a small force of 
French soldiers was stationed here ; but this statement is 
clearly erroneous. In the account of the numerous jour- 
neyings of La Salle up and down the St. Joseph River 



(written by Francis Parkman, who has had access to the 
original narratives of La Salle, Hennepin, and Tonty) no 
mention is made of any such mission, post, or garrison 
then existing at this point,* nor is there any allusion which 
can lead to another conclusion than that the great explorer 
found a complete solitude at the mouth of the St. Joseph 
(although it was known, through previous discoveries, to 
be the base of a feasible route to the country of the Illinois), 
and that this solitude remained uninvaded, or at least un- 
occupied, by any Europeans, except those of the parties 
under his command, during the period of his operations 
here, which extended beyond the time of the removal 
of the Miami tribe to the Illinois River in 168L This 
seems to be strong evidence against the supposition that 
any mission was commenced by Allouez or any of the 
other Jesuits during the first occupancy of the Miamis. 
It is mentioned in the narrative of La Salle's explorations 
that Allouez was among the Illinois in 1676 to 1679, and 
that in 1680 he was with the Miamis on the Kankakee 
(not, however, having a permanent mission there) ; and it 
is therefore possible, that, in journeying to or from the 
Miami village, he may have passed by way of the St. 
Joseph River. Even this, however, is not probable, for an 
ill-feeling existed between him and La Salle, and the priest, 
who always showed a disposition to avoid his enemy, would 
not have been likely to take a route which would lead him 
past Fort Miami if he could avoid it. A few years later 
he was stationed at the mission on the Illinois, and died in 
1690 ; so that, beyond all reasonable doubt, he had lain 
several years in his grave before the founding of the first 
mission on the St. Joseph. 

Of this mission, — which, as before stated, and as nearly 
all well-informed writers agree, was established about the 
year 1700, — the earliest mention which is found recorded 
is contained in a letter dated Michillimackinac, Aug. 16, 
1706, and addressed to the Governor-General by the Jesuit 
father Joseph T. Marest. This letter, after mentioning 
the discovery of an Ottawa plot in which " a party of war- 
riors were to leave Michillimackinac, and, having engaged 
the Sacs and Foxes to join them, intended to attack the 
Miamis on the river St. Joseph," and that the plot had 
been temporarily frustrated, proceeds : " I asked the sav- 
ages if I could send a canoe manned with Frenchmen to 
the river St. Joseph with any degree of safety. They re- 
plied that I could, and urged me to do so, seeming to take 
an interest in the flitliers who are there. The truth is, 
they do not feel at liberty to make war upon the Miamis 
while the missionaries remain there, and for that reason 
would prefer that they should come to us. I had previously 
engaged some Frenchmen to carry the news to the river St. 
Joseph, and to relieve our fathers if they were in any dif- 
ficulty ; but one of them has been so much intimidated by 
the representations of his friends that he dare not trust 
himself among the savages. 

" As aff'airs are at present, I do not think the removal of 

» But, on the contrary, Parkman does say, "He [La Salle] led 
his followers to the banks of the river now called the St. Joseph. 
Here he built a fort, and here, I'li n/lcr-i/eam, the Jesuits placed a 
mission, and the government a garrison." — Coimpiriu-y nf J'unliac, 
vol. i. p. oO. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 



21 



the fathers is advisable, for that [St. Joseph] is the most 
important post in all this region, except IMichillimaekinac; 
and, if the Ottawas were relieved from the restraint im- 
posed upon them by the existence of the mission, they 
would unite so many tribes against the Miamis that in a 
short time they would drive them from this fine country. . . . 
I have at last found another Frenchman who is willing to 
go to the river St. Joseph, and I hope the four will now de- 
part immediately. We have reason to feel anxious concern- 
ing the safety of the fathers, on account of so many war- 
parties going down on that side. At least we shall have 
news from St. Joseph, unless our men find too many dan- 
gers in the way." In another letter from Marest to the 
Governor, dated August 27th, he says, " We are impa- 
tiently awaiting the return of M. Boudor and tlie Ottawa 
chiefs. I have not yet sent to the river St. Joseph, but 
hope to very soon." 

It is noticeable, in the above extract from the letter of 
Father Marest, that the river on which the mission was 
located is called the St. Joseph, instead of the Indian name 
which had been given to it by its discoverers, and which 
had been adhered to in the earlier writings. This leads to 
the conclusion that at the time of the establishment of the 
mi.ssion of St. Joseph its name was also given, for the first 
time, to the stream which had previously been known as 
the " River of the Miamis.'" It is also shown almost con- 
clusively by Marest's letter that there was then no military 
post on the St. Joseph. If there had been, he would cer- 
tainly have felt less anxiety than he here exhibits for the 
safety of his priests, and at all events he would have known 
that the garrison at St. Joseph (if there had been one there) 
would afford the missionaries much better protection than 
could be given them by the four men whom he purposed 
sending in a canoe to their assistance. It seems clear, 
therefore, that the French had established no military post 
on the St. Joseph prior to August, 170(5. 

About this time an attempt was made by Indians or dis- 
affected Frenchmen to burn the fort at the newly-estab- 
lished post of Detroit ; and in an account which was subse- 
quently given to Count Pontchartrain by La Motte Cadillac, 
the commandant of the post, there is found a clue as to the 
time of the final evacuation of the St. Joseph Valley by the 
Miamis. In the cour.se of his account, Cadillac said, 
" Soon after the attempt to burn the fort, the Miamis of 
Ouyatanon came to Detroit and made an attack on the sav- 
ages there. Th^y killed an Ottawa, two Hiirons, and a 
Foltaioattamie. This act of hostility exasperated all the 
nations at Fort Pontchartrain, and warlike preparations 
were immediately made. I succeeded in persuading them 
to wait a few days, and then dispatched a messenger to the 
camp of the Oi(i/atanoiis, who were four hundred strong, 
telling them, if they did not come promptly and make repa- 
ration for this insult, I would go myself and exterminate 
them. They immediately sent their chiefs to Detroit, re- 
placed the dead with the living, according to their cus- 
tom, and made large presents to the relatives of those who 
were killed. Thus a bloody war was prevented. Father 
Mermet, a Jesuit, is missionary to the Ouyatanon Miamis. 
This attack was made after the Miamis of the river St. 
Joseph had left their villages, and had come to settle at 



Detroit." The last sentence in this extract seems to fix the 
departure of the Miamis from the St. Joseph lliver at about 
the year 1706. 

The post of Detroit had been established in 1701, by 
Cadillac, who immediately began to use great efforts to in- 
duce the remote tribes of Indians to leave the territory 
they were then occupying, and to locate their villages in 
the vicinity of the new military post. In this he succeeded 
to some extent, though against a determined opposition from 
all the influence and power of the Jesuits, who were his 
bitter enemies. That the feeling of enmity was recipro- 
cated by Cadillac is clearly enough shown in a letter 
written by him to Count Pontchartrain from Detroit, 
Aug. 31, 1703, in which he said, " Thirty Hnroiis of 
Michillimackinac arrived here on the 28th of June to 
unite themselves with those already established here. 
There remain only about twenty-five at Michillimackinac. 
Father Carheil, who is missionary there, always remains 
firm. I hope this fall to pluck out the last feather of his 
wing, and I am persuaded that this obstinate old priest will 
die in his parish without having a single parishioner to 
bury him." Cadillac never realized all his hopes in this 
direction, but he succeeded in drawing a large number of 
Ilurons, Ottawas, Pottaioattamics, and other Indians to 
the neighborhood of Detroit ; and it was largely, no doubt, 
through his persuasions, though probably still more through 
fear of the threatened attack on them by O^/aifas and other 
tribes, as mentioned by Marest, that the Miamis were led 
to take their final departure from the St. Joseph and re- 
move to the neiirhborhood of Fort Pontchartrain. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 

Posses.sioa of the St. Joseph Valley taken by the Pottawatt.amies — ■ 
Their previous Occupation of the Green Bay Country — Continuance 
of the St. Joseph Mission among the Pottawnttamies — Military 
Post and Canadian Villnge at the Mouth of the St. Josejih — Relig- 
ious Instruction of the Pottawattamies — Their Warlike Spirit, and 
long Alliance with the French — Surrender of the French Posts to 
the English, and Indian Hatred of the Latter — Alliance of the Pot- 
tawattamies with Ponliac against the English — Massacre of the 
English Garrison at the Mouth of the St. Joseph by the Pottawat- 
tamies in 176.3 — The Trader Winston — The Pottawattamie Alliance 
with the British in the Revolution — Langlade's Expedition in 1779 
—The Trading-Posts of Burnett and Bertrand— " Mad Anthony" 
Wayne's Punishment of the Indians and subsequent Treaty with 
them — First appearance of the name of Topinabe as head chief of 
the Pottawattamies — Alliance with Tecumseh — Pottawattamies at 
Tippecanoe — The killing of John Chandonais near the Mou^h of 
the St. Joseph — The Pottawattamies fight with England in the 
War of 1812-15— Their last Battle and complete Subjugation by the 
United States. 

The successors of the Miamis were the numerous and 
warlike Pottawattamies, who spread themselves not only 
over the lands of the former tribe on the St. Joseph and 
Kankakee, but also over a vast area of additional territory, 
stretching from the vicinity of Chicago, around the head of 
Lake Michigan, northward at least as far as the mouth of 
the Kalamazoo, eastward far enough to include the valleys 
of that stream and the St. Joseph, as well as the head- 



22 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



waters of Grand River, and southward into Indiana and 
Illinois. They held firm possession of this broad domain 
for nearly a century and a quarter, being the dominant 
tribe of Southern Michigan at the coming of the first 
Englisli-speakiiig settlers, and a remnant of them lingering 
here until within the memory of many persons now living. 

The Pottmcatliimies, like the Miaviis, were first found 
within the present State of Wisconsin, their location being 
in the territory bordering the shores of Green Bay. The 
party under La Salle found them a short distance above the 
mouth of that bay, on the west shore of Lake Michigan, 
in 1679, and to him, as to other French leaders, they proved 
very friendly. Mention is made of one of their principal 
chiefs, " who in his enthusiasm for the French was wont 
to say that he knew but three great captains in the world, — 
Frontenac, La Salle, and himself" This is the first re- 
corded instance of the display by a Pottawattamie of that 
spirit of boastfulness which was a marked characteristic of 
the tribe in later years. 

The time of the Putfinvattamies migration from the 
northwestern to the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan* 
is not precisely known, but such facts as have been brought 
to light in reference to the matter show that it was within 
the first decade of the eighteenth century. They, as well 
as the other Indian nations of the Green Bay and Fox 
River regions, had roamed through the " debatable ground" 
of Southwestern Michigan for many years, and they were 
among the first of the tribes who sent colonies to Detroit 
in response to the invitation of Cadillac, mention being 
made in official documents of a Pottawattamie village near 
Fort Fontchartrain as early as 1702. A part of the tribe 
at least appears to have been temporarily located within the 
territory of the Miamis before the final emigration of the 
latter. 

The Puttawattamies were fast and faithful alliesf of the 
Ottawas, and nothing is more probable than that the offen- 
sive combination against the Miamis to which Father 
Marest alludes in his letter of Aug. 14, 1706, was formed 
with a view to the very object which it accomplished, viz.. 



» At the time of the removal of the Pollawitltamiea from Wisconsin 
to their later homo, at the head of Lake Michigan, a small part of the 
trihe was, fofi^'ome reason, left behind at Green Bay. It is st;ited on 
the authority of Dr. Lapham, of Wisconsin, that the strength of the 
PoltiiwiilUimle tribe in what is now the territory of that State was, in 
the beginning of the eighteenth century, only twenty warriors. This 
was evidently the remnant of the tribe who remained after the migra- 
tion of the main body. 

j- Sakima, the second chief of the Oltaivae, having secured pardon 
for an unprovoked att-ick on the Miamis at Detroit and the murder 
of a French priest, made a speech of thanks to the Governor-General, 
at Montreal, .June 23, 1707, in which he said, " The Sues, the Menom- 
iiiies, the Muscoutins, the Kicktipoos, the Outiir/iimies, and tlie J'utta- 
vmltiiiiiies are people who will like to hear the good news. They are 
our allies, and are those to ivhom our old men will give notice, that 
the land may be united.'' The feelings which were entertained by the 
Miitmis towards the Ollnmas at that time are shown by this passage in 
a letter written at Detroit by Cadillac to the Governor-General : " The 
//ii;oiu, Oiiijatauons, and some of the Miamis are here, and have in all 
the councils expressed the following sentiments : ' We will never listen 
to a treaty of reconciliation with the OtUamta. We will hear, on this 
subject, neither the Governor nor you, Onontio might give us all the 
goods in Quebec and Montreal, and we would reject them. . . . We 
do not wish for peace. It must not be spoken of. If you make pence 
wilh the Uulaniis. wo shall have bad thoughts.' " 



the removal of the Miamis and the occupation of their 
country by the Pottaicattamies. This gave nearly the 
whole of the lower peninsula of Michigan to the throe 
tribes, Pottawattamies, Ottaieas, and Ojibwas (^Chippe- 
loas), all of whom were leagued together in a sort of con- 
federation, and of whom the first and last named were also 
allied by consanguinity. The hunting-grounds of the Ot- 
tawas and Ojibwas ]o\n6A those of the Pottawattamies on 
the north and northeast, and extended thence to the shores 
of Lake Huron, and along Lake Michigan to the Straits of 
Miohillimackinac. 

It was not long after the Miamis left the valley of the 
St. Joseph before the Pottawattamies had full possession. 
It appears almost certain that their occupation commenced 
immediately after the departure of the first-named tribe, 
and that the Jesuit mission which had been established for 
the Miamis was continued, without break, for the conver- 
sion of their Pottawattamie successors. For it was only 
a few years later (1712) that we find the mission of St. 
Joseph reported by Father Marest as being in a very flour- 
ishing condition, and the most important of all the missions 
on the lakes excepting that at IMIchiilimackinac. A mili- 
tary post had also been established here, and around the 
post and mission there had clustered a small settlement of 
Canadians, some of whom were without doubt engaged in 
trafiic with the Indians, for in those days, and under the 
French rule, the trader always accompanied the soldier on 
his advance into the wilderness. 

Another mission, or missionary station, was afterwards 
established nearly fifty miles farther up the river, on its 
eastern bank, near the southern limits of the present city 
of Niles. It is certain that this was commenced prior to 
1721, for in that year it was visited by the French traveler 
Charlevoix, but beyond this nothing authentic is known of 
its commencement or continuance.^ 

J The writer has visited the University of Notre Dame, at South 
Bend, lad., for the purpose of g.aining information in reference to this 
ancient mission. The fathers in charge of the institution received 
him with the greatest courtesy and extended every facility, but they 
were unable to afford even the slightest information on the subject, 
though willing and anxious to do so. This being the case, it seems 
evident that the particularized accounts which have from time to time 
appeared in print in reference to this old mission are either purely 
imaginary, or at best are based on nothing more substantial than 
vague tradition. 

In a history — of which the advanced sheets have very recently been 
published — of one of the Niles churches the statement is made that 
"The French Roman Catholic mission [at Niles] was started as early 
as 1675. Later, Claude Allouez, assisted by Father Dublou [proba- 
bly having reference to the Jesuit Dablun], reached Niles and removed 
the mission [I6S0] to the site of Johnson's brewery. In IC'JO Allouez 
died, but the mission was maintained by Chiiudon. In 1759 the 
French were attacked l)y the English, and being captured, were carried 
to Canada. The mission was not re-established for many years. The 
rude wooden cross on the hill above the dam has been generally sup- 
posed to mark the grave of a Father Joseph. It marks the grave of 
Father Allouez, the first white man dying in this vicinity." This 
would really be an important item in the history of the old mission 
if it could, by any possibility, be regarded as authentic. The partie- 
ularization as to dates and localities in this account, as well as the 
positivcness of its assertions, would seem to close the door agaiust all 
doubts of its authenticity, if other statements made by this author 
were marked by general accuracy, but this, unfortunately, is not 
found to be the case. In another portion of his narrative occurs this 
remarkable passage: "The intrepid French Itunmn Catholic mis- 



THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 



23 



The report of Father Marest, in 1712, that the mission 
on the St. Joseph was in a flourishing condition, meant, 
of course, that the Putlaicatlamies were favorably inclined 
towards religious instruction, and ready and willing to profit 
by the teachings of the pious Jesuits. This character they 
sustained during all the residence of the missionaries among 
them. The priests seemed to have always found them more 
tractable and easily managed than were most of the tribes 
of the northwest, and for years after the Jesuit fathers left 
them, and even down to the time when the remnant of the 



Bionary, navigator, explorer, and discoverer of regions in this new 
world. Father Robert de la Sallc, consti uctcd at Foit Erie, then Fort 
Frontenac, or, as some assert, at Schlcsser's Landing, just above 
Niagara Falls, on the American side, the first vessel that passed (Au- 
gust, 1679) Detroit. This was a schooner, the 'Griffin,' of sixty tons 
burden, and was lost, with all hands, in Lake Huron, Oct. 1, 1679.'* 
Here we have an even more minute account than he gives of the 
establishment and removal of the old mission, and of the burial-place 
of Father Allouez ; for we have the particulars, even to the exact date, 
of the loss of the little " Griffin,*' whose fate has remained a profound 
mystery for more than two centuries. Besides this we learn, fur the 
first time, that the *' Griffin" was built at Fort Frontenac, "just above 
Niagara Falls," — all previous historians having located Fort Fronte- 
nac on the north shore of Lake Ontario, near its eastern end. But 
the most remarkable part of this statement is that portion in which 
allusion is made to " the intrepid French lioiiitnt Catholic inisnionari/j 
Father lltihert de La Snilti" / .' This is the description given of a 
man who publicly denounced the Jesuits, between whom and himself 
there existed so cordial a hatred that Father Allouez, when laboring 
among the Illinois Indians in 16S0, fled the country on hearing of the 
approach of his enemy, " Father" La Salle, the " Catholic missionary." 
Probably, if this author were writing a history of France, he would 
make mention of the fact that the devout missionary. Father Napo- 
leon Bonaparte, labored among the Kussians, and established missions 
at Moscow and Borodino in 1812. 

In the traditions and published accounts which have reference to 
the old mission at Niles, mention has been made of a defensive work 
called " Fort Oola," which is reprisented as having been located at or 
near the same place, and as being still visible in a slight elevation of 
earth supposed to indicate the position of the ancient ramparts. 
Among the various statements that have been made in reference to 
this "Fort Oola" is one to the effect that this, as well as Fort St. Jo- 
seph, was captured by the Indians in the Pontiac war, but there is 
every reason to believe that this account is erroneous. In the official 
documents of that time, frequent reference is made to the fort at the 
mouth of the river, and its capture by the Pottawattamies, but never 
a word in reference to "Fort Oola" or any other fort in all this re- 
gion; and in a map of the "Forts and settlements in America, a.d. 
1763," shown by Parkman in his " Conspiracy of Pontiac," the only 
forts shown within the bounds of Michigan are those at Detroit, 
Michillimackinac, and St. Joseph. In 1760, when the French sur- 
rendered their American possessions to the English, the French 
commander-in-chief at Montreal sent orders to the commandant at 
Michillimackinac to deliver to the English officers the forts at Michil- 
limackinac, Green Bay, and St. Joseph, but mentioned no others j and 
in the following year, when a detachment of the Royal Americans was 
sent to receive the surrender of Fort St. Joseph from the French, no 
such detachment was sent to occupy "Fort Oola." ^ 

The old mound (now nearly if not quite obliterated, but said to 
have been plainly visible when the first settlers came here) is de- 
scribed as circular in form, and some two or three feet high at that 
time. This fact is fatal to the theory that it was once a French fort, 
for that nation never constructed circular defenses, — that form being 
opposed to all principles of European engineering, — nor is there an 
instance known of their building an earthwork in the Indian coun- 
try. Far better protection against savage attacks was afforded by 
stockades than by earthen parapets, consequently they never con- 
structed the latter. The old mound may have been one of the pre- 
historic works so common in Ohio and other parts of the West, but 
whether it was such or not, the conclusion is unavoidable that "Fort 
Oola," as a French defensive work, is a myth. 



tribe emigrated to the far West, there were a considerable 
number of them (including some of the chiefs) who held 
fast to the religion which the Eomish missionaries had 
taught to their ancestors. In fact, there are yet living in 
Van Buren County, near the northeast corner of Berrien, 
a number of the descendants of the ancient Pottawatlamies, 
who are nominally within the fold of the Catholic Church. 

The Pjjttaicattamics inherited the usual characteristics 
of the Indian, and especially of the Algoriqiiin race. 
Neither in battle, or at the council fire, could they be con- 
sidered as the equals of the renowned and terrible Iroquois, 
but they were, like their allies and kindred, the Otlawas 
and Ojibicds, brave and hardy warriors, sanguinary, cruel, 
and implacable as enemies, generally treacherous, as were 
all other American Indians, but often steadfast and faithful 
friends, as they notably proved themselves to be towards the 
French. A very marked exhibition of that friendship was 
made in the spring of 1712, when the red warriors of the 
St. Joseph bravely aided the French garrison of Detroit in 
a dire extremity, and helped to save them from massacre. 

In the year mentioned, early in the month of May, a 
large body of Outagamie {Pux) and Mascoutin Indians, 
enemies of the other Indian tribes of the lakes, and sup- 
posed to be in league with the Iroquois against the French, 
suddenly made their appearance before Fort Pontchartrain, 
in an attitude of unmistakable hostility, constructing a 
breastwork near the fort, and making other preparations 
for its assault. The commandant, Du Bui.sson, had only a 
force of twenty men for its defense. The camps of his 
Indian allies — Pottawattamies, Ottawas, and \Vi/ai>dots — 
were near at hand, but their braves were then absent on a 
hunting expedition, and all he could do was to send run- 
ners to the distant hunting-grounds, to find them if possi- 
ble, and notify them of his danger, and then to await the 
onset of the savage besiegers, whose force outnumbered his 
more than twenty to one. 

On the 13th of the month the enemy assaulted the fori. 
Their onslaught was most furious, and though the French 
repelled it gallantly, the commandant knew that without 
reinforcements he should be compelled to yield at last to 
the terrible odds against them. But suddenly, in the midst 
of the conflict, there came from the border of the surround- 
ing forest a sound, wild and terrible, but which was as 
welcome to Du Buisson and his men as were the shrill notes 
of the pibroch to the beleaguered ones within the walls of 
Lucknow. It was the mingled yell of the Pottawattamie, 
Wyandot, and Ottawa warriors, who had come from the 
hunting-grounds with all speed to their succor. The volleys 
from the Indian rescuers, and the fire from the fort, soon 
drove the besiegers into their own defenses, and relieved 
the garrison for the time ; but the enemy was still uncon- 
quered and defiant. The French and their allies attacked 
in turn, but met a repulse which was followed by a sally 
from their antagonists. And so for many days the battle 
went on without decisive results ; but at last the Foxes and 
Mascoiitins, realizing that they were nearly overpowered, 
asked for peace. This being denied them, they finally, in 
despair, and after nineteen days of fighting, fled at mid- 
niglit, during a furious storm, towards Lake St. Clair. 
Several miles from Detroit, they again constructed a rude 



24 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



fortification ; but the French and allies pursued, bringing 
with them two small pieces of cannon, and after three days 
more of fighting, their enemies were utterly broken and 
put to flight, and the rout then became a massacre. The 
vengeance of the Indian victors, in accordance with savage 
custom, was visited alike upon warriors, squaws, and chil- 
dren. Eight hundred of these were said to have been 
slain, and so great was the havoc made by the infuriated 
allies of the French that the Fox nation was reported as 
being entirely destroyed.* 

The work of butchery done by the savage allies on this 
occasion — of which the Pottawaltamies undoubtedly per- 
formed their full share — proves that there was in them the 
same instinct of tiger-like ferocity which nearly all the In- 
dian tribes were wont to exhibit in the day of victory ; the 
same wolfish thirst for blood which was shown by the cop- 
per-colored fiends at Schenectady, Wyoming, and Michilli- 
mackinac. But the part which the Pottaivdttamies took in 
the rescue of the imperiled garrison of Fort Pontchartrain 
had the effect to strengthen the alliance between them and 
the French, and to draw closer the bond of friendship, which 
was never sundered or weakened through all the years of 
their intercourse with that nation. 

Of the history of the Pottaivattmnies during the half-cen- 
tury which succeeded the massacre of the Foxes and Mas- 
' coutiiis, scarcely anything is known. Doubtless they, with 
their confederates, the Ottawas and OJiOwas, were engaged 
in frequent wars with other tribes, and when not employed 
in hostilities or hunting they lounged about their squalid 
villages, drinking the brandy which the French trader.s 
gave them in exchange for their beaver-skins, boasting of 
their exploits and prowess in battle, and listlessly watching 
the squaws as they prosecuted their rude agriculture. 
When, in 174-4, war broke out between the English and 
French nations, the Pottawaltamies of course espoused the 
cau.se of the latter, and it appears that they gave material 
assistance to the Jieiir-de-Us, for there are found in the cor- 
respondence of the French officials at Montreal, in the year 
1745, numerous references to this tribe as one of their 
Indian allies. One of these is to the effect that fifty 
" Poutewatamies," fifteen Puans, and ten Illinois warriors 
had arrived at Montreal to join the French forces ; and 
another memorandum, dated August 22d, in the same year, 
mentions the arrival of "thirty-eight Onlawois \_Oltawas'\, 
of Detroit, seventeen SuiUerns, twenty-four Ilarons, and 
fourteen Poutewatamies." These Indian auxiliaries un- 
doubtedly moved with the numerous expeditions which, 

»■■ This statement, however, was untrue, as appears by the extract 
given below from a letter written by Father Marest to the Governor- 
General, dated Miehillimackinac, June 22, 1712: "No doubt you 
have already learned the news of the recent attack on Detroit, by the 
Sac«, Fuxca, and MnscouHns, by a canoe sent from that place. The 
Kcvercnd Father Recollet, of Detroit, informs me that about eight 
hundred men, women, and children of tlie Foxes and MaHcnutins have 
been destroyed. Yet in this large number, I presume, he does not 
reckon forty warriors, si.\ty women, and more than a hundred chil- 
dren of the JlfoBcoiiMin, who are reported to have been killed near the 
great river. . . . Although the number of the dead is very great, the 
Fox nation is not destroyed. There still remain a great number of 
them near the Bay ; some say there are two hundred warriors, be- 
sides those who have gone to the lioquoiu." 



during that war, were sent from Canada, to carry terror, 
slaughter, and desolation into the exposed settlements of 
New York and New England. That war lasted for four 
years, and during its continuance the Pottawattamies ap- 
pear, from the frequent mention made of them, to have 
been among the most active of the Indian nations who 
turned their arms against the enemies of France. 

After the peace, which was concluded in 1748 at Aix-la- 
Chapelle, there came a period of about seven years, during 
which the Pottawattamies were compelled to return to their 
previous manner of life, and to depend solely for excitement 
on such opportunities as presented themselves for quarrels 
with other tribes. But to this period there succeeded 
another war, — the final one between the English and 
French in America, — and in this the Pottawattamies again 
took part with their ancient allies. Sargentf mentions 
them as taking part with the French against the army of 
Gen. Braddock on the Monongahela, on the fatal 9th of 
July, 1755, but this statement is not fully sustained by 
other writers. It is certain, however, that a considerable 
force of them were summoned to the defense of Fort 
Duquesne (Pittsburgh, Pa.) in 1758, and that they were 
participators in the attack and massacre of the English 
battalion which, under command of Major Grant, had been 
sent forward by Gen. Forbes to reconnoitre in the vicinity 
of that French stronghold. Again, in 1759, the warriors 
of this tribe stood in the ranks of their Gallic friends in an 
attempt to relieve Fort Niagara, which was lield by a small 
French garrison under command of D'Aubry, and besieged 
by the English and their Iroquois auxiliaries under Sir 
William Johnson. The latter was fiercely attacked by the 
relieving force, but the conflict was as brief as it was de- 
cisive. The French and Indians were utterly defeated, and 
pursued for many miles through the woods. Their com- 
mander was wounded and taken prisoner, and a large part 
of the whole force was either .slain or captured. This is be- 
lieved to have been the last field on which the Pottawat- 
tamie braves ever raised the hatchet for France. The war 
was virtually ended by the fall of Quebec in September, 
1759 ; Montreal fell in the following year, and by the treaty 
of peace which succeeded soon after England became 
possessor of all the territory east of the Mississippi which 
France bad previously held in America. On the 29th 
of November, 1760, the Bourbon flag was lowered from 
the flag-staff of the fort at Detroit, and in its place arose 
the red cross of St. George. 

The forts at St. Joseph, Michillimackinac, and Green 
Bay remained in possession of the French until the follow- 
ing year, for the reason that immediately after the surrender 
of Detroit the weather became §0 cold that it was impracti- 
cable for the English soldiers to pass Lake Huron. But 
early in August, 1701, Lieut. Leslie with three hundred 
men of his Majesty's Sixtieth Regiment (known as the 
" Royal Americans") reached Michillimackinac and took 
possession of the fort, and a few days afterwards a detach- 
ment of the same force proceeded to the St. Joseph River, 
and raised the British flag on the fort where the French 
standard had floated for half a century. 



f History of BraddocU's E.\pcdition. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 



25 



The English occupation wrought a great change in the 
condition and feelings of the Indians. In their intercourse 
with the French, the latter had alway.s treated them with 
kindness and even with politeness, and had done all that 
was possible to secure their lasting friendship, — in which, as 
we have seen, they had been eminently successful. But 
with the new lords all this was reversed. The English 
officers were cold, supercilious, and severe with them, and 
even the soldiers treated them with undisguised aversion 
and a contempt which was in the last degree galling to the 
proud spirit of the chiefs and warriors. It had been the 
custom of the French to give them presents at stated in- 
tervals, but when the English came a different course was 
adopted, and the presents which the Indians expected were 
either withheld entirely or given with an exceedingly 
sparing hand. When the French soldiers left the posts 
the French traders accompanied them, and their places 
were in all instances filled by the English, and these, says 
Parkman, were often " ruffians of the coarsest stamp, who 
vied with each other in rapacity, violence, and profligacy. 
They cheated, cursed, and plundered the Indians, and out- 
raged their families; offering, when compared with the 
French traders, who were under better regulations, a most 
unfavorable example of the character of their nation." 

These and other causes produced in the minds of the 
Pottaicatlamies, as well as Indians of other tribes, the bit- 
terest hatred of the English domination, and made them 
willing and eager to enter the conspiracy which originated 
in the brain of the great Pontiae, principal chief of the 
OUawas, and leader and head of the confederacy which 
was composed of his own nation, the Ojibwas, and the 
Puttmmittaniies* The object of this chieftain was to band 
together the tribes of the Northwest, and by a preconcerted 
arrangement to attack all the English posts on the same 
day, massacre the garrisons, and destroy the forts, and thus 
clear the way for the return of the French ; for he " lent a 
greedy ear to the falsehoods of the Canadians, who assured 
him that the armies of King Louis were already advancing 
to recover Canada, and that the French and their Indian 
brethren, fighting side by side, would drive the red dogs 
back within their own narrow limits." 

His first movement towards the execution of this plan 
was the sending out, in the autumn of 1762, of emissaries 
to the different nations, bearing belts of wampum, and in- 
viting them to join the league. The Poltawa/tami'es yielded 
a willing and eager assent, for it was the chief leader of 
their confederacy who asked them to assist in the extermi- 
nation of the hated English. The time set for the striking 
of the blow was in the following May, but a grand Indian 
council was first to be held at the river Ecorces, not far 
away from Detroit. This was accordingly held on the 27th 
of April, 1763, on which occasion, after the unfolding and 
explanation of the plot by Pontiae, it was adopted by ac- 
clamation. Another gathering of the conspirators was held 

* In the " Pontiae Manuscript," now in possession of the Historical 
Society of Michigan, and supposed to have been written by a French 
priest, the great Indian conspirator is mentioned as " Pondiac, great 
Chief of all the Ottaioas, Cliippemns, and Potliiiealtamies, and of all 
the nations of the lakes and rivers of the North, — a man proud, vin- 
dictive, warlike, and easily ofTcnded," etc. 



a few days later in the council-house of the Pottawaitamies 
(who, though the home of the tribe was in the St. Joseph 
valley, had, like other tribes, maintained an outlying village 
or camp near Detroit), and here the details of the plot were 
fully matured. 

The plan, as regarded the fort at Detroit, was for the 
leader and sixty of the principal chiefs to demand a council 
with the commandant of the fort (Maj. Gladwyn), to 
which, they had no doubt, they would readily be admitted. 
Each was to wear his blanket wrapped closely about him, 
and under the blanket of each was to be carried a gun, the 
barrel of which had been shortened by filing off, for easier 
and more perfect concealment. During the progress of the 
council, at a preconcerted signal by the leader, the chiefs 
were to throw off the disguise, yell the war-whoop, and 
murder the English officers present. The host of warriors 
outside, — Pottaivalld/mies, Ojibwas, Ottaioas, and Wi/an- 
dots, — who were to be congregated in apparent listlessness 
around the inclosure, were to await the signal of the whoop- 
ing and firing in the council-room, and upon hearing it, 
were to suddenly attack and massacre the unsuspecting gar- 
rison. The plot was well arranged, but, unfortunately for 
its success, the details were disclosed to the commandant by 
an Indian girl, who stood high in his favor, — an Ojibicay 
maiden who lived in the village of the Pottawattamies. 
This is the tradition. 

On the day which had been set apart for the execution 
of the infernal plot, — May 7th, — the leader with his at- 
tendant chiefs presented themselves at the entrance, de- 
manded a council, were promptly admitted within the stock- 
ade, and the gate closed behind them. But there they saw 
a sight very different from what they had expected. In- 
stead of a few careless soldiers loitering about the inclosure, 
they saw the entire garrison under arms and in line, the 
drummers ready to beat the charge, and the artillerists 
standing to their guns on the bastions ; and on entering 
the council-room they found the commandant and his offi- 
cers awaiting them, each wearing sword and pistols at his 
side. They perceived that their intentions were known 
and their plans futile, and after a short interview, made up 
of hollow protestations of friendship on their part, they 
left the fort, bursting with chagrin and baffled rage. But 
the chief was determined not to abandon his design. On 
the following day he held another council at the Pottawat- 
tamie village, and it was then decided to attack the pali- 
sade, and if unable to carry it, to force its surrender by 
regular siege. 

Accordingly, on the 10th of May the allied savages, to 
the number of more than eight hundred warriors, made a 
furious assault, which continued through the entire day, but 
was unsuccessful. From this time the place was besieged 
and frequent attacks were made, but all to no purpose, and 
at the end of about five months, upon receiving intelligence 
that a British force was on its way up the lake to relieve 
Detroit, Pontiae withdrew his remaining forces and retired 
discomfited to the wilderness. His plot, however, though 
it failed here, was successful with regard to the other remote 
garrisons, for all the other EnglLsh posts west of Niagara 
and Fort Pitt had been destroyed by his allies, and Detroit 
alone remained unharmed. 



26 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



During the first part of the siege the PolUncatUiviies 
were active and energetic participators. Their warriors, 
under lead of their principal chief, Ninave, were more nu- 
merous tlian tliose of the Wtjnndots, though less than those 
of their allies, tlie Ottaicas and OJil/was. To the Polta- 
wattamies was assigned the work of destroying the fort (St. 
Josepli) which was located in their own country ; and it 
was a work which they performed in the most thorough 
and savage manner. The fort was at that time garrisoned 
by fourteen British soldiers, under command of Ensign 
Schlosscr. Near by was the English trading-house, and 
the small settlement of Canadians, whicli had been com- 
menced here prior to 1712. The commandant and his 
garrison appear to have regarded themselves as secure in 
their isolated fortress, and to have been taken entirely by 
surprise when, on the 25th of May, the blow fell. Early 
in the morning of that day the officer was told that a nu- 
merous body of Puttaiouttumles had come in from Detroit, 
professedly on a visit to their people at St. Joseph, but he 
was to learn, all too soon, that their real mission was a 
far different one. Soon the Puttmcattamie chief Wash- 
ashc made his appearance, accompanied by a few other 
Indians, having come to the fort, as he intimated, for the 
purpose of paying his respects and having a friendly talk 
with the English chief; but immediately afterwards one of 
the Canadian residents came to Schlosser with the informa- 
tion that the stockade was surrounded by a crowd of In- 
dians whose appearance and behavior indicated that they 
had come on no peaceful errand. The commander rushed 
from his quarters to the barracks, ordered the men to fall 
in instantly with their arms, and then returned to the 
parade-ground, where he found a great number of Indians 
and some Canadians. While endeavoring to persuade the 
latter to muster for his a.ssistance against the savages, he 
heard the sound of the war-whoop from within the barracks. 
It was the signal for attack. Simultaneously with the fii'st 
quaver of the terrible yell, the swarthy demons inside the 
inclosure sunk their tomahawks in the head of the sentinel 
at the gate, and made an entrance for the screeching horde 
on the outside. They rushed in, and in less than two min- 
utes — as Schlosser afterwards declared — their bloody work 
was done. Eleven of the soldiers were killed and scalped, 
and the remaining three, with the officer, were made pris- 
oners, securely bound, and marched to Detroit, where the 
Pottawatlamic murderers succeeded in exchanging them 
with Maj. Gladwyn for some warriors who had been made 
prisoners by the English at the commencement of the 
siege. 

The trading-post on the St. Joseph at the time of the 
massacre of the garrison appears to have been owned by, 
or in charge of, Richard Winston, who, with one or two 
others besides the Canadians, escaped the slaughter. An 
extract from a letter written by him to the Detroit traders, 
and dated June 19, 1763, is given by Mr. Parkman, in his 
" Conspiracy of Pontiac," as follows : " Gentlemen, I ad- 
dress myself to you all, not knowing who is alive, or who 
is dead. I have only to inform you that, by the blessing of 
God and the help of M. Louison Chevalic, I escaped being 
killed when the unfortunate garrison was ma.ssacred, Mr. 
Ilambough and me being hid in the house of the said 



Chevalie for 4 days and nights. Mr. Hambough is 
brought by the Savages to the Illinois, likewise Mr. Chim. 
Unfortunate me remains here Captive with the Savages. I 
must say that I met with no bad usage ; however I would 
that I was (with) some Christian or other. I am quite 
naked, & Mr. Castacrow, who is indebted to Mr. Cole, 
would not give me one inch to save me from death." 

The slaughter of the garrison at the St. Joseph was the 
principal exploit of the Puttawattamies during the series of 
hostilities generally known as the siege of Detroit. They 
soon after professed to have become weary of fighting, and 
finally asked for peace, which was granted by Major Glad- 
wyn. They, with the Wi/andots, pretended to withdraw 
from the struggle, but this was only an exhibition of their 
cliaracteristic treachery, for in two weeks afterwards both 
}Yijtinduts and Pottawaltamics took part in the attack on 
Captain Dalzell's force, who were coming to aid Gladwyn ; 
and on the 31st of July they were again found in the sav- 
age ranks at the slaughter of Bloody Run. A little more 
than a month after that time they were engaged in the attack 
on the schooner " Gladwyn," and sustained very severe loss 
at the hands of the brave crew. After that affiiir they did 
very little fighting during the continuance of the siege, 
and probably very little if any ever afterwards under Pon- 
tiac. Thoy did, however, fight most fiercely to avenge his 
death, which came by assassination at Cahokia, near St. 
Louis, in 1769. The murder was charged to the Illinois 
Indians, and when this became known among the warriors 
of the lakes all were eager to take revenge, for their fierce 
blood boiled at the thought that the contemptible Illinois, 
whom they had always looked on as their inferiors, should 
dare to slay their redoubtable chieftain. Ottawns, Potta- 
wattaniie.s, Ojlbwas, and several other tribes sent their war- 
riors on the errand of vengeance, and before they returned 
the Illinois were almost entirely exterminated. It was dur- 
ing this retributive campaign that a party of Pottaicatta- 
mie warriors assailed a band of Jlllnols and drove them to 
their stronghold, which being unable to carry by assault, 
they besieged until the miserable inmates all died by star- 
vation. The place was afterwards from this circumstance 
called " Starved Rock." Its location is on the Illinois 
River. 

In 1765, George Croghan — who had been a trader among 
the Western tribes, and who thoroughly understood their 
feelings and peculiarities — was sent forward from Niagara 
" to reason with the Indians as far as they were capable of 
reasoning ; to soften their antipathy to the English ; to ex- 
pose the falsehoods of the French, and to distribute presents 
among the tribes by way of propitiation ;" that is, to pre- 
pare them for the occupation of their country by a stronger 
English force than had yet been sent there. On tliis mis- 
sion he held a council at Detroit, on the 17th of August, 
with the confederated tribes of the Michigan peninsula. 
They had been completely humbled by the failure of Pon- 
tiac's scheme, and besides this, having acquired many arti- 
ficial wants since the white men came among them, they 
were suffering from the suspension of the fur trade, and 
were really so anxious for peace that thoy professed their 
repentance and submission in abject terms. Particular men- 
tion is made of a band of Pottawattamics from the St. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 



27 



Joseph,* who were present at this council, and whose orator 
in the course of a speech made on that occasion said, " We 
are no more than wild creatures to you, fathers, in under- 
standing; therefore we request you to forgive the past fol- 
lies of our young people, and receive us for your children. 
Since you have thrown down our former father on his back, 
we have been wandering in the dark, like blind people. 
Now you have dispersed all this darkness which hung over 
the heads of the several tribes, and have accepted them for 
your children, we hope you will let us partake with them 
the light, that our women and children may enjoy peace. 
We beg you to forget all that is past. By this belt we 
remove all evil thoughts from your hearts. Fathers, when 
we formerly came to visit our fathers the French they 
always sent us home joyful ; and we hope that you, fathers, 
will have pity on our women and young men, who are in 
great want of necessaries, and not let us go home to our 
towns ashamed." This speech shows that though they had 
laid aside all thought of active hostility, they had by no 
means given up the inveterate propensity for begging, which 
was universal among all the Indian tribes. 

The council resulted in success. Presents were quite 
freely distributed, and Poffawallamies, OJibwas, and Olta- 
wiis returned to their villages well satisfied. Peace was 
secured, and with it a friendly feeling on the part of the 
savages towards their white " fathers." This friendship 
was never as thorough or as cordial as that which had ex- 
isted between the Indians and the French, but it was suffi- 
cient to hold the red men in alliance with the JJnglish until 
the power of the latter was finally expelled fiom Michigan. 

In the war of the Revolution the Pu/lawullamies re- 
mained in sympathy with the British, but it does not ap- 
pear that they afforded much material aid in the struggle. 
Some of their warriors, as well as those of the Oltawas 
and other Western tribes (not exceeding six hundred, how- 
ever, in all), reported at Montreal, and joined the invading 
army of Burgoyne at the head of Lake Champlain about 
July 10, 1777. These accompanied the British forces to 
the Hudson River, and a few are said to have been with 
Baura at Bennington. But they became restive under the 
strict discipline which Burgoyne attempted to enforce (in 
the matter of indiscriminate slaughter for the collection of 
scalps), and they soon after deserted, almost to the last 
warrior. 

In the winter of 1778-79, the Indian allies of the Eng- 
lish were notified to assemble at L'Arbre Croohe (Little 
Traverse Bay), on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, for 
the purpose of holding a council and organizing an expedi- 
tion to set out from that point and proceed by way of the 
St. Joseph River and through the heart of the country of 
the Fotlawatlamics (the old route of La Salle and Mar- 
quette by way of the Kankakee portage), to reinforce Gov- 
ernor Hamilton, the British leader, who was marching 
against the American general, George Rogers Clark, the 
latter having taken possession of the whole llliiwis country. 
The tribes did not appear willing to take any further 
part in the struggle between the white combatants, and 

* Conspiracy of Pontiac, vol. ii. p. 29.3. 



were not prompt in responding to the call. They were, 
however, finally induced to meet at the appointed rendez- 
vous, where a grand council was held, and after a great 
deal of opposition and heated debate, in the Indian style, a 
large expeditionary force was made up, under command of 
two French halfbreeds, Charles de Langlade| and Gautier 
de Vierville, and embarked in a great number of canoes on 
Lake Michigan. Skirting the eastern shore southward, 
the savage flotilla arrived early in the spring at the mouth 
of the St. Joseph, where Langlade learned that his mission 
was futile, for the reason that Hamilton had surrendered 
his force to Clark in the latter part of February and was 
himself a prisoner in the American camp. Upon the re- 
ceipt of this intelligence the expedition was abandoned, 
and the northern Indians returned (probably not unwil- 
lingly) to their homes. The Puttawattamies, laying aside 
the tomahawk, remained in quiet and peace in their villages 
along the banks of the St. Joseph, and appeared no more 
as participants in the conflict which ended in the independ- 
ence of the United States. 

The trading-post at the mouth of the St. Joseph, which 
was broken up by the ma.ssacre of 17ti3, was probably not 
reopened ; but soon after the Revolution another was es- 
tablished here by William Burnett, who, as tradition says, 
was a native of the State of New Jersey. His trading- 
house was not exactly at the mouth of the river, but about 
a mile and a half (by its cour.se) farther up the stream, 
upon its south bank, the spot being indicated by an old 
apple-orchard, supposed to have been platited by him. 
Some of Burnett's books of account are still in existence, 
and have been examined by the writer. They show that he 
did a very large business with the Indians, furnishing them 
not only strouds, blankets, utensils, brooches, and gewgaws, 
but also an abundance of ardent spirits, hatchets, and scalp- 
ing-knives ; in exchange for which he received great quanti- 
ties of furs of every kind, raccoon skins being largely in 
excess of all others. The trader's books which have been 
found cover the period from 1792 to 1802. The older one 
is entitled " Ledger B," dating from the commencement 
of 1792 and extending to 1799. If " Ledger A" (which 
is missing) covered a like period, this would place the date 
of Burnett's establishment here at 1785, which is doubtless 
about the correct date. At about the same time Joseph 
Bertrand located in trade among the Potlawat/amies some 
fifty miles farther up the river, but the books above named 
indicate that the goods sold by Bertrand were owned by 
Burnett, and that the former was in the employ of the 
principal trader, Burnett. The presence of these traders 
among the Indians must have assisted them materially in 
their warfare by furnishing them with more and better 
weapons than they had before possessed. 

In 1794 the red warriors of Southern Michigan were 
again on the war-path. Five years before, they had made 
a treaty of peace| with the Americans, but this did not 

t The same who, in command of the Indian auxiliaries, fought on 
the French side against the EngUsh at the battle of the Monongahela, 
in 1755, and who was mentioned as "the person who planned and 
executed the defeat of Gen. liraddoclt." 

J In 1789 the Polliiwallnmics and other Michig.an tribes were repre- 
sented by their principal chiefs in a great council held on the Mus- 



28 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



deter them from joining the Indian hordes who collected, 
in the year above named, to oppose the force which the 
American leader, " Mad Anthony" Wayne, was marching 
into the wilderness of Ohio for the chastisement of the 
Shawauoes and other tribes who had previously violated 
their pledges by raising the hatchet against General Har- 
mar. The Indian host, to the number of about two thou- 
sand (made up from the three principal nations of the 
Michigan peninsula and several other tribes, with about 
seventy white men), gathered on the Maumee River and 
attacked Wayne's forces at a place about five miles south 
of the head of the rapids of that stream. But the veteran 
was well prepared for their reception, and, after a short but 
liotly contested battle, the Indians gave way at every point, 
fled in utter rout from the field, and, as was usually their 
custom when defeated, abandoned the campaign, and re- 
turned to their villages humbled, crestfallen, and deeply 
impressed by Wayne's vigorous manner of fighting and 
the power of the United States. A great number of In- 
dian warriors were left dead on the battle-field in the val- 
ley of the Maumee, and beside every one was found a mus- 
ket, bayonet, and erjuipments bearing the mark of a British 
armory, and of course issued to them from British forts ; for 
it was not until 1796 that Detroit and the other posts in 
the West were surrendered by England to the United 
States. 

In regard to the military post of St. Joseph very little 
mention is found of later date than 1763. The forts at 
Michiliimackinac and Green Bay had in the Pontiac war 
suffered the same fate as this at St. Joseph ; but in the 
account of the re-establishment of the former, by order of 
Gen. Bradstreet, in 1764, no mention is made of the re- 
occupation of the latter, nor does it appear to have been 
garrisoned by the British during the Revolutionary war. 
Its history must, therefoi'e, be considered as virtually closed* 
by the massacre of its garrison by the Puttawattamies. 

After the deserved punishment administered to the In- 
dian tribes at the Maumee by Gen. Wayne, in 1794, that 
commander sent messengers summoning their chiefs to 
council, to which they very readily assented. The head 
men of the Pottawnttamies, Cli!ppcwas,'\ Otlauas, and 
nine other tribes met the general in council at Greenville 
in 1795, and there concluded a treaty of peace and friend- 
ship with the United States, which wa^'quite faithfully kept 
for about fifteen years. The Sluiwanoes and other tribes made 
a large cession of land in Ohio to the United States, but the 
Michigan Indians were left in undisturbed possession of their 
territory (except some inconsiderable tracts in the vicinity of 
Detroit and Michiliimackinac), and it was declared on the 

kinguui River by Gen. St. Clair, Governor of tlie Norlhwest Terri- 
tory ; and there they concluded a solemn treaty of peace with the 
government of the United States. 

* About the commencement of the present century the United 
States government sent commissioners to the St. Joseph to negotiate 
with the Indians for land on which to establish a fort at the mouth 
of the river (the lands of Southwestern Michigan not having been 
ceded at that time), but the red proprietors refused, and the commis- 
sioners then selected the location at Chicago, upon which Fort Dear- 
born was erected in 1804, 

f The name of that tribe was originally and properly OJibicu, but 
in the treaties of the United States it is spelled Cluppewui/ or Ckiji- 
pcivu, which latter is the usual orthography of later years. 



part of the government that " the Indian tribes who have 
a right to those lands are quietly to enjoy them, hunting, 
planting, and dwelling thereon as long as they please, with- 
out any molestation from the United States." Among the 
Indian signatures to this treaty there appears, ov the part 
of the Pottawattamicx, the mark and name of Topinabe, 
who was then the head chief of the tribe, and continued to 
hold that position and dignity until his death, nearly forty 
years afterwards. 

In the autumn of 1810 the vilLiges of the Pottawada- 
mies received a visit from an Indian personage scarcely less 
famed than the great Pontiac himself This visitor was 
none other than the Shawanoe chieftain, Tecumseh, who 
came " accompanied by three other chiefs, all mounted on 
spirited black ponies, "| bound on a mission to this and other 
Western tribes for the purpose of enlisting them in a league, 
similar to that in which they had joined with Pontiac 
nearly a half century before, for the destruction of the 
whites. His fiery eloquence prevailed, and the Pottawat- 
tamie chiefs, with Topinabe at their head, promised to enter 
the combination. We do not find them engaged in actual 
hostilities, however, until the fall of the following year, 
when three hundred warriors of this tribe — some from the 
southwest of Lake Michigan and some from the St. Joseph 
— attacked Gen. Harrison at Tippecanoe before daybreak, 
in the morning of the 7th of November. For two or three 
hours the battle raged furiously ; the Shawunoes and Pot- 
taicatfamie braves fought with desperation, and many of 
the Americans were slain. But at length the steady valor 
of the whites prevailed over the fierce energy of the In- 
dians, and the latter gave way at all points, fleeing for 
their lives. Being wholly defeated, the Pottaivattamies, 
of course, returned with all speed to their villages ; and 
these were so far distant that they esc.iped all further pun- 
ishment for the part they had taken. 

When war was declared between England and the United 
States, in 1812, there could have been but little reasonable 
doubt as to which side the Michigan Indians would join, 
yet both British and Americans appear to have felt con- 
siderable anxiety in regard to the matter, and both parties 
sent emissaries to the Pottawattami'es on the St. Joseph to 
observe their movements, and to do what might be done to 
secure them as allies. The American commandant at De- 
troit sent Robert Forsyth with a small party, among whom 
was Jean Baptiste Chandonais,§ a French halfbreed, who 
had lived among these Indians for a number of years, 
having been employed here by William Burnett,|| the 
trader, as early as 1792, and from that time until 1799 at 
least. He was, therefore, well known here, and on that 
account an excellent man for the business then in hand. 
He was usually called simply Baptiste, or more nearly 
"Batteese." The agent sent by the English was John 
Chandonais, an uncle of Baptiste, and equally fiimiliar with 



J Wisconsin Hist. Soo. Collections. 

g This Chandonais received a pension from the government during 
his life for services to the United States in the war of 1S12-15. Ho 
also received (at the request of the Indians in the treaty of 1821) a 
grant of two sections of land on the north side of the St. Joseph 
River. 

11 Burnett's boolis of accounts show this fact. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIE OCCUPATION. 



29 



Indian life and at home among them. He was then in 
the service of the British, and had come up from Michilli- 
mackinac on this errand, having with him a party of about 
thirty Cliippetvn Indians. 

In the account which is given of this occurrence, it is 
stated that the Pottniofitlamies were about to hold a council 
to determine the course they would pursue in the impend- 
ing war, and that the British and American agents had 
come for the purpose of being present on the occasion. It is 
not probable that such was the case, but however this may 
have been, it is certain that the two parties met at or near 
Burnett's trading-house, and that the elder Chandonais, 
enraged at finding his nephew there in the interest of 
the Americans, demanded of him that he should join the 
British side or .surrender himself a prisoner. In short, he 
was determined that he should go to Michillimackinac by 
fair means or by foul. Baptiste told his uncle that it was 
useless to parley, that he would not abandon the American 
cause nor would he be taken prisoner; and, cocking a double- 
barreled gun which he held in his hand, he added that if 
he — the uncle— should attempt to approach him for that 
purpose, and should pass a certain line which he indicated 
on the ground between them, he would do so at the peril of 
his life. 

John Chandonais, being a brave and determined man , 
and probably having no thought that Baptiste would exe- 
cute his threat, drew his sword and boldly advanced, but 
the instant he stepped beyond the limit a ball from his 
nephew's gun entered his heart, and he fell dead on the 
fatal boundary. The Clu'ppewas of the British party 
rushed to the spot and set up a hideous yelling ; but Bap- 
tiste Chandonais — who spoke their language as well as 
his own — met them coolly, and told them that he was 
sorry he had been compelled to kill his uncle, but that 
he was determined not to be captured, and that the first 
one who crossed the line would be a dead Indian ; that he 
did not fear them, for his Pottawattamie friends would stand 
by him and never see him injured (in which he was no 
doubt correct) ; and finally that if they would be quiet and 
make no trouble, and would help bury his uncle, he would 
give them plenty of fire-water, which would be much pref- 
erable to being incumbered with a troublesome prisoner, — 
even if they were able to take him. Upon this a consulta- 
tion was held, and they finally agreed, for the consideration 
of ten gallons of rum, to make no disturbance about the 
matter, but to allow him and his companions to depart in 
peace. The dead man was buried near where he fell (the 
spot being on the farm of the late Capt. Samuel Gr. Lang- 
ley, in St. Joseph town.ship), a cross erected over his grave, 
and then Chandonais and Forsyth left without delay for 
Detroit/^ An arrangement had been made with the trader 
Burnett, by which (as a precautionary measure) the Chtp- 
2)ewas were not to receive the ten gallons of rum until the 
next morning. It was delivered to them at that time, and, 
upon receiving it they set out on their return to the North.* 
If the Fottawattamies had not already determined on the 
course they would pursue in the impending hostilities, they 



* Many of the facts relating to this killing of the elder Chaudon- 
aiswcre related by Maj. Forsyth himself to Mr. Jchial Enos, who is 
now living in Benton. 



arrived an an instant conclusion when, immediately after this 
occurrence, runners appeared in their villages bearing the 
announcement from Tecumseh that war had been declared, 
and asking them to take part with him against the United 
States. They acceded to the proposal at once, and a band 
of warriors were soon on the war-path, marching towards 
the southeast, where, on the 5th of August, they took 
part, with Ottawos and Shawnnoes, in the attack and 
slaughter of Maj. Vaii/Horn's command on the river Raisin. 
Ten days later the lllinok branch of the tribe attacked 
the garrison of Fort Dearborn (sixty-six men and several 
families, who had already evacuated the work and were 
marching eastward), massacred about one-half their number, 
and took the rest prisoners. Probably there were but few, 
if any, of the St. Joseph Indians concerned in this atrocious 
affair. 

Late in the fall of the same year a force of about five 
hundred Indians of the Northwest, under command of the 
afterwards famous chief Black Hawk, and accompanied by 
a small band of Illinois Futtaicallamies, under their chief 
Shaubena,f passed along the southern shore of Lake Mich- 
igan, and through a part of the valley of the St. Joseph, on 
their way to join Tecum.seh on the river Raisin. No doubt 
the sight of this large body of warriors inflamed the ardor of 
the Pottawattamies, and caused their braves to flock to the 
English standard in still larger numbers, for it is stated by 
Auchinleck, the Canadian historian of the war of 1812-15, 
that at the battle of the Raisin, which was fought not long 
afterwards (Jan. 22, 1813) between the American forces 
under Gen. Winchester and the English under Gen. Proctor, 
there were two hundred Pottawattamies engaged on the Brit- 
ish side, under Tecumseh. They fought with great bravery 
in that battle, but afterwards enacted a part which might put 
devils to shame, in the frightful butchery of the prisoners 
who had been captured there.J 

In the force which, under Proctor and Tecumseh, moved 
against the American post of Lower Sandusky (now Fre- 
mont, Ohio) in the following summer, the Pottawattamies 
were still more numerously represented, about three hun- 
dred and fifty of their warriors being present, out of a total 
of some twelve hundred Indians of all tribes. The assault 
on the fort was made on the 2d of August by about five 
hundred British troops, while the Indians surrounded the 
work and kept up an unintermitted fire on the defenders 
wherever they could be seen. But the attacking column 
was completely repulsed by the one hundred and sixty 
Americans within the fort, commanded by the gallant Maj. 
Croghan, and soon the red and white assailants retired from 
the field, defeated. Afterwards, the Pottaicattamies took 

f " Sketch of Shaubena, a I'ullawiillaniie chief," in Wisconsin Hist. 
Soc. Collections, vol. vii. 

t The Poltiiwatliimica and other tribes engaged at this battle are 
charged with deeds even more horrible than that of massacre, and 
that, too, by those whose testimony carries great weight. Rev. Isaac 
McCoy, long a missionary among the Indians of the St. Joseph, snys, 
" From well attested facts we are compelled to believe that the I'ulla- 
wallamies, Otiaicas, ChqiiKwuH, and Miamis have all been guilty of 
cannibalism. . . . If the accounts of the Indians can be credited, the 
last war with England, in which Indians were mercenaries on both 
sides, was disgraced by cannibalism, the last instance of which we 
have been informed having occurred near Fort Meigs, on the Maumee 
River, in 1813." 



30 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



part in several other engagements, of which the principal 
and the last was the battle of the Thames, which occurred 
on the 5th of October, 1813. In this battle they, and all 
the Indian allies, fought with unusual desperation, for they 
felt that all their hopes of final success were staked on the 
success of the day. After the British infantry had given 
way, the savages still fought on with fierce determination, 
though against overwhelming odds, until at length Tecum- 
seh fell, and then, knowing that all was lost and further 
fighting useless, they yielded and fled. 

The field of the Thames was the last battle-ground of the 
PutUncattamies. Their utter defeat on that day, and the 
death of Tecumseh, had extinguished forever all hope of 
successful resistance to the Americans. They, like the 
other tribes, sued for peace, and receiving the mercy which 
they had no right to expect, gave hostages for their future 
good conduct, retired to their villages, — sullen at first, but 
thoroughly subjugated, — and never raised the tomahawk 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIES OF THE ST. JOSEPH 
APTEK 1815. 

The St. Joseph Indians as they were found by the Protestant Mission- 
aries in 1S22 — The Effects of Fire-Water apparent in their Poverty 
and Wretched Condition — Their Superstiiion and Strange Festivals 
— Pottawattamie Chiefs and their Villages — Sobriety and Humanity 
of the Chief Poliagon— His Conversion to the Catholic Faith— Im- 
proved Condition of the Indians during the First Part of the Mis- 
sionaries' Stay among Them — Their Later Relapse to a Worse State 
than ever— Departure of the Missionaries — Consent of the Potta- 
wattamies to Emigrate from their Homes in the St, Joseph Valley 
— Pokagon and other Catholic Indians refuse to go — Final Removal 
of the Rest of the Tribe to Lands beyond the Mississippi. 

Between the time of the subjugation of the Michigan 
tribes, following the death of Tecumseh, and the time when 
actual settlement began to be made by whites within the 
territory that is now embraced in the counties of Ber- 
rien and Van Buren, there intervened a period of about 
fifteen years. During the last half of tliis period, the Rev. 
Isaac McCoy spent the greater part of his time among the 
Pottawattamies of the St. Joseph Valley, and some idea of 
their condition and mode of life is gained from his pub- 
lished narrative, or journal, covering the time of his labors 
here. There had been, for many years, at least two trad- 
ing-posts established among them on the river (Burnett's, 
at near the mouth, above where St. Joseph village now 
stands, and Bertrand's, at the old village of Bertrand, on 
the ea.st side of the river, in the present township of Nilcs), 
and the access which they thus obtained to the white 
man's whisky had resulted to them, as it has to all other 
tribes, in advancing them far on the road to demoralization 
and wretchedness. 

In the very first entry made by Mr. McCoy with refer- 
ence to this region, he relates that on the 16th of May, 
1822, " we reached the French trading-house [Bertrand's*] 
at Pare aux Vaches by traveling through the rain. I was 

* He had come from Fort Wayne, Ind., and consequently entered 
the valley from the southward. 



sorry to hear that many of the chiefs, whom I desired to 
see in reference to our settlement in that country, had gone 
to Lake Michigan to engage in a drunken frolic; a trader 
having arrived at that place with a quantity of whisky. 
... On the 23d we passed three drunken Indians, lying 
asleep in the weeds, and also passed many others who 
were intoxicated." Again, he quotes from a letter written 
to him, during his temporary absence, by Mr. Lykins, one 
of his associates at the St. Joseph, to the effect that the 
Indians in the vicinity had been in a continual state of 
intoxication for twenty-eight days, and that the traders 
appeared to have enough liquor on hand to keep them in 
that condition during the entire spring and summer. This 
debauchery resulted in frequent murders, of which a large 
number were committed every year among them, and all, 
with scarcely an exception, were caused by drunkenness. 

The extreme poverty and destitution which prevailed 
among the Indians at the time when Mr. McCoy first came 
among them is shown by this entry: "I did not see among 
them a particle of either bread or meat, excepting a few 
pigeons which they had killed with sticks. Some deer 
might have been taken, but they were destitute of powder 
and lead, and had not anything with which to purchase 
those articles. Excepting roots and weeds, their only food 
at this time consisted of corn and dried beans, of which 
their stock was exceedingly small." It is difficult to under- 
stand, however, why they were unable to get powder and 
lead with which to secure the necessaries of life (game), 
when they apparently found so little difficulty in obtaining 
whisky from the traders. 

In regard to their dwellings, he makes this allusion : 
" In our excursion [his preliminary visit to the country in 
the spring of 1822] we called at two lonely little huts, one 
made of bark and the other of flags. Here I met with a 
chief from a neighboring village, who, with the rest of the 
company, appeared delighted with the prospect of our set- 
tling near them, and by many rude expressions of friend- 
ship welcomed me to their country. The wigwam of flags 
was circular, about ten feet in diameter, and about seven 
feet high in the centre. The smoke from the fire in the 
middle of the hut escaped through an opening above. The 
door was closed by a deer-skin attached to the upper part." 
And the condition of its inmates he describes as even more 
wretched than that of the habitation. 

" The vicinity of our place,"f says Mr. McCoy, " had 
been occupied by the Putaivntomies from time immemorial. 
Formerly the tribe, then numerous, generally resided here 
in one extensive settlement. Many had been buried on 
the shore of the St. Joseph and in the neighborhood." A 
principal village of the tribe is mentioned as being situated 
five miles from the mission. Elsewhere he mentions that 
"On the 18th [Jlay, 1822] I rode to Menominee's and 
Pcheekos' villages," and " We halted and conversed a while 
with the people at Rum's village, and at night pitched our 
tents amidst a fall of rain ;" but does not describe the pre- 
cise location of any of these settlements, except the ancient 
and abandoned one first named. " About the Indian vil- 
lajres," he says, " or where villages had once been situated, 



f The west side of the river near West Niles. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIES OF THE ST. JOSEPH AFTER 1815. 



31 



we often found blue grass,* which affords some grazing at 
all seasons. On our journey we availed ourselves of a prac- 
tice, common to us, of seeking those grassy places, though 
at the expense of turning out of our way. We lodged in 
one of the bark huts, but the dreariness of those places in 
winter can hardly be conceived by one who has not visited 
them ; not an individual is to be seen about them, nor any 
domestic animals, nor anything which is to be employed 
for the future use of the unsettled owners on their return 
at the commencement of warm weather." 

The Fottawattamies of that late day appear to have been 
as firmly held in the bonds of superstition as wore their an- 
cestors in the time of La Salle and Marquette. In regard 
to this Mr. McCoy relates the following incident. In the 
fall of 1826 a large company of these Indians had been col- 
lected on the St. Joseph, to attend a treaty-council on the 
Wabash. " After their company was formed, which con- 
sisted of four or five hundred souls, they set out for the 
treaty-ground, compelled by circumstances to travel slowly. 
Within the first three days' journey their most expert 
hunters, to the number sometimes of fifty, with their utmost 
diligence were unable to kill a deer. They saw game, and 
often shot at it, but killed nothing. The consequence was 
that they began to be distressed for food. Soon after the 
company halted to encamp on the evening of the third day, 
Saugana, a well-known chief, fell asleep and slumbered 
soundly through the night. On the following morning he 
informed the company that in a dream a person had ac- 
quainted him with the cause which rendered their hunting 
unsuccessful, which was an error in Chebass, a celebrated 
chief, who had been the principal agent in prevailing on 
them to set off on the journey, and had neglected to make 
a sacrificial feast before they started. He had started on 
this journey, the dreamer said, as a white man would, with- 
out making any religious preparation ; and fur this derelic- 
tion of duty the whole company had been rebuked by the 
Great Spirit, to realize the scarcity of food. In order to 
propitiate the Deity, Chebass must fast that day, and twelve 
men, neither more or fewer, with faces blacked, ^indica- 
tive of hunger and want and of their devotion, — must pro- 
ceed to their hunting ; six of them on each side of the trail 
along which the company had to travel. By the time the 
sun had risen to a height pointed out in the heavens (we 
would say about nine o'clock), Saugana said they would 
have killed four deer. Such, he assured them, would be 
the fact, because he had seen in the vision four deer lying 
dead. The hunters set off according to instructions, killed 
the four deer within the time spoken of, and brought them 
to the company. A general halt was called. The four 
deer, including head, legs, and feet, were all boiled at the 
same time, and feasting immediately followed, in which all 
participated, excepting Chebass. The feast was considered 
his, and on that account it was necessary for him to fast 
until the sun had gone down. Several speeches were made 
during the festival. About noon of the same day the com- 

* He evidently alludes to the well-known blue grass of Kentucky, 
anil there is no probability of his being mistaken in it, as he was en- 
tirely familiar with the blue grass region of that State. J?ut it. ia a 
little curious that the location of an Indian village should bring it in 
where it had not before existed. 



pany resumed their march, and on the following day they 
killed five deer and one bear, and during the two or three 
remaining days of their journey they had plenty." 

An account of a Pottawattamie festival, at which he was 
present, is thus given by the reverend missionary : " In the 
summer of 1825 I attended an Indian festival, which, ac- 
cording to custom, they .accompanied with dancing. . . . 
The aged chief Topinabe led in the ceremonies. He de- 
livered a speech of considerable length, without rising from 
his seat, with a grave countenance, and his eyes almost 
closed. He then sat and drummed with one stick, and 
sung at the same time, while his aid at his side rattled a 
gourd. At length four women appeared before him and 
danced. A while after this he arose, delivered another 
speech, then, drumming and dancing, turned, and moving 
slowly round the dancing hall, was followed by all the party. 
When he had performed his part in leading, others went 
through the same ceremonies, and these were repeated until 
every pair had twice led in the dance. These exercises 
were accompanied with many uncouth gestures and strange 
noises. Three large kettles of meat, previously boiled, 
were hanging over a small fire near the centre of the house, 
and occasionally a man would stoop to the kettle and drink 
a little soup. One fellow, assuming a frantic air, attended 
with whooping, lifted out of a kettle a deer's head, and 
holding it by the two horns, with the nose from him, pre- 
sented it first upwards, and afterwards towards many of the 
bystanders, as he danced round hallooing. The droppings 
of the broth were rather an improvement than an injury to 
the floor, it being of earth, and now becoming pretty dusty. 
At the conclusion, which was after sun-setting, each brought 
his or her vessel, and received a portion of the food. Che- 
bass, a chief, sent to nie and invited me to eat with him, 
and I having consented, he placed his bowl on the earth 
beside me and said, ' Come, let us eat in friendship.' After 
eating, another speech was delivered, the music followed, all 
joined in the dance with increased hilarity, and most of 
them with their kettles of meat and broth in their hands, 
and, at length breaking off, each went to his home." Mr. 
McCoy mentions this as one of their religious festivals, but 
in his description of it there seems to be very little to indi- 
cate that character. 

The chief Topinabe, mentioned above as the leader of 
the festival ceremonies, and who, as before noticed, was the 
representative of the Puttawattamies at the treaty of Green- 
ville, in 1795, was the ranking chief of the tribe for a period 
of forty years. His village at the time mentioned was lo- 
cated on the present farm of David Gitchell, in section 5 of 
the township of Bertrand. This village was established by 
the old chief in or about 1825. Mr. McCoy, in his narra- 
tive of events in that year, says, " I on one occasion went 
with two young men to the neio settlement formed near our 
place by Topinabe, the principal chief, and his party, where 
we found the inhabitants engaged in a horrid bacchanalian 
revel. After searching among them awhile, I found a keg 
of spirits, but I had scarcely taken hold on it before it was 
seized by the drinking Indians, and I was under the neces- 
sity of leaving it in their possession." It is evident from 
this that the village had been recently located at that place. 
It was afterwards known as " Swoptuck." 



32 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Topinabe is spoken of as bein<;; a man of ability and a 
brave and cunning warrior ; and there is little doubt that 
this is true of him, otherwise he could not have remained 
so long the acknowledged leader of the tribe. But during 
the latter years of his life he became addicted to the use of 
•whisky, and was its abject slave. At the treaty of Chi- 
cago, in 1821, where lie represented the tribe in the matter 
of a proposed cession of lands to the United States, he was 
advised by the commissioner. Gen. Cass, to keep sober, if 
possible, so as to secure a good bargain for himself and his 
people ; but the characteristic reply of the Putlaicattamie 
sagamore was, " Father, we do not care for the land, nor 
the money, nor the goods ; what we want is whisky ; give 
us whisky." He was then very old, and from that time 
his progress towards complete degradation was rapid. One 
of the assistants of Mr. McCoy in the St. Joseph Valley in 
reporting to him the situation of affairs there in May, 1826, 
said, " Since we wrote you last, I suppose the Indians have 
not passed a single day without drinking. Poor old To- 
pinabe (principal chief) is said to be near iiis end from in- 
toxication." And, finally, the death of the old chief is 
mentioned by Mr. McCoy, as follows : " On the 27th of 
July, 1826, a poor, destitute Indian woman was murderefl, 
about a mile and a half from our house, by Pottawattamies, 
under circumstances too shocking to be related. About the 
the same time, Topinabe, the principal chief, fell from his 
horse, under the influence of ardent spirits, and received an 
injury of which he died two days afterwards.* Both these 
deaths are attributed to the whisky-sellers." 

The chief Pokagon (spelled also Pocagin), whose rank 
in the tribe was second only to that of Topinabe, was 
wholly different from his superior iu the matter of whisky 
drinking. He is mentioned as " a Patuiodtomie chief of 
respectability" by Mr. McCoy, who, in another part of his 
narrative, says, " Many of the Indians manifested a dislike 
to the trafiic in ardent spirits, fraught with ruin to them- 
selves, though they seldom possessed fortitude enough to 
withstand the temptation to drink. On the 20th of August 
(1824), Pocagin, a chief, and many others came to inform 
us of liquor in their country, and expressed a wish to go 
and seize it. We could not hope that Indians in such cases 
would be governed by sound discretion, and therefore dis- 

* This statement of the time and manner of Topinabe's death — a 
statement m.ade by a man of undoubted veracity, who was well ac- 
quainted with the person whoso death he records, and who was living 
in the midst of the Indians at the time — would seem to be sufficient 
proof that the old chief died in July or August, 1826, if it were not 
for the unexplained fact that the name of To-pen-e-bee appears at the 
head of the Indian signatures to the treaties of 1S28, at Carey Mis- 
sion, of 1832, at Tippecanoe River, and of 1833, at Chicago, the latter 
being the last in which his name is found. It is known that there 
was among the St. Joseph Indians another Topinabe, a much younger 
man (but whether a son of the old chief or not is not known), and it 
is, of course, possible that he may have been the Topinab6 whose name 
ajipears in the above-mentioned treaties; but it is hardly likely that 
be could have been a chief of sufficiently exalted rank to assume the 
place of the veteran who had sat in Q^^ivy treaty-council in which his 
tribe had been represented since 1795, and to entitle his name to take 
preecdoneo of those of the other chiefs present. Much pains has been 
taken to ascertain the e,\act date of Topinabc's death, but without 
success. The strongest probability, however, seems to be that it was 
the old chief Topinabe who signed the treaties of 1823, 1832, and 
183.!. 



suaded them from their purpose." The missionary also 
relates an incident, .showing that Pokagon po.sscssed also 
feelings of humanity which were very unusual among the 
Puttawatlamie Indians. After mentioning that a large body 
of Sdulc Indians^ had passed along the St. Joseph Valley, 
on their return from Detroit, in August, 1827, he says, 
" A few days after the Sniiks had passed on, Pocagin and 
his wife visited us, bringing with them an Indian boy, ap- 
parently about eleven years of age, supposed to be a Naiido- 
tvisse (^Siotix), whom they had purchased of the Saulcs. 
Pocagin having heard that in divers villages of the Piila- 
■walomies the Sanks had been offering a person for sale, 
went to them and proposed purchasing. He gave for the 
boy three horses, saddles and bridles, and other property, 
equal in value to a fourth horse. The boy had been taken 
pri.soner by the Saitks, and illy treated. Several soars on 
him were pointed out to us, occasioned by the blows of a 
cruel old woman, to whom he had belonged. In making 
the purchase, it seemed that Pocagin had been actuated in 
a good degree by humane motives. In evidence of the sin- 
cerity of our commendation of this praiseworthy act, we 
presented the boy with a couple of garments, of which we 
perceived he was still in want." It was certainly very re- 
markable to find a chief of the ferocious PottawatUiniies 
giving the value of four horses to save an unfortunate pris- 
oner from cruel treatment. 

Mr. Edward B. Cowles, who was once a pupil of Mr. 
McCoy, says of this chief that he was " the reality of the 
noble red man of whom we read. He was a man of con- 
siderable talent, and in his many business transactions with 
the early settlers was never known to break his word." 

Each chief of note appears to have had his separate vil- 
lage. That of Pokagon was located on the Jacob Troup 
farm, in the south part of the township of Bertrand, on 
" Pokagon Creek," about one mile from the St. Joseph 
River. The village is laid down on the survey of the 
Michigan and Indiana State line, made in 1827. The 
Chicago road was also surveyed through it. The chief's 
house was on the north side of the stream, in section 16 
of the township. On an eminence in section 22, on land 
now owned by William Copp, was located the Indian cem- 
etery, where some of Pokagon's people were buried, though 
he himself was not. A part of the old cedar cross which 
marked the burial-place was standing there in very recent 
years. 

This village of Pokagon was established after Mr. SlcCoy 
came among the Indians, and is thus mentioned by him : 
" Pocagin and his party had commenced a village about six 
miles from us [probably it was about that distance by the 
route then traveled], and manifested a disposition to make 
themselves more comfortable. It was one of our places of 
preaching. In the spring of 1826 we were about to aflTord 
them some assistance in making improvements, when one 
of those white men who are commonly hanging about the 

f Large bodies of Sauls passed through this region every year, on 
their way to and from Maiden, Canada, where they went to receive 
the small annuities given them by the British government for their 
services against the United States in the war of 1812-15. On these 
journeys they frequently had prisoners and sealjis with them. Mr. 
McCoy says they were addicted to cannibalism, even at that late date. 



THE POTTAWATTAMIES OF THE ST. JOSEPH AFTER 1815. 



33 



Indians for the sake of flaying them, like crows around a 
carcass, interfered, and made a contract for making improve- 
ments. This ended in disappointment to the Indians. Po- 
cagin applied to us, and in November we hired white men 
to erect for them three hewed-Iog cabins, and to fence twenty 
acres of prairie-land. We saw that justice was done to the 
Indians in regard to price and the good performance of the 
work, and we subsequently employed our team and hands 
to plow up the new prairie-land for them. We also pre- 
sented to them some stock hogs, and loaned them a milch- 
cow, for their encouragement to raise stock." Pokagon was 
a convert to the Catholic religion, and continued in that 
faith during his life. He used all his powers to prevent 
the final emigration of his tribe, and was one of the few 
who did not accompany them to the West. He died at 
Silver Creek, in Cass County, and there his bones repose. 
•^ Weesaw was the war-chief of all the Indians of the St. 
Joseph. He was a great lover of gorgeous dress, and of all 
forms of Indian pomp and show. One of his three wives 
was Topinabe's daughter, and she was the favorite, on whom 
he bestowed the most and the choicest of the tawdry finery 
which he was able to procure. She was almost constantly 
with him, and on their visits to the white settlements always 
took precedence of the other wives, by walking next behind 
her lord, the others following her. Weesaw's village was 
located on the south .side of the St. Joseph River, on or 
near the corner-point of sections 15, 16, 21, and 22, in the 
township of Niles, some two miles below the central part of 
the city. An Indian burial-ground was situated in the 
bend of the river, a short distance below the village. Wee- 
saw was a lover of strong drink, and was killed by his own 
son in a drunken brawl. 

Chebass was a chief of the tribe, and evidently one of 
high rank, as appears from the fact that he was one of the 
di.stingui.shed guests invited by Mr. McCoy to his New 
Year's dinner in 1823, which was soon after his arrival in 
the Indian country. The good missionary says, " On the 
1st of January we deemed it expedient to invite Topinabe 
and Chebass, principal chiefs, and some others, to partake 
of a frugal meal with us, some attention having generally 
been paid to the 25th of December and the 1st of January 
by white men among them, most of whom have been 
French Catholics, from whom the natives derived a knowl- 
edge of these holidays." In July, 1827, a son of Chebass, 
probably in a drunken fit, brutally murdered the son of an 
Indian named Owl, and set fire to the dwelling of a Fot- 
tawattainic named Shakwaukshuk. " One of Shakwauk- 
shuk's wives," says the missionary, " was a sister of the mur- 
derer. She very unconcernedly said that her brother had 
become so troublesome that the Indians were about to look 
for him and kill him. A few hours afterwards the chief 
Chebass called on us and said he was in great distress ; that 
a council was to be held on the following day, when the 
family of the murdered man would demand vengeance on 
his son, who had participated in the murder. He said he 
■would take a horse to the council as an atonement for the 
offense. The culprit and the price of atonement would be 
placed near each other, and the avengers could make their 
choice of one or the other. He awaited the decision in an 
agony of hope and fear, and equal to his anxiety must have 
5 



been his joy when it was decided that the oifender should 
not be executed." 

Chebass appears to have been among the progressive por- 
tion of the Poltawallamies, as the reverend missionary tells 
us that " In the spring season of this year [1824] Chebass, 
one of the principal Pulawatomie chiefs, and two other 
families, commenced improving their lands In a manner that 
was really promising. Three log cabins were erected, and 
two considerable fields fenced with rails. In this labor, and 
in plowing the fields, we afforded them some assistance." 
The location of Chebass' village has not been definitely 
ascertained. 

Another chief (probably of lower degree) was Saugana, 
the same one whose remarkable dream was believed by the 
Indians to have provided food for the party on Its way to 
the treaty of the Wabash, in 1826. Very little mention is 
made of him except that when, in 1827, the Pottawattdnilc 
chiefs were approached by emissaries from the Winnehagoes 
inviting them to join In a war of extermination against the 
whites, he was one of the most positive and indignant reject- 
ers of the proposal ;* and that when intelligence arrived 
that the Winnchagoea had actually commenced hostilities, 
Saugana, with fifteen other chiefs and head men, visited the 
missionaries, to whom he, as chief speaker, made this re- 
assuring address : " Our brother, we are sorry to hear that 
some Indians have been fighting with the white people. 
This is not good, and we will not join them ; we will re- 
main at peace ; we are happy that you have come to live 
among us, and that you are our friend, the same as one of 
us. . . . You will know everything that passes among the 
whites. If anything should occur that we ought to know 
for our safety, we desire you to infoi'm us, and advise us 
what to do. We will understand all that occurs among the 
Indians. If we hear anything of danger to you we will 
inform you. Finally, I can say no more than do you take 
care of us, and we will take care of you." 

Moccasin, or " Porcupine-Moccasin," as he is called by 
McCoy, was a Pottawaltamie, whose village was situated 
on the west bank of the St. Joseph, at a place which is still 
known as " Moccasin Bluff," something more than a mile 
north of Buchanan village. The mi.ssionary, so frequently 
quoted in preceding pages, makes the following mention of 
this chief: "On the morning of July 4, 1824, I took 
Noaquett, alias Luther Rice, one of our Indian boys, who 
had acquired some knowledge of English, and rode five 
miles to an Indian village [evidently Moccasin's]. At the 
house where we halted we found the Indians at their usual 
occupations. One woman was pounding corn In a mortar, 
two were making moccasins, one was preparing bark for 
making sacks, some of the men were idle, and four of them 
were playing at cards. We were received with the usual 
expressions of friendship, though the men with cards were 
too much Interested in their game to take much notice of 
us. I entered Into conversation with others, but could not 
thereby divert the attention of the gamblers from their 
cards. At length I told the owner of the house that I had 
come to talk to them about religion. They replied that 
they would be glad to hear me. . . . They were Informed 

*■ It appears, however, that the proposition received no favor or 
countenance from any of the Poitawattamies^ 



34 



HISTOKY OF BEKRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



that if it would be agreeable to them such visits would be 
frequently repeated. 'Yes,' said Porcupine-Moecasin, who 
had just been at cards, 'nobody will be sorry for that. We 
will be glad when you come, and will listen to you.'" It 
appears from this that gambling as well as intoxication had, 
even at that early day, taken root among these remote Fol- 
towatt<tmics, and that the chief Moccasin was addicted to 
the former vice, as he probably was also to the latter, though 
that is not particularly mentioned. 

Besides the villages to which allusion is made above, 
Mr. McCoy, in his narrative, speaks of the villages of 
Pcheckos and Menominee, and also of " Rum's village," 
but he does not describe their location, nor does he say 
whether these three Indians were chiefs or only common 
warriors. A village was located within the present city 
limits of Niles, on the west side of the river ; and at a 
somewhat later time there were two villages situated on what 
is known as the Dr. Wells farm, on the we.st side of the 
river, below Niles. The villages last named were those of 
Weesemo and Matchkee. 

The object of Mr. McCoy and his assistant missionaries 
in coming among the Indians of the St. Joseph Valley, was 
not alone to acquaint them with the truths of the gospel, but 
also to improve their temporal condition by inducing them to 
abandon their indolent and improvident manner of life ; to 
cultivate their lands ; to become sober and industrious ; and 
by these means to surround themselves with comforts which 
they had never yet possessed ; and to assume by degrees 
a condition approaching civilization. We have seen that 
this was partially effected with Pokagon and Cheba.ss, and 
their example appears to have influenced a considerable 
number of others — not only chiefs, but many of lower de- 
gree — to move in the same direction. Judge John C. Leib, 
a government agent, made a second official visit to these 
Indians in the summer of 182G, and in his report made to 
Governor Cass he spoke of their improved condition as fol- 
lows : " Numerous Indian families have, since my last visit, 
settled themselves around, and have, from the encourage- 
ment, countenance, and assistance of the missionary family, 
made considerable progress in agriculture. Indeed, a whole 
village has been formed within six miles of it, under its 
benevolent auspices and fostering care. I visited them to 
witness myself the change in their condition. To good 
fences, with which many of their grounds are inclosed, 
succeed domestic animals. You now see oxen, cows, and 
swine grazing around their dwellings, without the danger 
of destroying their crops. . . . Occupancy now seems conse- 
crated by the labor which these new exertions cost, and results 
iu giving birth in the mind of the Indian to a strong sense 
of individual property." lie also mentioned that near the 
mouth of the St. Joseph " the most surprising changes 
have taken place. Strong and effective inclosures are 
made and making, and stock has been acquired ;" and that 
the general condition of the tribe was greatly improved in 
many respects since his previous visit to them. 

But on this occasion Judge Leib probably saw the St. 
Joseph Potlatcattamies in the most advanced condition 
which they ever attained, for from about that time the num- 
ber of white whisky traders among them was largely and rap- 
idly increased, and theeffect of their traffic upon the Indian 



was ruinous. They had not sufficient strength of mind to 
resist the temptation to drunkenness, and to this baneful in- 
fluence they surrendered all their prospects of advance- 
ment. There were a few individual exceptions, but this 
was the case with nearly all of them. Soon after this they 
seemed to have reached a condition in which they aban- 
doned all attempts at improvement, and thought of nothing 
but the indulgence of their appetite for whisky, to obtain 
which they were willing to part with everything they pos- 
sessed : articles of comfort and utility, furs, game, and even 
their scanty clothing. One of the missionary assistants — 
Mr. Simerwell — wrote about this time, and in reference to 
this state of affairs, as follows: "Our white neighbors 
[meaning the white men who had come among them with 
the sole purpose of furnishing them with ardent spirits] 
deal out whisky to the Indians plentifully, with which they 
purchase anything which the Indians are willing to part 
with. A silver-mounted rifle, worth twenty or twenty-five 
dollars, has been purchased of them for seventy-five cent.s' 
worth of whisky. The clothing of the Indians, and farm- 
ing and cooking utensils, are purcha.scd for liquor ; and 
these articles are sometimes again sold to the Indians for 
furs." 

The demoralization of the Indians from this cause was so 
rapid and complete that the missionaries finally abandoned 
all hope of their ultimate civilization, and Mr. Lykins, Mr. 
McCoy's assistant, wrote to the latter (who was then at De- 
troit, in conference with Governor Cass and others), " I tell 
you every hope, every prospect, for the welfare of the In- 
dians around us is prostrate, is entirely cut off. I entreat 
you to plead for their removal." The condition to which 
the Indians had sunk is further referred to in the mission 
journal, under date of April 6, 1828, as follows: "Our 
prospects of usefulness in this country are completely 
blighted ; the wretched Indians around us, without the 
hope of better condition from any improvements which 
they may make, daily grow more stupid and indifferent to 
everything like improvement of circumstances in life or in 
mind. From intemperance and other evils resulting from 
the proximity of white settlements they are rapidly wasting 
away." 

Several other missionaries were engaged with Mr. McCoy 
among the Futtatoattamies of the St. Joseph, but the rapid 
demoralization of the Indians caused them to despair of 
accomplishing any good, and iu 1882 the last of them de- 
parted in complete discouragement. After their departure 
the Indians gradually grew more and more degraded and 
abject. Judge Leib, who annually visited them for the 
government, relates, in one of his reports to Governor Cass, 
that he had frequently expostulated with some of the more 
respectable chiefs of the Put/aivattamies, urging them to 
make greater efforts to surround themselves with the advan- 
tages of comparative civilization, and, in particular, as a 
means to this end, to abandon the use of intoxicating 
liquor. " I shall never forget," he says, " the answer made 
on one of these occasions by a venerable and interesting 
chief. . . . After a considerable pause he commenced by 
stating that what I said was very true ; that they were all sen- 
sible of the deleterious effects of whisky, and of the ravages 
it had made and was still making among them ; tliat they 



CESSIONS OF INDIAN TERRITORY. 



35 



did not seek it, but it was brought to them ; that they 
could not prevent it, nor could they possibly forbear from 
drinking it when it was within their reach ; that they had 
lost all their manhood with their independence ; that (hey 
were a degraded and disgraced race ; that thei/ noio looked 
vpon the whiles as so much their siqieriors that they would 
not attempt to resist anything (hey did or should do. ' But,' 
continued the chief, elevating his dignified person, ' if our 
Great Fatlier feels such an interest to preserve us as you 
mention, all-powerful as he is, why does he not command 
his people to abstain from seeking our destruction ? He 
has but to will it and his will will be done. Ho can punish, 
— he can save us from the ruin which surrounds us.' " 
Words could not better have described the utterly- abject 
and hopeless condition to which the tribe had fallen, and in 
which (with a few exceptions) they remained until the 
time of their emigration (or rather exile) to the lands be- 
yond the Mississippi, which occurred a few years after the 
departure of their would-be benefiictors, the missionaries. 

The chiefs of the tribe had ceded to the United States, 
by the Chicago Treaty of 1821, a vast scope of country, 
which may be described as including all of their ancient 
domain lying east of the St. Joseph River. Again, in 
1828, they ceded to the government all of their possessions 
in Michigan between the St. Joseph River and Lake Mich- 
igan, except a tribal reservation of nearly fifty square miles 
area, which embraced the southeastern part of the present 
township of Buchanan, including Buchanan village, all of 
the township of Bertrand except its northwest corner, and 
all that part of Niles township which lies west of the St. 
Joseph River. On this reservation nearly all their villages 
were located, and here was the home of the tribe during the 
later years of their occupancy. Finally, in September, 
1833, this reservation — their last foothold — was ceded by 
them to the government, and they at the same time agreed 
to evacuate and remove from their lands within three years 
from that time. Long before the expiration of the time 
named in the treaty for their departure, however, they had 
bitterly repented of their promise to remove to the land of 
the setting sun, and prayed the Great Father that they 
might be permitted to remain on the poor remnant of 
their ancient hunting-grounds, and to be buried near the 
graves of their fathers. Their request to remain was not 
granted, but their expulsion (for such it really was) was 
delayed until the fall of 1838, when the remnant of the 
once powerful tribe, now reduced to one hundred and fifty 
in number,* were called together at the McCoy Mission 
grounds, near Niles, for a " talk," which was understood as 
a preliminary to their final departure. At this convocation 
many protested earnestly against their banishment, but it 
all resulted in a peremptory order from the government 
agents (Godfrey and Kcrcheval) to prepare for removal on 
a certain day. On that day they were gathered (but not 
all of them), and in charge of the agents, and escorted by 
two companies of United States troops, detailed for this 
duty by order of Gen. Brady, they moved out on the 
Chicago road, some on foot, but many of the more helpless 

* As per pay-roll of 1837, based upon an estimate of Indian popu- 
lation of Michigan, made by Henry R. Schoolcraft, United States 
Indian agent. 



ones loaded in wagons, and in this way, dejected and sorrow- 
ful, they commenced their weary journey to new homes and 
hunl^ing-grounds in Kansas. Not a few of them, however, 
escaped while on the way, and returned to the St. Joseph. 
These, with others who by some means had avoided being 
mustered for removal in 1838, were finally collected in the 
following year by Alexis Coquillard, and under his charge 
were removed to Kansas, where they joined tbo.se who had 
gone forward in the previous year. 

But Pokagon was not among those who emigrated to the 
West. He and a number of others of his band had em- 
braced the Catholic faith, and they were apprehensive that 
a removal to the wilderness beyond the Mississippi might 
in some way deprive them of the enjoyment of their re- 
ligion, as well as of the benefits of the partial civilization 
which they had acquired. They were therefore very deter- 
mined in their opposition to the removal, and Pokagon re- 
fused to sign or consent to the treaty by which the reserva- 
tion was relinquished until he and his fellow Catholics had 
received guarantees that they should be allowed to remain 
in Michigan. After the departure of the tribe, Pokagon 
removed from his old home to Silver Creek, in Cass County, 
as has already been mentioned. His death occurred at that 
place in 1841. Some of the Catholic descendants of the 
Put tawatt amies are still living at Silver Creek, and a few 
have their homes in the western part of Van Buren County. 



CHAPTER V. 



CESSIONS OF INDIAN TERRITOKY— EBECTION 
OP COUNTIES AND TOWNS UPON IT. 

Indian Proprietor.sliip of Lands recognized by the United States — ■ 
Treaty of Greenville, 17t)o— Treaty of Detroit, 1807— Treaties of 
Springwells, 1815, and Saginaw, 1819— Treaty of Chicago, 1821— 
E.xtensive Cession of Lands in Berrien and Van Buren Counties — • 
Reservations — Carey Mission Tract Ceded — Treaty of Carey Mis- 
sion, 1827^Treaty of 1828, at Carey Mission — Cession of Lands 
west of St. Joseph River — Treaty of Chioago, 1833 — Cession of the 
Last of the Indian Possessions on the St. Joseph — Erection of 
Counties and Towns on the Ceded Lands — Erection of Wayne 
County — Territory of Berrien and Van Buren Counties attached to 
Monroe — Same attached to Lenaweo — The Old Township of St. 
Joseph — Erection of Berrien and Van Buren Counties — Niles and 
Penn Townships. 

The possessory title of the Indian tribes to the lands of 
which they were found in occupation has always been recog- 
nized by the United States government from the time of 
its formation, and the principle has been established that 
this title can only be acquired by the government, or with 
its consent, and can only be alienated from the native In- 
dians by their own voluntary act, done in public and open 
council, where the tribes are represented by their chiefs and 
head men, and the government by its accredited agent or 
commissioner. This principle has always been acted on 
and this method observed by the government in its treaties 
with Indians for the acquisition of their possessory rights 
in the public domain. 

TREATY OF GREENVILLE, 1795. 

The first Indian treaty by which the aboriginal title to 
lands now within the State of Michigan was extinguished 



36 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



was that which was concluded at Greenville, Ohio, Aug. 3, 
1795, by Gen. Anthony Wayne, on behalf of the United 
States, with representatives of the Puttiucattamie, Wyan- 
dot, Sluiwanoe, Ottawa, C/iippeioa, and several other tribes. 
This treaty ceded to the United States a strip of land six 
miles in width, on and adjoining the west bank of the De- 
troit lliver, and extending from Lake St. Clair on the north 
to the river Raisin (the present city of Monroe) on the 
south, including, of course, the post of Detroit. On this 
treaty, heading the list of chiefs of the "■ Potlawattamies 
of the St. Joseph," appears the name of Thu-pe-ne-ba 
(Topinabo), whose name continued to head the list of chiefs 
of his tribe, in treaties, from this time until 1833. 

TREATY OF DETROIT, 1S07. 
The entire southeastern part of Michigan was ceded to 
the government by the treaty of Detroit, made and con- 
cluded Nov. 17, 1807, between Governor William Hull, 
commissioner and superintendent of Indian affairs, and the 
chiefs of the Pottaioattamie, Ottawa, Chippewa, and Wyan- 
dot tribes. The territory here ceded extended westward to 
the line which afterwards became the principal meridian of 
the State, and northward on that line to the centre of the 
present county of Shiawassee, from which point the north 
boundary of the ceded territory was drawn in a straight 
line to White Rock, on the west shore of Lake Huron. 

TREATIES OF SPRINGWELLS, 1S15, AND OF SAGINAW, 
1819. 

The three principal Indian nations of Michigan, — the 
Pottawatlamies, Chippeioas, and Ottawas, — by the offen- 
sive alliance which they made with the British in the war 
of 1812-15, and their general conduct through that strug- 
gle, were regarded as having justly forfeited the lands 
reserved to them. The government, however, was not 
disposed to enforce the forfeiture, but rather to adopt a 
conciliatory and friendly policy towards them ; and in Sep- 
tember, 1815, Gen. William H. Harrison, Gen. McArthur, 
and John Graham, Esq., on the part of the United States, 
held a council with them at Springwells, near Detroit, where, 
on the 8th of that month, a treaty was concluded, by which 
it was agreed that " the United States give peace to the 
Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie tribes. They also 
agree to restore to the said Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potta- 
wattamie tribes all the possessions, rights, and privileges 
which they enjoyed or were entitled to, in the year 1811, 
prior to the commencement of the late war with Great 
Britain ; and the said tribes upon their part agree to place 
themselves under the protection of the United States, and 
of no other power whatsoever." And, at the same time, 
the treaty made at Greenville in 1795, and sub.sequent 
treaties between these tribes and the United States, were 
confirmed and ratified. 

The treaty of Saginaw, concluded Sept. 24, 1819, ceded 
an immense territory in Michigan, lying to the north and 
east of a boundary line drawn due west from the " Indian 
boundary" (the principal meridian) to a point two or three 
miles northeast of the village of Kalamazoo, and thence 
northward to the Thunder Bay Ilivor. At this treaty the 
Potfaicatlainics were not represented, for the reason that 
they claimed no ownership in the lands there ceded. 



TREATY OF CHICAGO, 1821. 

In August, 1821, Gen. Lewis Cass and Solomon Sibley, 
commissioners of the United States, met the sachems, 
chiefs, and warriors of the Pottawattamie, Ottawa, and 
Chippewa tribes of Indians in council, at Chicago, and 
there, on the 29th of that month, was made and concluded 
a treaty, by which those tribes ceded to the United States 
(excepting certain reservations) " all the land comprehended 
within the following boundaries: Beginning at a point on 
the south bank of the river St. Joseph, of Lake Michigan, 
near the Pare aux Vaches, due north from Rum's village, 
and running thence south to a line drawn due east from 
the southern extreme of Lake Michigan, thence with the 
said line east to the tract ceded by the Pottawatlamies to 
the United States by the treaty of Fort Meigs, in 1817, if 
the said line should strike the said tract,* but if the said 
line should pass north of the said tract, then such line shall 
be continued until it strikes the western boundary of the 
tract ceded to the United States by the treaty of Detroit, in 
1807 ; and from the termination of the said line, following 
the boundaries of former cessions, to the main branch of the 
Grand River, of Lake Michigan, should any of the said 
lines cross the said river, but if none of the said lines should 
cross the said river, then to a point due east of the source 
of the said main branch of the said river, and from such 
point, due west to the source of the said principal branch ; 
and from the crossing of the said river, or from the source 
thereof, as the case may be, down the said river, on the 
north bank thereof, to the mouth ; thence following the 
shore of Lake Michigan to the south bank of the said river 
St. Joseph, at the mouth thereof, and thence with the said 
south bank to the place of beginning." 

To this treaty of cession were signed the names of Com- 
missioners Cass and Sibley and the totemic signatures of 
Topinabe, Weesaw, and fifty-three other Pottawattamie 
chiefs and head men, affixed in presence of John R. 
Williams, adjutant-general of Michigan militia, Alexander 
Wolcott, Jr., G. Godfrey, and Whitmore Knaggs, Indian 
agents, John Kenzie, sub-agent, H. Phillips, paymaster 
United States army, Jacob Visger, Henry I. Hunt, R. 
Montgomery, John B. Beaubien, Conrad Ten Eyck, J. 
Whippley, George Miles, Jr., Henry Conner, James Ber- 
nard, and Jacob B. Varnum, United States factor. 

The territory to which the Indian title was extinguished 
by this treaty included all of the present county of Van 
Buren and all that part of Berrien which lies east and 
north of the St. Joseph River (except nine individual 
reservations named below), with a tract one mile square on 
the west side of that river. Besides these, it embraced 
nine entire counties, and parts of five other counties, all in 
the southwest part of Michigan, and a strip ten miles wide 
south of the Indiana line. 

All the southern portion of the territory (about four- 
fifths of the whole) ceded at this treaty belonged to the 
country of the Pottawattamies ; and in consideration of 
the cession the United States agreed to pay five thousand 

» It did nut, however, strike the line named, but passed north of it; 
the territory ceded at Fort Meigs, in 1817, lying entirely south of 
the south liuc of Michigan. 



CESSIONS OF INDIAN TERRITORY. 



37 



dollars in specie,* yearly, to that tribe, for the term of 
twenty years, and also to appropriate annually, for the term 
of fifteen years, the sum of one thousand dollars, to be ex- 
pended under direction of the President for the support of 
a blacksmith and a teacher among the Indians. The cession 
of one square mile of land on the west side of the St. Jo.seph 
was designated as the residence of the teacher and the 
blacksmith of the tribe, and it was to be selected and lo- 
cated under direction of the President of the United States. 

The selection so made was nearly on the western bound- 
ary of the present city of Niles, and the tract became the 
seat of the " Carey Mission," which is mentioned more 
fully in the history of Niles. 

The individual reservations from the tract ceded by this 
treaty, within the county of Berrien, were described as 
follows : 

" To John Burnett, two sections of land. 

" To James Burnett, Abraham Burnett, Rebecca Bur- 
nett, and Nancy Burnett, each one .section of land ; which 
said John, James, Abraham, Rebecca, and Nancy are chil- 
dren of Kawkeemee, sister of Topinabe, principal chief of 
the Puttaioattamie nation. 

" To John B. La Lime, son of Nokenoqua, one-half of 
a section of land adjoining the tract before granted, and on 
the upper side thereof 

" To Jean B. Chandonai, son of Chippewaqua, two sec- 
tions of land on the river St. Joseph, above and adjoining 
the tract granted to J. B. La Lime. 

'• To Joseph Daze, son of Chippewaqua, one section of 
land adjoining the tract granted to Jean B. Chandonai." 

The above-named reservations were to be laid out on the 
north bank of the St. Joseph, commencing "about two 
miles from the mouth," and to be laid out in succession up 
along the bank of the stream. The ninth and last of the 
individual reservations,. within the present county of Ber- 
rien, was " To Madeline Bertrand, wife of Joseph Bertrand, 
a Pottawattamie woman, one section of land at the Pare 
aux Vaches, on the northeast side of the river St. Joseph." 

The treaty provided for a number of other individual 
reservations, none of which were within the present county 
of Berrien, but farther up the river. Among these, there 
were reservations " to Jo.seph Bertrand, Jr., Benjamin Ber- 
trand, Laurent Bertrand, Theresa Bertrand, and Amable 
Bertrand, children of the said Madeline Bertrand, each 
one-half of a section of land at the portage of the Kanka- 
kee lliver." These were the halfbreed children of the 
trader Bertrand, who located on the upper St. Joseph soon 
after the Revolution, and whose name was giveu to one of 
the townships of Berrien County. 

TREATY AT CAREY MISSION, 1827. 

A treaty was held by Governor Cass at the Carey Mis- 
sionf on the 19th of September, 1827, at which time and 

* For the part ceded by the Oltawas that tribe ivas to receive one 
thousand dollars in specie, annually. The Ckippnwaii, although two 
of their chiefs signed the treaty, received nothing; hence it appears 
that no part of the ceded landa belonged to that tribe. The lands 
ceded by tlie OlUtwna were those to the northward, along the Grand 
River. 

f This treaty is mentioned in the Revised Treaties of the United 
States as being held at "St. Joseph," by which is doubtless meant 



place a number of small reservations were ceded to the 
United States, " in order to consolidate some of the dispersed 
bands of the Pottawattamie tribe in the territory of Michi- 
gan, at a point removed from the road leading from Detroit 
to Chicago, and as far as practicable from the settlements 
of the whites." A number of the reservations ceded at 
that time wore situated on the upper St. Joseph, in the 
present county of St. Joseph, but none of them were lo- 
cated in Berrien or Van Buren. 

CAREY MISSION TREATY, 1828. 

A treaty council was held and a treaty concluded on the 
20th of September, 1828, "at the Missionary Establish- 
ments upon the St. Joseph, of Lake Michigan" (meaning 
the Carey Mission, near Niles), between Lewis Cass and 
Pierre Menard, on the part of the United States, and the 
chiefs and head men of the St. Joseph Pottawatlaniies, on 
the part of their tribe. By this treaty, signed by Topi- 
nabe, Pokagon, and sixty-seven other Pottawattamie chiefs 
and head men, there was ceded to the United States a tract 
of land described as " Beginning at the mouth of the St. 
Joseph, of Lake Michigan, and thence running up said 
river to a point on the same river, half-way between La- 
vache-qui-pisse and Macousin village ; thence in a direct 
line to the nineteenth-mile tree, on the northern boundary 
line of the State of Indiana ; thence with the same west 
to Lake Michigan ; and thence with the shore of the said 
lake to the place of beginning." 

The ceded territory within the boundaries thus de- 
scribed embraced all that part of the present county of 
Berrien which lies west of the St. Joseph lliver, except a 
tract of irregular shape, bounded on the south by the south 
line of the county, on the east and north by the St. Jo.seph 
River, and on the west and northwest by a right line drawn 
from the point which forms the southwestern corner of 
Bertrand township and the .southeastern corner of Galien 
township, on the south boundary of the county, to the 
point where the south line of section twelve of the town- 
ship of Buchanan intersects the west bank of the St. Jo- 
seph River. This unceded tract (generally, though incor- 
rectly, mentioned as a reservation) embraced an area equal 
to about forty-nine square miles of territory, on which 
were located the villages and settlements of this division of 
the Pottawattamie tribe. 

It was stipulated in the treaty, in the usual form, that 
the tribe should receive certain annuities — goods and cash 
— in consideration of the ceded lands. Also, that there 
should be delivered to them annually a quantity of iron, 
steel, and tobacco; that the sum of one hundred dollars per 
annum in goods should be paid to the chief Topinabe, dur- 
ing his life ; that a blacksmith should be kept permanently 
among them at the expense of the United States ; and 

that it was held on the river of that name. The Rev. Isaac McCoy, 
in his History of Baptist Missions, says, on page 3111, "On the I7th 
of September, 1827, His E.vcellency Lewis Cass and suite arrived at 
Carey, for the purpose of holding a treaty with our Putawatamie 
neighbors, whom, by runners sent before him, he had assembled at 
our house. At this treaty several small reservations on the north 
side of the St. Joseph's were consolidated into onej five hundred dol- 
lars' worth of goods were paid them, and an annuity of twenty-five 
hundred dollars," 



38 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



that the government should also provide three laborers to 
work for the St. Joseph tribe four months in the year for 
ten years. To Madeleine Bertraud, wife of Joseph Ber- 
trand, was granted one section of land, but it was not lo- 
cated nor described. Her claim on account of this grant 
was afterwards purchased by Obed P. Lacey, of Niles, who, 
after several year.s' delay, obtained lands at West Niles 
under the grant. 

TREATY AT CHICAGO, 1833. 
The last of the Indian land in Berrien County (being 
the tract mentioned above as bounded east by the St. Jo- 
seph River and south by the south line of the county) was 
ceded to the United States by articles supplementary to a 
treaty made at Chicago, Sept. 26, 1833. The supplement- 
ary articles were signed on the 27th of the same month by 
George B. Porter, Thomas J. V. Owen, and William Weath- 
erford, commissioners on the part of the United States, 
and by Topinabe, Pokagon, Weesaw, and forty-five other 
chiefs and head men, on the part of the Pottawattamies. 
This last relinquished possession of the St. Joseph Indians 
is described in the article of cession as " the tract of land 
on St. Joseph River, opposite the town of Niles and extend- 
ing to the line of the State of Indiana, on which the vil- 
lages of To-pe-ne-bee and Po-ka-gon are situated ; supposed 
to contain about forty-nine sections." 

The stipulation made for the final removal of the Indians 
from the ceded tract was embraced in the third supplement- 
ary article, as follows : " All the Indians residing on the 
said reservations in Michigan [having reference not only to 
this tract, but also to small reservations farther east, in the 
county of St. Joseph and elsewhere] shall remove there- 
from within three years from this date, during which time 
they shall not be disturbed in their possession, nor in hunt- 
ing upon the lands as heretofore. In the mean time no 
interruption shall be oifered to the survey and sale of the 
same by the United States. In ease, however, the said 
Indians shall sooner remove, the government may take 
immediate possession thereof" This was the beginning of 
the end of the Indian occupation. It has been told in 
preceding pages how they were allowed to linger for a time 
after the expiration of the period named in the treaty of 
1833, but were (with the exception of Pokagon and a num- 
ber of others who had become converted to the Catholic re- 
ligion) finally gathered together and removed beyond the 
Mississippi. 

ERECTION OF COUNTIES AND TOWNS ON THE CEDED 
LAND.S. 

The county of Wayne was erected by proclamation of 
Lewis Cass, Governor of the Territory of Michigan, Nov. 
21,1815,* to embrace " that part of the Territory of Mich- 
igan to which the Indian title has been extinguished." As 
the first extinguishment of Indian title to any part of the 

* Territorial Laws, vol. i. p. .323. 



territory now embraced in the counties of Berrien and Van 
Buren was accomplished by the Chicago treaty of Aug. 29, 
1821, nearly six years after the establishment of Wayne 
County by Governor Cass, consequently that county, em- 
bracing only territory to which the Indian title had then 
been extinguished, included no part of Van Buren or Ber- 
rien County, though a contrary belief has prevailed to .some 
extent. 

By executive act dated Sept. 10, 1822, it was pro- 
claimed by Governor Cass thatf " all the country within 
this territory to which the Indian title was extinguished 
by the treaty of Chicago shall be attached to, and compose 
a part of, the county of Monroe." By the same executive 
act the county of Lenawee was erected, and also attached 
to Monroe. 

The territory thus attached to the county of Monroe in- 
cluded all of the present county of Van Buren, and all 
that part of Berrien which lies north and east of the St. 
Joseph River ; and it continued to be a part of that county 
until Dec. 31, 1826, — the date of operation of an act of the 
Legislative Council| (approved Nov. 20th of that year) by 
which the county of Lenawee was organized, and which 
provided that "all the country within this territory to 
which the Indian title was extinguished by the treaty of 
Chicago shall be attached to, and compose a part of, the 
county of Lenawee." 

The (old) township of St. Joseph was erected by act of 
the Legislative Council (approved April 12, 1827), to in- 
clude all the lands within the Territory of Michigan which 
were ceded at the treaty of Chicago. 

In an act (approved Sept. 22, 1829) amendatory to the 
act organizing the county of Lsnawee, it was provided§ 
" that all the country within this territory to which the 
Indian title was extinguished at the treaty held at the Carey 
Mission in 1828 shall be attached to the county of Lena- 
wee, and the said district shall compose a part of St. Joseph 
township." This added to the county and township named 
all that part of the present county of Berrien lying west 
and south of the St. Joseph River, except the tract which 
still remained in possession of the Indians, embracing the 
southeast corner of the township of Buchanan, nearly all 
of Bertrand, and the part of Niles lying on the south and 
west side of the St. Joseph River. 

The counties of Berrien and Van Buren were erected 
by act approved Oct. 29, 1829, and one week later an act 
was approved forming the towns of Niles and Penn, the 
former including all the territory of Berrien, and the latter 
all that of Van Buren, both of which had, up to that time, 
been included in (old) St. Joseph township. In the sep- 
arate histories of Berrien and Van Buren a more extended 
account will be given of the erection and organization of 
the two counties, and also of the several townships which 
have been formed within them. 



t Ibid., pp. 335, 336. 
j Ibid., vol. ii. p. 292. 
g Ibid., p. 709. 



NAVIGATION. 



39 



CHAPTER VI. 

NAVIGATION-HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 

The Lake Coast and Harbors of Berrien and Van Buren Counties — 
St. Joseph the Port of Destination of the first Vessel that ever 
sailed the Upper Lakes — The first Ship-Timber ever cut on the 
Shores of Lake Michigan sawed at St. Joseph — Vessels running 
to and from the Mouth of the River before the Year 1800 — Vessels 
bringing Supplies for the Care.v Mission as early as 182.'?— Capt. 
Hinckley "jumps the Bar" at the Mouth of the River in 1827 — 
Rapid Increase of Commerce and Shipping — Navigation by Lake 
Steamers running to St. Joseph — The Steamer Line from Chicago 
connecting with Stages at St. Joseph — Decrease of Trade at the 
Mouth of the River on Completion of the Central Railroad— Rapid 
Increase of Steam Navigation caused by Development of the Fruit 
Interest — Ship-Building on the St. Joseph River — Inland Naviga- 
tion on the St. Joseph — Keel-Boats, "Arks," Pirogues, and River 
Steamers — The " St. Joseph Navigation Company" — Destruction 
of the Trade by the Central Railroad— Navigation at New Buffalo 
— First arrival of a Sailing Vessel there, in 1S35 — Steamer Lino in 
connection with the Michigan Central Railroad — Shipping Facili- 
ties at South Uaven — Lake Steamers at that Port — Ship-Building 
at the Mouth of the Black River — Harbor Improvements at St. 
Joseph, New Buffalo, and South Haven. 

The counties of Berrien and Van Buren, of which Lake 
Michigan forms the western boundary, have, together, a 
coast line of about sixty mi!es in length, beginning at the 
extreme southwestern corner of the State of Michigan, 
and extending thence in a general northeasterly direction. 
On this section of coast line there are situated three lake 
harbors. Near its southwestern extremity is the harbor of 
New Buffalo, and equally near its northeastern termination 
is the port of South Haven, at the mouth of South Black 
River, in the northwestern corner of Van Buren County. 
About midway between these two is the port of St. Joseph, 
at the mouth of the river of the same name, in the county 
of Berrien. 

Of these three harbors St. Joseph is the most impor- 
tant, as it is also by far the oldest in its use as a port for 
vessels navigating the lake. More than two hundred years 
ago it was known as a harbor, and when, in the summer of 
1679, the first vessel that ever floated on the upper lakes 
— the little " GrifBn" — left her aiichorage in the Niagara 
River, and, spreading her sails to the breeze for the first 
time, bore away westward through the bright waters of 
Erie, she was bound for a haven at the mouth of the 
" river of the Miamis" which is now known as the St. 
Joseph. Her commander. La Salle, in planning his expe- 
dition of discovery to the Mississippi, had decided on this 
place as his base of operations on Lake Michigan, for he 
had learned from the men who had previously passed this 
way witli Marquette that here was a practicable entrance 
from the lake, and that here his vessel could lie in safety 
in the old channel of the river (which was then some dis- 
tance south of the present mouth), securely moored to the 
land, behind the sheltering sand-hills, while his canoes, 
floating in still water by her side, could receive their lading, 
and then glide away up the stream many scores of miles 
into the interior on his proposed route to the Illinois and 
the Mississippi. 

It is true that the " GrifBn" never reached this port of 
her destination, for the reason that, on touching at an 
island near the mouth of Green Bay, she found awaiting 



her there a large quantity of furs, which it was necessary 
to have transported east without delay, and, freighted with 
these, she sailed back, bound for Niagara, but with orders 
from the commander to deliver the cargo with all prac- 
ticable di.spatch, and then return immediately to meet him 
at the mouth of the Miamis (St. Joseph) ; aiid here, from 
the high plateau that borders the south bank of the river, 
he kept long and weary watch for her coming, and built 
beacon fires at night, and anxiously scanned the dark-blue 
horizon line of the lake by day, to catch the first glim- 
mer of her white sails, — a sight that never gladdened his 
eyes, for she did not return, nor were any tidings of her 
ever received. When all hope of the " Griffin's" safety 
was gone, his next plan was to supply her place by a second 
vessel, to be built at the mouth of the St. Joseph, and for 
this purpose a saw-pit was prepared, and the timber and 
planks were sawed out ready for her construction ; but the 
adverse fortune which constantly attended La Salle pre- 
vented the execution of his plan, and so this first ship- 
building project on the St. Joseph came to naught. 

It is not certain that, during the period of about one 
hundred years next following these operations, the St. 
Joseph River was visited by any vessels other than the 
bark canoes of the Indians and French voyageurs, though 
it is very probable that sailing-vessels did come here to 
bring the garrison and armament of the French fort which 
was afterwards established here, as well as the merchandise 
and outfits of the trading-post, which was opened here about 
the same time. But it is certain that after the military post 
and the trading-station here fell into the hands of the Eng- 
lish, in 1761, they were occasionally visited by sailing-ves- 
sels bringing supplies. William Burnett, who re-established 
the trading-post about 1785, is known to have employed 
sloops and schooners in his traffic, receiving by them small 
cargoes of goods from Detroit and other points, and sending 
peltries, sugar, and other articles by them on their return. 
This is proved by the ledger and journal of Mr. Burnett, 
whicli have already been mentioned as covering the period 
from 1792 to 1802. In these books frequent mention is 
made of merchandise received and shipped by different 
vessels, the principal of which appear to have been the 
sloop " General Hunter" and the "Iroquois." That the 
first-named vessel made regular (or at least frequent) trips 
to the St. Joseph is made apparent by entries found in the 
books, a few of which are as copied below, viz. : 

"May 26th, 1801. 
"James May, Esqr. : 

"To Invoice of 5 Casks and 8 Mokoks of Sugar shipped on board 
the Gen'l Hunter, Capt. Rough, master, as follows : 



No 1. 




wt. 297 






1 do. " 


" 266 


3 


1 do. " 


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282 

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42 




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38 


gross w 




a 


45 


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42 




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rt. Sugar 






16il5 V 



40 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



"June 3d, ISOl. 

" Invoice of 15 Packs consigned to David Mitchell at McKenac 
[Mackinac] by the sloop Hunter, Cajit. Rough, Master, contained, 
numbered and marked as per margin, viz. : 

" W.B. No. 1. 1 Pack mi.\ed confg Rats 400 ") 

Minks 196 '> Skins. 

covering 2 J 

Mo. 2. 1 ditto ditto Raccoons 60 1 

Otters 38 

Fishers 6 I Skins. 

Martens 9 | 

Cubs 5 

Covering 2 J 

No. 3 .\ 12 10 packs Deer Skins Containing 50 each 
13 X 15 3 " Raccoons " 120 " 

covering 6 skins. 
2 oil-cloths to be returned." 

Same date : 

" Invoice of Sundries Packs consigned to Messrs. John McGregor 

& Co., merchants, Detroit, in the Sloop G. Hunter, Capt. Rough, 

numbered & marked as per margin, and containing as follows : 

G. 

I.M. No. !. 1 Pack of Otter containing 100 and 2 skins. 

2. 1 ditto Reaver " 91 " 2 skins. 

3x53 packs Rats " 500 I skins 

"61 " covering 6 j 

Cats 64 ) 

Foxes 60 I skins. 

covering 2 J 

7x148 Packs Bucks containing 30 each, 

15 x 21 7 ditto Does " 50 " 

22x20 29 " Raccoons 120) ,. 

-o } skins, 
covering oS J 

51 X 52 2 " Rats 500 ) each, 

covering 4 J skins." 
"Nov. 21st, 1801. 
"J. May, Esq.: 

7 Packs of Skins 60 each 420 x 21 skins. 

163 Raccoons X 4 skins in 1 Pack. 

" The above shipped on board the Sloop Gen'l Ilunter, Capt. Rough, 
master." 

"July 14, 1802. 
" Junies May, Esq. : 

"To 4 barrels of Sugar per the Sloop Hunter, Capt. Rough. Vft. 
as per bill." 

As there are none of Burnett's books known to be in 
existence of later date than those from which these items 
are taken, of course no memoranda have been found of his 
vessels and shipments after 1802; but there is no reason 
to doubt that tlie sloops and schooners continued to enter 
the mouth of the St. Joseph lliver, receiving furs, sugar, 
and other merchandise, and bringing goods to the trading- 
post, during the period of more than twenty years that it 
existed after the time mentioned. 

While the Carey Mission was in existence near Niles, 
from 1822 to about 1830, the people in charge of it fre- 
quently received supplies and material from sailing-ves- 
sels which came to the mouth of the river. In the Rev. 
Isaac McCoy's narrative of the operations of this mission 
(pp. 214-214), he says, " Upon the failure of the vessel in 
the preceding spring to bring us supplies by way of the 
lake, as we had contracted, we took measures to have sup- 
plies brought to us by another vessel. This latter, car- 
rying four or five hundred dollars' worth of property for 
us, anchored at the mouth of St. Joseph's River on the 
17th of October [1823], and the captain came on shore. 
About this time the wind became so severe that their cable 
parted, and the schooner was driven out to sea. About 
midnight the captain, who was at an Indian house a mile 
from the lake, was informed that the vessel had again come 
in sight. He hastened off, directing the men who were 



waiting to receive our property to be on the shore early in 
the morning. Unfortunately, they were able to land only 
seven barrels of flour, one barrel of salt, and two or three 
other small articles ; the remainder of our property was 
carried back to Detroit, greatly to our loss and to our 
serious inconvenience in other respects." Again (p. 222), 
he says, " We embarked on Lake Erie at Buffalo, on the 
25th of May [1824], in the schooner ' Neptune,' Captain 
Johnson. On the night of the 28th we had a thunder- 
storm and a pretty severe gale, in which our danger was 
greater than at the moment we apprehended. The ves- 
sel was old, and too much decayed to be seaworthy, — 
a circumstance which we did not fully understand until 
afterwards. ... At Detroit we put on board iron, steel, 
etc., for our public smitheries. Mr. Simerwell continued 
on board the vessel and ascended to the mouth of St. 
Joseph's River, while I hired a horse and rode home 
through the wilderness." In June, 1825, a schooner ar- 
rived at the mouth of the river with supplies for the mis- 
sion, " forwarded by benevolent persons in different parts 
of the United States;" and in 1826, Mr. McCoy says that 
" Mr. Lykins, with a hired Frenchman, left Carey on the 
20th of October for the purpose of getting supplies to 
Thomas [another missionary station on the Grand River]. 
At the mouth of St. Joseph's River he put his property 
and a large pirogue on board a schooner, and had them 
conveyed on Lake Slichigan to the mouth of Grand River. 
The schooner anchored a mile from the shore ; the pirogue 
was lowered into the water, and, being loaded, was towed 
ashore by the long-boat, while the waves ran so high as to 
threaten to turn all into the lake." There are other entries 
of the same kind in the journal of the mission, all showing 
that there were occasional arrivals and departures of vessels 
at the mouth of this river, in each year, down to the time 
when the establishment of permanent white settlements cre- 
ated a demand for more frequent and extensive navigation. 

The first entrance of a vessel into the harbor of St. 
Joseph, mentioned in oral accounts given by the oldest 
residents now living, was that of the schooner "Savage," in 
the fall of 1827. This vessel, under command of Captain 
Hinckley, and loaded with supplies for the garrison of Fort 
Dearborn ( Chicago), being driven off her course by stress 
of weather, ran for safety into this harbor, though in enter- 
ing it her captain was compelled to "jump" her over the 
bar. The place was then entirely uninhabited, but Captain 
Hinckley, seeing no safe alternative, built a .sort of hut in 
the shelter of the sand-bank, and passed the winter here. 
The knowledge which he gained of the place during his 
cheerless stay appears to have been turned to good account ; 
for, believing that the harbor would in time cause the build- 
ing of a town upon it, he afterwards purchased land here, 
and became one of the proprietors of the village of St. Joseph. 

It was but a short time after settlements commenced 
along the 'lower part of the St. Joseph River that the 
mouth of this stream began to receive frequent visits from 
sailing-vessels of a small class, principally schooners, and 
this trade grew constantly greater, of course, with the in- 
crease of population in the village and the valley above it. 
The vessels arriving here from Detroit, Buffalo, and other 
points below, usually called first at Chicago, and, after un- 



NAVIGATION. 



41 



loading the freight belonging there, crossed the lake to de- 
liver the part of their cargo destined for the mouth of the 
St. Joseph. 

The h;irbor was not at that time as easy of access as it is 
now. The river then entered the lake at a point consider- 
ably south of the present mouth, and it was made difficult 
of approach by a long sand-spit which made out into the 
lake. The bar extending along its front was covered by 
about six feet of water, and during the prevalence of strong 
■westerly winds it was often exceedingly difficult to enter. 
It was a common practice for vessels to anchor outside and 
have a part of their cargoes lightered, so that they could 
enter, and some delivered llieir entire cargoes by lighters. 
Navigators who came here without any previous knowledge 
of the location, and attempted to make the entrance in 
heavy weather, found it not only a difficult but a dangerous 
undertaking, a.s is shown by the numerous disasters which 
occurred here. 

When the valley of the St. Joseph and the fertile coun- 
try contiguous to it became settled and cultivated, and the 
surplus product of all that region began to be transported 
down the river highway, on keel-boats and a variety of other 
craft, to the mouth of the river, then, and for years after- 
waids, thei'e might always be seen in the harbor of St. Jo- 
seph, during the season of navigation, the clustering masts 
of the numerous vessels which came here to deliver their 
cargoes of such goods as were required in the region of the 
upper river, and to load with the flour, wheat, and other 
produce brought down by the river craft for shipment to 
Buffalo. This shipping business continued here until the 
completion of the railroads caused the river to be abandoned 
for purposes of transportation. With the entire cessation 
of this traffic the prosperous forwarding houses of St. Jo- 
seph closed their business, and the arrivals of sailing-vessels 
became infrequent, though they have never entirely ceased. 

Steam navigation at this point may be said to have com- 
menced in the year 1831, in which year the mouth of the 
river was visited by the steamer " Pioneer." The cause 
of her visit is not clearly explained, for it does not appear 
that she made regular trips here afterwards. At the time 
when the " Davy Crockett" was brought here (as will be 
mentioned hereafter) for the purpose of running on the 
river, she was convoyed by the " Pioneer," which latter 
vessel grounded on the bar at the mouth of the St. Joseph, 
and, being caught in that position by a gale which suddenly 
arose, became a total wreck and went to pieces. This was 
in July, 1834. The " Pioneer" was built at Erie, Pa., and 
on her first and last trip to this place was under command 
of Capt. John F. Wight, who was well known on the lake 
and on the St. Joseph as " Bully Wight." Material taken 
from the wreck of the " Pioneer" was used by Capt. Curtis 
Boughton to build the schooner " Drift," which he ran 
hence to Chicago for several years. 

The steamer " William Pcnn" came to the mouth of the 
river as early as 1832, and it is said that she transported a 
detachment of regulars hence to Chicago during the " Black 
Hawk war" excitement of that year. The " Penn" was 
then under command of Capt. Wight, who had previously 
commanded the " Pioneer." He purchased the latter vessel 
G 



in 1833, and was, as before stated, in command of her when 
she was wrecked at St. Joseph, in 1834. 

The side-wheel steamer " Chicago," owned by John 
Griffith & Co. and Capt. John P. Wight, was built on the 
St. Joseph River, near the mouth of Hickory Creek, in 
1834-35, and in the la,st-named year was put on the route 
between St. Joseph and Chicago. She was one of the 
earliest steamers (if not the first one) which made regular 
trips between the two places. She continued to run on 
this route until she was sunk in " the bayou" at St. Joseph, 
near Wells' basket-factory. After lying there some two or 
three years she was raised, refitted, and taken to Lake Erie, 
where, after running a few years, she was finally wrecked 
and lost. 

The .steamer " G. W. Dole" was put on the route be- 
tween Chicago and the St. Joseph River in 1838. She 
made three round trips per week, connecting with the 
eastern stage lines, which had their termini at St. Joseph. 
Not long afterwards the " Huron" was placed on the line 
by Capt. E. B. Ward, and ran during the seasons of 1842 
and 1843. Next came the " Champion," which ran on the 
line for several years, owned and commanded by Capt. E. 
B. Ward. These boats, like the " Dole," ran for passengers, 
of whom there were frequently twelve or fifteen stage loads 
in St. Joseph at one time awaiting transportation across 
the lake. Travelers by this route made the journey from 
Detroit to Chicago in thirty-six hours. 

Besides the steamers mentioned above, others ran at 
different times upon the line, and among them was the 
" Samuel Ward." The completion of the Central Railroad 
diverted both passengers and freight traffic from the river, 
and then for a time New Buffalo, instead of St. Joseph, 
was the focus of steam navigation on this part of the lake. 
Soon after this diversion of freight and passenger business, 
however, the sudden and wonderful development of the 
fruit interest in the region tributary to the St. Joseph 
caused a new demand for steam transportation to Chicago, 
and from that time the river-entrance was enlivened by 
more frequent arrivals and departures of steamers than in 
the earlier days, when stages clattered along the territorial 
road and keel-boats swarmed on the river. In the recent 
years the great diminution of the fruit-product, caused by 
the appearance of a fatal disease among the peach orchards, 
has proportionately diminished the demand for steam trans- 
portation at this point, but steamboat facilities sufficient for 
the requirements of the trade have been retained. At the 
present time (1879) the " Corona," of the Goodrich Trans- 
portation Company, makes daily trips to Chicago, and the 
" Skylark" and " Messenger," owned at Benton Harbor, are 
running. 

Ship-building was commenced at St. Joseph as early as 
1832 by Deacon & McKaleb, and not long after by John 
Griffith & Co. and others. During succeeding years a large 
number of vessels have been built at and near the mouth of 
the river. Several small vessels were also built on the upper 
river in early years. Among the first of these was a fifteen- 
ton sloop, built in 1832 by Dr. L. A. Barnard at La Grange 
Prairie, and hauled by oxen to Niles, where it was launched. 
This sloop, named the " Dart," ran from St. Joseph to 
Chicago. A schooner of about fifty tons was built in 1838, 



42 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



by Heniy Depty, at the south part of Bertrand. She was 
moved on ways to the river, and then floated to St. Joseph. 
Soon afterwards another small schooner was built at or near 
the mouth of McCoy's Creek, in Buchanan. In 1846 or 
1847 parties from Chicago built a schooner, of some eighty 
tons' burden, on the bank of the river, about eight miles 
above Berrien Springs. There have probably been other 
lake vessels built on the upper river, but no accounts of 
their building have been obtained. 

Inland navigation upon the St. Joseph River forms an 
item of considerable importance in the history of this sec- 
tion of country during something more than a quarter of 
a century from the time when the early settlements were 
made here. The account of this navigation which is given 
here is made up mainly of information furnished by Joseph 
W. Brewer, Esq., of St. Joseph, who was himself engaged 
ill the river trade for many years. 

The river tran.sportation was carried on at first by the 
use of keel-boats, " arks," and flat-boats ; but, later, steam- 
boats were employed, and these, of cour.se, monopolized a 
great part of the traffic. In the year 1833 — the time when 
Mr. Brewer came to St. Joseph — there were tliree keel- 
boats running on the river, viz., the " Antelope," of about 
thirty-five tons, built by Mr. Johnson, at South Bend, Ind., 
and commanded by Captain Benjamin Finch ; the " St. Jo- 
seph," of about the same tonnage, also built at South Bend, 
and commanded by Captain Benjamin Putnam ; and the 
" Constantino," of about forty tons, built at Constantino, 
Mich., and commanded and owned by Captain John McMil- 
lan. The " Kitty Kiddungo" and the " Three Rivers," 
both built at Throe Rivers by Washington Gascon (and 
the latter commanded by him), came on the river two or 
three years later. Most of the freight carried up the river 
by these boats consisted of salt, groceries, provisions, hard- 
ware, and dry-goods. Their downward freight was, of 
course, rather meagre until the country became settled, 
and harvests were secured. The first cargo of wheat 
brought down the river was shipped in 1834, from Three 
Rivers, St. Joseph County, on board the " Constantino," of 
which boat Mr. Brewer formed one of the crew. Ten or 
twelve years later there were between fifty and sixty keel- 
boats plying on the river between St. Joseph and points on 
the river as far up as Three Rivers. Many of these were 
towed by the steamers on their upward trips. 

The kind of boats called " arks" made their appear- 
ance on the river about 183.3. These were simply rectan- 
gular cribs about forty by sixteen feet in dimensions, and 
two of these were usually coupled together. They were 
devised by Burroughs Moore, of St. Joseph County, and 
intended for the transportation of produce ; but it was 
found by experience that nothing but flour could profit- 
ably be carried in them. The first one of these vessels 
which attempted the passage of the river started from 

Three Rivers, under command of James Smith and 

Knapp, passed successfully down the river (with the excep- 
tion of two or three minor accidents) until it reached the 
" Granddad ripple," above Niles, where it was wrecked, 
and its cargo of wheat became a total loss. This ended 
the arking business for three or four years ; but when flour 
began to be more plenty, and considerable quantities of it 



required transportation, the arks were again called into 
requisition, and became .somewhat popular for that use. 

An incident is related showing how, on one occasion, 
Captain Elisha Millard, being then in command of one of 
these arks, narrowly escaped serious disaster in St. Joseph 
harbor. There was a strong and rapid current in the river, 
and Captain Millard, miscalculating the velocity of his 
craft, attempted to "snub" it too suddenly at the wharf, 
when the line parted and the ark moved rapidly on towards 
the lake. As it floated on past a vessel which lay there a 
line was thrown to the captain, who at once made it fast ; 
but here a new difiiculty arose, for when the momentum 
of the ark was so suddenly checked, and the strong current 
began to act against the square perpendicular surface op- 
posed to it, the first section of the awkward craft showed 
unmistakable symptoms of submersion, and it was only by 
a prompt slacking of the line, and the hasty transfer of a 
part of the cargo from the front to the rear section, that 
both were saved from going to the bottom. 

The arks (usually carrying a cargo of four or five hun- 
dred barrels) were not brought back up the stream, but 
sold for what they would bring, or abandoned. But another 
experiment was tried, — of building a fleet of small arks car- 
rying about twenty barrels each, and returning them over 
land on wagons, to be reloaded and sent down again. It 
does not appear that this plan was ever very successful. 
Flat-boats and pirogues were in early days used on the 
river to some extent for the tran.sportation of light cargoes. 

The " St. Joseph Navigation Company" was incorporated 
by act of Legislature, approved April 19, 1833, "for the 
purpose of improving the navigation of the St. Joseph 
River between the entrance of said river into Lake Michi- 
gan at its mouth and the northern boundary of Indiana." 
Henry B. Hoff^man, Jacob Beeson. and Anson P. Brooks 
were appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to 
the capital stock, which was authorized to the amount of 
fifty thousand dollars. Nothing, however, was done towards 
accomplishing the objects for which the act of incorpora- 
tion was obtained. 

The first steamboat which ran up the St. Joseph River 
was the " Newburyport," which was built at Erie, Pa. 
This steamer came to the St. Joseph and ran up as far as 
Berrien Springs in 1832, and this was her first and last 
trip on the river. She was wrecked at or near the Calumet, 
in 1835. 

Next came the " Matilda Barney," which was built e.s- 
pecially for this river by Deacon & McKaleb, at St. Joseph, 
in 1833. Her dimensions were, length of keel, eighty feet; 
breadth of beam, sixteen feet ; depth of hold, three feet. 
She was of the class known as " stern-wheelers." Her 
commander was Captain Daniel T. Wilson, and her pilot Cap- 
tain Ebenezer Farley. After running for several years she 
was taken to pieces and her machincT'y used in another boat. 

The " Davy Crockett," another " stern-wheeler," was 
built at Erie, Pa., and brought to the St. Joseph by Captain 
John F. Wight for John Griflith & Co., in the summer of 
1834, being designed especially for the river trade. She 
was commanded by Captain Pitt Brown, with Joseph Smith 
as pilot. The " Crockett" carried a peculiar figure-head, it 
being a nondescript, '' half horse and half alligator," and 



NAVIGATION. 



43 



this, being connected with the exhaust-pipe of the engine 
by a smaller pipe, ejected a volume of steam from its mouth 
at every stroke of the pistons. The boat did but little 
business in the first year. In 183.5 she ran on the river 
again, but with Captain Benjamin Putnam as commander, 
and J. W. Brewer and Moses D. Burke as pilots. In this 
year she did a prosperous business until August, when she 
ran on a rock, seven miles above Berrien Springs, broke in 
two, and sunk. 

Soon after, the steamer " Patronage" was built by Hull 
& Co., and received the machinery of the " Crockett." She 
was placed on the river, under command of Captain Hull, 
and after running here a few seasons under liim and Captain 
D. Farley went into the Grand River trade in 1841. 

The " Pocahontas," a considerably larger boat than any 
of her predecassors on the river, was built in 1838, by 
Wheeler & Porter, forwarding merchants, of St. Joseph. 
Her builder was James Randall, and her master Captain 
Kbenezer Farley. Her career on the river was not very 
successful. ' She was found to draw too much water, and 
was withdrawn on that account. She was afterwards dis- 
mantled, and her engines transferred to the " Algoma." 

The " Indiana" was built by Captain John McMillan in 
1843. She was a side-wheeler, larger even than the " Poca- 
hontas," and, being the most powerful, was also the swiftest, 
boat which had ever been on the river. Under command 
of Captain J. W. Brewer she made the passage from St. 
Joseph to Niles, against a strong current, and back to St. 
Joseph, — one hundred miles, — between sunrise and sunset, 
on three successive days, this being the quickest time ever 
recorded for any boat on the river. 

The next boat on the river was the " Algoma," which 
was built at Mishawaka by Wheeler & Porter, of St. Joseph, 
in 1845, and made her fir.st trip on September 14th of that 
year, under Captain Edward Smith. She was a more costly 
boat than any which had been put on the river, but, as her 
machinery was that of the old " Pocahontas," she was in- 
ferior in power and speed to the " Indiana." These two 
boats at this time, on their passages up the river, towed keel- 
boats to their various loading-places, where they received 
their cargoes of wheat, flour, pork, whisky, high wines, 
or other commodities, and then floated back to St. Joseph. 
There were some twenty or thirty of them which were 
towed in this way on their upward trips. 

The " Mishawaka," also built at Mishawaka, soon after 
the " Algoma," was commanded by Captain A. Hamilton 
Smith. This vessel was of very peculiar construction, 
having on each side two wheels of about five feet in di- 
ameter, and placed about sixteen feet apart ; and over these 
ran an endless chain, on which were fastened the buckets 
or paddles. This was claimed by the builders to be a more 
economical method of applying the propelling power than 
the usual one of the single paddle-wheel. Perhaps this 
may be true in theory, for this boat is represented as having 
been an unusually fast one, — in fact, so speedy as to render 
it difficult to steer her. But it was found to be of no prac- 
tical utility, as the propelling apparatus was almost con- 
tinually out of order, and often broken. Finally the end- 
less chain of buckets was discarded, and the ordinary paddle- 
wheel substituted 



The steamer " Niles," a side-wheeler, was built, not far 
from the same time, by William B. Bceson, of Niles, and 
placed under command of Captain John Day, of South Bend. 
Afterwards she was in charge of Captain Darius Jennings. 
She was one of the most successful boats in the river trade. 

The " Union" was a small boat built principally for the 
passenger trade, by Capt. John McMillan, of Constantine, 
and came on the river at about the same time as the " Niles." 
She had an upright tubular boiler, which, after about throe 
months' use, was burned out and ruined. The boat was 
then sold to Kellogg & Bros., of Mottville, who refitted her, 
put in a horizontal boiler, and put her again on the river. 
Before she started from Mishawaka on her first trip down 
the river she was examined by Captain J. W. Brewer, 
who pronounced her unsafe, because liable to capsize, and 
gave it as his opinion that if she started on her trip she 
would never reach St. Joseph. The warning was disre- 
garded, and the boat started on her trip, but, in passing the 
Mishawaka bridge, she struck the pier obliquely and cap- 
sized, as Captain Brewer had foreseen. In this accident Mr. 
Charles Kellogg, one of her owners, was drowned. After 
this disaster the two surviving brothers Kellogg, and Dr. 
Ingalls, of Mottville, formed a company and built the steamer 
" Michigan," a small but excellent boat, and placed her on 
the river, under command of Captain Harlow Gray. She 
plied between Mottville and St. Joseph until about 1852. 

In the fall of 1848, the Central Railroad being pushed 
through from Kalamazoo to Niles, the St. Joseph owners 
sold their good steamers. The " Indiana" went to Chicago 
as a tug-boat, and tlie " Algoma" to Muskegon. There re- 
mained, however, the "Niles," Captain Brewer; the " Mish- 
awaka," Captain Farley; and the " Michigan," Captain L. 
F. Warner; but in the spring of 1849 the first two named 
were sold to W. D. Thompson, general freight agent of the 
Central Railroad, with eight or ten keel-boats of the fleet 
which the steamers had been accustomed to tow up the 
river to their loading points (these keel-boats having most 
of them been owned by the same parties who owned the 
steamers). After this purchase by the railroad company, 
the " Niles" (still commanded by Captain Brewer), and the 
keel-boats were used on the upper river, bringing freight 
from Constantine and points below, to Niles, where it was 
elevated by steam-power into the company's warehouse, — a 
structure one hundred feet in height, — which had been built 
in 1848 on the bank of the river at Niles bridge. From 
this building the freight was transferred to the railroad. 
This traffic was successful during the short time it was con- 
tinued. The steamer "Niles," however, proved deficient 
for the amount of towing required, and a new boat was 
built at Mishawaka expressly for the up-river trade, her 
dimensions being one hundred and eight feet keel, sixteen 
feet beam, four feet hold, and eighteen inches draft of 
water, with two engines of forty-horse power. The name 
given her was " John F. Porter," in honor of the gentleman 
of the same name, who was for a long time in the forward- 
inn- business at St. Joseph, and who was often mentioned 
by river men as '■ the boatman's friend." Mr. Porter, on 
examining this steamer, pronounced her construction per- 
fect, and correctly prophesied that she would prove a suc- 
cess. The " Porter," under command of Captain Brewer, 



44 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



previously of the " Niles," plied between Constantiiie and 
Niles until the fall of 1851, when the Michigan Southern 
Railroad, having extended its line westward to South Bend, 
cut ofl' nearly all the up-river trade, and the boats were sold 
to parties in Grand Rapids for use on the Grand River. 
During all this time the steamer " Michigan" had struggled 
to keep up a transportation business on the river between 
Mottville and St. Joseph, and had continued running be- 
tween those points ; but on the completion of the Michigan 
Southern Railroad her owners gave up the contest, and 
sold the steamer and two keel-boats to parties in Chicago. 

Besides the steamers above named, there have run upon 
the river at various times several others, among which were 
the " Pilot," Captain John BIcMilian ; the " St. Joseph," 
Captain Charles F. Howe ; and the " Schuyler Colfax," Cap- 
tain Ezekiel Reynolds. The last-named steamer ran on the 
upper river, connecting with the Central Railroad at Niles, 
during the time in which the company carried on that 
branch of its business. 

At the present time a small steamer makes daily trips 
during the season of navigation between St. Joseph and 
Berrien Springs. 

Excepting the mouth of the St. Joseph River, New Buf- 
falo properly claims the earliest navigation of any point on 
the coast of Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Tire dis- 
covery of a practicable haven for small vessels at that place 
was made by Wessel Whittaker in the fall of 1834, when 
traveling on foot to reach St. Joseph from State Creek, 
where the vessel which he commanded had been driven 
ashore and wrecked. Observing what he regarded as ex- 
cellent natural harbor facilities, he purcha.sed a tract of land 
there, plotted a paper village upon this purchase, and re- 
turned in the following spring. A few weeks afterwards 
there arrived a party made up of Russell Goodrich and 
others, who had purchased some of Mr. Whittaker's " vil- 
lage lots." This party came on board a schooner of which 
the name has not been ascertained, but which is said to 
have been — and undoubtedly was — the first vessel that ever 
made her port at that place. In June, a little later, an- 
other schooner arrived, bringing the families of several of 
the settlers. This was the beginning, but no results in the 
way of navigation of any importance followed. For a num- 
ber of years, while the country was being cleared of its for- 
ests, wood droghers ran to and fro from New Buffalo, and 
a considerable business was done in the transportation of 
wood to Chicago. Some shipments of oats^corn, and other 
produce were made from here by schooner as early as 1837. 
About 184(j the steamer from St. Joseph to Chicago began 
touching at New Buffalo and Michigan City, and continued 
to do .so for three or four seasons afterwards, but beyond 
this, and the occasional arrival and departure of small craft, 
very little use was made of the water facilities of the 
place, until the Central Railroad made its western termi- 
nus here, in 1849. 

The railroad company had already made extensive im- 
provements of the harbor by the construction of costly 
piers and other preparations for the projected steamer con- 
nection between the trains and the city of Chicago. These 
improvements made by the company cost about the sum of 



two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. When the road 
was completed to the lake, and the trains commenced run- 
ning, two steamers — the " Samuel Ward," Captain Thomas 
Buntline, and the " Pacific," a larger boat, under Captain 
Charles Cooper — were placed on the line which formed the 
Chicago connection. The " Pacific" lay at her dock, and 
received the pa.ssengcrs brought in by the first train. Both 
these steamers left daily for Chicago ; so that New Buffalo 
suddenly found herself transformed from an out-of-the-way 
landing-place for occasional sloops and schooners to an im- 
portant steamboat rendezvous. This state of affairs con- 
tinued through the navigation seasons of 1849, 1850, and 
1851, and then ceased, because the railroad company had 
extended its track into Indiana, and in the last named 
year established its terminus (temporarily) at Michigan 
City. The "St. Joseph" steamer had discontinued her 
trips here with the close of the season of 1849, and now, 
with the withdrawal of the railroad steamers, the naviga- 
tion interests of New Buffalo received their final extin- 
guishment. 

At South Haven, on the South Black River, at its 
mouth, where excellent navigation facilities are now afforded, 
and where the largest lake vessels can enter with ease, and 
lie in safety, there was really no harbor in existence prior 
to 1862, and for five years after that time the entrance was 
practicable for only the smallest sailing-vessels. In 1852 
the village was plotted, and improvements were commenced, 
including the erection of extensive saw-mills, which re- 
quired better facilities than then existed for the shipment 
of their lumber; but, although .something was done with a 
view to make the mouth of the river more accessible, no 
substantial results were accomplished, and vessels loading 
here continued to receive their cargoes from lighters while 
lying outside the bar in the lake. The improvements made 
here by the combined action of South Haven and neighbor- 
ing towns, in 1862 and following years, as well as the work 
done by the government in 1867, 1868, and afterwards, will 
be more fully mentioned in succeeding pages. By the im- 
provements first mentioned the harbor was made practica- 
ble for the entrance of vessels, though only those of the 
smallest class ; but the later operations by the government 
have made it accessible to the heaviest lake steamers. 

Steam communication with Chicago has been enjoyed by 
South Haven since the improvement of the harbor by the 
government has made such navigation possible. The 
steamer " Ira Schaffer," owned in Saugatuck, touched 
here on her trips for about ten years. Later steamers run- 
ning to and from South Haven have been the " Monitor," 
owned by Hannahs & Hale; the " Huron," owned by the 
same firm ; the " Riverside," by J. P. Clark, of Detroit 
(ran in 1877) ; the " Metropolis," which ran here in 1878 
until condemned ; and the " Grace Gruramond," which 
took the place of the " Metropolis," and is still (1879) 
running. 

The arrivals at South Haven during the navigation 
season of 1879 were one hundred and seventy-one steamers 
and ninety-eight sailing-vessels. The clearances from the 
port during the same season were of one hundred and sixty- 
nine steamers and one hundred and two sailing-vessels; 



HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 



45 



being a total tonnage of sixty-five tliousand three liundred 
and forty tons. Tiie deputy collectors at this port have 
been B. H. Dyckuiau, William E. Stevpart, and Charles 
Delamere, the present incumbent. 

Following is a list of sailing-vessels which have been 
built and owned at South Haven, viz., " South Haven" 
(built in 1865), " Hattie Earle," "George L. Beaver"' 
(three-mast), " Lillie Grey," " D. G. Wright," " L. Painter," 
"Marvin Hannahs," "0. Shaw," "William Smith," "Pas- 
cagoula," " S. P. Wilson" (three-mast), " Mary Ludwig," 
" Mary E. Packard," " C. J. Smith." 

IIAKBOIl IMPROVEMENTS. 

The first of the harbors on the coast of Berrien and 
Van Buren Countie.s, as it was also the first on the east 
shore of Lake Michigan, on which improvements were 
made, either at the expense of the government or other- 
wise, was the harbor of St. Joseph, where a lighthouse 
was built in 1831. This structure — circular in form, and 
eighteen feet in diameter at the base — stood on the top of 
the bluff, on or very near the site of the present lighthouse 
and tower, which succeeded the old one after it had stood 
for twenty-eight years, a beacon to navigators upon the 
lake. 

In 1834 a preliminary survey for bettering the condition 
of the harbor was made by Lieut. J. M. Berrien and a 
corps of engineers under his charge, and, upon his report, 
Congress, in 1835, made an appropriation of twenty-six 
thousand dollars to build a breakwater and to do other 
work necessary for securing a harbor of easier access and 
larger capacity. In reference to the improvements made 
here under this appropriation, the following extract is taken 
from an ofiicial report of harbor improvements on Lake 
Michigan : " The river, previous to any improvement, made 
a sharp bend to the southwest, near its present outlet, and 
entered Lake Michigan about 1200 feet from its present 
outlet. The improvement of the harbor was begun by the 
United States in ]83(), and the work constructed from that 
time to 1866 was about 1312 feet of piering, of which 
1100 feet constituted the north and 212 feet the south 
pier, embracing the revetment of the cut through the nar- 
row tongue of sand." 

A survey was made in 1803 by Col. W. F. Reynolds, 
preliminary to further improvement. " At that time the 
channel was 240 feet wide ; confined by the north pier 
1100 feet, and south pier 212 feet, the river spreading 
into a basin 800 feet wide. Two channels were formed, 
one by the Paw Paw River and the other by the St. Jo- 
seph, with depth of water not less than 12 feet at the 
entrance of the harbor, and nine feet water-way inward." 
Plans of further improvement were made in 1806, embrac- 
ing the extension of the south pier 200 feet, which was 
completed during the fiscal year of 1867-68. Surveys 
were made in November, 1868, and August, 1869, but 
nothing was accomplished beyond (he surveys. 

The annual reports of harbor improvements show appro- 
priations for St. Joseph harbor as follows: For 1870, 
§15,000; 1871, §10,000; 1872, for repairs, §3000; 1873, 
repair.s, $2000; 1875, §35,000; 1876, §12,000; 1878, 
§12,000; and the appropriation for 1879 is $10,953. In 



1871 the south pier was extended 416 feet, and in 1872- 
73 the appropriations were used for repairs and protection 
of work. In 187G, on account of the increased tonnage 
of Benton Harbor and the necessity of protecting and 
fostering the fruit interest, an appropriation was asked to 
dredge away the bar, build a wing-dam, and construct a 
revetment in Paw Paw River. 

The operations for 1878-79 were to construct and sink 
two cribs in extension of the north pier, one 50 by 24 by 22 J 
feet, the other 50 by 30 by 22 i feet. The operations for 
1879, with the appropriation of $10,953, were the con- 
struction for north pier, of a crib 50 by 30 by 26 J feet, the 
completion of a wing-dam at the mouth of Benton Harbor 
canal by extension 200 feet, and the building of a trimming 
wall or dam of brush and stone 300 feet, at root of wing- 
dam, to confine Paw Paw River to its channel. 

The harbor of New Buffalo was first known and visited 
in 1834, as has been mentioned. At about the same time 
Lieut. Eveleth, who was engaged in a survey of the south- 
eastern shores of Lake Michigan, was drowned, at or near 
the entrance of this harbor. Some time after, Lieuts. Ber- 
rien and Rose were sent by the government to make a sur- 
vey and examination of this part of the coast and of the 
mouth of Galien River, in regard to its adaptation for 
harbor purposes. Lieut. T. B. W. Stockton, of the regular 
army (afterwards colonel of the 1st Michigan Regiment, 
in the Mexican war, and colonel of the 16th Michigan, in 
the war of the Rebellion), was also detailed in the spring 
of 1838 to make an examination into the advisability of 
erecting a lighthouse and making some harbor improve- 
ments at this place. The reports of these officers were 
favorable, and an appropriation was finally made for the 
erection of a lighthouse at this point. 

The place had then scarcely been heard of as a lake-port, 
and the Secretary of War wrote letters to several persons, in- 
quiring as to where the proposed lighthouse was to be 
located. The site was decided on in September, 1838, and 
the lighthouse was built in the following year. The struc- 
ture appears to have been located without much judgment, 
for about eighteen years after its erection its foundation 
became undermined by the action of the water, and it 
toppled and fell. No new light-tower was erected in its 
place, for the reason that the navigation centering at the 
harbor was no longer of sufficient importance to require a 
light. 

For the purpose of improving the harbor and rendering 
it more accessible, an appropriation of ten thousand dollars 
was made about 1854. A part of this appropriation was 
used in the purchase of timber, but beyond this nothing 
was done at that time, and the unexpended balance of the 
ten thousand dollars was covered into the treasury. A 
further appropriation, however, was secured, in or about 
1865, to the amount of thirty thousand dollars, and this, or 
a large portion of it, was expended in crib-work at the 
harbor entrance. This was the last money expended on 
the harbor of New Buffalo. Previously (1847 to 1849) 
the Michigan Central Railroad Company had expended 
here five times the amount which has ever been appropri- 
ated by government for the improvement of the harbor. 



46 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



The total amount expended by the government and the 
company at this place is fully three hundred thousand dol- 
lars, the results of which have long since ceased to be of 
any practical utility. 

South Haven Harbor was first improved (or rather it 
may be said to have been created) by work which was com- 
menced in 1S62 and continued through several following 
yeiirs, and which was paid for with funds voted by South 
Haven and other townships interested in the securing of 
harbor fiiciiities at this point. Prior to the time named, 
and after the erection of the lumber-mills at South Haven, 
something had been done towards improvement, but the 
results were of very little importance, and the mouth of the 
river remained virtually closed against navigation. 

In 18(51 the Legislature passed an act (approved Feb- 
ruary 25th) " to provide for the laying of a special tax in 
certain townships in Van Buren and Allegan Counties, 
herein named, for the improvement of South Black River, 
in the county of Van Buren." This act provided " that 
the legal voters of the townships of South Haven, Deerfield, 
Bangor, Arlington, Columbia, and Geneva, in the county 
of Van Buren, and the townships of Casco, Ganges, and 
Lee, in the county of Allegan, are hereby authorized and 
empowered to vote annually for ten years, at the annual 
township-meetings for the election of township officers, for 
a special tax, not exceeding one per cent, on the taxable 
property of each township, to be expended in improve- 
ment of the harbor of South Black River, in the county of 
Van Buren." Emory 0. Briggs, of Arlington, Daniel G. 
Wright, of South Haven, and Timothy McDowell, of Casco, 
were appointed commissioners " to receive orders drawn on 
township treasurers for all moneys, and to appropriate the 
same for the improvement of said harbor." 

The aggregate amount raised by the several townships 
under the provisions of this act was nearly twenty thousand 
dollars. The improvements made by aid of this fund con- 
sisted of piering, piling for the protection of the river banks, 
and other work. Two piers were built, extending into the 
lake, diverging from each other at an angle of thirty degrees, 
and the north one being the longer. These piers were of 
crib-work, except about eighty feet of the north one, which 
was of piles. The banks of the river, for a distance of five 
hundred feet on each side, were protected by close piling. 
This work was done in 1862 and a few succeeding years, 
but, although a comparatively large sum was thus expended, 
the harbor was not made accessible, except for vessels of 
small size. 

Repeated petitions for a government appropriation for 
this harbor finally resulted in an order for a preliminary 
survey, which was made in November, 18G6, and a plan 
was reported by the engineer for the construction of two 
parallel piers, one hundred and eighty feet apart, to be ex- 
tended into the lake to a depth of twelve feet of water. 
Up(jn this report an appropriation of forty-three thousand 
dollars was made in 1SG7, and the work was commenced in 
the same year. In November, 1808, there had been con- 
structed three hundred and fifty-two feet of piering on the 
north side of the channel, and three hundred and twenty feet 
on the south side. In August, 1869, another survey was 



made, and under this survey work was commenced June 14, 
1 870. While the operations were in progress another survey 
was made (Aug. 17 to 24, 1871) ; and when the work was 
completed, in 1872, the north pier had been extended four 
hundred feet and the south pier four hundred and fifty-two 
feet. In soundings made April 10th to 19th, in that year, 
an average depth of eight and one-half feet of water was 
found at the entrance, and not less than seven feet in any 
part of the channel, though the lake level was at that time 
about a foot lower than in previous years. 

In a report made by 0. C. Lathrop, II. E. Bidwell, and 
A. S. Dyckman,* in 1871, these gentlemen, in referring to 
the harbor and shipping facilities of South Haven, make 
this remark : " It is a village of about two thousand inhabi- 
tants, having increased to that number from four hundred 
in the last four years. Four years ago she had no harbor, 
the shifting sands of Lake Michigan blockading the mouth 
of the river, so that it was accessible only to the smallest 
sailing-craft. Now, by means of piering, she has a harbor 
capable of accommodating the largest vessels and steamers 
that ply on the great lakes." 

In 1871 a lighthouse was built on the south pier, mount- 
ing a Funk hydraulic lamp of tlie fifth order. It was first 
used in 1872. The first keeper was Capt. William P. 
Bryan, who was succeeded in 1874 by Capt. J. A. Dona- 
hue, the present keeper. 

In the spring of 1873 repairs were made on the south 
pier, and both were extended. Up to August of that year 
the north, pier extension had reached two hundred feet, and 
the south pier fifty feet. On the 18th of November, 1873, 
a heavy northwest gale drove the crib at the head of the 
north pier from its place, and on the 13th of March, 1874, 
the crib at the end of the south pier was displaced. These 
cribs were re-sunk in 1874, and soundings made at that 
time developed a depth of nine feet of water from the lake 
to the warehouse dock. 

In the winter of 1875 a breach was made through the 
south pier, which increased during the winter and spring to 
a length of ninety feet. From this cause the channel was 
filled so that but six and one-half feet of water was found 
at that point, which prevented vessels from entering, and 
obliged them to load and unload at the pier outside the ob- 
struction. The breach was repaired in the spring of 1876, 
and five hundred and twenty-five feet of pile revetment was 
added to the north pier during the same season. 

The operations of 1878-79 were confined to the con- 
struction of four hundred and fifty feet of revetment, ex- 
tending the north revetment in an easterly direction, with 
dredging of the channel, and nece-ssary repairs. 

The appropriations which have been made for this har- 
bor since the first appropriation of $13,000 have been as fol- 
lows: In 1870, $10,000; 1871, $15,000; 1872, $12,000; 
1873, $20,000; 1874, $10,000; 1875, $10,000; 1876, 
$10,000; 1878, $12,000; 1879, $12,400. The appropri- 
ation of 1879 was applied to extension of the north pier 
by the sinking of cribs and to the dredging of the channel. 



» A coiiimiltec appointed by the South Haven Pomological Society 
to prepai-e a report on the advantages of this section for the growing 
and shipment of fruit. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



47 



The lake coast of Van Buren and Berrien Counties has 
proved a dangerous one to navigators, as is shown by the 
great number of wrecks with which it has been strewed 
during the past half-century. A few of the earliest disas- 
ters occurring here were, the loss of the steamer " Pioneer," 
before mentioned ; of the large schooner " Bridget," Capt. 
Peter Druyea, which foundered eighteen miles north of the 
mouth of the St. Joseph and was lost, with all hands (four- 
teen in number, including passengers), in the fall of 1834 ; 
the wreck (but not total loss) of the schooner " Juliet," in 
the same year, just north of the mouth of the St. Joseph ; 
the drowning of the captain, four sailors, and a passenger 
of the schooner "Austerlitz," in attempting to land at St. 
Joseph in 18H3 ; the total loss of the steamer " Champlain," 
on the coast of Berrien, in 1838 ; the wrecking of the 
three-masted schooner " Laporte," Capt. Webster, at the 
entrance of South Haven harbor, in the fall of 1838; and 
the loss of the schooner " Florida," near the same place, 
in 1842. If the various disasters on this .section of the 
coast, from that time to the present, were enumerated in 
detail, the list would be a long and formidable one. One 
of the most heartrending of the disasters was the loss of 
the steamer " Hippocampus" on her passage from St. Jo- 
seph to Chicago, in 1868. The loss of this vessel is more 
fully mentioned in the history of St. Joseph. 



CHAPTER VII. 

INTEKNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

Early Routes of Travel — The River Highway — Indian Trails — Roads 
cut by Pioneers — The " Chicago Road" — Territorial Roads — State 
Roads— Plank-Roads— Stage Routes— Railroads— The Detroit and 
St. Joseph Railroad Company — The Jlichigan Central Railroad — 
The Michigan Southern — Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad — 
The Constantine and Niles Canal or Railroad Company — St. Joseph 
Valley Railroad Company — Elkhart and Lake Michigan Railroad — 
Chicago and West Michigan Railroad — Paw Paw Railroad— Toledo 
and South Haven Railroad — Michigan Air-Line Railroad. 

In all countries and regions where the first settlers are 
of the Anglo-Saxon race, their earliest labors are directed 
to the securing of practicable routes of travel ; and the 
opening of these, however rude and primitive they may be, 
is the first step in the direction of public internal improve- 
ment. The immigrant, in traveling towards his prospective 
home in the wilderness, must bestow some labor — be it more 
or less — in opening a route over which to reach it with his 
family and the few household necessaries which he brings 
with him. In heavily-timbered countries — such as was a 
large part of the region to which this history has especial 
reference — this task is often a heavy one, while it is com- 
paratively trifling in such a country as was found in other 
portions of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, — a country 
more thinly wooded, where access could be had to almost 
any spot through the convenient openings. But even in 
these parts the new-comers were obliged to have frequent 
recourse to the axe to open a path through intervening 
thickets, or to fell a few trees to make a solid way across 
streams nr marshy places. And this work, though light 
and insignificant, was road-building, — an improvement 



which it was necessary to make before the settler could 
reach the spot where his cabin was to be reared. 

Those who came to settle in the valley of the St. Joseph, 
entering the country from the south and southeast, found a 
practicable highway in the river, down which they could 
float in pirogues and other light craft, and thus reach their 
destinations (if these chanced to be in the vicinity of the 
stream) with comparative ease. But this was the case with 
only a small proportion of the settlers even in Berrien, 
while in Van Buren County, nature had prepared no such 
convenient water-way, and routes of travel could only be 
had by opening them through the heavy forest-growth 
which sprang from the fertile soil. 

The first land highways were the Indian trails, of which 
there were several passing through this region. One of 
these, coming from the Ottawa settlements at L'Arbre 
Croche (at Little Traverse Bny), passed southward through 
the wilderness to the rapids of the Grand River, and thence 
through the present counties of Kent, Allegan, and Van 
Buren to the villages of the Pottawnttamies, on the St. 
Joseph. Another, starting from Saginaw, passed up the 
Saginaw and Shiawassee Rivers, and through the forests to 
Ionia (or where Ionia now is), and thence south westwardly 
through Barry and Van Buren Counties to the Puttaioatta- 
mie headquarters. These trails, branching, led both to the 
mouth of the St. Joseph and to the more numerous vil- 
lages in the vicinity of Niles. There were other trails 
leading from the dominion of old Topinabe in various direc- 
tions, including those running south to the Wabash and 
eastwardly to the Kalamazoo and the head-waters of the 
Grand and Huron Rivers. But the principal one — the one 
over which there was more Indian travel than any, and 
probably more than on all the others — was that which, lead- 
ing southward from Green Bay and the rivers of Wiscon- 
sin, passed round the head of Lake Slichigan, thence north- 
easterly by way of Pokagon's village in the southeast part 
of Berrien, and on through the wilderness to the Detroit 
River. It was over this trail that from time immemorial 
the warriors of the SaiiJc, Outagamie, Winnebago, and 
other tribes had passed in their expeditions, and it was 
along this great path that for many years following 1815 
almost entire tribes — men, women, and children — traveled 
on their way from the northwest to Maiden, in Canada, 
where once a year the British government disbursed the 
annuities (a small sum per capita to Indians of both sexes 
and all ages), promised in payment of the .services rendered 
by the savages in the war of 1812. The route of this 
ancient Indian highway was almost identical with that of 
the later " Chicago road,"* over which many of the early 
immigrants passed on their way to places of settlement in 
Southwestern Michigan. 

By act of Congress, passed April 30, 1824, the President 
of the United States was authorized " to cause the neces- 
sary surveys, plans, and estimates to be made of the routes 
of such roads and canals as he may deem of national im- 
portance in a commercial or military point of view, or 

■s Article VI. of the treaty held at Chicago in 1821 provides that 
"the United States shall have the privilege of making and using a 
road through the Indian country, from Detroit and Fort Wayne, re- 
spectively, to Chicago." 



48 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



necessary for the transportation of the public mail." He 
was also authorized to employ two or more skillful engineers 
for the purpose, aod the sum of thirty thousand dollars was 
appropriated for the surveys. This was the first of the 
Congressional acts which resulted in tlie construction of 
the old Detroit and Chicago road, this being one of the 
principal routes which the President " deemed of national 
importance," and for the survey of which the sum of ten 
thousand dollars was apportioned from the appropriation 
made by Congress. The great influence of Gen. Cass was 
exerted, and was very efiFective, in procuring the location 
and construction of this road. 

In the survey— commenced at the eastern end in 1825 — 
the chief engineer started on the plan of running on nearly 
straight lines. He soon found, however, that if he followed 
this plan, cutting a vista for his compass through the dense 
woods, and spending a large part of his time in searching 
out good routes and eligible bridge-crossings, the money 
would all be expended long before he would have completed 
his work. So he determined to follow the " Chicago trail," 
—the old pathway which the Indians had followed for ages. 
This he did so faithfully that it is said there is not an 
angle, bend, or turn of the Indian trail which is not pre- 
served by the present road from Chicago to Detroit, except 
for a short distance in Washtenaw County. This is a 
somewhat exaggerated statement, but a glance at the map 
will show that there are angles enough in the present road 
to give some color of truth to it. 

The Indians had avoided the worst marshes, which were 
the principal obstructions to road-making, and, what was 
equally important, they had selected the best fording places 
of the creeks and rivers. The trail, and consequently the 
road, passed from Detroit southwesterly, crossing the orig- 
inal southern boundary line of Slichigan surveys* in range 
9 west, continuing westward between that line and the 
present boundary line of Michigan, crossing the St. Joseph 
River at the mouth of Pigeon River, continuing wcstwardly, 
nearly in a direct line, to " Pare aux Vaches," the Bertrand 
trading post, on the St. Joseph River, and west through 
the village of the Indian chief Pokagon, passing out of 
the State of Michigan five and a half miles west of the 
St. Joseph River. This route was surveyed through Cass 
and Berrien Counties in 1832 and 1833 by Daniel G. 
Garnsey, afterwards one of the proprietors of Bertrand 
village. The road was not completed until 183C. 

In the period extending from 1829 to the erection of 
Michigan as a State, the Legislative Council of the Territory 
authorized the laying out and establishment of a number of 
roads leading to the St. Joseph, Black, and Galien Rivers, 
and to other objective points within the counties of Berrien 
and Van Buren. The first of these (authorized by act ap- 
proved Nov. -1, 1829) was a "Territorial road, commencing 
in the Chicago road, at or near the inn of Timothy S. Shel- 
don, in the township of Plymouth, in the county of Wayne ; 

* The south boundary of the original surveys of the public lands 
of Southern Michigan was three and a half miles north of the present' 
southern boundary of the State. This line, as well as the route of 
the Chicago road, is shown on a " Plat of the Northern Boundary of 
Indiana, Surveyed in Conformity to Act of Congress, ' To authorize 
the I'rcsident of the United States to ascertain and designate the 
Northern Boundary of Indiana," passed March 2d, 1827." 



thence west, on the ino.st eligible route through the village 
of Ann Arbor, by Samuel Clement's, to Grand River, where 
the St. Joseph trail crosses the .same, and also through the 
Cohgwagiac and Grand Prairies ; thence westerly, on the 
most eligible route to or near the Paw Paw, to the mouth of 
St. Joseph River, of Lake Michigan." The commissioner.s 
appointed by the act " to lay out and establish" this road 
were Seely Neal, of Panama, Orren White, of Ann Arbor, 
in the county of Washtenaw, and Jehial Enos, of Grand 
Prairie of Kalamazoo. 

A road was authorized by act approved July 30, 1830, 
" commencing where the township road laid out by the 
commissioners of Ontwa town.ship, Cass Co., from Pleasant 
Lake, in a direction to Pulaski, in Indiana, intersects the 
southern boundary line between the Territory of Michigan 
and the State of Indiana ; thence on the road laid out as 
aforesaid until it intersects the Chicago road a few rods 
east of the post-office, near the house of Ezra Beardsley, 
running thence, on the most eligible and practicable route 
to the entrance of the river St. Joseph, into Lake Mich- 
igan." The commissioners appointed to lay out and estab- 
lish this road were George Meachem, John Bogert, and 
Squire Thompson. 

By act of the Legislative Council, approved in June, 
1832, two Territorial roads were authorized to be laid out 
and established partially in Berrien County, viz. : 

A road " commencing at the county seat of Branch 
County, running westerly, on the most direct and eligible 
route, through the seats of justice for St. Joseph and Cass 
Counties, to the mouth of St. Joseph River." Squire 
Thompson, C. K. Green, and Alexander Redfield, commis- 
sioners. And " a territorial road commencing at Jackson- 
burg, in the county of Jackson, thence running .southwest- 
erly, on the most direct and eligible route, to or near the 
north bend of St. Joseph River, in range 5, west ; thence 
westerly, on the most direct and eligible route, through 
Big Prairie Ronde, to the mouth of St. Joseph River." 
Lyman J. Daniels, Edwin II. Lathrop, and William E. 
Perrin were appointed commissioners to lay out and estab- 
lish this road. 

In March and April, 1833, the council passed acts au- 
thorizing and directing the laying out of the following Ter- 
ritorial roads : 

1. " A road beginning at the village of Niles, in Berrien 
County ; thence running, on the most direct and eligible 
route, through the county-seat of Kalamazoo County, to the 
village of Saginaw, in Saginaw County." Lucius Lyon, 
Jacob Beeson, and Ephraim S. Williams, commissioners. 

2. '' A road commencing at or near the mouth of the 
St. Joseph River, in the county of Berrien, thence to the 
northern boundary of Indiana, on the most direct and eli- 
gible route, towards South Bend, in Indiana ; provided the 
commissioners appointed to lay out the road do not cause it 
to be laid through the reservation belonging to the Potta- 
wattamie Indians without their consent." James P. Law, 
Lemuel L. Johnson, and Jehial Enos were the commis- 
sioners appointed to lay out and establish. 

3. A road " from at or near the mouth of St. Joseph 
River, in Berrien County, thence running to the northern 
boundary of Indiana, on the most direct and eligible route 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



49 



to Chicago, in the State of Illinois." John Wittenmyer, 
Jehial Enos, and Fowler Preston, commissioners. 

4. " A road from the village of Schoolcraft, in Kalama- 
zoo County, on the most direct and eligible route, by the 
Paw Paw Landing, to the mouth of Black River, between 
the mouth of St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Rivers." Joseph 
A. Smith, John Perrine, and Abiel Fellows, commissioners. 

5. Sterling Adams, Charles Jones, and Lyman J. Daniels 
were appointed commissioners " to lay out and establish a 
road from Adamsvillc, in Cass County, on the most direct 
and eligible route, to the Paw Paw River, at or near the 
centre of Van Buren County." 

6. George Meachem, Elijah Lacey, and Fowler Preston 
were appointed commissioners " to lay out a road from Ed- 
wardsburg, in Cass County, through the village of Niles, 
to the mouth of St. Joseph River, in Berrien County." 

On the 7tli of March, 1834, the three following-named 
roads were ordered laid out and established, viz. : 

1. A road "to be laid out from Mottville, through St. 
Joseph, Cass, and Berrien Counties, to the mouth of St. 
Joseph River." Henry H. Fowler, Hart L. Stewart, and 
John Woohnan, commissioners. 

2. " A road from Niles, in Berrien County, on the most 
direct and eligible route, to the mouth of Galien River, in 
that county." Plrasmus Winslow, Jacob Beeson, and Ben- 
jamin Redding, commissioners. 

3. A road " from Marshall, in Calhoun County, through 
Climax Prairie, on the most direct and eligible route, to the 
county-seat of Van Buren County." Michael Spencer, 
Benjamin F. Dwinnell, and Nathaniel E. Matthews, com- 
missioners. 

An act, approved Jan. 30, 1835, appointed .James Cowen, 
Michael Beedle, and D. MeCamly commissioners " to lay 
out and establish a road from Jacksonburg through Casso- 
polis to the mouth of St. Joseph River ;" and by the same 
act, James Newton, Henry Jones, and Elijah Lacey were 
authorized to lay out a road from Cassopolis to Galien 
River. 

A large number of State roads wore authorized by the 
first Legislature of Michigan, at the session of 1835-3G, 
several of which were laid out in the counties of Berrien 
and Van Buren, or across some parts of their territory. An 
act approved March 2G, 1836, provided that "there shall 
be laid out and established, a State road from Edward.'^burg, 
in Cass Co., via Cassopolis, Volinia, and Paw Paw Mills, to 
Allegan, in Allegan County." David Crane, Jacob Silver, 
and John L. Shearer were appointed commissioners for the 
purpose. The same act appointed Albert E. Bull, Na- 
thaniel M. Thomas, Alexander Copeley commissioners " to 
lay out and establish a road from Schoolcraft, in Kalamazoo 
County, to the village of St. Joseph, in Berrien County." 
A State road was also authorized at the .same time " to be 
kid out from the mouth of the Galien River to the mouth 
of the St. Joseph River, Berrien County." John Witten- 
myer, John F. Porter, William G. Bailer, commissioners. 

The following roads were authorized by act of July 26, 
1836, viz. : 

1. A State road " from Paw Paw Mills, in the village of 
Paw Paw, Van Buren County, leading through the village 
of Otsego, to the falls of Grand River, in the county of 
7 



Kent." Samuel Foster, Oka Town, and John Brackett, 
commissioners. 

2. A State road " from French's tavern, on the Chicago 
road, at the crossing of Prairie River, to Constantine, in 
St. Joseph County ; thence to Cassopolis, crossing the river 
at Buck's tavern, and from thence to the mouth of St. 
Joseph River." Thomas Langley, George Buck, and E. B. 
Sherwood, commissioners. 

3. A road " from Constantine, in St. Joseph County, 
through Berrien, to New Buffalo village." We.sscl Whit- 
taker, R. E. Ward, and Thomas Charlton, commissioners. 

4. A road from Constantine to Niles. William F. 
House, H. W. Griswold, and Robert S. Griffin, commis- 
sioners. 

5. A road " from Detroit River through the centre of 
township 4 south of base line to- Clark's Lake, and thence 
to St. Joseph River." Daniel C. Vreeiand, Abraham C. 
Truax, and Eli Bradshaw, commissioners. 

6. A road " from Centreville, in St. Joseph County, 
through Cassopolis, and through Berrien, to the entrance 
of Galien River into Lake Michigan." E. P. Toll, Robert 
E. Ward, and Wessel Whittaker, commissioners. 

7. " A State road from Geneva, on the most direct and 
eligible route, to the entrance of St. Joseph River into Lake 
Michigan." H. L. Stewart, John Wittenmyer, and E. P. 
Sanger, commissioners. 

8. A road " from Constantine, in St. Joseph County, to 
the mouth of the St. Joseph River, by the most direct and 
eligible route." William P. House, James Odell, and 
Moody Emerson, commissioners. 

The following-named roads were authorized by legislative 
act, approved March 17, 1837 : 

1. A State road from Whitman ville to the State road, at 
or near Bainbridge. Charles J. Martin, C. Whitman, John 
P. Davis, and Jehial Enos, commissioners. 

2. A State road from Whitmanville to St. Joseph. 
Eleazer Morton, John Wolver, and E. H. Spaulding, com- 
missioners. 

3. A road from Cassopolis through Berrien to New 
Buffalo. Abiel Silver, Isaac Sumner, and Pitt Brown, com- 
missioners. 

4. A State road from Liverpool, in Berrien County, to 
Berrien. Pitt Brown, William Huff, and E. P. Deacon 
were appointed commissioners. 

5. A road " from Berrien, in Berrien County, through 
Bainbridge, to South Haven, in Van Buren County." Pitt 
Brown, John P. Davis, and E. P. Deacon, commissioners. 

6. A State road from St. Joseph, in Berrien County, to 
the southern boundary of the State, on the most eligible 
route, towards South Bend, Ind. Joseph Bertrand, John 
K. Finley, and John Wittenmyer, commissioners. 

7. A road " from St. Joseph to the southern boundary 
of the State, on the most direct and eligible route, towards 
Lakeport, Ind." John Wittenmyer, Hart L. Stewart, and 
Sampson Stanberry, commissioners. 

8. A road " from the village of Berrien, running west- 
wardly until it intersects the State road leading from St. 
Joseph to New Buffalo." William F. St. John, James T. 
Lord, and Joseph F. Barnum, commissioners. 

The fever for laying out State roads appears to have 



50 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



abated during 1838 and 1839, but again, on April 1, 1840, 
an act was approved, which authorized the establishmeut of 
the following : 

1. A road commencing at some point at or near the 
north bank of the river St. Joseph, in the county of Ber- 
rien, in the vicinity of the village of St. Joseph ; thence 
running in an easterly direction, on the most eligible route, 
to the village of La Grange, formerly called Wliitmansville, 
in Cass County."* L. L. Johnson, Morgan Enos, and 
Jacob Allen, commissioners. 

2. A road " commencing at the village of St. Joseph, in 
the county of Berrien, running in a southerly direction, on 
the most eligible route, to New Buffalo, in the same county." 
The commissioners on this road were Fowler Preston, Isaac 
0. Adams, and William C. Hammol. 

3. A road " to commence at the village of St. Joseph, or 
at some point on some of the highways leading to or from 
said village, and to run. in a southerly direction till it inter- 
sects the southern boundary of the State." E. A. Blorton, 
William Huff, Eleazer Lord, commissioners. 

4. A State road " commencing at or near the north bank 
of the river St. Joseph, in the vicinity of the village of 
St. Joseph, in the county of Berrien ; thence in a south- 
easterly direction to the village of Nilos, in the same 
county." Daniel Olds, Jr., David S. Rector, and Job 
Brookfield, comraLssioners. 

Otlier State roads wore authorized April 7, 1846, as fol- 
lows: One " commencing at the village of Buchanan, in 
the county of Berrien, running thence to New Buffalo." 
Hczekiah Mitchell, Nathaniel Stratton, Samuel Garwood, 
and John P. Johnson, commissioners. Another, " com- 
mencing at Buchanan, running on the most eligible route 
to the village of Berrien." Joseph Demont, John Engle- 
right, Jesse Helmick, and Jacob Stotter, commissioners. 
Also, " a road from the village of Buchanan, on the most 
eligible route, to some point at Terre Coupee Prairie on the 
State line best suited to connect with the Chicago turn- 
pike." John Reynolds, Hezckiah Mitchell, and Joseph G. 
Ames, commissioners. 

On April 3, 1848, an act was pas.sed appropriating seven 
thousand acres of the internal improvement lands of the 
Slate " for opening and improving of the State road from 
Constantine, in St. Joseph County, to Paw Paw, in Van 
Buren County." 

It is to be borne in mind that to " lay out and establish" 
a road — particularly in the earlier years — was not ecjuiv- 
alent to opening and making it ready for travel, but that 
in many instances years intervened between the time when 
a highway was laid out by the commissioners and the time 
when it was made pas.sable for vehicles, and that it was not 
unfrequently the case that roads which had been authorized 
and laid out were never opened. This was the case with 
regard to a number of those mentioned in preceding pages. 

PLANK-ROADS. 

About the year 1848 the construction of plank-roads 
began to come into general favor in Michigan, and nearly 

'^ All act was piist^ed March 28, 1848, npju-opriating three thousand 
acres of the internal improvement lands of the State for the pur- 
pose of opening and improving this rjad. 



every county in the settled portion of the State had some 
part of its territory traversed by the routes of these high- 
ways, — projected, if not actually constructed and put in 
operation. The first project of this kind, the proposed 
route of which would cross any part of the counties of Van 
Buren and Berrien, was that of the " Paw Paw Plank- 
Road Company,'' which was incorporated by act of the 
Legislature, approved April 3, 1848. This company was 
empowered " to lay out, establish, and construct a plank- 
road and all necessary buildings, from the village of Paw 
Paw, in the county of Van Buren, on the most eligible 
route, to some point on the Central Railroad, at or near 
where the Little Prairie Ronde road crosses the Central 
Railroad." Isaac W. Willard, James Crane, and Nathan 
Mears were appointed to receive subscriptions to the capi- 
tal stock, which was authorized to the amount often thou- 
sand dollars. The incorporation was for sixty years, but 
subject to repeal at any time, under certain conditions ; and 
it was so repealed by act approved Feb. 12, 1855. 

The New Buffalo and La Porte Plank-Road Company 
was incorporated by act of Feb. 13, 1849, with an author- 
ized capital stock of five thousand dollars. Commissioners, 
Isaac 0. Adams, George W. Allen, Alonzo Bennett, L. N. 
Bowlsby, and Edwin Ballengee. 

The Niles and Mottville and the Decatur, Lawrence 
and Breedsville Plank-road Companies were incorporated 
March 22, 1849. The stock of the latter company was 
placed at forty thousand dollars, and the proposed route of 
its road was as indicated by its title. Aaron W. Broughton, 
Marvin Hannahs, William B. Sherwood, Henry Coleman, 
J. N. Hinckley, Milo J. Go.ss, B. F. Chadwick, H. N. Phil- 
lips, Israel Phelps, and John Andrews were named as com- 
missioners. The Nilos and Mottville Company was empow- 
ered to construct a plank-road between these termini, " by 
way of Edwardsbiirg, Adamsville, or Cassopolis." The 
commissioners named to receive subscriptions were James 
L. Glenn, H. P. Mather, J. M. Finley, H. B. Hoffman, 
Nathaniel Bacon, George Meachem, Ezra Hatch, Moses 
Jay, Hiram HoUibard, Orrin E. Thompson, H. Follett, 
and Norman Sage. Capital stock authorized, one hundred 
thousand dollars. 

The Lake Michigan and Terre Coupee Plank-Road Com- 
pany was incorporated IMarch 31, 1849. Capital stock 
authorized, twenty-five thousand dollars. Commissioners, 
H. E. Crosby, E. N. Shead, J. P. Johnson, Moses Cham- 
berlain, A. Emery, and Elkanah Ryther. The route over 
which the company was empowered to build its road was 
" from the State line, near the village of Terre Coupee, 
Ind., to the village of New Buffalo, or to some point on 
the Michigan Central Railroad." 

The following plunk-road companies were incorporated 
by acts of March, 1850, viz. : 

1. The Niles and State Line Plank-Road Company. 
Capital, twenty thousand dollars, ('ominissioners, Jacob 
Beoson, Nathaniel Bacon, Richard P. Barker, and William 
McComber. This company was empowered to build a road 
from Niles to the Indiana State line, running on the cast 
side of the St. Joseph River. 

2. The Breedsville and South Haven Plank-Road Com- 
pany, to build between the points indicated. Capital, 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



51 



twenty-five thousand dollars. Commissioners, Marvin Han- 
nahs, Elijah Kiiowles, Joseph B. Sturges, Smith Brown, 
and Jonathan Hinckley. 

3. The Paw Paw and Lawrence Plank-Road Company. 
Capital, twenty-five thousand dollars. Commissioners, Fitz 
H. Stevens, J. R. Baker, and Nelson Phelps. This com- 
pany was empowered to build " from any point in the vil- 
lage of Paw Paw, on the most eligible route, to the village 
of Lawrence, in Van Buren County." 

4. The Paw Paw and Schoolcraft Plank-Road Company, 
" to construct a plank-road from the village of Paw Paw 
Station, on the Central Railroad, in the county of Van Bu- 
ren, on the most eligible route, to the village of Schoolcraft, 
in the county of Kalamazoo." Capital authorized, twenty 
thousand dollars. Commissioners, Edward A. Parks, Uriah 
Kinney, Evert B. Dyckman, and Isaac W. Willard. 

5. The Paw Paw and Allegan Plank-Road Company, 
to construct a road " commencing at the village of Paw 
Paw, in the county of Van Buren, and terminating and 
intersecting with the Kalamazoo and Grand River Plank- 
Road, at the most eligible point, in the county of Allegan." 
Capital, twenty thousand dollars. Commissioners, J. W. 
Willard, James Crane, and J. R. Baker, of Van Buren 
County, and Henry H. Booth, Joseph Eisk, Abraham 
Hoag, Joshua Hill, Charles Parkhurst, D. W. C. Chapin, 
Eber Sherwood, and A. Rossman, of Allegan County. 

6. The Decatur and St. Joseph Plank-Road Company, 
to construct a road " commencing at the village of Decatur, 
in Van Buren County, on the most eligible route, and ter- 
minating at the village of St. Joseph, in Berrien County." 
Capital, thirty thousand dollars. Commissioners, Solomon 
Wheeler, B. C. Hoyt, Henry C. Morton, and Samuel 
IMcRoys, of Berrien County, and William Sherwood, 
Henry Coleman, and W. H. Keeler, of Van Buren County. 

7. The Lawrence and St. Joseph Plank-Road Company, 
empowered to build " from such point in the township of 
Lawrence, in the county of Van Buren, as the commis- 
sioners may determine, to St. Joseph, in the township of 
St. Joseph, in Berrien County." Commissioners, H. W. 
Phelps, John Andrews, Isaac N. Swain, John R. Haynes, 
Talman Wheeler, B. C. Hoyt, Henry C. Morton, and Gelsou 
Osgood. Capital authorized, fifty thousand dollars. 

A number of other companies became incorporated after- 
wards under the general law, but no plank-roads were built 
and put in operation within the counties of Berrien and 
Van Buren except three of the above-mentioned, viz., 
that from Paw Paw to the Central Railroad, which was 
controlled by Isaac W. Willard and kept up until 1853 ; 
the road from Paw Paw to Lawrence, of wiiich John R. 
Baker was the leading spirit, and which was also kept in 
operation till about 1853 ; and a section of about five miles 
of road extending from Niles, on the Nilcs and Mottville 
Company's route. All of these three roads were failures as 
to the realization of any profit to their .stockholders. 

The mention made above of the numerous companies 
which accomplished nothing beyond the obtaining of acts of 
incorporation is made for the purpose of showing how general 
was the plank-road mania at that time in these counties, as 
in other portions of the State. It also shows what the 
several projects were and the names of their originators. 



STAGE-ROUTES. 

The first stage-line which entered the territory to which 
this history has reference was that which was started in the 
spring of 1831, by Col. Alamanson Huston, to run between 
Niles and Detroit. Col. Huston was soon afterwards suc- 
ceeded in the proprietorship of this line by Jones & Avery, 
of White Pigeon, who continued to operate it until the end 
of 1832. At this time the stages made the round trip be- 
tween Niles and Detroit in about seven days. 

With the opening of 1833, immigration to the western 
part of the State began to increase rapidly, and in that 
year, De Garmo Jones, Benjamin B. Kercheval, Maj. Robert 
A. Forsyth, of Detroit, and Joseph W. Brown, of Tecum- 
seh, established a line of stages from Detroit to Chicago, 
running tri-wcekly, with Concord coaches and stage-wagons, 
and changes of teams at the end of every section of twelve 
or fifteen miles. The route passed from Detroit by way of 
Ypsilanti, Jonesvillc, Coldwater River, White Pigeon, and 
Niles, to Chicago. The stage-station at Niles was the 
" Council House." In 1834 an interest in this line was 
purchased by Saltmarsh, Overton & Boardman, the last- 
named gentleman acting as general superintendent, with 
headquarters at Detroit. The concern was then known as 
the " Western Stage Company." Soon afterwards the line 
was divided into sections, and that part of the road extend- 
ing from Jonesville to Chicago was placed under charge of 
Maj. William Graves, who located at Niles, as superinten- 
dent, June 15, 1835. He had previously been employed 
in the office of the company at Detroit. 

In the spring of 1835 the travel had so much increased 
that daily stages were put on the line, and even then trav- 
elers were compelled to secure seats in advance, and places 
in the coaches were not unfrequently subjects of speculation. 
Later in that season the stock of the company was increased, 
a double daily line was put on the road, and it was not an 
uncommon thing for the agent to be compelled to purchase 
an extra team and wagon, fill the latter with passengers, 
and send it on to Chicago. This was the only stage thor- 
oughfare through the State, east and west, and being the 
direct route to Chicago and other Western points, was very 
liberally patronized. From Michigan City (which was laid 
out in 1835) the stage-route followed the lake beach to 
within twelve miles of Chicago. 

About 1836, what is called the " Territorial road" was 
surveyed through the town.ships of Van Buren County, and 
soon after the opening of this road the first line of stages 
was put on by John Allen. Upon his failure, the business 
was carried on by others, and about 1840 it had attained 
considerable magnitude. When the Central Railroad was 
completed to points west of Ann Arbor, cross-lines began 
to be put on ; and from Kalamazoo, D. Humphrey, of Ba- 
tavia, B. F. Haddock and Granville Kimball, of Buffalo, 
had charge of and owned the route through Paw Paw, 
Keeler, Bainbridge, and Benton to St. Joseph. The com- 
pletion of the railroad to New Buffalo destroyed the busi- 
ness of this route as well as the others, and the road be- 
came no more than an ordinary township highway. 

A contract for the delivery of the mail from the railroad 
terminus to St. Joseph was held by D. Humphrey & Co., 



52 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



who afterwards united with the Western Stage Company, 
and both routes were continued. Fifteen or sixteen stages 
ran daily to St. Joseph, and the steamboat "John P. Por- 
ter" was also used in the service. Later, the stages met 
the lake boats at Michigan City in summer, and in winter 
continued to Chicago. The divisions of the road were 
broken up a.? the contracts expired and railroad facilities 
were increased. Overton & Graves purchased eighty miles 
of the route (from Niles to Coldwater), and sold the route 
from White Pigeon to Coldwater to Lockwood & Raymond, 
and the remainder was kept till the mail contract expired, 
when the railway-trains superseded the stages. The Con- 
cord coacbes-and-four, the gathering of the loitering crowd 
at the tavern when the horn of the driver was heard in the 
distance, the alighting, changing of horses, and the crack 
of the long whip, are all events of the past. 

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD. 

On the 29th day of June, 1832, the Legislature of the 
Territory of Michigan pa.sscd an act incorporating the De- 
troit and St. Joseph Railroad Company. This was the first 
official movement towards the construction of a railroad in 
Michigan, and the company thus organized was the legiti- 
mate ancestor of the present powerful corporation, the 
Michigan Central Railroad Company. 

The act just mentioned named twenty men, including 
Calvin Brittain and Talman Wheeler, of St. Joseph, as 
commissioners to open subscriptions and attend to the elec- 
tion of the first oflBcers. The capital stock of the company 
was fixed at one million five hundred thousand dollars. It 
was authorized to build a single or double railroad from 
Detroit to St. Joseph, through the village of Ypsilanti and 
the county-seats of Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, and 
Kalamazoo Counties, and to run cars on the same " by the 
force of steam, of animals, of any mechanical or other 
power, or of any combination of these forces." The com- 
pany was bound to begin work within two years from the 
passage of the act, to build thirty miles of track within 
six years, to complete half of the road in fifteen years, 
and to finish the whole of it within thirty years, under 
penalty of the forfeiture of its franchises. 

The proposed line was surveyed by Lieut. Berrien, of 
tlie regular army, and some work was done on it near the 
eastern ends, so as to hold the corporate rights of the com- 
pany past the two years prescribed in the act. The ques- 
tion whether the company could have built thirty miles of 
road within the six years prescribed by the act was not 
solved, for before that time expired now, and important 
official action was taken. 

Michigan, after a long contest, having been admitted by 
Congress as a State early in the year 1837, one of its first 
movements under the new government was to inaugurate a 
grand system of internal improvement, doubtless designed 
to keep up the good times prevalent during several specula- 
tive years, and to disperse the cloud of financial disaster 
already looming over IMichigan, as well as the rest of the 
country.* 

* A board of commi.ssioners of internal improvements was estab- 
lished to oiirry the system into effect, and plenty of work was soon 
given thcin to do. 



On the 20th day of March, 1837, an act of the Legisla- 
ture was approved by the Governor, which provided for the 
construction of throe railroads, by the State governmenti 
across the whole breadth of its territory, to be called the 
Northern, Central, and Southern Railroads. Of these the 
Central Railroad was to run from Detroit to the mouth of 
the St. Joseph River. Tiie act also provided for the pur- 
chase of the rights and property of railroad companies 
already established, and especially of those of the Detroit 
and St. Joseph Company. 

We have said that the act provided for the construction 
of the three railroads mentioned, but it did so in a very in- 
direct and covert way. It first authorized the survey ot 
the three routes, then the purchase of roads already begun 
on either route, and then appropriated five hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars for the " survey and making" of 
the three roads, viz. : for the Southern road, one hun- 
dred thousand dollars ; for the Central, four hundred thous- 
and dollars; and for the Northern, fifty thou.sand dollars. 

By another act, approved the following day (March 21, 
1837), the Legislature authorized a loan of five million dol- 
lars. With the money obtained from this and other sources 
the board of commissioners proceeded in the work of con- 
structing the Central and Southern roads. The work, 
however, was but slowly carried forward, and it was not 
until the 2d day of February, 1846, that the Central Rail- 
road was constructed as far as Kalamazoo. 

In the mean time the State had run out of money, and 
the people had become thoroughly sick of the experiment 
of having politicians build railroads at their expen.se. Ac- 
cordingly, an act was passed by the Legislature, approved 
March 28, 1846, which, so far as the Central road was con- 
cerned, provided for an entire change in the existing system. 
By that act, William Sturgcss, John Elliot Thayer, Alex- 
ander Duncan, William F. Weld, Josiah Quincy, Jr., David 
A. Neal, John Bryant, James K. M. Mills, Erastus Corn- 
ing, Thomas II. Perkins, John P. Gushing, George Gris- 
wold, John M. Forbes, R. B. Forbes, Dudley S. Piekman, 
John W. Brooks, Cyrus Butler, Moses B. Ives, Robert H. 
Ives, Edward King, John Carter Brown, Thomas H. Per- 
kins, Jr., Marcus T. Reynolds, Garrett Y. Lansing, John 
Townsend, Rufus H. King, and their associates, were con- 
stituted a body corporate, by the name of the Michigan 
Central Railroad Company. 

It was authorized to purchase, and the State agreed to 
sell to it, all of the interest of the State in the Central 
Railroad and its appurtenances for two million dollars, — half 
a million within six months from the passage of the act, 
and the remaining amount within a year later. On making 
the first payinent the company was authorized to go into 
possession of the road and to proceed to its completion. 
But, while it was required to substantially follow the old 
line to Kalamazoo, it was not compelled to build the road 
from the latter point to the mouth of the St. Joseph River, 
but " to some point in the State of Blichigan, on or near 
Lake Michigan, which shall be accessible to steamboats on 
said lake, and thence to some point on the southern bound- 
ary line of the State of Michigan."f 

I It is said that the men of whom the company was e.'cpoeted to con- 
sist insisted on having this provision in the act, in order that they 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



53 



It was likewise enacted that the franchises of the com- 
pany should be forfeited if the payments wore not made as 
before provided, that it should not charge over three cents 
per mile for the carriage of each passenger, and that no 
more should be charged on the principal articles than the 
average price on the chief New England railroads, the 
average to be obtained by a commission. The corporate 
stock of the company was fixed at five million dollars, with 
the privilege of increasing it to eight millions, to be divided 
into shares of one hundred dollars each. 

The State reserved the right to alter or repeal the act at 
any time after thirty years by a vote of two-thirds of both 
houses of the Legislature. 

As soon as the company had made its payment and taken 
possession of the road, it determined to take the nearest 
route by which it could obtain all communication with 
Chicago, and began surveying a route from Kalamazoo to 
New Buffalo, running through the southeast part of Van 
Buren County, the northwest part of Cass, and the whole 
south part of Berrien County. This route was adopted, 
engineers and laborers were employed, and the work was 
pushed forward with what was then considered remarkable 
speed. The road was finished to Niles, Oct. 7, 1848, and to 
New BuflTalo in the spring of 1849, where the steamer " Pa- 
cific" was waiting to receive the passengers on the first train. 

There a halt was made, piers were built and the harbor 
was improved, and two steamers ran in connection with the 
road to Chicago. For more than three years railroad busi- 
ness made New Buffalo a very lively place. In the winter 
of 1851-52 the road was opened for traffic to Michigan 
City, and in the spring of 1852 it was completed to Chicago. 

Since then the business of the Michigan Central Rail- 
road has been steadily increasing, and it has long been one 
of the principal lines in the United States. The following 
facts in relation to its business are taken from its last pub- 
lished report : Whole length of the road, including lines 
operated by this company, 520 miles; whole number of 
employees, including officials, 4450 ; locomotives of over 
30 tons' weight each, 168 ; locomotives of less than 30 tons, 
51 ; twelve-wheel passenger cars, 87 ; eight-wheel passen- 
ger cars, 29 ; express- and baggage-cars, 35 ; box freight- 
cars, 2780; stock-cars, 849; platform-cars, 1291 ; conduc- 
tors' way-cars, 129 ; all other cars, 457. Miles run by pas- 
senger trains in the year before report (1878), 1,464,299 ; 
miles run by freight trains in the same time, 3,075,613; 
by mixed trains, 165,402 ; number of through passengers 
carried, 133,148; number of local passengers, 1,300,789; 
number of tons of through freight, 1,530,757 ; of local 
freight, 2,033,994. 

The tonnage of articles passing over the road is as fol- 
lows : grain, 1,202,372; flour, 272,189; other provisions, 
108,860; animals, 216,128; other agricultural products, 
54,918; lumber and other forest products, 457,764 ; plas- 
ter, 26,804 ; salt, 94,289 ; merchandise and non-enumerated 
articles, 1,131,407. 

might have a choice of destination, but sedulously repelled the idea that 
they had selected a location. Thej might waut to go to St. Joseph or 
Now Buffalo or Grand Haven, or possibly some other point. But as 
soon as this law was passed they took possession, their doubts all 
ceased, and they at once pushed their road towards New BuB'alo. 



The American Express Company pays two hundred dol- 
lars per day for the privilege of sending its freight over the 
road, and in some cases still more, and the United States 
pays two hundred and twenty-three dollars per mile each 
year for the carriage of the mails. The following fast freight 
companies operate on this road : Erie and North Shore Des- 
patch, Blue Line, International Line, Canada Southern 
Line, Hoosac Tunnel Line, and Merchants' Dispatch Trans- 
portation Company. 

Seventeen miles of the Central Railroad lie in Van Buren 
County and thirty-three in Berrien. Among the roads 
operated by this company are the Kalamazoo and South 
Haven, which runs through the north part of Van Buren 
County, and the Michigan Air-Line, of which a small por- 
tion is in the southeast corner of Berrien. Of both these 
separate sketches will be given. 

MICHIGAN SOUTHERN RAILROAD. 

Although this road was not built so as to touch any part 
of either of the counties embraced in this history, yet it 
was originally intended to pass through Berrien County, 
and for many years the hopes and fears of the people of the 
southern part of that county were earnestly affected by the 
prospects of that road. 

The same act of March 20, 1837, which provided for the 
construction of the Central road, also authorized the build- 
ing of a railroad from the navigable waters of the river 
Raisin, in the county of Monroe, to Now Buffalo, in the 
county of Berrien, to be called the Southern Railroad. The 
line was surveyed and established through the southern 
part of Berrien County, not far from the present line of the 
Central road, and the inhabitants of that region looked for 
its completion in a few years. 

By strenuous exertion the State built the road westward 
as far as Hillsdale in 1843, but was unable to continue it. 
For nearly three years nothing was done, but on the 9th of 
May, 1846, an act of the Legislature was approved which 
entirely changed the situation. By this act the Michigan 
Southern Railroad Company was duly incorporated, and 
the^tate agreed to sell the Southern Railroad to it for five 
hundred thousand dollars, fifty thousand dollars to be paid 
in three months, and the remainder in eighteen equal semi- 
annual instalments of twenty-five thousand dollars each. 
The company was required to continue the road westward 
from Hillsdale to Coldwater, but from that point it- was 
permitted to choose its own route to Lake Michigan, either 
" on the line heretofore established as the line of the South- 
ern Railroad by the State, or anywhere farther southward 
than that line." The company was nevertheless required 
to build the road from Hillsdale to Coldwater within four 
years from the passage of the act, from Coldwater to some 
point on the St. Joseph River, in St. Joseph County, in 
ei2;ht years, and thence to the village of Niles, in Berrien 
County, in twelve years ; but the only penalty provided for 
non-performance was the forfeiture of the company's charter 
as to the part not built. 

As previously stated, the Michigan Central Railroad 
Company had already been organized, and its road had been 
built to Kalamazoo by the State. Considering New Buffalo 
as the most desirable point to reach Lake Michigan, and 



51 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



being allowed to go there by its charter, that company 
pushed over on to the Southern route, and built its road 
from Kalamazoo, by way of Niles to New Buffalo, long be- 
fore the Southern Railroad Company could reach the east- 
ern boundary of Berrien County. Consequently, the latter 
company was practically compelled to avail itself of the pro- 
vision of its charter which permitted it to take a more 
southerly route, and when the Southern road was built 
from Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., to Chicago, which was in 
1851 and the first part of 1852, it was made to leave the 
State in St. Joseph County and proceed westward through 
the northern tier of Indiana counties, thus acquiring the 
name which it long bore of the Southern Michigan and 
Northern Indiana Railroad. Berrien County thus lost all 
further interest in this great work, and our concern natu- 
rally ceases with that of the counties whose fortunes we 
record. 

KALAMAZOO AND SOUTH HAVEN RAILROAD. 

The first movement to build a railroad over the line of 
the above work was made during the flush times of 1835 
and '3G, when nearly every man expected to have a railroad 
through his farm. On the 28th of March, 1836, an act 
was passed by the Legislature incorporating the Kalamazoo 
and Lake Michigan Railroad Company, and authorizing 
it to construct a railroad " from the mouth of the South 
Black River, in the county of Van Buren, to the county- 
seat of Kalamazoo County." The point at the mouth of 
the South Black River is now the location of the village of 
South Haven, and the county-seat of Kalamazoo County, 
originally called Bronson, has long been known as Kala- 
mazoo. 

The incorporators of the Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan 
Company were Epaphroditus Ransom, Charles E. Stuart, 
Edwin H. Lothrop, Horace H. Comstock, Isaac W. Willard, 
and their associates, and the capital stock was fixed at four 
hundred thousand dollars. Before, however, anything of 
any consequence was done in relation to the proposed work 
the " hard times" of 1837 superseded the " flush times" 
of 1836, and the construction of the Kalamazoo and Lake 
Michigan Railroad was indefinitely postponed. The powers 
of the company lapsed, and, although the project may occa- 
sionally have been talked of, nothing more was actually 
done in the matter for over thirty years. 

In the winter of 1868-69 a determined effort to accom- 
plish the desired object was made at Kalamazoo, at South 
Haven, and in the intervening townships. On the 14th of 
April, 1869, articles of association were filed, organizing the 
Kalatuazoo and South Haven Railroad Company, and on the 
same day the following gentlemen were elected as directors: 
Allen Potter, Lucius B. Kendall, John Dudgeon, David 
Fisher, Stephen W. Fisk, Charles D. Ruggles, Amos S. 
Brown, Samuel Iloppin, Stephen Garnet, John Scott, 
Samuel Rogers, Daniel G. Wright, and Barney H. Dyck- 
man. Allen Potter was elected the first president of the 
company, but resigned after holding the position a few 
months, when James A. Walter was chosen in his place. 

Mr. Walter held the presidency until his death, on 
the 5th of April, 1870, and during his administration 
arrangements were made with the Michigan Central Rail- 



road Company to guarantee and sell the first mortgage 
bonds of the Kalamazoo and South Haven Company to 
the amount of six hundred and forty thousand dollars. Be- 
sides this, fifty thousand dollars was voted and subscribed 
in Kalamazoo by the township and the citizens, and nearly 
two hundred thousand dollars was also voted and sub- 
scribed by the townships and residents along the line of 
the proposed road. The Supreme Court, however, de- 
cided that the bonds voted by the townships were uncon- 
stitutional, and consequently very little was derived from 
that source. After the decision in question, seventy-five 
thousand dollars' worth of second mortgage bonds were sold, 
and some new subscriptions were obtained. 

By these various means the road was built. It was 
opened for business to Pine Grove on the 3d of January, 
1870, and was completed to South Haven on the 17th of 
December, in the same year. The road was operated about 
a year by the company owning it, but at the end of that 
time it was leased to the Michigan Central Company, 
which has ever since controlled it as a branch of the Cen- 
tral road. It has done a very considerable amount of 
business, and it is expected that it will in time become a 
part of a through line of rail and boat communication be- 
tween Detroit, Milwaukee, and the great Northwest. 

The following is the present board of directors of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad Company : James 
F. Joy, of Detroit ; Allen Potter, Lucius B. Kendall, 
Hezekiah G. Wells, and William A. Wood, of Kalamazoo; 
Augustus Haven and David Anderson, of Bloomingdale ; 
George Hannahs, Samuel Rogers, A. S. Dyckman, N. 
Conger, D. G. Wright, and B. H. Dyckman, of South 
Haven. The ofiicers are Allen Potter, President ; Lucius 
B. Kendall, Treasurer ; and George L. Seaver, Secretary. 

CONSTANTINE AND NILES CANAL OR RAILROAD COM- 
PANY. 

On the 2Cth 9r March, 1836, the Governor of Michigan 
approved an act of the Legislature incorporating the Con- 
stantine and Niles Canal or Railroad Company. The 
amount of the capital stock was fixed at two hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars, and the company was duly author- 
ized to construct either a canal or railroad from Constan- 
tino, St. Joseph County, to Niles, Berrien County. The 
first directors were William Meek, George W. Hoffman, 
Welles T. House, Watson Sumner, John G. Cathcart, 
Edward N. Bridge, J. C. Lanman, Jacob Beesou, and 
Vincent L. Bradford. 

Nothing was done under the law, except that possibly a 
survey was made, and the record on the statute book is the 
only memento of this one of the numerous abortive schemes 
of that period. 

ST. JOSEPH VALLEY RAILROAD. 

By an act approved the 3d day of April, 1848, the 
Legislature of Michigan incorporated the St. Joseph Val- 
ley Railroad Company, and appointed John F. Porter, 
Talman Wheeler, Rodney C. Paine, Benjamin C. Hoyt, 
Jacob Conipton, and Thomas Fitzgerald commissioners to 
receive subscriptions to its stock. The capital stock was 
fixed at one million dollars, in ten thousand shares of one 
hundred dollars each, and it was provided that, as soou as 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



55 



four hundred shares sliould be subscribed, the subscribers 
should become a body politic, by the name of" the St. 
Joseph Valley Railroad Company, with the usual powers 
granted to such incorporations. 

The company thus created was authorized to " construct 
a railroad, with a single or double track, from the village of 
St. Joseph, in the county of Berrien, via the village of 
Cassopolis, in the county of Cass, to any point in the 
county of St. Joseph, upon the most desirable route, with 
power to take, transport, and carry property and persons 
upon the said railroad, or any part thereof, herein author- 
ized to be constructed, by the force and power of steam or 
of animals, or of any mechanical or other power, or of any 
combination of thorn, which the said company may choose 
to apply." 

It was also provided that if the company should not be- 
gin work in five years, and complete the road in ten years, 
its powers .should become void. There was a large number 
of elaborate provisions concerning tlie manner in which the 
company should act, but as the company did not act at all 
it is not necessary to consider them. In fact this scheme 
appears to have been given up in less than two years, and 
a new one adopted, of which mention is made below. 

ST. JOSEPH RAILROAD COMPANY. 

This project was a less ambitious one than the foregoing, 
but was evidently originated by the same men and aimed 
partially at the same purpose. By an act of the Legislature 
approved April 2, 1850, Shubael Conant, Junius H. Hatch, 
Calvin Britain, Talman Wheeler, Rodney C. Paine, Benja- 
min C. Hoyt, Jacob Compton, Thomas Fitzgerald, Warren 
Chapman, Jesse E. Stevens, and Henry C. Morton were 
appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to the 
stock of the St. Joseph Railroad Company. The amount 
of stock was modestly limited to five hundred thousand 
dollars, in five thousand shares of one hundred dollars 
each, and the subscription of two hundred shares (twenty 
thousand dollars) was declared sufiicient to authorize the 
organization of the company. 

It was empowered to construct a railroad, with a double 
or single track, " from the village of St. Joseph, in the 
county of Berrien, on the most direct and eligible route, to 
some point on the Michigan Central Railroad track, in the 
counties of Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren," with the usual 
power to transport persons and property " by the power and 
force of steam, or of animals, or of any meclianical or 
other power." As in the case of the St. Joseph Valley 
road, this company was allowed five years to begin the 
road and ten to complete it. 

The provision that the road might terminate at any point 
on the Central road, in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren 
Counties, certainly gave ample range, as under it the track 
might have run northeast to Lawton, or southwest to New 
Buff"alo, or to any intermediate point, and was probably 
intended to obtain a large number of subscribers, each of 
whom would hope to bring the St. Joseph Railroad to the 
place of his own residence. But the plan did not work, and 
ere long the St. Joseph Railroad Company followed the St. 
Joseph Valley Railroad Company into the list of abortive 
schemes. 



ELKHART AND LAKE MICHIGAN RAILROAD. 
Shortly after the close of the war a company was organ- 
ized, called Elkhart and Lake Michigan Railroad Company, 
for the purpose of building a railroad from Benton Harbor, 
Berrien County, Mich., to Elkhart, Ind. The line as sur- 
veyed was to run through Berrien County, entirely on the 
east and northeast side of the St. Joseph River, passing a 
short distance east of the city of Niles. Besides the survey, 
no work was done on the road until about 1870, when four or 
five miles were graded southeast from Benton Harbor. It 
was found impracticable, however, to carry on the work, and 
it was accordingly abandoned, the unused embankment 
alone remaining to tell the tale of " one more unfortunate" 
project doomed to disappoint the hopes of its projectors. 

CHICAGO AND WEST MICHIGAN RAILROAD. 

Notwithstanding the previous failures, already narrated, 
to procure the construction of a railroad to St. Joseph, the 
people of that place did not give up the hope and deter- 
mination to secure such a convenience. In May, 1SG9, a 
company was organized at St. Joseph, under the general 
law of the State, called the Chicago and Michigan Lake- 
Shore Railroad Company, for the purpose of building a 
railroad from New Bufl'alo northward along the western 
shore of Lake Michigan. A. H. Morrison, Warren Chap- 
man, Benjamin C. Hoyt, Curtis Boughton, George Bridg- 
man, David Ballentine, and Robert A. Conolly were elected 
the first directors. A. H. Morrison was President; Horace 
W. Guernsey, Secretary ; David Ballentine, Treasurer ; Fitz 
H. Stevens and Horace W. Guernsey, Commissioners ; and 
R. A. Conolly, Chief Engineer. 

As St. Joseph then controlled the work, and as the peo- 
ple of that place had been so often deceived by the expec- 
tation of railroads which were either not built or were 
built elsewhere, it was determined that this one should not 
slip through their fingers. The work was begun at St. 
Joseph, the grading was rapidly carried southward from 
there, and when, in October, 1809, the road-bed was ready 
for the rails, the locomotive " Swallow," two platform-cars, 
and a supply of rails were brought by steamer from Chicago 
to St. Joseph, where track-laying at once commenced. 
These efforts were crowned with success, and on the 28th 
day of January, 1870, the road was completed from St. 
Joseph to New Buffalo, a distance of twenty-eight miles; 
being formally opened for trafiic on the 2d day of Feb- 
ruary, 1870, when a grand celebration was indulged in by 
the long-desponding but at length jubilant citizens of St. 
Joseph. 

The road was subsequently continued northward, reach- 
ing Grand Junction (Van Buren County) on the 28th of 
February, 1871, and Pentwater, its present terminus, on 
the 1st day of January, 1872. A branch was also built 
from Holland to Grand Rapids, which was completed ou 
the 1st day of January, 1872 ; and one from Muskegon to 
Big Rapids, which was finished on the 21st day of July, 
1873. The total length of the road with its branches is 
two hundred and forty-six miles. The distance traversed 
in Berrien County is forty-four miles ; in Van Buren 
County, nineteen miles. 

The road was managed by the original company until 



56 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



1874. It was then given up to the bondholders, who 
operated it about three years and then foreclosed their 
mortgage. On the .sale the stock principally passed into 
the hands of citizens of Boston, and the road is now con- 
trolled by them. The new company changed its name to 
the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. The present 
directors are all Boston men, except James F. Joy, of 
Detroit. 

The cost of construction was $0,225,802, and that of 
equipment, $899,220. The funded debt of the company 
amounts to $0,630,000, the unfunded to $2,517,218. The 
receipts for carriage of passengers during tlie year previous 
to the last annual report of the railroad commissioners was 
$175,921; from freights, $333,809; from other sources, 
$28,293 ; total, $538,023. The total of running expenses 
for the same period was $500,479. 

Seventy miles of the road are laid with steel rails, weigh- 
ing from fifty to sixty pounds per yard ; the remainder 
with iron rails, weighing from forty-five to fifty-six pounds 
per yard. 

There are employed on the road 21 locomotives weighing 
over thirty tons each, and 5 which are under that amount. 
There are 3 twelve wheel and 10 eight-wheel passenger- 
cars. There are 9 express and baggage and 114 box 
freight-ears, 376 platform-cars, 7 conductors' way-cars, and 
1 pay-car. The miles run by passenger-trains in the year 
were 232,328 ; by freight-trains, 209,442. The number 
of through passengers was 35,640 ; of local passengers, 
182,506. The highest rate per mile paid by passengers 
was four cents. 

The total number of tons of freight carried over the road 
during the year was 266,701, distributed as follows: grain, 
14,055; flour, 1949; other provisions, 1225; animals, 
2375 ; other agricultural products, 7298 ; lumber and other 
forest products, 153,563; coal, 2585; plaster, 12,000; 
railroad-iron, 189; pig- and bloom-iron, 11,050; ores, 
19,499 ; stone and brick, 2812 ; merchandise and other 
articles not enumerated, 38,151. 

The American Express Company sends its freight over 
the road, paying for the privilege one and a half times the 
price of first-class railroad freight. Thirteen fast-freight 
lines also run their cars over this road. 

The Chicago and West Michigan road has been unfor- 
tunate in the fact that, just as it had completed and 
equipped its line to Pentwater, largely through a new 
country, and a heavy debt had been incurred for the pur- 
po.se, the " hard times" of 1873 supervened, with espe- 
cially unfavorable results to a corporation thus situated. 
Now, however, that the dark clouds of financial trouble are 
at length dispersed, and the sunlight of prosperity gladdens 
the land, and now, too, that emigration is rapidly pouring 
into the country along the northern part of this road, there 
is every reason to believe that it will .soon take its place 
among the important thoroughfares of the Northwest. 

TAW PAW RAILROAD. 

This road was built from Lawton to Paw Paw, Van Bu- 

ren Co., a distance of four miles, in 1867, and was originally 

of the standard gauge. In 1878, however, it was reduced 

to a gauge of three feet, in order that it might be run in 



connection with the Toledo and South Haven road, making 
a continuous line from Lawton to Lawrence. 

Short as it is, it is one of the most profitable roads in the 
State, in proportion to its cost. The last published report 
of the railroad commissioners shows that the cost of con- 
struction was .§30,000. The equipment is furnished by the 
Toledo and South Haven road, which operates it. Its earn- 
ings from passengers in 1878 were $3453.72 ; from freight, 
$4098.91; from other sources, $1668.46; total, $9221.09. 

The total expenses were $3949.28, which leaves a net 
balance of $5271.81, — pretty good interest, for a dull year, 
on $30,000. The number of passengers carried during the 
year was 13,760 ; the number of tons of freight, 4756. 

The directors are F. B. Adams, G. W. Longwell, E. 0. 
Briggs, and C. A. Harrison, of Paw Paw, and J. Ihling, 
Henry Ford, and J. C. Ford, of Lawton. F. B. Adams is 
the president and treasurer ; G. W. Longwell, the vice- 
president ; J. C. Ford, the secretary ; and J. Ihling, the 
superintendent. 

TOLEDO AND SOUTH HAVEN RAILROAD. 

The track of this ambitiously-named railroad extends 
from Paw Paw to Lawrence, a distance of nine miles, but 
it also operates the Paw Paw Kailroad, giving it a total 
length of thirteen miles. The company was organized dur- 
ing the winter of 1876-77, the construction of the road 
and laying of the track — of three-foot gauge — were pushed 
forward during the following summer, and on the 1st of 
October, 1877, the road was opened for traffic. In January, 
1878, the Paw Paw road, having been reduced to the same 
width of track, was taken in charge by the same company. 

Though the Toledo and South Haven road is not so 
profitable as its shorter associate, yet its balance-sheet shows 
quite well in comparison with many institutions of far 
greater pretensions. The number of pa.ssengers carried in 
1878 was 10,372, and the number of tons of freight, 1146. 
The receipts from passengers for the year were $2812.14; 
from freights, $1871.75 ; from mails, $270 ; total, $4953.89. 
The expenses were $2803.80, leaving a balance in favor of 
the company of $2090.09. As the cost of construction is 
set down at $44,435.73, and that of equipment at $12,461, 
making a total of $56,896.73, the net earnings amounted 
to a little less than four per cent, on the cost. This was a 
reasonably fair result for that year, and will doubtless be 
greatly improved in the future. 

The directors are J. Ihling and G. W. Lawton, of Law- 
ton; F. B. Adams, E. Martin, J. W. Free, and L. C. Hurd, 
of Paw Paw ; J. B. Johnson and R. Titlow, of Lawrence. 
The president is F. B. Adams ; the vice-president, J. W. 
Free ; the secretary, J. C. Ford ; the treasurer, E. Blartin ; 
and the superintendent, J. Ihling. 

MICHIGAN AIR-LINE RAILROAD. 
This road was built and is owned by parties living along 
its line, its object being to open to traffic a fertile region in 
the counties of Cass, St. Joseph, Calhoun, and Jackson, and 
also to form a more direct route from Jackson to Niles than 
by the old one by way of Kalamazoo. It was opened for 
travel to Homer in the summer of 1870, to Three Rivers 
in the autumn of the same year, and to Nilcs in February^ 
1870. At Niles it dropped its "air-line" character, made 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



57 



a sharp turn, and ran nearly due south to South Bend, 
Ind* 

The capital stock is $4,000,000, but of this only $H50,000 
is paid up. The total cost of construction was $3,1GC,759, 
and the amount of the funded debt is $2,100,000. The 
earnings from passengers in 1878 were $49,085.15; from 
freight, $60,423.37 ; from other sources, $8384.07 ; total, 
$117,892.59. The road is now leased and operated by the 
Michigan Central Railroad Company, yet a separate organ- 
ization is necessarily maintained, the thirteen directors being 
all located along the line of the road, and one of them, R. 
W. Laudon, being a resident of Niles, Berrien Co. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MILITARY HISTORY-THE SAUK WAR-THE 
GREAT REBELLION. 

The Indian War of 1S;J2 — Rendezvous of Troops at Niles — Their 
Movement towards Chicago — End of the War — The Me.xican War 
— Opening of the Great Civil War in 1861 — The Second Michigan 
Infantry — Capt. Brethschncider's Company — Flag Presentation — 
Departure of the Regiment — Bull Run — The Peninsula Campaign 
—Seven Days' Fight— Second Bull Run, Chantilly, and Antietam 
— Fredericksburg — Transfer to the West — Vioksburg and .lackson 
— CumberLand Gap — Siege of Knoxville — Veteran Re-enlistment 
and Furlough — Return to the Army of the Potomac — Wilderness 
Campaign — Petersburg — Campaign of 1865 — Return to Michigan 
and Disbandment — Members of the Second Infantry from Berrien 
and Van Buren — The Lafayette Light Guard — Capt. Edmunds' 
Company — Sixth Infantry — .Service at Baltimi^e — Transfer to Ship 
Island — New Orleans and Baton Rouge — Assault on Port Hudson 
— Incidents of the Siege — The Si.xth, as Heavy Artillery — Veteran 
Furlough — Return to Port Hudson — Services at Vicksburg and 
in Arkansas — The Regiment on Duty at Mobile^Muster Out at 
New Orleans — Members of the Sixth from Berrien and Van Buren 
Counties. 

The series of Indian hostilities usually known as the 
" Black Hawk war" was the first public emergency re- 
quiring the muster of troops after the beginning of settle- 
ments in Berrien and Van Buren Counties. The news of 
this savage outbreak, which came in the spring of the year 
1832, startled and alarmed the few inhabitants of these 
counties, and for a short time seemed likely to put an entire 
stop to their settlement. This was the outbreak of the 
celebrated " Black Hawk war." The scene of actual strife 
was in Western Illinois and Wisconsin, but the white pop- 
ulation was very sparse between these counties and the 
theatre of actual war, and Indians bent on vengeance have 
long arms. Besides, no one could tell whether the Fotta- 
wattamies scattered through Southern Michigan might not 
make "common cause with the warriors of Black Hawk, and 
turn their tomahawks on their white neighbors. No hostile 
disposition, however, was manifested by these ancient 
enemies, and the whites seem to have generally trusted 
their friendship. 

Scarcely had the first news of the trouble arrived when a dis- 
patch went through from the government agent at Chicago, 
asking for the aid of the Michigan militia to defend that 

■^ There are only about, seven miles of the road in Berrien County, 
one and a half miles between the east line of that county and the 
depot at Niles, and the remainder between the depot and the Indiana 
State line. 

8 



place, then an insignificant hamlet. The brigade of militia 
in the southern part of the territory was commanded by 
Brig.-Gen. Joseph W. Brown, a near relative (we believe a 
brother) of Maj.-Gen. Jacob Brown, the hero of the war 
of 1812, and at one time commander-in-chief of the United 
States army. Gen. J. W. Brown possessed much of the 
martial fire of his kinsman, and promptly responded to the 
call. He ordered his brigade to take the field, the rendez- 
vous being appointed at Niles, in Berrien County. Tlie 
militiamen of the southern counties readily obeyed, an I in 
a few days company after company came trooping into Niles 
from the east, each man clad, not in bright-blue clothes with 
brass buttons, but in the rude garb of the backwoodsman, 
with rifle, musket, or shot-gun on his shoulder, as chance 
might determine, and with accoutrements equally varied at 
his side. Berrien County turned out what few man it 
could, but its quota was a very small one. 

In strong contrast to these patriotic but rough-looking 
soldiers were three companies of regulars, which marched 
through Niles on their way to the seat of war. They 
reached that place about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, and 
as the commander desired to make his way as speedily as 
possible to St. Joseph, there to take boat for Chicago, 
Thomas Huston (who was then carrying the mail from St. 
Joseph to Niles) was sent forward in hot haste to detain 
any vessels which might be at St. Joseph. He galloped 
over the rough forest road in a few hours, and found two 
vessels on the point of leaving the harbor ; one, in fact, 
was already over the bar into the lake, and the other was 
just weighing anchor. He notified the captain of the latter, 
who made signals to the other, and both awaited the arrival 
of the troops. These marched to Berrien Springs that 
afternoon, where they camped. The next morning they 
went down to St. Joseph on the steamer " Matilda Barney," 
embarked on the vessels detained by Mr. Huston, and set 
out for the seat of war. 

The militia assembled at Niles were mustered into ser- 
vice — at least all who had then arrived — on the 24th of 
May. Soon after the assembled companies were formed, as 
well as might be, into a brigade, and took up the line of 
march for the West. As their ranks included nearly every 
man capable of bearing arms in Southern Michigan, and as 
no one knew what the enemy was doing, the women, chil- 
dren, and old men were left for a few days in a state of 
great dismay, lest their friends and they themselves should 
be destroyed by the bloody Indians, and terrifying rumors 
flew through the scattered settlements by the score. 

The militia, however, had only marched as far as La- 
porte, Ind., when they received the welcome news that 
Black Hawk had been completely routed, and his warriors 
killed, captured, or driven across the Mississippi. The 
troops returned to Niles, where they were dismissed to their 
homes about the 3d of June. 

The campaign under consideration was not very long, nor 
very bloody, but it was a very exciting one, and from 1832 
until 1861, the great military era of Southwestern Mich- 
igan, from which the people dated their martial recollections, 
was that of the Black Hawk war. 

In the war against Mexico, 1846-48, there was no regi- 
ment or command raised here, though a considerable num- 



58 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



ber of enlistments of men from Berrien and Van Buren 
helped to fill companies raised in other parts of the State. 

The real military history of these counties commences at 
that memorable time, in the spring of 18G1, when the start- 
ling news was flashed over the telegraphs that an organized 
band of malcontents at Charleston, S. C, had turned their 
guns on Fort Sumter, and fired on the starry flag that 
floated above its brown ramparts. Then the patriotic fire 
blazed out, and from the time when the President's first 
call for men was made, until the time when the death of 
the great rebellion made further calls unnecessary, the 
young men, the middle-aged, and not a few of the old men 
of Berrien and Van Buren, responded to each appeal with 
an alacrity and patriotism not excelled in any part of the 
State or Union. The names of these soldiers are found on 
the rolls of about seventy regiments and batteries of Michi- 
gan and other States ; and such of those regiments as were 
most noticeable for the number of Berrien and Van Buren 
County men serving in their ranks are especially mentioned 
here, in historical sketches of their organization and ser- 
vices in the great war for the Union. 

SECOND INFANTRY. 

At the first call for troops, in April, 1861, a company of 
infantry was raised at Niles, from that city and vicinity, for 
the three months' service; Within three days after the roll 
was open for signatures the company was full to overflow- 
ing. The first oflicers were Robert Brethschneider, cap- 
tain ; Benjamin Brownell, first lieutenant ; and Jerome 
Beales, second lieutenant. A beautiful flag was presented 
to the company by the ladies of Niles, and it then proceeded 
to Cantonment Blair, on the fair-grounds at Detroit, where 
it was assigned to the 2d Michigan Infantry as Company E. 
There were also a few men from Berrien and Van Buren 
Counties in other companies of that regiment. The flag 
of Company E, being in accordance with the regulations 
of the army, was adopted as the flag of the regiment, and 
after being borne on many a bloody field and mutilated by 
scores of bullets, is now to be seen, among other relics of 
the war, in the adjutant-general's ofiice at Lansing. 

Before the regiment could be mustered into the United 
States service, the government declined to receive any more 
three months' soldiers. Nearly the whole regiment then 
volunteered for three years, and the places of those who 
declined to go were instantly filled by those who were anx- 
ious for a chance to do so. 

The 2d left for Washington on the 5th of June, 1861, 
being the first three years' regiment in the field from 
this State. Its first battle was at Bull Run, on the 18th of 
July. On approaching that field, Capt. Brethschneider was 
chosen to lead a detachment of two hundred men, selected 
from all the companies of the brigade, with whom he skill- 
fully unmasked Gen. Beauregard's batteries at Blackburn's 
Ford, being heartily praised for his courage and good man- 
agement by Gen. Tyler. The 2d was principally engaged 
in skirmishing during the battle, and was not affected in 
the least by the rout which demoralized a portion of the 
Union army. After the battle, the regiment encamped on 
the heights of Centreville. At one o'clock of the following 
night it was aroused and ordered to retreat to Washington, 



which it did in perfect order, without hearing anything of 
the enemy.* 

During the winter of 1861-62 the 2d lay near Alex- 
andria, Va., and in April, 1862, it moved with the Army 
of the Potomac to the Virginia peninsula. After taking 
part in the .siege of Yorktown it marched up the peninsula, 
and at Williamsburg was very sharply engaged. It moved 
with its brigade three miles on the double-quick, and re- 
lieved Gen. Sickles' Excelsior Brigade, which was very 
hardly pressed. The 2d Michigan had fifty-five men killed 
and wounded. 

It was again engaged at Fair Oaks, where it had fifty- 
seven killed and wounded. 

In the great " seven days' fight" before Richmond, the 
2d was more or less engaged, in all of the conflicts, holding, 
with the rest of the army, the successive positions taken up, 
keeping the enemy at bay every day until nightfall, and 
then retreating under cover of the darkness to a new posi- 
tion. At Malvern Hill it supported the Union batteries in 
the southwest portion of the field, and aided in repulsing 
with heavy loss several desperate charges made by the 
enemy. It had fifty-seven officers and men killed and 
wounded in that conflict. 

The regiment then returned with the Army of the Po- 
tomac to Northern Virginia, and was engaged at the second 
battle of Bull Run and at Chantilly. It was in the divi- 
sion commanded by Gen. Phil. Kearney, and was holding a 
piece of woodland at Chantilly when that gallant ofiicer 
rode out in front of it to reconnoitre and was killed. The 
first commander of the 2d Infantry, Gen. Israel B. Rich- 
ardson, was killed at Antietam while in command of a 
division, but the regiment was not actively engaged. 

When Gen. Burnside attacked Fredericksburg, on the 
12th of December, 1862, this regiment crossed the Rappa- 
hannock, but was held in reserve, and though under fire 
from shells did not suffer serious loss. In February, 1863, 
it moved to Newport News, but in March returned to Bal- 
timore, moved thence to Kentucky, and in June, with the 
9th Corps, reinforced Gen. Grant's army in Mississippi. 
On the day of the surrender of Vicksburg it moved east- 
ward, and on the 11th of July attacked the enemy's work.s 
at Jackson, but was obliged to retire, after forty-eight of its 
officers and men had been killed and wounded. Jackson, 
however, was soon after occupied by the Union troops. 

On the 4th of August, 1863, the regiment set out on 
another long journey, making its way up the Mississippi 
and Ohio to Cincinnati, and thence by way of Cumberland 
Gap to Knoxville, Tenn., where it arrived on the 26th. 
After various movements in the valley of the Tennessee 
until the 17th of November, 1863, it fell back with the 
army to Knoxville, and during the succeeding three weeks 
was engaged in the defense of that place against the legions 
of Longstreet 

The regiment, if so the oft-decimated little band of vet- 
erans could be called, suffered severely, as did the rest of 
the army, from lack of food and clothing, but gallantly re- 
pelled the assaults of the foe, and finally, on the 4th of 
December, had the pleasure of seeing the baffled enemy 



* Statement of Maj. Evans, of Niles, then a private in the 2d In- 
fantry. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



59 



retire in complete defeat. During the siege, on tlie 24th 
of November, a detachment of the 2d charged the enemy's 
works, but was repulsed ; the casualties numbering eighty- 
six, — more than half the number engaged. 

On the 16th of December the regiment was at Blain's 
Cross-Roads, northeast of Knoxville, where, notwithstand- 
ing all its hardships and losses, a sufficient number of the 
men re-enlisted to make it a regiment of veteran volunteers. 
It did not set out for home, however, until the 4th of 
February, 1864. After enjoying a thirty-days' furlough 
and receiving over five hundred recruits, the command ren- 
dezvoused at Mount Clemens, and proceeded to join its 
corps at Annapolis, Md., that corps being on its way back 
to the Army of the Potomac. 

When the great Virginia campaign of 1864 opened, the 
2d took its usual active part. In the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, on the 6th of May, it had thirty-eight officers and 
men killed and wounded ; at Spottsylvania Court-House, on 
the 12th of May, it had eleven killed and wounded ; and at 
Bethesda Church, on the 3d of June, it had thirty-eight 
killed and wounded Having crossed the James River, on 
the 12th of June, it took part in the severe battle before 
Petersburg, on the 17th and 18th of that month, having, 
in the two days, one hundred and sixty-five officers and men 
killed and wounded. During the attack which followed the 
springing of the mine, on the 30th of July, the regiment 
had twenty killed and wounded. 

It took part with its corps in the raid on the Weldon 
Railroad in August, and also in the movement on the right 
flank of the Confederate army in September, having seven 
wounded in the engagement near Poplar Spring Church, on 
the 30th of the latter month. After being stationed near 
the left of the Union line before Petersburg until the 29th 
of November, 1864, it moved with its corps ten miles to 
the right, where it remained on trench and picket duty 
until the 25th of March, 1865.- On that day it aided in 
repelling the attack on Fort Steadman, suffering heavy loss. 
On the 3d of April it took part in the capture of Peters- 
burg. After some unimportant service near Petersburg and 
at Washington, the regiment set out for Detroit, where it 
was paid off and disbanded on the 1st day of August, 1865. 

Not a regiment in the service made a better record than 
the 2d Michigan Infantry. Very few, indeed, of the orig- 
inal Company E, which left Niles in the spring of 1861, 
returned home at the close of the war ; and of those who 
did come there was hardly one who had not been wounded 
in the service. 

MEMBERS OF THE SECOND INFANTRY FROM BEEBIEN AND VAN 
BUREN COUNTIES.* 
Field and Staff. 
Surg. Evan J. Buiiiiie, Niles; com. Sept. 23, 1861 ; res. Aug. 31, 18C4. 

Non-Commissioned Staff. 
Q.M.-Sergt. Wm. H. Seward, Niles ; enl April 19, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. I, 
Dec. 4, 1861. 

"* Great care has been taken in transcribing these military lists for 
this, and other regiments, from the rolls in the Adjutant-General's 
office, and in verifying them, when practicable, by surviving mem- 
bers of the regiments to which they have reference. If, notwith- 
standing this, they are found (as they doubtless will be, to some 
exteut) incomplete, it should be remembered that it is on account of 
the neglect of officers whose duty it was to return full and complete 
lists to the Adjutant-General's office. 



Company E. 
Capt Robt. Brethschneider, Niles ; com. May 25, 1861 ; res. Dec. 14, 1861 ; capt. 

12th Inf. 
Capt. Benj. Brownell, Niles ; com. Dec. 14, 1861 ; Ist lieut. April 25, 1861 ; res. 

Aug. 30, 1862. 
Capt. John S. Moore, Niles ; com. July 30, 1863 ; 1st lieut. Feb. 24, 1863 ; 2d lieut. 

Aug. 9, 1862 ; must, out at cud of service, Sept. 30, 1864. 
Capt. Sylvester Keyser, Niles; com. Sept. 30,1864; brev. maj. U.S. Vols, for 

gallant and meritorious services before Petersburg ; must, out July 29, 



2d liieut. Jerome Beals, Niles ; com. April 25, 1861 ; res. Aug. 7, 1861. 
Sergt. Henry Kellogg, cnl. May 26, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 1, 1861, for disability. 
Sergt. Plowdeii Hoggins, enl. May 25, 1861 ; must, out at end of service, July 

21, 1864. 
Sergt. John N. Shanahan, enl. May 25, 1861 ; killed in action at Williamsburg, 

Va., May 5, 1862. 
Corp. Wm. H. Delano, enl. May 25, 1861 ; must, out at end of service, July 21, 

1864. 
Corp. Clias. H. Houghland, enl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Dec. 6, 1861. 
Corp. Wm. Tbayer, enl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 
Corp. John Moore, enl. May 25, 1861 ; color sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Corp. Sylvester Key.ser, enl. May 25, 1861 ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 31, 1863 ; 

pro. to Ist lieut., Co. F, July 7, 1864. 
Wagoner John B, Richardson, enl. May 25, 1861 ; absent, sick ; not must, out 

with company. 

Privates. 

Driali Arnold, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 

Theodore F. Brown, disch. at end of service, Sept. 10, 1864. 

Hartley Boswell, disch. for disability, Jlay 21, 1862. 

James W. Brown, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out May 25, 1865. 

Geo. Covert, disch. to enlist in regular army, June 11, 1863. 

Wm. Covert, disch. to enlist in regular army, June 11, 1863. 

James H. Delano, disch. for disability, Oct. 7, 1862. 

Franklin Fariisworth, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; disch. for disability, July 20, 

1865. 
Geo. H. Genung, disch. for wounds, Sept. 12, 1862. 
Philo H. Gallop, killed in action at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 
Edward Hartman, died of disease at Georgetown, D. C. 
Alfred A. Houghland, disch. for disability. 
Marvin Hillicker, disch. for disability. 

Benjamin He.-^s, disch. to enlist in regular army, Dec. 4, 1862. 
Charles Hulin, di.^ch. to enlist in regular army, Dec. 4, 1862. 
Samuel P. Hulin, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; sergt.; pro. to 2d lieut.; must. 

out as sergt., July 25, 1865. 
Wra. H. F. Holston, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1803 ; sergt. ; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. G ; 

capt. Co. K. 
Wm. H. Harrison, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; must. 

out as sergt., July 25, 1865. 
Wm. Jay, disch. for disability, July 4, 1862. 
Wm. Jones, disch. for disability. 

Wm. Jackson, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 
John IMcKown, killed in battle at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 
Benj. F. Loop, died Aug. 4, 1862. of wounds received at Fair Oaks, May 31, 

1862. 
James Leech, disch. for disability. 
John T. Lamon, disch. at end of service, Sept. 3, 1863. 
Wm. Lambert, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 
John Noel, disch. for disability, Sept. 29, 1862. 
James H. Philips, disch. for dis.ability. May 21, 1862. 
G. Prossard, disch. to enlist in regular army. 
Wm. Park, disch. at end of service, May 25, 1865. 

Gilbert Parish, veteran; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; disch. for disability, Dec. 25, 1865. 
Wm. Redick, disch. for disability. 
Chas. Richardson, disch. for disability, July 4, 1862. 
Wm. Roach, disch. for disability, Aug. 13, 1862. 
•loshna B. Richardson, died of disease at Washington, Feb. 17, 18G3. 
Watson Ready, disch. at end of service. May 25, 1864. 
Jolin Rutledge, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 
Wm. B. Randall, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 18G3 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 
Anthony Rolle, must, out July 28, 1865. 
Wm. Rocker, disch. for wound.'i, October, 1862. 
Elias Shockley, died of wounds, Nov. 27, 1863. 

Martin Stafford, veteran ; enl. Dec. 3, 1863; died of wounds, June 19, 1864. 
B. Steinbach, disch. at end of service, May 26, 1864. 
Wm W. Smith, veteran; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out July 11, 1865. 
Wm. Thayer, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 
Edwin Trumlmrn, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 
Geo. W. Vandervenf, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. 
Alfred A. Van Vliet, disch. at end of service, June 6, 1864. 
John M. Wilson, disch. at end of service, Sept. 8, 1863. 
John Ward, disch. at eud of service, July 21, 1864. 



Company F. 

1st Lieut. Sylvester Keyser. Niles ; com. July 7, 1863 ; pro. to capt., Co. E, Sept. 
30 1864. 



60 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Companti G. 
Ist Lieut. \Vm. H. 1'. Holston, Niles; com. Nov. ii, 1SC4 ; iiro. c:ipt., C". K, 
April 25, 1865. 

Company M. 
Capt. Clms. H. Rogers, must, out July 28, 1865. 
iBt Lieut. Joliu S. Moore, pro. capt., Co. B, July 30, 1863. 

Company L 
2d Lieut. William H. Seward, res. Aug. 30, 1S62. 
Stephen G. Colvin, veteran; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; died of wounds in Wilderness, 

Va., May 6, 1864. 
Ossian L. Moody, disch. at end of service, July 21, 18C4. 
Wm. Hadlock, veteran ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 

Company K. 
Capt. Wm. H. F. Holston, com. April 25, 1865 ; must, out July 25, 1865. 
Corp. Rnscoe D. Dix, enl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, July 2, 1864. 
Stevens Dickinson, disch. at end of service, May 26, 1864. 
Theodore W. Snell, died of disease at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 20, 1864. 

LAFAYETTE LIGHT GUARD (Co. C, 70th N. Y. INF.). 

In the year 1859 a number of the young men of Paw 
Paw (Van Buren County) and vicinity organized themselves 
into a militia company (infantry), under the name of the 
Lafayette Light Guard. On the outbreak of the Rebel- 
lion, in April, 1861, the members of the Guard were almost 
unanimous in their desire to enter the field against the ene- 
mies of their country, and the ranks were speedily filled to 
the maximum strength of an infantry company by eager 
volunteers. The regiments called for from Michigan were 
completed so soon, however, that it was found impossible to 
find any place in either of them for the Lafayette Light 
Guard. In the hope that a place would ere long be found 
for them in a Michigan regiment, they were supported for 
nearly two months by the voluntary subscriptions of the 
citizens of Van Buren County, but still no more troops 
were called for from the Peninsular State. 

At length the company tendered its services to Gen. 
Daniel E. Sickles, who was engaged in raising his " Excel- 
sior Brigade," in New York City. They were gladly ac- 
cepted, and on the 13th of June the first company from 
Van Buren County set out for New York. 

Below is given a list of the oflScers and soldiers who 
went to the front with the company, transcribed from the 
Paw Paw True Northerner of June 21, 18(51, by the per- 
mission of Mr. Adelbert Cummings, who preserved a copy. 

Captain, Wm. H. Hugo, of Paw Paw ; First Lieutenant, 
J. M. Longwell, of Paw Paw ; Second Lieutenant, Wm. H. 
Carroll, Decatur; Sergeants, Wm. H. Drake (Decatur), 
Don C. Rodgers (Paw Paw), Wm. W. Kilbourn (Paw Paw), 
Harry R. Brown (Decatur) ; Fifer, Adelbert Cummings, 
Paw Paw ; Drummer, Wm. H. Bullard, Paw Paw. 

Privates. — From Paw Paw : Alfred G. Wright, Carlton 
Coon, W. H. H. Price, John Williams, James E. Abrams, 
Barney Parkman, Andrew Loveland, Lyman Robinson, 
Charles W. Miner, Edward J. Crofoot, David Dolliver, 
Frank Constable, William Lewis, Charles W. Morse, John 
Serrine, Art. Senine, Florence McGill, Edward E. House, 
Alexander Harrison, Hiram G. Saxton, A. H. Lamphear, 
Richard Hayes. 

From Decatur: Henry B. Myers, Elva F. Moon, John 
Chavalle, Charles S. Cochett, Albert Priest, H. Chamber- 
lin, Francis M. Swift, Leonard Dutton, Cyrus II. Butler, 
W. L. Sherman, Stephen W. Berry, Hiram S. Ca.se, Wm. 
McDonald, Edward Carney, George W. Hathaway, Porter 
A. McGliau, James Fitch, George W. David.son. 



From Schoolcraft: J. M. Burson, George W. Orem, 
Aaron Burson, Henry Beals, Emory Chapman, John 
Sprague, R. McKinstry, George W. Beals, M. J. Foot. 

From Lawrence : D. W. Rowe, A. J. Roundy, Wm. Van 
Fleet, P. F. Simmons, Herrick Hodge, Elam Branch, Elias 
Robb. 

From Lawton : Samuel Garver, Horatio Burnham, He- 
man S. Parrish, Albert H. Ransom. 

From Hartford: John Loder, W. H. Lewis, C. E. Van 
Ostran, Draper Decker. 

From Waverly: H. P. Covey, T. J. Chafey, .\arou 
J. Covey, W. A. Hathaway. 

From Hamilton : Ira W. Putnam, Willard Glace, Davis 
Briggs, J. Hartinan. 

From Kalamazoo: 0. C. Knapp, M. Ryan, N. L. Deremor. 

From Almena: A. H. Barnum, Parker C. Story. 

From Prairie Ronde ; H. H. Maybe, A. Edmunds. 

From Keeler : Lewis G. Timons, Henry Crandel. 

From other localities: A. J. Richmond, of Lafayette; 
Percival Warner, Big Prairie; J. W. Bangor, F. Melvin, 
Bloomingdale ; George B. Goodell, Cheshire ; J. McMann, 
Grand Rapids ; Dexter Patrick, Antwerp ; A. P. Tucker, 
Arlington; W. 11. Nitiiigale, Prairie Grove ; Henry Reese, 
Porter; Mark Worthingtou, Brady ; A. Ferdio, Milwaukee; 
0. F. Windsor, Dearborn ; P. C. Diedrick, Rochester, 
N. Y. ; Justus V. Alden, Breedsville. 

The Board of Supervisors of Van Buren County appro- 
priated twelve hundred dollars to pay for the transportation 
of the company to New York. In their official proceedings 
they speak of it as the Van Buren County Light Guard, 
but it was generally called, and is still commonly known as 
the Lafayette Light Guard. The board also adopted a 
memorial commending the Guard to the care of Gen. Sickles, 
of which the tbllowing is a copy : 

" The Uuard of Supervisors of the Countj of Vau Buren, and State of 
Michigan, to the Hon. Daniel E. Sickles, commanding Excelsior 
Brigade, New York City. 
'' At a session of said board, held June 12, 1S61, at the court-bouse 
in the village of Paw I'aw, in said county, the following memorial 
was adopted, to wit : AVe, the Board of Supervisors, in behalf of said 
county and the citizens thereof, tender to you for the service of our 
country the \'an Buren County Light Guard, a company of infantry 
organized and sustained during the past two months at the expense 
of the county, but who have been unable to procure a position in any 
of the regiments called from this State, and, being desirous that our 
county should be represented and take a part in the conflict so un- 
justly waged a,gainst our beloved Union, wo have at our own expense 
forwarded this company to you, in accordance with your acceptance, 
as communicated to Adjutant-General Robertson on the 27th ult. 

" We place them, our patriotic young men, under your charge, with 
the fullest confidence that they will find in you a friend and com- 
mander, under whose guidance and counsel they will have an oppor- 
tunity of giving unmistakable evidence of that patriotism which has 
prompted their offer of service to our country." 

On arriving at Staten Island, near New York City, the 
Guard was assigned, as Co. C, to the 70th New York 
Infantry, one of the regiments of the Excelsior Brigade, 
and thenceforth it was no longer known as the Lafayette 
Light Guard, except among its old friends in Michigan. 
The regiment arrived at Washington on the day of the first 
battle of Bull Run. During the following autumn and 
winter the regiment was partly employed on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac, to guard against rebel incursious across 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



61 



that river. In the spring of 1862 it went with its brigade 
and the Army of the Potomac to the Virginia peninsula, 
and took part in the siege of Yorlitown. After the sur 
render of that stronghold the army advanced up the penin- 
sula, and on the 5tli of May attacked the enemy at Wil- 
liamsburg. In this, its first battle, the Excelsior Brigade 
was in Gen. Hooker's division, which bore the bi-unt of the 
fight. A long, fierce, infantry conflict took place on ground 
covered with heavy timber and "slashing," and when the 
battle was won it was found that three hundred and sixty- 
five men had been killed and wounded in the 70th New 
York, out of eight hundred which went into the action. 

At the battle of Fair Oaks, on the 31st of May, Casey's 
division was surprised and driven from its works, when 
Hooker's was ordered up to its assistance. The latter drove 
the enemy back and captured the works. The 70th was 
actively engaged, but not as severely as at Williamsburg. 

The brigade was in nearly all the conflicts of the cele- 
brated "seven days' fight;" but previous to Malvern Hill 
the 70th was not in the heaviest part of any of the battles. 
At Malvern it was in the reserve until about dark, when it 
was brought up to strengthen the lines which were about 
to advance on the bafiled foe. Through the darkness, 
lighted up only by the glare of artillery and musketry, the 
division fought its way slowly but steadily forward until nine 
o'clock, at length overcoming all resistance and occupying 
the ground piled thick with the enemy's slain. 

In a short time the brigade was ordered to join Gen. 
Pope in Northern Virginia, and was warmly engaged in 
the battles at and near Bull Run during the last days of 
August, 1862, meeting with serious loss. 

From this time the 70th New York was found engaged 
in nearly all of the long list of battles fought by the Army 
of the Potomac, — at South Mountain, at Antietam, at 
Frederick.sburg, at Chancellorsville, at Gettysburg, in the 
Wilderness, at Spottsylvania Court-House, at Cold Harbor, 
and in the earlier struggles around Petersburg, — sometimes 
defeated, sometimes victorious, but always gallantly main- 
taining the honor of the flag. The regiment was mustered 
out in the summer of 1864, at the expiration of their three 
years' service, but there were but few of the Lafayette 
Light Guard returned at that time to their homes in Van 
Buren County. 

VAN liUEEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE LAFAYETTE LIGHT GaAKD. 

Capt. Win. H. Hugo, Paw Paw ; com. April 22, 1861 ; pro. to maj., May 17, 1863 ; 

must, out as capt., July 1, 1861. 
Ist Lieut. Jas. M. Longwell, Paw Paw ; com. April 22, 1861 ; pro. to capt., June 

12,1862; mustered out. 
2d Lieut. Wm. H. Carroll, Decatur; enl. May 1, 1861 ; res. Not. 20, 1861. 
2d Lieut. Don C. Rogers, Decatur ; enl. as sergt.. May 1,1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut., 

Dec. 1, 1862; to Ist lieut., Feb. '23, 1864. 
2d Lieut. Wm. W. Killborn, Paw Paw; enl. as sergt., May 1, 1861 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut., Nov. 12, 1861 ; killed at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. 
Sergt. Henry Chamberlain, Decatur; enl. May 1, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. of Co. 

E, Nov. 21, 1862. 
Sergt. Jos. W. Craw, Hartford : enl. April 26, 1861 ; died of wounds received at 

Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. 
Corp. Herrick Hodges, Lawrence ; enl. April 29, 1861 ; discli. for disability, Oct. 

21, 1861. 
Corp. Alex. M. Harrison, Paw Paw; enl. April 25, 1861: disch. for disability, 

July 26, 1862. 
Corp. Alviih U. Moor, Decatur; enl. April 26, 1861 ; killed in battle at Williams- 
burg. 
Corp. Elam Branch, Lawrence ; enl. April 20, 18G1 ; disch. for wuunrts, July 24, 

1862. 
Corp. Francis M. Swift, Docatui- ; enl. April 29, 1861 ; trans, to 16th U. S. Inf 



Corp. Henry B. Myers, Decatur; enl. April 30, 1661 ; trans, to S6tli N. Y. Inf. 
Coip. Wm. H. Ballard, Paw Paw; enl. April 22, 1861 ; trans to Invalid Corps. 
Corp. Adelbert W. Cummings, Paw Paw; enl. April 6, 1861 ; disch. for disabil- 
ity, Jan. 22, 1862. 
Corp. Henry R. Brown, Decatur; enl. April 30, 1861. 

Privates. 

Justin A. Alden, Columbia ; enl. May 2, 1861 ; died of disease in Camp Scott, 

N. Y., June 29, 1861. 
James Abrams, Paw Paw ; enl. M.ay 29, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. S. Cav., Oct. 28, 

1862. 
Alfred Barnum, Paw Paw; enl. May 29, 1861 ; died in action at Williamsburg, 

Va., May 5, 1862. 
David Briggs, Hamilton ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1864. 
Horatio Burnham, Lawton ; enl. April 30, 1861 ; died of disease at Wooster, 0., 

Aug. 15, 1863. 
Cyrus H. Butler, Decatur; enl. April 30, 1861 ; disch. for disability, March 15, 

1862. 
John H. Banners, Decatur; enl. Oct. 16, 1861; disch. for disability. 
Steph. T. Brown, Waverly ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf. 
John W. Barber. 

Theodore Clark, Almena; enl. Sept. 18, 1861; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf. 
Harvey Case, Decatur; enl. May 1, 1861 ; must, out July, 1864. 
Amon D. Covey, Waverly ; eul. April 27, 1861; died of disease at Georgetown, 

D.C., Nov. 28, 1861. 
Hiram F. Covey, Waverly ; enl. April 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 

1863. 
Edward S. Crofoot, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf., June 

22, 1864. 
Carlton Coon, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862. 
James Clark, Almena; enl. Oct. 22, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1862. 
John F. Clavileer, sergt., Decatur ; enl. April 30, 1861 ; must, nut July 1 , 1864. 
Henry Crandall, Keeler ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; trans, to U. S. Cav., Oct. 28, 1862. 
Charles D. Crockett, Decatur ; enl. May 20, 1861 ; pro. to com. sergt., N. C. S., 

Nov. 1, 1862. 
Wm. Constable, Paw Paw ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 31,1862, for wonnds 

received at Williamsburg, Va. 
Philip C. Dedriok, Lawrence ; enl. April 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug. 3, 

1861. 
Leonard Dutton, sergt., Decatur; enl. May 1, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1864. 
John Emery, Paw Paw; enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. T. Inf. 
Authony Emerling, Paw Paw; enl. Oct. 28, 1861; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf. 
Philip Fitzsimmons, Lawrence; enl. May 13, 1861 ; died in battle at Spottsyl- 
vania, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Andrew H. Fertig, Lawrence ; enl. May 23, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1864. 
Samuel Garver, Lawrence ; enl. May 27, 1861 ; trans, to 2d D. S. Cav. 
Allen Gorham, Almena; enl. Oct. 18, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug. 23, 1862. 
Richard Hayes, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf, June 

22, 1864. 
Jeremiah Hartman, Hamilton ; enl. May 29, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf., 

June 22, 1864. 
Gilman Hinckley, Antwerp; enl. Nov. 1, 1861; trans, to 86th N. T. Inf., June 

22,1864. 
Nathan Hnlbert, Waveriy ; enl. Oct. 18,1861; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf., June 

22,-1864. 
Edward B. House, Paw Paw; enl. May 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability, July 20, 

1861. 
Benj. Holt, Paw Paw ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861 ; disch. for disability, March 4, 1863. 
Edward Kearney, Decatur; enl. May 1, 1861. 
Albert H. Lapman, Paw Paw ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; died of disease in Maryland, 

Nov. 21, 1862. 
William H. Lewis, Hartford ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; detached at Harwood Hospital, 

Washington, D.C. 
Charles W. Miner, Paw Paw ; enl. Aug. 25, 1861 ; died in battle at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 1863. 
Charles Moose, Paw Paw; enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1864. 
Porter McGlan, Decatur: eul. Aug. 29,1861; disch. Jan. 23, 1863, for wounds 

received at Antietam. 
Frederick Melvin, Bloomingdale; enl. Aug. 29, 1861 ; died in action at Fair 

0aks,V.a., June 26,1862. 
William McDonald, Decatur; enl. May 20, 1861 ; must, out Julyl, 1864. 
Seth P. Newcomb, Almena ; enl. Oct. 20, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf 
Steph. W. Perry, Decatur; enl. April 27, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf. 
Heman Parish, Lawton ; enl. May 20, 1861 ; trans, to Invalid Corps. 
Willard Place, Hamilton ; enl. May 20, 1861 ; must, out July 1,1864. 
Dexter D. Patrick, Almena; enl. April 22, 1861; died June 3, 1862, of wounds 

received at Williamsburg. 
William H. Price, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1861 ; died May 22, 1863, of wounds. 
Albert Priest, Decatur; onl. May 1, 1861 ; disch. for disability, March 15, 1862. 
Byron Parleman, Paw Paw ; enl. April 27, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 26, 

1863. ' 
Averill S. Roundy, Lawrence; enl. April 26,1861; disch. Oct. 20, ls62, for 

wounds. 
Lyman Robinson, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. S. Cav., Oct. 28, 

1862. 
Henry Reese, Porter; enl. April 30, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. S. Cav., Oct. 28, 1862. 
John Eickard, Paw Paw ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 12, 1863. 



62 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Steph. Kemiilio, Almena ; enl. Nov. 1,1861 ; drowned at Harrison's Landing,Va., 

Aug. S, 1862. 
Michael Ryan, Decatur; enl. May 22, 1861 ; died in battle at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 2, 1863. 
Daniel W. Kowe, Lawrence ; enl. May 29, 1801 ; died in battle at Williamsburg, 

May 6, 1802. 
Elias Kobb, Lawrence; enl. May 29, 1861; disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 1862. 
John Service, Taw Paw; enl. April 25, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. S. Cav. 
Arthur Service, Paw Paw ; enl. April 29, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. S. Cav. 
Walter Sherman. Decatur; enl. May 1, 1801 ; died of disease in Maryland, Jan. 

2, 1862. 
Silas Sanders, Paw Paw; enl. Oct. 30, 1861 ; died of disease at Falmouth, Va., 

Feb. 4, 1863. 
Hiram SaxtoTi, Paw Paw; enl. April 27, 1861 ; trans, to 86th N. Y. Inf. 
Lewis G. Timmins, Keeler ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; must, out July 1, 1864. 
Augustus P. Tucker, Columbia; euL May 3, 1861 ; died in action at Williiims- 

burg Eoad. 
Clare E. Van Astran, coi-p., Hartford ; enl. April 24,1861 ; must, out July 1,1864. 
William Van Fleet, Paw Paw; enl. April 22, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Sept. 

29, 1862. 
Byron Walrath, Paw Paw ; enl. Oct. 17, 1861 ; died in action at Williamsburg, 

May .■;, 1862. 
John W. Williams, Paw Paw ; enl. April 22, 1S61 ; mn^t. out July 1, 1864. 

CAPT. EDMUNDS' COMPANY. 
One of the first companies raised in this part of the State 
assembled at St. Joseph in May, 18(51, its one hundred and 
five members being enlisted by Hon. A. H. Morrison, of 
that village, mostly from the townships of St. Joseph, Ben- 
ton, Sodus, and Royalton,in Berrien County. It organized 

by the election of W. W. Edmunds, captain, , 

first lieutenant, and Eugene Howe, .second lieutenant. 

The officers then requested Governor Blair to commission 
them and to assign the company to a Michigan regiment, 
but all the Michigan regiments then authorized were already 
full and " running over" with the patriotic sons of the 
Peninsular State. This company was supported over a 
month by the voluntary contributions of the citizens of St. 
Joseph and vicinity, in the hope that a place would yet be 
found for it in the ranks of the Michigan soldiers. Capt. 
Edmunds visited the Governor, at Lansing, iu order, if 
possible, to bring about such a result, but in vain. On his 
return, the unfortunate young officer fell from a steamboat 
into the St. Joseph River, about half-way between Niles 
and Berrien, and was drowned. 

Soon after that, as the company had no real organization, 
and as the members had abandoned all hope of securing a 
place in a Michigan regiment, they gave up their attempts 
in that direction, and most of them sought service in other 
States. About a third of them joined the 6th Wisconsin 
Infantry, some enlisted in the 7th Missouri Infantry, and 
the remainder united themselves with the Douglas brigade 
at Chicago. In these commands the fragments of the 
original company gallantly sustained the honor of their 
State, but, decimated again and again by disease and battle, 
there were but few of them who returned after the war to 
become citizens of Berrien County. 

Jay J. Drake, a private in this company, now chief clerk 
in the general office of the Chicago and West Michigan 
Railroad, at Muskegon, became a captain in the 7th Mis- 
souri. H. C. Matraw, another private of the same com- 
pany, then of Bainbridge, now of Holland, Ottawa Co., 
became a captain in the 6th Wisconsin before he was nine- 
teen years old. He fought in every battle of the Army of 
the Potomac but one, and in each of three engagements his 
senior officers were killed and he commanded the regiment 
through the remainder of the fight. Doubtle.ss many others 



made gallant records, but in our country the fortunes of 
peace, scarcely less than tho.se of war, scatter the people far 
and wide, — far beyond the notice of the most zealous and 
industrious historian. 

SIXTH INFANTRY. 
The 6th Regiment of Michigan Infantry was raised in 
the summer of 1861. The commissioned officers were 
selected by the Governor ; these then selected the non- 
commissioned officers of their respective companies ; and 
both commissioned and non-commissioned officers, together 
with those of the 5th and 7th Infantry, then went into a 
camp of instruction at Detroit, where they were thoroughly 
drilled for nearly two months. They then returned, and very 
speedily enlisted the necessary number of privates. Com- 
pany A, which was raised at Niles, was composed of men 
from the southeastern part of Berrien County ; while Com- 
pany B, raised at St. Jo.seph, was from the northwestern 
section. Company G was partly from Van Buren and 
partly from Berrien County. Company K was partly from 
Berrien and partly from Cass County. 

The regiment rendezvoused at Kalamazoo, and left that 
place for the East, with nine hundred and forty-four men, 
on the 30th of August, 1861. Arriving at Baltimore, it 
was detained there on garrison duty about six months. 
Being a well-behaved regiment of patriotic young men, re- 
markably free from the " bummer" element, the 6th became 
a great favorite with the citizens of Baltimore, who were 
very anxious for its retention. The Baltimoreans also treated 
the men with much generosity, and are still kindly remem- 
bered by them. The stay at Baltimore was only interrupted 
by an expedition down the eastern shore of Maryland, where 
nothing more exciting occurred than an event known as 
the " Turkey Review," when the whole brigade was ordered 
out for inspection b}' Gen. Lockwood, on account of a soli- 
tary turkey whicli had mysteriously disappeared from the 
premises of a neighboring farmer. 

In February, 1862, the 6th proceeded to Newport News, 
near Norfolk, Va., and on the day before the celebrated battle 
of the " Merrimac" and " Monitor" it embarked with Gen. 
Butler's expedition, and sot .sail for the Gulf of Mexico. A 
terrific gale assailed the fleet as it passed that celebrated 
home of storms. Cape Hatteras, and for three days the great 
ships reeled and staggered under the bkst until death 
seemed nearer to the soldiers packed below the decks than 
it would have appeared on a field of battle. 

All the ships, however, escaped without serious damage, 
and in due time the expedition landed at Ship Island, Miss. 
From that point the 6th proceeded with the other troops 
to the mouth of the Mississippi River, and when the gal- 
lant Farragut forced his way past thundering forts and gun- 
boats, and rams and fire-ships, the land forces sailed up the 
river to New Orleans. 

The 6th Michigan Infantry was the first Union regiment 
which occupied New Orleans in the day-time (a few had 
entered it during the previous nightj, and as it formed line 
on the dock, which was covered with sugar and molasses up 
to the ankles of the men, they began to think they had got 
a sweet thing, if nothing more, in the metropolis of the 
Southwest. 



MILITARY HISTOEY. 



63 



On the 15th of May, the 6th, with a lari>;e number of 
other regiments, proceeded up the Mississippi, landing and 
taking formal possession of various places, but meeting with 
no opposition until they reached Warrenton, a short dis- 
tance below Vicksburg. The enem}' was there fortified in 
force, and refused to surrender. The Union troops spent 
considerable time in the vicinity, trying to circumvent the 
rebels by digging canals, etc., but more than half of them 
fell sick, and on the 5th of June they returned to Baton 
Rouge, where the 6th was encamped during the greater 
part of the summer. 

On the 5th of August, 1862, about four o'clock in the 
morning, the rebel Gen. Breckenridge, ex- Vice- President 
of the United States, attacked the Union lines with a heavy 
force. He had been expected ibr three days, but, either 
from lack of experience, or for some other reason, the Union 
commander, Gen. Williams, did not order the erection of 
any breastworks. Later in the war the men would have 
been likely to put up some kind of defensive works, even 
without orders. The enemy was warmly received, how- 
ever, and for two hours a severe battle raged, in which 
Gen. Williams was killed, but in which the Union troops 
steadily repulsed their assailants. The 6th Michigan was 
on the extreme left, and was not in the thickest part of the 
fight, yet its casualties numbered sixty-two killed and 
wounded, and six missing. At length some new regiments 
gave way, and the rest of the command was then ordered to 
fall back towards the river. In a short time the lines were 
again advanced, when it was found that the rebels had been 
so severely handled that they had all fled, leaving their dead 
and many of their wounded on the field of battle. 

A heavy fog prevailed during the battle, and perhaps 
tended to prevent any very energetic movements on either 
side. Capt. David Bacon, of Company A, afterwards lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the 19th Infantry, was severely wounded, 
and was left on the ground when the Union troops fell back. 
The rebels found him when they advanced, and a soldier of 
the 4th Louisiana was posted to guard and take care of him. 
The fog was so heavy that he could not see what was going 
on, and when the firing ceased he supposed the Confeder- 
ates were victorious, and waited patiently to be relieved by 
one of his comrades. When the Unionists found them- 
selves in possession of the field, they sent out squads of men 
to bring in the wounded of both sides. A squad from Com- 
pany A, of the 6th, while moving through the fog on this 
duty, came upon a solitary Confederate standing by a tree. 

" Hello, reb," cried the sergeant in command, as his men 
brought their pieces to a " ready," " come in out of the wet ; 
we want you." 

" All right, Yank," replied the grayback ; " but here is 
one of you'uns officers you had better see to." 

The squad advanced, and sure enough there was the 
wounded Capt. Bacon, the fog having prevented both guard 
and prisoner from learning that the supposed victors were 
in reality the vanquished. 

On the 20th of August the 6th was ordered to New Or- 
leans, where it was stationed in the defenses on Metairie 
Ridge, near a piece of swampy ground a short distance out 
of the city. Here nearly the whole regiment became sick, 
and many a liardy son of Michigan was here laid beneath 



the unfriendly .soil of Louisiana. One hundred and thirty- 
eight men died of disease during the first year of the regi- 
ment's service, the greater part at this point. At length, 
on the 6th of December, 1862, when there were but one 
hundred and ninety-one men for duty out of seven hundred 
and fifty-five, the regiment was removed to CarroUton, a 
short distance above New Orleans, where its health was 
soon, to a great extent, restored. 

The 6th remained in the vicinity of New Orleans 
through the ensuing winter and spring, being engaged 
during that time in an expedition to Ponchatoula in the 
latter part of February, 1863, where it drove out the rebels 
and captured a number of pri-soners with slight loss ; also 
in a raid up the Jackson Railroad in the early part of 
May, when it burned a gun-eariiage factory and a large 
amount of other property belonging to the rebels. 

On the 2:-Jd of May, 1863, the regiment joined Gen. 
Banks' army before Port Hudson, where it was placed in one 
of the most exposed positions in front of the enemy's lines. 

On the 27th of May came the celebrated and deadly as- 
sault on Port Hudson. The ground in front of the fortifi- 
cations was cut up by numerous ravines, and for a thousand 
yards the trees had mostly been cut down, forming an 
almost impenetrable " slashing." Still the 6th moved 
gallantly forward under a storm of cannon and rifle balls, 
followed with more or less closeness by the other regiments 
of the column. The killed and wounded fell fast at every 
step, but still the depleted regiment struggled on until it 
arrived within twelve rods of the rebel works. But the 
men were unable to go any farther, and those who were 
left sheltered themselves in a plantation ditch and kept up 
a sharp fire on the rebels whose heads appeared above the 
parapet. No other regiment advanced as far as this, and 
the assault was given up. But the 6th could not be with- 
drawn from its position, and remained until nightfall, when 
it moved quietly back to the Uiiion lines, having had over a 
third of its number killed and wounded during the assault. 

In front of Gen. T. W. Sherman's division (who must 
not be confounded with W. T. Sherman, the present general- 
in-chief ), however, there was a narrow, open field running 
up to the enemy's works. The division lay in column of 
regiments, the 6th Michigan, not over three hundred strong, 
in front. Three divisions had been successively repulsed 
during the forenoon, and about one o'clock p.m. an order 
came for Gen. Sherman's division to charge the works. 
Probably knowing it would be useless, after what had oc- 
curred. Gen. Sherman appeared very angry. Riding to the 
head of his column, where Gen. Dow, the leading brigadier, 
was attending to some matters on foot, he said, somewhat 
brusquely, — 

" Gen. Dow, mount your horse !" 

That officer hastened to his steed, and Sherman said to 
the commander of the regiment, — 

" We are ordered to charge those works ; 6th Michigan, 
forward !" and then, attended by near twenty staiT-offieers 
and orderlies, he rode out into the open field already men- 
tioned, closely followed by the regiment. Twenty pieces 
of rebel artillery at once concentrated their fire on the head 
of the column. Ere long Gen. Sherman was brought to 
the ground by a wound which caused the loss of a leg. 



64 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Then began the siege of Port Hudson. The Unionists 
steadily dug their way towards the defiant fortress, and the 
6th Michigan, which was on the extreme left, took its full 
share in the hardships and dangers of that period. On 
the 5th of June it took part in another assault on the rebel 
intrenchments. This, too, was unsuccessful, so far as en- 
tering the works was concerned, but the Union lines were 
in some places advanced to within fifty yards of the forti- 
fications. The loss of the 6th in this aifair was but slight. 

By the 29th of June the regiment had worked its way 
up to within a short distance of a fortified bluif, known as 
" the citadel." On that day thirty-five men of the 6th, 
acting as a forlorn hope, attempted to storm the " citadel." 
They reached the ditch, but were driven back, after eight 
of them had been killed and nine wounded. Then the 
digging process was resumed. During this approach to- 
wards the citadel an incident occurred, which was related to 
us by Capt. Edwards, of Company A, and which is worthy of 
special notice. There was a small ravine in front of the 
pickets of the 6th Michigan, on the other side of which 
were the Confederate pickets. Col. Bailey, afterwards cel- 
ebrated in connection with the great dam across Red River, 
desired to get possession of the rebel picket-line, in order 
to set a body of negroes to digging on the other side of 
the ravine, and ordered Capt. Craig, of Company K, who 
commanded the pickets of the 6th during the following 
night, to make the efibrt. The captain knew that if he 
made an attack with his men the rebels would be quickly 
reinforced from the fortress, many lives would be lost, and 
perhaps the attempt would fail. So he determined to try 
strategy. Knowing when the rebels relieved pickets, he led 
about twenty men quietly through the ravine just before 
relief time, and gained a place near the beat of the sentry 
farthest from the " citadel." Gliding upon the beat be- 
tween him and the fortress with two or three men, he 
advanced to meet him. The sentry was naturally expecting 
the relief, and carelessly allowed him to approach until he 
was able to seize the luckless Confederate's musket and 
whisper a command to yield under penalty of instant 
death, — a command enforced by the leveled rifles of his 
comrades. In this way he relieved five posts in succession, 
placing one of his own men upon each of them. Then came 
the most difiicult of all, — to capture the relieving corporal 
with his guard. The captain arranged his men close be- 
hind him, and himself took a rifle and occupied the post 
usually first approached by the corporal. Presently the 
tramp of half a dozen men was heard, and Craig called out, — 

" Halt ! Who comes there?" 

" Corporal of the guard, with relief" 

" Advance, corporal, and give the countersign." 

The corporal approached, with "arms aport," to within a 
few feet of the supposed sentinel, who suddenly exclaimed : 

" Ready I" 

Fifteen rifles clicked behind him. 

" Surrender !" 

The corporal did so without a word. 

" Call in your guard." 

" Come in, boy.s, it's no use," said he ; and they quite 
agreed with him, for it was not so dark but that they could 
see that fifteen rifles were aimed at their luckless breasts. 



The prisoners were then sent into camp, and a strong guard 
was established on that side of the ravine. The Confed- 
erates could not depress the guns of the citadel so as to 
injure the Unionists in their new position, and they could 
not afford to make a sally, as that would have brought on 
a general engagement, in which the advantage of both 
numbers and position would have been with the Federals. 
So Col. Bailey and his negroes crossed the ravine and con- 
tinued their work, and by the 8th of July they had bur- 
rowed directly under the '' citadel," and placed a mine there 
ready to be exploded at a moment's notice. But ere the 
firing of the mine was ordered there came the news of the 
capture of Vicksburg by Gen. Grant, and on the 9th of 
July, 1863, knowing further resistance to be useless. Gen. 
Gardner surrendered Port Hudson and its half-starved gar- 
rison to Gen. Banks. 

This surrender gave a large amount of heavy artillery to 
the Unionists, which it was desirable to use, but which 
there were no artillerists to man. Gen. Banks accord- 
ingly issued an order the next day after the surrender 
(July 10, 1863) converting the 6th Michigan Infantry 
into a regiment of heavy artillery. It retained its old 
number, but was thenceforth designated as the 6th Michi- 
gan Heavy Artillery. The men were organized as artillery, 
and trained to the use of the heavy guns, and received the 
pay, clothing, and equipments of artillerists. They also 
retained their muskets and bayonets, and fiequentl}' left 
their cannon and made long marches as infantry. The 
order in question was approved by the Secretary of War 
on the 30th of July, 1863. 

The regiment remained on garrison duty at Port Hudson 
until the early part of March, 1864, when a sufiScient num- 
ber re-enlisted to make it a veteran regiment. After the 
men had spent their furlough in Michigan, where their 
number was increased by over six hundred recruits, they 
returned South, reaching Port Hudson on the 11th of 
May, 1864. On the 6th of June the regiment proceeded 
to Morganza Bend, where it served as infantry until the 
24th of the same month. It then moved to Vicksburg, 
and served with the engineer brigade about a month. It 
then went up White River to St. Charles, Ark., one de- 
tachment being fired on by a rebel battery on the way, and 
several men being killed and wounded. 

After a short stay at St. Charles, the 6th returned to 
Morganza Bend, where the men served for a short time as 
engineers, but soon returned to duty as heavy artillery. In 
a short time the regiment proceeded by way of New Or- 
leans to Mobile, and was present at the bombardment and 
capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines, at the time of Ad- 
miral Farragut's brilliant exploit in forcing his way into 
Mobile Bay. 

On the 1st of October half of the regiment, including 
Companies A and B, was stationed in Fort Gaines, and the 
other half in Fort Morgan. Though the 6th had gone 
through but little hard fighting after it was transformed 
into artillery, it had suffered very severely from disease, 
one hundred and fifty-five men having died during the 
year closing on the 30th of November, 1864. 

lu the latter part of December, Company B and four 
other companies were attached to Gen. Gordon Granger's 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



65 



division, which was operating against Mobile from the di- 
rection of Pensacola. They returned to Forts Morgan and 
Gaines in the hitter part of January. 

On the 31st of March, Companies A and K were each 
furnished witli a battery of ten-incli mortars, and ordered 
to operate against Spanish Fort and Fort McDerniott, in 
the immediate vicinity of Mobile. 

Mortars look a good deal like cauldron kettles, with very 
thick sides and small interiors. They are fixed at an eleva- 
tion which is not changed, and the shell is thrown to a 
greater or less distance by varying the charge of powder. 
Lieut. Beardsley, then commanding Co. K, was very 
anxious to know the exact distance from his battery to Fort 
McDermott. So, the night before he was to open fire, he 
paced the distance to a high stub of a tree, only a little way 
from the fort. The next morning he estimated the distance 
from the stub to the fort, added it to the distance ascer- 
tained by pacing, and was ready for accurate work. Just 
before the time for opening fire, Maj.-Gen. Granger rode 

up- 

" Lieut. Beardsley," said he, " how far do you think it is 
to that fort?" 

" Four hundred and eighty-five yards," promptly replied 
the lieutenant. 

The general looked a little surprised at his minuteness, 
and inquired, — 

" Hadn't you better call it five hundred yards, and be 
done with it ?" 

" No, four hundred and eighty-five," persisted Beards- 
ley. 

" Oh, very well," said the general ; " how much powder 
and fuse have you used?" 

The lieutenant told him. 

" Well, that's right for four hundred and eighty-five 
yards, — fire away !" 

The mortar was fired, and the shell was seen to burst on 
the parapet of the fort. A few grains more of powder 
were used, and the following shells all landed in the fort 
with the most demoralizing eifect. The general warmly 
congratulated the lieutenant on his talent for guessing dis- 
tances, and rode off' to another part of the field. 

After Fort McDermott and Spanish Fort wore captured. 
Companies A and K manned the immense oiie-hundred- 
pound Parrots and other heavy guns of those fortresses, and 
turned them against the other rebel works, which they bat- 
tered till all were reduced and Mobile surrendered. These 
companies remained on duty at Spanish Fort until the 20th 
of April, when they returned to Fort Morgan. Company 
B was on picket duty at " Navy Cove" until about the 9th 
of July, 1864, when it rejoined the regiment, which then 
proceeded to New Orleans. It was newly equipped and ex- 
pected to go to Texas, but the orders to that eff'ect were 
countermanded, and on the 20th of August, 1865, it was 
mustered out of service at New Orleans. On the 23d it 
started up the Mississippi for home, and on the 5th of 
September it was paid off' and disbanded at Jackson, 
Mich. 

The 6th Infantry lost 542 men by death (disease and 
battle), this being the largest loss sustained by any Michigan 
regiment during the war. 
9 



OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN OF THE SIXTH INFANTRY FROM 

BEURIEN COUNTr. 

Fiild <md Staff. 

Col. Edward Bacon, Niles; com. inaj., Aug. 20, 1861; pro. to lieut.-col., June 21, 

1863 ; must, out Oct. 16, 1864. 
Chaplain Elizur Andrews, Niles; com. Aug. 20, 1861; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Non-Commissioiied Staff. 
Seig*. Maj. William J. Edwards, Niles; enl. Aug. 20, 1801; appointed 2d lieut., 

Co. K, Sept. 1, 1862. 
Q.M. Sergt. Andrew C. Merrill, Niles; enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; must, out at end uf 

service, Aug. 19, 1864. 
Com. Sergt. Richard D. Kennedy, Niles ; enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; must, out at eiul of 
service, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Cmnptmy A. 
Capt. Eli A. Griffin, Niles; com. Aug. 10, 1861; resigned 'July 17,1861; com. 

maj., 19th Inf., Oct 22, 1863. 
Capt. Seidell F. Craig, Niles ; com. July IT, 1863; com. 2d lieut., Aug. 19, 1861 ; 

pro. to 1st lieut., April 1, 1862; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
1st Li^ut. William W. Thayer, Niles; com. Aug. 10, 1861; resigned March 28', 

1802. 
2d Lieut. James Russoy, Niles ; com. April 1, 1862 ; enl. as sergt., Aug. 20, 1861 ; 

resigned Dec. 18, 1863. 
Sergt. Stephen S. Smith, Oronoko; veteran; enl. March 2, 18G4; pro. to 2d lieut., 

Nov. 25, ISM ; must, out as sergt., Aug. 20, 1865. 
Sergt. Hiram McMichael, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; died on Mississippi River steamer, 

May 20, 1862. 
Sergt. Henry P. Glenn, enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; died of wounds at New Orleans, Sept. 

4, 1862. 
Sergt. James M. Smith, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; died on Mississippi River steamer. 

May 22, 1802. 
Sergt. George M. Fentoii, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. G, July 21, 

1864. 
Corp. Lawrence Horrigan, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; discharged for promotion, Sept. 18, 

1863. 
Corp. Arthur Dailey, enl. Aug. 20, ISGl ; discharged for promotion to 2d lieut., 

Sept. 1,1863. 
Corp. George B. Tatman, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; sergt. ; disch. June 20, 1804. 
Corp. James W. Penrose, enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; disch. to enter regular army. 
Corp. John W. Chesterman, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; veteran, Feb. 1, 1864 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut., Co. D, March 12,1865. 
Corp. William W. Smith, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 5, 1S63. 
Jason Bunker, enl. Aug. 20, 1661 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 11, 1862. 
Musician Walter G. Cutting, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; pro. to principal musician ; 

must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Musician Bethuel S. Lingrel, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; died of disease at Baton 

Rouse, La., July 26, 1802. 
Wagoner Enos F. Curtis, enl. Aug. 20, 18G1 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1801. 
Fridolin Abley, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Robert Atwood, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
George B. Ashcroft, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Abram 0. Bennett, disch. by order, June 20, 1864. 
Joseph J. Breck, mustered out Aug. 20, 1865. 

William H. Curtis, veteran; en!. Feb. 1, 186J; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
John R. Cowlcs, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Julius Cook, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Mills Crippen, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Daniel L. Closson, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
William J. Closson, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
James M. S. Coder, disch. for disability, Oct. 27, 1862. 
Joseph Cherry, disch. by order, Blay 3, 1865. 
Milton W. Doty, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 
Charles Evans, disch. for disability, Dec. 7, 1861. 
Freeman Evans, died of wounds, Oct. 14, 1802. 
Albert Edwards, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Uriah Greers, disch. for disability, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Samuel Halleck, disch. at eml of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
Christopher Hahn, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23,1804. 
Edward Harrington, disch. by order, March 23, 1802. 
Dwight Hunt, disch. to enter regular army, Nov. 10, 1862. 
Nathan II. Heath, died of disease at Baton Rouge, June 17, 1802. 
John Hall, died of disease in regt. hospital, Nov. 25, 1802. 
Lewis Horan, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Andrew J. Hawkins, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Henry H. Jackson, disch. for disability, Oct. 21, 1862. 
George L. Kimmel, disch. for disability, Oct. 16, 1802. 
Wilson D. Kinsey, disch. to enter regular army, Nov. 14,1802. 
James H. Kill, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1804 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1S65. 
Joseph F. Kirk, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Henry Lazelle, veteran; enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Clarence McCoy, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
J. N. Mendenhall, di,scli. for disability, Oct. 27, 1862. 
Alex. McManamy, disch. for disability, Dec. 21, 1862. 
Charles Mizner, disch. for disability, Aug. 2, 1805. 
Schuyler C. Morris, died of disease at Port Hudson, La., Dec. 30, 1803. 
James P. Norris, died of disease at Port Hudson, La., July 29, 1863. 
Wilson Potter, died of disease at Vicksburg, Oct. 5, 1804. 



66 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Aaron Porter, must, out Aug, 20, 18G5. 

Joseph Partridge, must, out Aug. 21', 1865. 

John S. Perkins, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1804; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Frank Hood, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 18C4; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Monroe Redding, veteran; enl. Feb. 1, 1804; must, out Aug. 20, 186.'). 

Henry Kedding, died of disease at leginieiitnl liu^pital, Nov. 9, 1862. 

Daniel Kittcnhouse, disih. for disability, June, 1863. 

David Salabnrj', discll. for disability, Oct. 8, 1801. 

Harvey Skinner, disch. by order, Dec. 6, 1862. 

Frank B. Swift, discli. by order, Aug. 13, 1863. 

James H. Smith, disch. at end of service, Aug. 2.3, 1864. 

John J. Stone, disch. for disability, March 23, 1865. 

John H. Southwell, died of disease at Port Hudson, Jan. 4, 1861. 

Duncan Smith, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; died of disease at Now Orleans, Oct. 

6, 1864. 
Eaton D. Slavton, veteran ; cnl. March 2, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Jeremiah Thompson, veteran ; eul. Feb. 1, 1804 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Alfred Turner, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 
Kiel Truefit, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
Jeremiah Van Horn, disch. for disability, Dec. 31, 1862. 
Clark Walters, disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 1802. 
Henry Walters, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 
Charles Wells, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
James A. Wilson, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
Porter Whitney, died of wounds, Oct. 14, 1862. 
Mark Williams, died of disease, Oct. 22, 1802. 
Wm. W. Williams, veteran ; enl. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Company B. 

Capt. Wm. W. Wheeler, Niles ; com. Aug. 19, 1801 ; pro. to maj., 23d Inf , April 

6, 1863. 
Capt. Charles Moulton, St. Joseph; com. Nov. 26, 1864; 1st lieut., Aug. 23, 1864; 

2d lieut, Oct. 1, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Ist Lieut. Augustus W. Chapman, St. Joseph ; com. Aug. 20, 1801 : capt., Co. K, 

Dec. 1, 1862. 
1st Lieut. Patrick H. Lawler, St. Joseph; com. Dec. 1, 1862; 2d lieut., Aug. 19, 

1861 ; capt., Co. E, Aug. 12, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
1st Lieut, Williiim H. Conley, Berrien Springs; com. Nov. 26, 1864; 2d lieut., 

Aug. 23, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Le Grand W. Perce, St. Joseph ; com. q.m., Aug. 19, 1861 ; capt,, Co. 

D, June 21, 1S62; appointed asst. q m. U. S. Vols., March 10, 1803 ; must. 

out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Sergt, Patrick H, Lawler, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; pro, to 2d lieut, 
Sergt, Orrin K. Pomeroy, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; killed in action at Port Hudson, 

May 27, 1863. 
Sergt. Wm. S. Witherell, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 31, 1862. 
Sergt. Edwin F. Kimmel, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; pro. into 25th luf. 
Sergt. George W. Keeler, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; pro. into U. S. C. T. 
Corp. Gilbert Ackley, enl. Aug, 20, 1861 ; Ist sergt,; died of disease, Nov, 21, 

1862, 
Corp, Charles Moulton, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; 1st sergt; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Corp. Greenleaf Odell, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; sergt. ; disch. at end of service, Aug. 

19,1864. 
Corp, Samuel Jamison, enl, Aug, 20, J861 ; disch, for disability, 
Corp, George W. Hemingway, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; died of disease at New Or- 
leans, Oct. 9, 1862. 
Corp. Joseph Boughton, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 20, 1862. 
Corp. Daniel H. Reese, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; disch. for promotion in U. S. C, T,, 3d 

Begt, 
Coi-p, Lorenzo H, Teetzel, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 

1864, 
Musician Wm, H, Conley, veteran; cnl, March 20, 1861; sergt,; pro, to 2d 

lieut,, Aug, 23, 1864, 
Musician John Burke, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; trans, to band. 
Wagoner James Whitney, enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 

1863. 
Mathew Anderson, disch. by order, March 21, 1804'. 
John Anderson, veteran; enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20,1865. 
John Ayliffe, veteran; eul. Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Elijah AylifTe, killed in action at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863. 
Sylvester AylitTe, disch. by order, Jan. 6, 1865. 
Lafayette Brant, died of disease at Ship Island, April 3, 1802. 
Levi P. Brown, died of disease at Port Hudson, Sept. 20, 1862. 
James Boughton, disch. for promotion, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Henry L. Beach, disch, at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
George Brown, disch at end of service, Aug, 23, 1864. 
Samuel J. Bernard, disch. for disability, July 23, 1865. 
Elias Bailey, must, out Aug. 20, 1806. 

Enoch Campbell, died of disease at New Orleans, June 12, 1862. 
George W. Closson, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1802. 
James Campbell, disch. for disability, Oct. 16, 1862. 
W. A. Cleveland, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
Eoberl L. Dehay, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 
Charles A. Dilts, disch. for disability, Sept. 18, 1803. 
Charles Davidge, died of disease in Louisiarm, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Peter Destler, veteran ; must. Feb. 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
George Forbes, disch. at end of serviiv, Aug. 23, 1804. 



Edward Francis, disch. at end of service. Aug. 23, 1864. 

Nelson Gardner, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Martin Guhbit, disch. by order, March 21, 1864. 

Merritt Geary, disch. for disability, Oct. 30, 1803. 

Vintry Green, disch. at end of service, March 7, 1865, 

William E. Garrison, veteran; must, Feb, 1, 1864 ; must, out Aug, 20, 1866, 

Joseph Gubbit, died of disease at Port Hudson, Aug 19, 1863. 

SylvanuB Gano, died of disease at Jefferson City, March 4, 1863. 

Henry Huadley, died of disease at Jefferson City, Nov. 13, 1862. 

Cornelius W. Hutchinson, died of disease at Jefferson City, Oct. 31, 1862. 

John E, Hall, disch. for disability. May 5, 1864. 

Jacob Holmick, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Cbailes W. Haskins, diseh. by order, July 22, 1865. 

Albert Hiiskins, veteran ; must. Feb. 10, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Elias W. Jay, veteran; must. Feb. 10, 1804; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Daniel L. James, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1802. 

Prentiss Jewell, disch. for disability, Jan. 8, 1603. 

John Johnson, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Abram Lafayette, disch. to enter regular army, Nov. 14, 1802. 

Arnold Latham, disch, for disability, Sept. 1, 1863, 

Barzillai W. Loucks, died of disease at regimental hospital, Oct. 22, 1862. 

John Lane, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

James Lamonion, vetei-an ; must, Feb, 10, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Anson Mathews, veteran ; must. Feb. 10, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Chauncey Miller, veteran; must. Feb. 10, 1864; must, out Aitg. 20, 1865. 

George W. McFeo, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Orrin Miller, died of disease at Baton Rouge, July 8, 1862, 

Charles Morey, died of disease at New Orleans, Aug. 11, 1802. 

Edward Mason, died of disease at regimental hospital, Oct. 8, 1802. 

George Metcalf, disch. at end of service, Aug, 23, 1804. 

George W. Palmer, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Myi-on Pangljorn, died of diseiise at New Orleans, Feb. 3, 1803. 

Waite Eisley, died of disease at Ship Island, March 26, 1862. 

Eli Robinson, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862. 

Charles Tubbs, disch. fur disability, Jan. 29, 1803. 

Lewis B. Tryon, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Byron B, Taylor, disch, at end of service, Aug, 23, 1SC4, 

George F, Taylor, nirrst. out Aug. 20, 1805. 

William H. H. Wheaton, veteran ; must. Feb. 1, 1804 ; must, out Aug, 20, 1805, 

Franklin S. Walters, died of disease at New Orleans, July 7, 1864. 

Alexander L, Waterman, died of disease at Batoir Rouge, June 18, 1862. 

Samuel L, Walton, died of disease in Louisiana, Sept. 19, 1862. 

Francis Wood, disch. for disability, Oct. 30, 1863. 

Bodnran M. Warden, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Joseph F. Yaw, died in actiorr at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863. 

Fraukliu Yaw, veteran ; must. Feb. 10, 1804 ; must, orrt Aug. 20, 1805. 

Company D. 
Sergt. John G, Allison, pro. to 2d lieut. ; must, out as sergt, Aug, 20, 1805. 

ComjKtny E. 

Isaac Hamilton, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Edward Hands, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Mark Herman, disch, by oi'dei-, June 20, 1865. 
Riley Higgiubotham, disch, Ijy order, June 20, 1865. 

Compa^ly K. 
Capt. David Bacon, Niles ; com, Aug, 20, 1861 ; pro, to lieut,-coI, 19th Inf, Aug, 

8, 1862, 
Capt, Horace W, Cummings, Niles ; com, 1st lieut,, Airg, 19, 1861 ; pro, to capt,. 

Sept, 1, 1862; died of disease in Louisiana, Nov, 13, 1862, 
Capt, Augrrstus W, Chapman, St, Joseph; com, Dec, 1, 1862; died in action at 

Pleasant Hill, La,, April 27, 1804, 
Capt,Williant J, Edwards, Niles; com, 2d lieut,, Sept, 1, 1862; pro, to Ist lierrt,, 

Oct. 1, 1863; to capt,, Jrtly 21, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
2d Lieut, Chas, W, Wood, Niles ; pro. to Corp. (veteran), March 29, 1864 ; to 2d 

lieirt,, March 10, 1865; must, out Aug, 20, 1865. 
Sergt, Robert Farrell, enl, Aug, 20, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1862. 
Musician James A.Grimes, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; ro-etd.as vet,, Feb, 1, 1864; must. 

out Aug. 20, 1865. 
atarles H. Adams, disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1802. 
George Atkinson, died in action at Port Hudson, La,, May 27, 1863. 
Lewis Burst, died in action at Port Hitdson, La., May 27, 1863. 
Charles W. Bennett, disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1862. 
Smith Benjamin, disch. for disability, Oct. 20, 1862. 
Nicholas P. Bratt, disch. for disability, Jan. 5, 1863. 
F. E. Bohmankamp, disch, at ettd of service, Arrg, 2:!, 1864, 
Andrew J. Bratt, vet., Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Arrg, 20, 1865. 
Niithauiol Bratt, vet. Fob, 1, 1S04; mrrst. out Aug. 20, 1866. 
Henry C. Buckles, vet,, Feb, 1, 1864; must, out Aug, 20, 1805. 
Simon P. Boyce, vet, Feb. 1, 1804; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 
Frederick Barkway, must, out Aug, 20, 1865, 
John P. Bloom, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 
Johtr Chattertou, vet,, Feb, 1, 1864 ; ntust, out Aug, 20, 1865. 
Elisha Chilson, di^ch. Dec. 18, 1862. 
George N. Cottrell, disch. by order, Nov, 4, 1804. 
James W, Cutshaw, disch, at end of service, Arrg, 24, 1863. 



NINTH INFANTRY. 



67 



John Ciirl, killed in action, Oct. 11, 1863. 

Wyman A. French, disch. for disal)ility, Oct. 26, 1862. 

David K. French, died of disease at Baton Kouge, Nov. 10, 1802. 

Martin S. Green, vet., Feb. 1, 1804 ; must, out Aug. 20, 1864. 

Tobias Hensler, vet., Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Ang. 20, 1804. 

Henry R. Howard, disch. to enter regular army, Dec. 1, 1862. 

Arthur J. Hamilton, disch. by order, Sept. 8, 1865. 

Milton Hutshaw, died in action at Port Hudson, May 2.1, 1862. 

Levi A. Logan, vet, Feb. 1, 1864; disch. for disability, .July 4, 1804. 

Henry Miller, vet., Feb. 1, 1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1804. 

■William E. Milton, must, out Aug. 20, 1864. 

Thomas B. McClure, died of disease at New Orleans, May 5, 1802. 

Charles Meyers, disch. at end of service, Aug. 2S, 1804. 

Henson Molden, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Ansel J. Noble, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862. 

Hiram Prouty, disch. f.ir disability, Jan. 20, 1802. 

Uzzicl P. Putnam, disch. by order, Jan. 20, 1804. 

Tliomas W. Eutledge, vet., Feb. 1, 1804; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Abram W. Reese, must. Aug. 20, 1805. 

Patrick Rourke, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Harrison Shead, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Gilbert Shead, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

David H. Serviss, vet., Feb. 1,1864; must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

Elisha Sullivan, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Godfrey Shneidle, disch. at end of service, Ang. 2:), 1864. 

James H. Smith, disch. for disability, June 30, 1862. 

Henry Stratton, disch. Dec. 11,1862. 

Theodore C. Sachse, disch. by order, Nov. 4, 1863. 

David M. Williann, died of disease at New Orleans, Jan. 29, 1803. 

Kdward Williams, disch. for disability, Apiil 14, 1802. 

Wallace Wood, disch. for disability, Oct. 19, 1801. 

John H. Wisner, disch. by order, Sept. 18, ISSi. 

Marion Wade, disch. by order, March 1, 1864. 

Oileb S. Williams, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

John Worley, must, out Aug. 20, 1865. 

MEMBERS OF THE SIXTH INFANTRY FROM VAN BUREN COUNTY. 



James Ball, disch. to i 



Co7np<iny C. 
I vet., Feb. 1, 1804. 

Companjj D, 
iug. 20, 1801 ; disch. for disability, June 25, 1863. 



Sergt. Eugene E. Smith, i 

Corp. Nathan V. Finch, eiil. Aug. 20, 1861; pro. to sergt.; disch. for disability. 
May 7, 1864. 

Corp. Francis M. Scott, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; died of disease at New Orleans, 
Aug. 12, 1862. 

Corp. Geo. W. Alford, enl. Aug. 20,1801; died of wounds received at Port Hud- 
son, June 30, 1863. 

Corp. William J. Argabritc, enl. Aug. 10, 1861 ; disch. .it end uf service, Aug. 
23, 1864. 

Corp. Nichohis S. Parish, enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Dec. 1, 1801. 

Corp. Charles H. Finch, enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; died of disease at Port Hudson, Nov. 
20, 1803. 

Charles R. Bachmau, died of disease at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 21, 1861. 

William Broadwell, disch. at end of service, Aug. 2.3, 1804. 

Bradfoid Brooks, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Silas W. Brown, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

John H. Crabbe, disch. at end ..f service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Ahinson H. Ooggswell, disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1801. 

Meeker M. Culver, must, out Ang. 20, 1865. 

Edward Curtis, died of disease at New Orleans, La., Nov. 30, 1862. 

Harrison H. Dopp, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1861. 

Orseamus Green, disch. by order, Sept. 11, 1S05. 

John Halsey, disch. Feb. 10, 1863. 

Horace IL Hurlburt, vet., Feb. 1, 1804. 

William 0. Hawley, accidentally killed ou steamboat. May 18, 1862. 

George F. Heath, must, out Aug. 20, 1805. 

Andrew Jackson, died of disease at Camp Williams, Sept. 4, 1802. 

Abner L. Johnson, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Nathaniel H. King, disch. f .r dis.ibiUty, Oct. 14, 1802. 

William R. Kellogi?, vet.. Feb. 1, 1864. 

Oscar Morrison, vet., Eeb. 1, 1S64. 

William McDr.well, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

George W. Mather, disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 1802. 

Samuel D. Mullen, died of disease at Baltimore, Md,, Nov. 22, 1861. 

Charles R. Perkins, disch. for disability, March 24, 1802. 

Thomas K. Palmer, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1804. 

Tobias Porter, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

George Pierce, died in action at Port Hudson, La., May 27, 1863. 

John W. Pease, died of disease at Baton Rouge, La., July .3, 1802. 

Joseph Smith, died of disease at New Orleans, La., Feb. 22, 1863. 

George E. Stevens, died of disease at Port Hudson, La., Aug. 2, 1863. 

John J. Steadman, died of disease at Baton nouge, La., June 23, 1803. 

Thomas 0. Sweet, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 

Hobley Van Ostran, disch. for disability, Oct. 21,1801. 

Orlando Voorbeis, disch. at end ol service, Aug. 23, 1864. 



George White, died of disease at Baton Rouge, La., June 5, 1862. 
Seth D. Wilcox, died of disease at Camp Williams, Sept. 18, 1862. 

Cmnpmuj F. 
Benj. F. Davis, died of wounds at New Orleans, La., Aug. 21, 1862. 
C. Schermerhorn, disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 12, 1862. 
George W. Sparling, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE NINTH, TWELFTH, AND THIRTEENTH 
INPANTBY KEGIMENTS. 

Organization of the Ninth Infantry — Campaigns in Kentucky and 
Tennessee — The diisastrous Fight at Murfreesboro' — Provost Duty 
at Army Headquarters — Veteran Re-enlistment and Furlough — 
Georgia Campaign of 1S64 — The Regiment on Duty at Atlanta, 
Chattanooga, and Nashville — Muster Out and Discharge — Twelfth 
Infantry — Rendezvous at Nilea — Battle of Shiloh — Battle on the 
Hatchie — Siege of Vicksburg — Service in Arkansas — Veteran Re- 
enlistment — Muster Out and Discharge — Heavy Losses of the Regi- 
ment — Officers and Soldiers of the Twelfth from Berrien and Van 
Buren Counties — Thirteenth Infantry — Services in Alabama — 
Marches through Tennessee and to Kentucky — Battles of Stone 
River, Chickamaiiga, and Mission Ridge — Veteran Re-enlistment 
— Duty on Lookout Mountain — March to the Sea — Battles of 
Avcrysboro' and Bentonville — Grand Review at Washington — 
Muster Out at Louisville, Ky. — Members of the Thirteenth from 
Van Buren and Berrien Counties. 

NINTH INFANTRY. 

The 9th Regiment of Michigan Infantry was raised 
in the late summer and early autumn of 1861 ; its mem- 
bers coming from nearly all portions of the State. About 
half of Company B was from Berrien, and there were nearly 
fifty oiEcers and men scattered through the other com- 
panies. 

The regimental rendezvous was Fort Wayne, near De- 
troit, and there the regiment was mustered into the United 
States service on the 23d and 25th days of October, 1861. 
On the last-named day it left for Kentucky, being the fir.st 
Michigan regiment which reached that part of the seat of 
war lying west of the Alleghanies. It went up Salt River, 
Ky., constructed defensive works on Muldiaugh's Hill, 
and remained in that vicinity until February, 1862. 

Immediately after the capture of Fort Donelson, the 
9th was ordered to Nashville, and after a few weeks, to 
Murfreesboro', Tenn., where it was on garrison duty, at 
Murfreesboro', nearly all of the time until the 13th of July, 
18G2. During that period, however, it formed a part of 
Gen. Negley's command, which marched as far as the Ten- 
nessee River, opposite Chattanooga, and then returned to 
Murfreesboro'. Four companies were sent to Tullahoma, 
while the other six, under Lieut.-Col. Parkhurst, remained 
at Murfreesboro'. 

On the 13th of July, at four o'clock in the morning, the 
force at the latter point was attacked by three thousand 
rebel cavalry under Gen. Forrest. The 3d Minnesota In- 
fantry, with a battery, was encamped two miles northwest 
of town. Tiie first attack on the camp of five companies 
(one company was at the court-house) was repulsed with 
loss. Gen. Forrest then attacked the single company in 
the court-house. Col. Parkhurst sent to the commander of 
the Minnesota regiment for aid, which the latter, perhaps 



68 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



for good reasons, declined to give. The one company in 
the court-house held the foe at bay two hours, but was 
oblif^ed to surrender. 

Forrest tlien returned to attack the camp. The men 
had meanwhile thrown up some slight defenses, behind 
which they fought vigorously until past noon; having just 
one hundred officers and men (out of less than three hundred) 
killed and wounded. Finding themselves outnumbered 
ten to one, and receiving no assistance, they finally yielded 
to the inevitable, and surrendered. 

The enlisted men were paroled at McMinnville, but the 
officers were not released until several months later. 

In the latter part of December, 1862 (the prisoners 
taken at Blurfreesboro' having been exchanged and returned 
to duty), the regiment was detailed as provost-guard of the 
14th Corps, with Col. (afterwards General) Parkhurst as 
provost-marshal. Gen. Thomas remarked when he made 
the detail that he had fully acquainted himself with the 
conduct of the regiment in the defense of Murfreesboro', 
and that he needed just such a force for provost-guard. 

The 9th acted in that capacity throughout the remainder 
of the war. Its services at the battles of Stone River and 
Chickamauga in stopping runaways and maintaining order 
were arduous in the extreme, and were warmly compli- 
mented by Gen. Thomas. When that gallant officer as- 
sumed command of the Army of the Cumberland, after 
Chickamauga, Col. Parkhurst was made provost-marshal- 
general of the department, and the 9th became the provost- 
guard of that army. 

In December, 1863, two hundred and twenty-nine of 
the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and returned to Mich- 
igan on furlough. In the latter part of February, 1864, 
they again appeared at Chattanooga, with their numbers 
increased to about five hundred men. The regiment was 
again ordered to act as provost-guard of the Army of the 
Cumberland, and during the summer and autumn pan^ici- 
pated in all the movements of that army in Georgia and 
Tennessee. It entered Atlanta on its evacuation by the 
enemy, and was there engaged in provost duty until that 
city was abandoned by the Union forces, when it returned 
to Chattanooga. It was largely recruited during the season, 
and, notwithstanding the muster out ofnon-veteranswho.se 
terms had expired, had eight hundred and ninety-seven en- 
listed men on the 1st of November, 1864. It remained 
in Chattanooga until the 27th of March, 1865, when it was 
moved to Nashville. There it stayed on duty at head- 
quarters, and as guard at the military prison until the 15th 
of September, when it was mustered out of service. The 
following day it set out for Michigan, arriving at Jackson 
on the 19th, and on the 2Gth day of September, 1865, 
the 9th Michigan Infantry was paid off and disbanded. 

MEMBERS OF THE NINTH INFANTRY FROM BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Non-Comiimsioned Sla^. 
(I.M. Surgt. James W. Higgius, Niles; till. Miiy 1, 1864 ; pro. to 2d lieut,, Co. 

K, Aug. 1, ISC4. 
Q.M. Sergt. Gilbert A. Watkins, Nil™; ciil. Oct. 28, 1804; pro. to 2il lieut., Co. 

15, Oct. 16, 1804. 
Principal Musician George H. Newell, Niles; enl. .\ug. 21, 1801 ; veteran, Nov. 
23, isa3 ; must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 

Cow^ianij A. 
Cipt. .lames G. Huntley, Niles; com. Nov. 2:i,1804; Ist lieut., Aug. 6, 180:!; 2cl 

lieut., Co. E, Dec. 19, 1802; must, out Sept. 15, 18G5. 
William Millard, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 



Compamj B. 
Capt. OliTer 0. Rounds, Kiles; com. Aug. 12, 18G1 ; res. Aug, 7, 18G3. 
Ist Lieut. MoPes A. I'owell, Kiles ; com. Aug. 12, 1861 ; res. Feb. 2, 1862. 
l8t Lieut. Leonard J. Wright, Niles ; com. Dec. 13, 1861 ; 2d lieut., Aug.l2, 1861 ; 

capt., Co. D, Fell. 27, 186:!. 
Sergt. Thomas H. Gaffney, enl. Aug. 12, 1801; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. C, March 

25, 1802. 
Sergt. James G. Huntley, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieul., Co. E, Dec. 19, 

1802. 
Sergt. Ebenezer A. Burnett, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 4, 

1864. 
Sergt. James W. Higgius, enl. Aug. 12,1861; veteran, Dec. 7, 1863; appointed 

q.in. sergt.. May 1, 1864. 
Sergt. John L. Allen, enl. Aug. 12, 1801. 
Corp. William 11, Loslibougli, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; veleran. Doc. 7, 1863 ; disch. 

by order, Sept. 28, 1S04. 
Corp. Joseph Reynolds, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; died of disease at Bnclianan, June, 

1803. 
Corp. James H. Sharp, enl. Aug. 12. 1861; disch. Feb. 3, 1862. 
Corp. Gilbert A. Walkius. enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; veteran, Dec. 7, 1803; pro. to q.m. 

sergt., Oct. 28, 1864. 
Cor]'. James Gallaghan, enl. Aug. 12,1861; veteran, Doc. 7,1803; must, out 

Sept. 15, 1865. 
Coi p. Lb Grand A. Swift, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; died of disease at Nashville, Feb. 

9, 1865. 
Corp. Silas York, enl. Aug. 12, 1801 ; veleran, Dec. 7, 1863 ; must, out Sept. 15, 

1865. 
Musician George H. Newell, enl. Aug. 12, 1861; veteran, Dec. 7, 1803- pro. to 

principal musician, March 6, 1864. 
Wagoner David Bell, eiil. Aug. 12, 1861 ; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Elliott Burton, must, out June 20, 1805. 
William A. Boswell, must, out Sept. 15, ISO.I. 
Hezekiah Buck, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
Mortimer M. Cutshaw, must, out Sept. 16, 1866. 
James Clark, must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 
George W. Curtis, must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 
I'atriek Carl, must, out Sept. 15, 1866. 
Hiram Carpenter, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
John A. Cox, must, out June 20, 1865. 
Jacob Eastman, must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 

Ambrose Gephart, died of disease in Tennessee, March 24, 1865. 
Jacob Plait, disch. by order, Sept. 28, 1865. 
Edwin M. Pressly, must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 
Lewis Piatt, disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1805. 
William Redder, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
Abner Reams, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
John Richardson, must, out Sept. 15, 1S05. 
Alex. Sweeny, must, out Sept. 16, 1805. 
Sylvester Sherman, must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
George W. Wells, must, out Sept. 16, 1865. 

Company C. 
2d Lieut. Thomas H. Gaffney, com. March 26, 1862; res. April 9, 1863. 
John C. Dick, must, out June 20, 1806. 
Elisha Everett, must, out June 20, 1805. 
Zebedee Everelt, must, out June 20, 1805. 
Cliarles Everliiig, must, out June 20, 1805. 
Amos Fesher, must, out June 20, 1866. 
Frederick J. Forsyth, must, out July 5, 1865. 

tVin}}Hiin/ D, 
Capt. Leonard J. Wright, Niles; com. Feb. 27,1803; must, out at end of service, 
Nov. 23, 1804. 

Coim)auij E. 
2d Lieut. James G. Huntley, Niles; com. Dec. 19,1862; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. A. 
2d Lieut. Gilbert A. Watkins, Niles; com. Oct. 15, 1804; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. I, 
Jan. 8, 1805. 

Coinptmij G. 
Fritz Klais, must, out June 20, 1806. 
Gottlieb Kramer, must, out June 20, 1866. 
George W. Lake, must, out July 5, 1865. 
Frederick J. Forsylh, must, out Sept. 16, 1865. 

Company 11. 
Con'. Joel Kerr, Niles; enl. Aug. 16, 1861 j died of disease in Kentucky, Nov. 

18, 1861. 
Zacheus Meade, died of disease at Nashville, May 19, 1865. 
George Markley, must, out June 20, 1865. 
Edward McVeigh, must, out June 20, 1865. 
John Murray, must, out June 20, 1865. 
Walter F. McCracken, must, out June 20, 1866. 
Richard Pressley, died of disease at West Point, Ky. 
And. J. Richardson, must, out Aug. 10, 1805. 
Alonzo Rice, veteran, Dec. 7, 1863; must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 
Samuel Sommci's, disch, fordisabiliiy. 
Daniel R. Shalier, disch. at end of service, Oct. 14, 1804. 



TWELFTH liNFANTRY. 



69 



Eictiarrt H. Wilts, (iisch. Aug. T, 1862. 

Miles Woods, died of disease at West Point, Ky. 

Coinpany I. 
Ist Lieut. Gilbert A. Watkins, com. Jan. 8, 1865: must, out Sept. 15, 1865. 
Charles Stanwell, died of disease at Nashville, June 21, 1865. 
Charles H. Smith, must, out June 20, 1865. 
Joel Starr, must, out June 20, 1865. 
Almon G. Stoddard, must, out June 20, 1865. 

1st Lieut. James W. Higfins, Niles: com. Nov, 23, 1864 ; res. July 15, 1865. 
Henry Bussi-ll, must, out Sept. 15, 1805. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE NINTH REGIMENT. 

Coiiipniitj G. 
Reuben Lee, disch. for disability, March IJ, 1865. 



James St. Clair, died of dis 



Company 1. 
at Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 25, 1864. 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 

This rei;iment had a larger representation than any other 
from the two counties which are the subject of this his- 
tory, there being over four hundred men in its ranlvs from 
Berrien County and about one hundred from Van Buren. 
Company B was raised at St. Joseph and vicinity ; Company 
C, at Buclianan and vicinity ; Company E, and parts of Com- 
panies F and K, at Niles ; and Company I, at and around 
Berrien Springs. There were also many from Berrien 
County in the other companies. Company H and part of 
K were raised in Van Buren County, and tliere were thirty 
or forty more from that county in other companies. 

The regimental rendezvous was at Niles. It remained 
there in camp of instruction, busily preparing for its duties 
in the field, until the 18th of March, 1862, when it set 
out for St. Louis, with a thousand men and officers on its 
rolls. From St. Louis it was hurried forward to Pittsburg 
Landing, and was stationed in the extreme front of the 
Union army, about eighty rods from Shiloh Church. 

Much has been said about tlie Union troops being sur- 
prised at Shiloh ; but Maj. (then lieutenant) S. W. Pearl, 
of Benton, who was with the 12th at the extreme front, 
says there was nothing of the kind. The advanced regi- 
ments knew from the reports of reconnoitering parties that 
there was a large Confederate force not far off, and were 
expecting its approach.* About two o'clock in the morning 
of the tith of April, 1862, a reconnoitering party was sent 
out, met the enemy, and fell back before him to the Union 
picket line. Meanwhile the 12th and other regiments were 
put in line of battle, and moved to a point about one hun- 
dred rods in front of their color-line, and there, about six 
o'clock in the morning, they began the fight with the 
advancing enemy. 

The Confederate commanders hurled heavy columns 
against the comparatively few regiments at the front of the 
field, and steadily drove them back. All day long the battle 
raged in the forests of Tennessee, the Union troops being 
slowly but steadily forced back until six o'clock in the even- 
ing, when they stood near the banks of the Tennesisee 
Itivcr, and saw across that stream the welcome reinforce- 
ments of Buell. 

That night a portion of Buell's army crossed the Ten- 
nessee, and in the morning the Union forces took the of- 

* True, there were no intrenohmcnts, which would certainly have 
bean built under such circumstances at a later period of the war. 



fensive, and drove back the enemy over the same ground 
which he had triumphantly traversed the preceding day. 
During the battle of the 7th this regiment was most of the 
time in the rear of Buell's army, but it took part in the 
final charge in the afternoon, when the rebels were driven 
from the field. In this battle the TZth suffered severely 
having about forty men killed and eighty wounded. 

After the surrender of Corinth the 12th was ordered to 
Jackson, Tenn., and was on duty at that place and Bolivar 
during a large part of the summer and autumn of 1862. 
When Gens. Price and Van Dorn were defeated in their 
attempt to recapture Corinth, on the 3d and 4th of Octo- 
ber, the 12th was a part of the force sent by Gen. Grant 
from Bolivar, under Gen. Huilbut, to cut off the retreat 
of the defeated army. Gen. Hurlbut's command met the 
retreating Confederates at the bridge over the Hatchie 
River, some fifteen miles west of Corinth, on the 5th of 
October, the point being sometimes called Metamora. 

A very sanguinary battle ensued, which, for the numbers 
engaged, was one of the hardest of the war. The portion 
of the Confederate aiuiy which had crossed the river were 
attacked on the west side and driven back, and then, amid 
a storm of shot and shell, the 12th and other regiments 
crossed the bridge, and drove the enemy from his position 
on the west side. His attempt to escape at this point was 
completely foiled, though the greater part of his army made 
their way across the river at a point several miles farther 
south. 

After the battle of the Hatchie the 12th returned to 
Bolivar, where it remained until the 4th of November. 
From that time until the 31st of May, 1863, it was en- 
gaged in guarding the Mississippi Central Railway from 
near Bolivar to Hickory Valley, the regimental headquarters 
being at Middleburg, Tenn. 

On the 24th of December, 1862, one hundred and fifteen 
of the men, who were in a block-house at Middleburg, 
under the command of Col. William H. Graves, were sur- 
rounded by a whole division of rebel cavalry under Gen. 
Van Dorn, who had captured over a thousand Union troops 
at Holly Springs, Miss., and had thence made his way into 
Tennessee. He demanded the surrender of the post, which 
was promptly refused by Col. Graves. The rebels then 
opened fire, and during two hours made desperate efforts to 
capture the little garrison. The latter, however, gallantly 
maintained its position, and, as it was well protected, it was 
able to inflict on the enemy a much greater loss than its 
own. Finally the assailants withdrew, leaving nine killed 
and eleven wounded on the field, besides the less severely 
wounded, whom they took away with them. Fifteen rebel 
prisoners, including ten oflicers, were captured. The gar- 
rison had six wounded, and lost thirteen prisoners, most of 
whom were captured while on picket. 

In general orders issued from the headquarters of Gen. 
Grant, the 12th Michigan, and other regiments which had 
successfully defended their posts, were declared to be " de- 
serving of the thanks of the army, which was in a measure 
dependent on the road they so nobly defended for supplies." 

The regiment remained on duty in West Tennessee dur- 
ing the ensuing winter and the beginning of the spring, but 
about the last of May embarked on transports at Memphis, 



70 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



and proceeded down the Mississippi, arriving at Chickasaw 
Bluff, near Vicksburg, on the 3d of June, 1863. It dis- 
embarked at Sartatia, on the Yazoo, and marched to Haynes' 
Bluff, and then clo.sed in towards Vicksburg. Though it 
formed a part of the Union line which prevented escape 
from, or succor of, the doomed city, and though the men 
could hear the continual roar of the cannon and see the 
shells circling gracefully on their mission of death, yet they 
were not themselves brought under fire during the siege. 

On the 28th of July the regiment embarked for Helena, 
Ark., where it remained until the 13th of August. It then 
marched with Gen. Steele's army to Little Rock, the capital 
of Arkansas. Arriving on the 10th of September at a point 
six miles below that city, on the north side of the Arkansas, 
the Union troops found the way slopped by Gen. Price with 
a large Confederate army, strongly intrenched on the north 
side of the river, with several batteries on the south side. 
During the night of the 10th this regiment and others 
were placed close to the river. Early on the morning of 
the 11th the command was rapidly crossed on pontoons to 
the south side of the stream, and immediately drove the 
rebels from their intrenchments on that side. A running 
fight was maintained all day, the enemy constantly retreat- 
ing before the advancing Unionists, who entered Little Rock 
just before nightfall. The 12th suffered no loss during the 
movement. 

On the 2Gth and 27th the regiment moved from Little 
Rock to Benton, Ark., but on the 1st of November it re- 
turned to the former place. It remained there until the 
14th of January, 1864, during which time the larger part 
of the men re-enlisted, constituting it a veteran volunteer 
regiment. It then returned to Michigan, arriving at Niles 
on the 1st day of February, when the men were furloughed 
for thirty days. 

Rendezvousing at Niles in the first part of March, with a 
large number of recruits, the regiment left on the 21st for 
Little Rock, where it arrived on the 1st of April. On the 
26th it set out for Pine Bluff, marching forty-eight miles 
in two days, and arriving there on the 28th. Two days 
later it returned to Little Rock. On the 17th of May 
it moved to Brownsville, and from Brownsville to Spring- 
field, reaching that place on the 25th, and returning to 
Little Rock on the 31st ; the object of this and many 
similar marches being to drive away the guerrilla bands 
which infested the State, but who were extremely difiBcult 
to come up with. 

On the 25th of June the regiment proceeded by rail to 
Duvall's Bluff, and thence by steamer to Clarendon, on 
White River. It engaged the enemy, under Gen. Shelby, 
on the 26th, having a running fight with him, and chasing 
him all that day and the next. It then returned to Du- 
vall's Bluff, where it remained encamped until the 30th of 
August following. 

The next move of the 12th was up White River by 
steamer. It was fired on by guerrillas, on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, from the banks of the river, six of its men being 
killed and wounded. The regiment disembarked as soon 
as possible, but the chivalry had fled. The next day the 
regiment moved up the river to Austin, but returned to 
Duvall's Bluff on the 7th of September. 



From this time until the 6th of June, 1805, the head- 
quarters of the regiment were at Duvall's Bluff, the men 
being stationed there or in the immediate vicinity, and 
being employed on picket, scout, provost, and fatigue 
duties, and especially in guarding the railroad which pre- 
served the communications of troops more advanced. 

On the 6th of June the regiment broke camp, and 
moved by way of Little Rock to Washington, Ark., where 
it arrived on the 31st. The war was now over, but it was 
necessary still to employ troops at various points to prevent 
the depredations of guerrillas, and assure the maintenance 
of the power of the Union. The 12th was accordingly 
broken up for that purpose. Companies A, B, C, and F 
were sent to Camden, where thoy were under the command 
of Maj. S. W. Pearl. Company E was stationed at Arka- 
delphia, and Company D at Paraclifta. The other com- 
panies remained at Washington with the headquarters of 
the regiment. On the 30th of September, Company F 
was sent from Camden to Champagnolle, on the Washita 
River, and about the same time the headquarters of the 
regiment, with Companies H and K, were removed from 
Washington to Camden. 

The various detachments remained at the positions first 
noted until the forepart of February, when they all assem- 
bled at Camden, and on the 15th of that month were mus- 
tered out of the service. The regiment then proceeded by 
steamer down the Washita and Red Rivers to the Missis- 
sippi, and up that stream to Cairo, and thence by rail to 
Jackson, Mich. It was paid off and discharged on the 6th 
day of March, 1866. 

The fortunes of war were such that the 12lh Infantry 
did not meet the enemy on as many fields of battle as did 
some of its comrade organizations, but it performed fliith- 
fully all the duties intrusted to it, and its record from first 
to last was a credit to its members and to the State. The 
losses of the 12th during its term of service numbered 
four hundred and thirty-two deaths by disease and in bat- 
tle, this being the largest death-record of any Michigan 
regiment excepting only the 6th Infantry, in which the 
corresponding loss was five hundred and forty-two. 

BEKRIEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE TWELFTH INFANTRY. 

Fidd mid SUiff. 

Col. Francis Qiiirin, Niles; com. Oct. 5, 1S61 ; res. Aug 31, 1662. 

M,aj. Geo. Kimmel, Niles; com. Oct. 6, 1861; res. April 22, 1862. 

Maj. Lewis W. Pearl, Benton ; com. June 10, 1865 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Adj. John Graham, Oronoko; com. Oct. 5, 1861 ; res. June 9, 1864. 

Aiij. Wm. E. Stewart, Niles; com. March 19, 1864; pro. to aipt., Co. D, .Tune 14, 

1865. 
Q.M. Geo. S. Bristol, Niles; com. Feb. 10, 1862; res. Juno 14, 1862. 
Q,M. Wm. B. rerrott, Buchanan ; com. Aug. 4, 1802 ; dieil March 14, 1864, at 

Buchanan, Mich. 
Surg, Jas. S. Rundall, Niles ; com. Oct. 8, 1862 ; asst. surg., April 25, 1862 ; must. 

out Oct. 12,1865. 
Chaplain Rev. And. J. Eldrcd, Niles ; com. Oct. 5, 1861 ; res. Sept. lu, 1803. 

Non-Commissioned Stiijf. 
Sergt. Maj. Wm. E. Stewart, Niles; onl. Oct. 9, 1801 ; veteran, Feh. 27, 1SC4 ; 

pro. to 1st lieut. and adjutant. 
Sergt. Maj. Richard H. Burke, lierrien ; veteran, Dec. 26,1803; pro. to 2a lieut., 

Co. G.June 10, 1805. 
Sergt. Maj. Stephen J. Weaver, Niles ; veteran, Jan. 21, 1804 ; pro. to 2d lieut., 

Co. C, Jan. 7, 1805. 
Q.M. Sergt. Hiram L. Brown, St. Jnsepli ; enl. Aug. 2l), 1804 ; private, Dec. 28' 

1803; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. I, June 7, 1865. 
Com. Sergt. Chas. A. Hongland, Niles ; pro. to Ist lieut., Co. E, Maidi 19, 1804. 
Ho»p. Stew. H.irvey R. Backus, Niles ; veteran, Jan. 2, 1804 ; must, out Feb. 15, 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 



71 



Principal Muaician Willard Bostwick, Yeteran, onl. Dec. 24, 1863 ; pro. capt., to 

Co. E, July 1,1863. 
Principal Musician Chas. W. Holcomb, Oronoko; trans, to Co. C. 
Principal Musician Silas Sonles, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Compiiiiij A, 
Cnpt. Chas. E. Howe, Berrien Springs; com. Sept. 14, 1862; brev. mnj. U. S. 

Vols., March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during tlie 

war; app. acting adj. -gen. tJ. S. Vols., April 10, 18G5. 
Capt. John C. Welcli, com. April 15, 1865; pro. tolst licut., Jan. 7, 1865; must. 

out Feb. 15, 1S06. 
Ist Lieut. Wni. M. T. Bartholomew, Oronoko ; com. July 3,1804 ; pro. capt., Co. 

I, Dec. 20, 1864. 
1st Lieut. Samuel L. Hull, Benlon ; com. April 15, 1805 ; must, out Feb. 15, 

ISOG. 
2d Lieut. Geo. L. Autisdale, Niles; com. April 14, 1865; disch. for disability, 

Aug. 25, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Ezekiel P. Spaulding, Buchanan ; com. Aug. 23, 1865 ; must, out Fob. 

16, 1860. 
Sergt. John N. Wooley, disch. for disability, Aug. 31, 1803. 
John Adams, missing at battle of Shiluh, April 6, 1862. 
Wm. Beans, died of disease at Jackson, Tenu., July 10, 1862. 
Oliver Brockway, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Wilson Clyboum, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
John H. Clark, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1SC5. 
Charles E. Davis, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Lewis P Graham, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, July 20, 1804. 
Bonaparte Hyland, died of diseitse at Little Uock, May 18, 1804. 
John Higgins, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Elon M. Ireland, must, out Feb. 1.5, 1866. 
Geo. G. Jenkins, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 
Ezra M. Keyser, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Richard Landon, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Andrew Mershon, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Jan. 15, 1865. 
Sylvester P. Smith, died of disease at Macon, Ga., Aug. 11, 1862. 
Jonathan W. Stephens, died at Pittsburg Lauding, Tenn , May 16, 1802, of 



unds. 



111. Dec. 25, 1863 ; pro. to p; incipal 



Silas Soules, Vetera 

to F. and S. 
Sanford Weutworth, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 



n, and tn 



C^mpattlj B. 
Capt. Thos. Wallace, St. Josepli ; com. Oct. 10, 1861 ; res. May 7, 1802. 
Capt. Lewis W. Pearl, Benton; com. Sept. 1, 1802 ; 1st lieut.Sept. 20, 1802; pro. 

to maj. June 10. 1865. 
Capt. Wm. A. Deuel, New Buffalo ; com. June 10, 1865 ; 2d lieut., Oct. 11, 1804; 

nuisl. out Feb. 15, 1866. 
1st Lieut. Kobt. B. King, St. Joseph ; com. Sept. 1, 1802 ; 2d lieut., Oct. 10, 1801 ; 

res. April 14, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Thos. A. Walker, St. Joseph ; com. March 19, 1801 ; sergt., corp. ; res. 

Oct. 11, 1864. 
Sergt. Leonard K. Jillson, Benton ; enl. Sept. 3, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 28, 1S63 ; 

pro. to 2d lieut., Co. H, Jan. 20, 1865. 
Sergt. Saml. L. Hull, Benton ; enl. Sept. 3, 1801 ; veteran, Dec. 28, 1803 ; pro. 

to 2d lieut., Co. D, Oct. 19, 1804. 
Sorgt. Chas. M. Van Horn, Benton ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861 : died of disease at Quincy, 

111., June 25, 1802. 
Sergt. Wm. H. Long, Benton ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 28, 1803 ; must. 

out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Corp. Dustin Woodin. Benton ; enl. Oct. 19, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must. 

out Fell. IS, 1860. 
Corp. Lyman A.Burke, Hagar; enl. Oct. 20, 1861 ; died in battio at Shiloh, 

April 6, 1862. 
Corp. Joshua L. McKean, Coloma ; enl. Sept. 0, 1861 ; disch. for'disability, Sept. 

28, 1863. 
Corp. Wm H. Brown, Benton ; enl. Sept. 3, 1301 ; died of wounds received at 

Slilloh. 
Corp. Hiram L. Brown, St. Joseph ; enl. Nov. 1, 1801; veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; 

pro. to q.m. sergt., Aug. 21), 1864. 
George F. Allen, disch. for disability, Nov. 14, 1862. 
Edwin Arndt, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 5, 1864. 
George Adams, discli. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1866. 
James Benton, died of disease at Atlanta, Ga., July 12, 1802. 
Albert A. Benton, disch. for disability, Nov. 11, 1803. 
Augustus Beyeii, disch. for disability, Dec. 9, 1803. 
Charles Barnes, died of wounds at Pittsburgii, Pa., received at Shiloh. 
Thos. J. Ba-ssford, died of disease at Benton, Mich. 
James R. Bunily, disch. for disability, Aug. 30, 1802. 
David W. Brownell, disch. by order, June 17, 1865. 
Geo. W. Brown, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 
Alunzo Bett-i, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 
Beiij. liishop, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 
Wm. Becker, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Lewis Bessey, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1868. 
Richard H. Bell, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Hiram L. Brown, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Geo. 11. Bury, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 



Melviu Collace, died of disease at Little Bock, Ark., April 19, 1864. 

George W. Closson, disch. by order, Sept. 9, 1806. 

William M. Curtis, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803; must, out Feb. 5, 1866. 

Michael Casey, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Thomas Denims, veteran, Dec. 30, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John Donahue, veteran, Dec. 30, 1863; disch. by order, Oct. 12, 1865. 

Martin Donahue, died of wounds received in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 

Lorenzo J. Defield, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., July 24, 1864. 

Henry Defiebl, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

Amber A. Doan, disch. by order, March 6, 1866. 

Norman B. Emerson, disch. by order, Kov. 25, 1862. 

Oscar Epley, disch. by order, Nov. 9, 1862. 

Christian Eisele, disch. by order, July 2, 1862. 

Ananias Ellis, disch. for disability, Sept. 3, 1862. 

Amos P. Evans, disch. by order, Slay 18, 1805. 

William H. Epley, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 

Lawrence Earl, must, out Oct. 15, 1800. 

Henry Farnliam, disch. for disability, July 22, 1800. 

Lyman H. Frisbie, disch. for disability, June 27, 1805. 

Peter Flynn, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Dewitt C. Guy, veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; must, out Feb. 15,1866. 

Seth S. Gregory, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William Garrett, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

Leonard J. Goulet, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Leonard K. Jillson, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803 ; pro. to sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

John Garrett, must, out Feb. 16, 1806: 

George F. Granville, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 

Henry C. Harris, died of disease at Atlanta, Ga., June, 1862. 

Andrew Hicks, died of disease at Atl.^nla, Ga., June 8, 1802. 

Philetus Hazard, died of disoase at Little Rock, Ark., April 19, 1864. 

James C. Hull, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., June 26, 1864. 

John L. Handy, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Sept. 10, 1804. 

John Harris, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., May 10, 1862. 

Myron Higbee, veteran, Dec. 30, 1863; disch. for disability, 1864. 

William D. Huyck, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; disch. for disability, 1805. 

Samuel L. Hull, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. H. 

Norman Ivory, died of wounds at St. Louis, Mo., May 9, 1862 (Shilob). 

Guardian Jacrjues, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Nathan Kelley, disch. fur disability, July 1, 1862. 

James G. Krine, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

John Krause, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

John King, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 

Florence B. Ketcbum, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Morris Lyons, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Carlton Lloyd, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Morris La Mott, disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1806. 

Joseph La Mott, disch. for disaliility, Jan. 31, 1862. 

Michael Larkin, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps, April 15, 1865. 

George W. Lee, disch. by order, June 9, 1865. 

John C. Lorinier, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 26, 1864. 

John W. Murphy, died of disease at Helena, Ark., Aug. 10, 1803. 

Stephen Mussulman, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Aug. 13, 1864. 

James Mills, died in rebel prison at Macon, Ga., July 10, 1802. 

William Miller, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William Mull, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Zerah Moore, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

James W. Morrow, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Patrick McLaughlin, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Edwin A. McClave, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

William C. Norris, died of diseasaat Little Roclc, Ark., Aug. 1, 1864. 

John D. Nason, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; disch. for disability, March 14, 1865. 

Ora 0. Nutting, diach. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1806. 

Elon P. Osgood, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; disch. for disability, Jan. 22, 1860. 

Henry 0. Plumb, disch. for disability, Aug. 18, 1862. 

Jasper Pitcher, disch. for disability, Nov. 20, 1862. 

William H. Pierce, disch. for disability, Dec. 15, 1864. 

George 0. Post, killed in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

William Parkerton, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 16, 1860. 

W. S. Quackenbush, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Morton Qiiackenbush, disch. by order, July 19, 1865. 

Solomon Quint, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1866. 

Chauncey Reese, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1866. 

John Rogers, disch. May 10, 1803. 

Gilbert Rogers, disch. for disability, July 1, 1802. 

George Riley, disch. for disability, July 18, 1802. 

Joseph Rokely, veteran, Dec. 28, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Robert Robertson, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

John D. Rose, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo. 

Edward Sutton, died of disease at Camden, Ark., Sept. 7, 1802. 

Huey M. Sweet, died in rebel prison at Richmond, Va., Oct. 19, 1802. 

Alvah Smith, died of wounds received at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Francis E. Shiver, disch. for disabilily, June, 1802. 

George Stanley, disch. for disability, July 23, 1802. 

Levi Sherman, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Loren-zo D. Schofield, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1866. 

Charles G. Sheets, disch by or.lor. May 22, 1805. 

Elijah Spink, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Fob. 15, 1806. 



72 



HISTOKY OP BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Miiiert Shippey, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must out Feb. U, 1866. 

James Sheirard, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Harmon Schniul, veteran, Dec. 28, 18G:i ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Charles So\iles, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 16, 1806. 

Amos Stout, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Nathan Stanley, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Kellogg Stanley, must out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Charles H. Sclimul, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William H. Shiver, must, out Feb. 15, 18G6. 

William Turner, veteran, Doc. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Henry Teachout, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Oliver C. Timmins, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866 

James Troy, veteran, Der. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Alliert Teachout, disch. Dec. 5, 1862. 

Ezra Teachout, disch. Aug. 10, 1863. 

William H. Tliatchcr, disch. by order, Ocr. 12, 1865. 

William Turner, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Alfred A. Teachout, died of disease in Michigan. 

Gates Upson, died of disease at St- Joseph, Mich. 

Charles M. Van Horn, died of disease at Quincy, III. 

Julius Valentine, disch. for disability, Sept. 18, 1862. 

John W. Van Hazen, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Jared H. Vincent, must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 

Nelson Wheeler, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

John Webber, veterau, Dec. 28, 1863; must. Feb. 15, 1806. 

Theodore Waddel, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Sylvanus E. Whitehead, must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 

Otis A. Winslow, died of disease at Montgomery, Ga., June, 1862. 

Forrest F. Woodward, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 11, 1863. 

Lafayette Wood, di=cli. for disability, Nov. 14, 1864. 

Orlando H. Wright, disch. for disability, Sept. 24, 1862. 

George Williams, disih. Nov. 15, 1862. 

William Wheaton, disch. by order, July 10, 1865. 

Charles Warner, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 



Comjtani/ C. 
Capt. John M. Albert, Buchanan ; com. Oct. lU, 1861 ; res. April 27, 1802. 
Capt. Benjamin E. Binns, Buchanan; com. Oct. 1, 1802; res. Feb. 1.5, 1805. 
Ist Lieut. William F. Molsberry, Buchanan; com. Oct. 14, 1801; res. Oct. 15, 

1862. 
Ist Lieut. Kichard A. Demout, Bertraiul ; com. March IS, 1804; pro. to capt., 

Co. H.JuneO, l?04. 
Ist Lieut. .lohn Perrott, Buchanan; com. June a, 1864; res. Jan. 20, 1805. 
2d Lieut. David J. Whitten, Niles; com. June 0, 1804; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. F, 

Jan. 7, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Stephen J. Weaver, Niles ; com. Jan. 20, 1865 ; res. June 12, 1865. 
2d Lieut. Dion B. Keltner, Niles; com. Juno 12, 1805; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Sergt Richard A. Demcmt, Buchanan ; enl. Oct. 14, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Sergt. Charles E. Brong, Buchanan ; oid. Oct. 23, 1861 ; disch. June 21, 1803. 
Sergt. John Perrott, Buchanan ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. 
Sergt. Herbert M. Reynolds, Buchanan ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 : wounded at Shiloh ; 

disch. June 6,1862. 
Corp. James K. Woods, Buchanan ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; di.sch. Aug. 30, 1862. 
Corp. Van B Cahowe, Buchanan; enl. Nov. 11,1301; died of disease at Pitts- 
burg Landing, April 3, 1802. 
Corp. Francis Conroy, Wee«aw; enl. Oct. 18,1861 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1863. 
Corp. James S. McCoy, Galien ; enl. Oct. 20, 1861 ; disch. at end of servici-, Jan. 

7,1865. 
Corp. Charles Smith, Buchanan; enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; absent, sick ; not must, out 

with company. 
Corp. Zimri Moon, Buchanan; enl. Oct. 30, 1861; disch. Oct. 18,1862. 
Corp. George Merrill, Buchanan ; enl. Oct. 14, 1801 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Musician James Boswell,Weesaw; eul. Nov. 19, 1861; discli. for disability, Aug. 

30, 1802. 
Simon P. Aldrich, disch. Feb. 15,1802. 
Asa C. Alexander, disch. for disability, June 8,1865. 
David Allen, died of disease at Duvall's Bluif, Nov. 24, 1804. 
Amos P. Atwood, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Edgar Atwood, must, out Feb. 15,1806. 
Emory Atwood, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William H. Bachelor, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John Y. Birge, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Benjamin Brown, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Fredeiick Brown, died May 22, 1862, of wounds received at Sliiloli, April 6, 

1802. 
William T. Brown, died of disease at Niles, Mich., March 14, 1802. 
Daniel Brown, disch. March 1, 1862. 
James Boswell, disch. July 10, 1862. 

Harvey Backus, Niles; trans, to non-commissioned staff, hospital steward. 
Hezekiah Branch, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 
Daniel P. Beattie, died of disease at Mobile, Ala. 
Charles Baldwin, disch. Sept. 20, 1802. 

Joel Blackniau, veterau, Dec. 29, 1803; disch. for disability, Jan. 4, 1805. 
William IL lieacli, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, l.SO.i. 
Thomas Bristley, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 180-5. 
Isaac Batten, disch. at end of service. Jan. 7, 1S65. 
George W. Biewer, disch. by order, May 22, 1865. 



John E. Barrymore, disch. by order, July 29, 1805. 

James II. Burns, veteran, Feb. 25, 1804; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Wesley A. Burrows, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Sept. 3, 1804. 

Benjamin Chandler, died of disease at Buchanan, Oct. 7, 1864. 

Perry W. Cottrell, died of wounds at Shiloh. 

John S. Curtis, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Sylvester Considine, veteran, Feb- 25, 1864; must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 

Jerome Chamberlain, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

Usher B. Collins, must, out Feb. 1,% 1800. 

Amos Cook, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Jeremiah Courtney, must. ont Feb. 15, ISOtJ. 

Jackson Dalrymple. must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Alonzo Drinkle, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Abi'.am S. Dempsey, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Austin A. Durand, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

George G. DwohI, disch. for disability, Aug. 16, 1802. 

James S. Davis, disch. for disability, Dec. 4, 1802. 

John Dills, disch. at end of service, March lu, 1865. 

Joseph Elwell, disch. at end of service, Oct. 20, 1863. 

Francis W. Elliott, disch. fur disability. May 28, 1862. 

John H. Egbert, disch. for disability, Aug. 2, 1864. 

Ralph Fuller, disch. by order, Jan. 15, 1865. 

William H. Fisher, disch. by order, Nov. 3, 1865. 

Wilbur W. Fuller, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb, 15. 1866. 

Otis J. Fenton, veteran, Feb. 18, 1864 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Samuel J. Griffith, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John A. Graham, must, ont Feb. 15, 1860. , 

John Groves, must, out Feb. IS, 1806. 

Elisha H. Goldman, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John Gathergood, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1803. 

Andrew (jraham, disch. for disability, Aug. 12,1865. 

Charles Helms, disch. July 8, 1802. 

Victor H. Helms, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863 ; disch. by order, June IT, 1865. 

James Hemingway, veteran, Feb. 25, 1861: must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

Lewis Hahn, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

nust. out Feb. 15, 1866. 

1st. out Feb. 15, 1S66. 

in battle at Shiloh, April 0, 1802. 

<d of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark-, Dec. 4,1864. 
)ll, disch. for disaldlity, Feb. 2, 1865. 
lor, must, ont Feb. 15,1860. 



Wallace E. P. Hunt, i 
Samuel K. Hazen, mi 
Henry Hudson, died i 
Charles T. Harris, die 
John S. lug 
Christophei 



William Johnson, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

V. Kirkendall, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Frank B. Kelley, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 

William Kinney, must, ont Feb. 16, 1806. 

James Kinney, discharged. 

Charles II, Knight, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., May 4, 18?4. 

Erwiii Knight, died of disease at Cairo, 111., Aug. 9,1864. 

William Lemon, disch. for disability, Sept. 2, 1862. 

Nicholas W. Miller, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803; disch. for disability, Dec. 21, 1865. 

Thonnvs A. Morley, disch. May 16, 1802. 

Warren Martin, disch. Jlay 25, 1862. 

Alfred Murray, disch. Juno 30, 1862. 

James H. Martin, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., May 25, 1862. 

R. Maxwell, died of disease at Niles, Mich., March 13, 1862. 

Elisha Blarshall, dieil of ilisease at Niles, Mich., Nov. 20, 1802. 

Jauies S. McCoy, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Charles McCracken, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

John F. Miller, veteran, Feb. 25, 1864; must, out Feb. 1.5,1806. 

George W. Merrill, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

E. Motinger, veteran, Dec. 24, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

D. Jlcitiiiger, must, out Feb. 15, 1S06. 

M. N. Mansfield, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William H. Martin, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Samuel Miller, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

James Mudge, must, out Feb. 16,1800. 

Henry Piatt, veteran. Doc 29, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Samuel Potter, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862, 

James Painter, disch. for disability, Sept. 5, 1862. 

Armenius Penwell, died of disease at Little Rock, May 31,1864. 

Oscar Reed, died of disease at Niles, May 28, 1862. 

Herbert M Be,vnolds, disch, for wounds, June 6, 1862. 

Francis C. Rue, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 

John M. Roe, must, out Feb, 15, 1806. 

John C. Shelman, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Horace Salsbury, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

John Salsbury, veteran, Feb. 25,1864; must, out Fob. 15, 1866. 

Howard F. Smith, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

James 0. Smith, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Henry Sanders, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Nathaniel R. Seely, must, ont Feb. 15, 1806. 

Edgar Sanford, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 

Ilowidl Strojig, must, ont Feb. 15,1866. 

Charles Snyder, nuist. out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Christopher Sawden, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Moses Shaliip, clied of disease in Ohio, May 19, 1862. 

George Smith, died of disease ut Macon, Ga. 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 



73 



Eri 0. Smith, disch. Jan. 1, 1863. 

Samuel Smith, discb. Nov. 8,1862. 

James Smith, diach. for disability, Julj' 15, 1862. 

John Scott, disch. for disability, Aug. 6. 18C2. 

Leonard Simmons, disch. tor disability, Aug. 10, 1802. 

Lewis Sanford, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 

John Shamp, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 

Frederick Taylor, disch. for disability, Nov. 5, 1805. 

Joseph Taylor, disch. by order, June 17, 1805. 

James Tallman, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Morgan Wynn, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

ThouLas B. Wynn, veteran, Dec. 24, 186:!; must, out Feb. 15,1860. 

Simon L. Wilbur, veteran, Jan. 2, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Alexander Wilbur, veteran, Jan 2,1864; died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., 

Not. 20, 1864. 
Nelson Wilbur, died of disease at Niles, March 19, 1802. 
James K.Woods, disch. Aug. 30, 1862. 
Francis Watson, disch. Feb. 15, 1862. 
David A. White, disch. Jan. 19, 186.3. 
Wilson E. Wells, disch. for disability, June 7, 1862. 
Orlando Wilson, disch. for disability, June 12,1865. 
Delos D. Wilson, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Henry H. Wybert, must, out Feb. 13, 1866. 

Company D. 
Capt. William E. Stewart, Nilei; com. June 14, 1865; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
1st Lieut. Charles H. Dye, Niles ; com. Dec. 31, 1804; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
2d Lieut. Samuel L. Hull, Benton; com. Oct. 19, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. A. 
2d Lieut. Otis J. Fenton, Buchanan; com. April 15, 1865; pro. to 1st lieut., 

Co. H. 
Daniel W. Allen, died May 7, 1802, at Louisville, Ky., of wounds received at 

Sbiloh. 
Cassius Cliipman, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Isaac J. Frame, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., July 1, 1864. 
John Green, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Riualdo Reed, disch. for disabilily, July 23, 1863. 
Frederick Reim. disch. for disability, July 15, 1862. 
Calvin Smith, disch. April 21, 1862. 

Miles W. Stubbs, accidentallv killed at Duvall's Bluff, Oct. 28, 186+. 
George Stilwell, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

CoDipniil/ E. 
Capt. Henry Gcphart, Niles; com. Oct. 9, 1801; res. Dec. 19, 1802. 
Capt. Willard S. Bostwick, Niles; com. July 1, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
1st Lieut. Thomas Bradley, Three Oaks ; com. Oct. 9, 1801 ; wouiided at Sliiloh ; 

res. Oct. 15, 1862. 
Ist Lieut. Charles A. Hoagland, Niles; com. March 19,1801; res. June l.S, 

1804. 
1st Lieut. William A. Deuel, New Buffalo; com. Feb. 15, 1805; pro. to capt., 

Co. B, June 10, 1865. 
1st Lieut. Benton Stearns, Galien ; com. June 10, 1865 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
2d Lieut. John Crofoot, Niles; com. Sept. 14, 1862; disch. for disability, April 

28, 1864. 
2d Lieut. James Adams, Niles ; com. April 28, 1864; pro. to lat lieut., Co. H, 

Nov. 15, 1864. 
Sergt. Charles W. Barrett, Niles; enl. Oct. 9, 1861 ; disch. July, 1862. 
Sorgt. Frank M. Johnson, Nilea ; enl. Oct. 9, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Dec. 

9, 1864. 
Sergt. Erasmus N.Shead, Three Oaks; enl. Nov. 26, 1861 ; disch. April 9, 1803. 
Sergt. Simon Bierbauer, Niles; enl. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. at end of service, Jan. 

7, 1865. 
Corp. Thomas Swobe, Niles ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; veteran, May 1 , 1864 ; sergeant ; 

pro. to 2d lieut., Co. K. 
Corp. Charles Naumett, Three Oaks; enl. Nov. 25, 1861. 
Corp. James Adams, Niles; enl. Oct. 24,1861; veteran. Doc. 24, 1863; pro. to 

2d lieut., Co. B. 
Corp. John N. Harder, Niles ; enl. Oct. 9, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 

1866. 
Corp. Abram Parmenter, Niles; enl. Nov. 2, 1861; disch. at end of service, Jan. 

7, 1865. 
Corp. William E. Stewart, Niles; enl. Oct. 9, 1801 ; Veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; app. 

sergt. uiaj., Nov. 1, 1863. 
Corp. Ebenezer Harris, Galien ; enl. Oct. 22, 1801 ; disch. for disability, April 

21, 1802. 
Musician John A. Slater, Niles ; enl. Oct. 19, 1801 ; discb. for disabilily, July 

17, 1863. 
Henry D. Austin, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Fob. 15, 1866. 
Heury Alspaugh, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Oriando Allen, disch. Nov. 8, 1862. 
John Brihl, disch. for disability, July 22, 1862. 
Lyman Barnes, discb. for disability, Feb. 27, 1865. 
Charles W. Baird, disch. by order, Feb. 17, 1805. 
Joseph Branihall, disch. for disability, June 2, 1805. 
Thomas Broom, veteran, Dec. 24, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Richard Buck, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863 ; must, out Fob. 15, 1866. 
Emil Bachman, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Robert Bloom, missing in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

10 



Henry Corcoran, killed at Louisville, Ky., by the cars, Nov, 12, 1862. 

Albert Grossman, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Joshua R. Crosby, veteran, Dec. 28, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Newton W. Cottrell, veteran, Dec. 24, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William Dingman, veter.iii, Dec. 24, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Harvey A. Daken, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Fob. 15, 1866. 

William A. Deuel, veteran, Jan. 21, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut,, Co. D. 

Edgar H. Durand, missing at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Morris Dulin, disch. for disability, July 24, 1862. 

John Dulin, disch. at end of service, Jan, 7. 1865. 

Patrick Dulin, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1805. 

Allen Dolph, disch. by order, Sept. 14, 1865. 

Martin Dallon, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Joseph Deuel, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. ^ 

Fiancis Darling, must, out Feb. 1.5, 1860. 

William Dean, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

Lewis Fench, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Augustus Fetterly, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

George S. Foster, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Benjamin Franklin, veteran, Dec. 24, 1363 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Andrew Finch, died of disease in Arkansas, May 24, 1865. 

Alex. D. Finch, disch. by order, May 6, 1865. 

John Greiner, disch. by order, Sept. 15, 1865. 

William Giay, died of wounils at Bertrand, Mich., May 28, 1862. 

Logan Gardner, died of disease at Louisville, Ky,, June 12, 1802. 

Edward George, mast, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

George M. Gunn, must. out. Feb, 15, 1806. 

Henry Gleason, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 

John Hess, must, out Feb, 15, 1866, 

Ebenezer Harris, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

James F. Hunt, veteran, Jan. 21, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Clark Hough, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb, 15, 1866. 

Francis W. Hurd, missing in action at Shiloh, April 2, 1862. 

John Hoyt, disch. for disability, July 17, 1862. 

John N. Harder, died at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Peter Henkel, disch. by order, Oct. 13, 1805. 

Edward M. Hawley, disch. by order, Jan. 24, 1806. 

Samuel D. Hammond, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Charles A. Hoagland, veteran, Dec. 31, 1803; died at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., May 

3, 1865. 
George Ives, disch. for disability. May 7, 1865. 
David 0. Inglewright, disch. May 8, 1863. 
Magnus Imboden, disch. by order, June 13, 1865. 
John C. Ingling, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1805. 
Monroe Ingersoll, must, out Feb, 15, 1866. 
William S. Inman, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Frank M. Jolinsou, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. 
Samuel Johnson, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
Joseph Johnson, died of disease at Niles, June 29, 1802. 
Cornelius Kirkstead, died at Louisville of wounds. May 28, 1802. 
William H. Kelly, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Oct. 18, 1864. 
George W. Knowlton, veteran, Dec. 24, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Heui-y Kircheiier, must, out Feb. 15, 1806, 
Henry Larch, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Edward Lewis, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William McDonald, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William L. Moody, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Joseph Mossbroogler, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
John McNally, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Philip May, veteran, Dec. 24, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Andrew Miller, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; died of disease, Oct. 11, 1864. 
V. H, Matchett, died of disease iu Tcimessee, June 27, 1862. 
Abram Morris, missing in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
John McDonald, disch. May 9, 1803. 
John McDermott, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
William Maudlin, disch. for disability, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Charies Naumett, disch. May 9, 1803. 
John W. Perkins, disch. for disability, July 8, 1862. 
Simon Potter, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., Oct. 3, 1863. 
Charles M. Powell, veteran, Dec. 24, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Collins Phelps, veteran, Jan. 21, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Frederick Powell, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William F. Page, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Lowell M. Page, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Abram Parmenter, must, out Feb. 15, 1866, 
Calvin Penderbaugh, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William D. Reprogle, died of disease at Detroit, Dec. 16, 1804. 
Wilder M. Robbins, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1866. 
John P. Ran, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Luther Sage, disch. by order, Sept. 14, 1865. 
Loien Shead, disch. by order, Sept. 16, 1865. 

Ferdinand Swartz, disch. by order, Aug, 22, 1805. \ 

John A. Sonce, disch. by order, Sept. 15, 1S05. 
Joseph Swartz, disch. by order. 
George W. Shead, disch. July 12, 1863. 
Harvey Simons, disch. for disability. Fob. 12, 1863. 
Michael Sullivan, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1804. 



74 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



, Jan. 7, T8B5. 

nil's Bluff, Mil)- 3, 18G5. 



William II. H. Skinner, disrli. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Lewis Smith, died in laittlc at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 

Albert Steinbeck, missing in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Valentine Shaffer, died of disease at Memphis, Aug. 29, 1S63. 

John G. Schurz, died of disease at Niles, Mich. 

Daniel Shudder, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, May 24, 18C5. 

John J. Sutter, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Steplien Scott, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

John W. Smith, must, out Feb. 16, 1806. 

Alphonzo Straul, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Perry Sumner, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Benanil Swartz, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

David Terwilliger, disch. at end of ser\ 

Charles Toffelmyer, died of disease at I 

Peter Tanse.v, must, out Sept. 14, 1865. 

Jacob Ugea, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

William Van Campi'n, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William Vanderhoof, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Cyrus C. Whaley, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

William C. Williams, veteran, Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, ISGG. 

Elijah Warren, died of disease at Macon, Ga., Aug 1, 1862. 

James E. Walling, died of disease at Little Eock, Dec. 16, 1864. 

Menzies Webster, died of disease. 

Frederick P. Warner, disch. by order, May 27, 1865. 

Joseph Yaw, died of disease at Galien, May 30, 1863. 

William Yawkey, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Company F. 

Capt. Eussell M. Weston, Niles; com. Oct. 10, 1801 ; res. May 7, 1862. 

Capt. James Adams, Niles; com. Aug. 25, 1865 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Ist Lieut. David I. Whitten, Niles; com. Jan. 7, 1865; res. Nov. 18, 1805. 

2d Lieut. Charles H. Dye, Niles ; com. March 19, 1864 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. D. 

2d Lient. William Horton, Jr., Pipestone : res. June 12, 1865. 

Sergt. Newell Cleveland, Berrien; enl. Nov. 20, 1861; died of disease at Pitts- 
burg Landing, May 8, 1862. 

Sergt. John B. Cochrane, Niles; enl. Nov. 18, 1861 ; disch. July 15, 1862. 

Sergt. Henry M. Bryant, Niles; enl. Sept. 1, 1801 ; disch. for disability, June 
17, 1862. 

Corp. Hubert L. Putnam, Niles ; enl. Nov. 10, 1801 ; disch. for disability. May 
26, 1862. 

Corp. James Manny, Niles; enl. Sept. 21,1861; disch. for disability, May 28, 
1862. 

Coi-p. William Dillon, Niles; enl. Dec. 4, ISCI ; disch. for disability, March 111, 
1862. 

Corp. Edwin F. Crandall, Niles; enl. Nov. 9, 1861 ; disch. July 18, 1862. 

Corp. John B. Martin, Eoyalton; enl. Oct. 21, 1861; died in rebel prison in 

Alabama, June 26, 1802. 
Stephen M. Bonnell, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Henry E. Brown, died at St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 27, 1802. 
Martin C. Burt, must, out Feb. 16, 1860. 

Armstead Claspie, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., June 17, 1802. 
Benjamin F. Cahow, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Nov. 24, 1804. 

William E. Davis, died of diseiise at St. Louis, Mo,, June 15, 180J. 

Charles H. Dye, veteran, March 8, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut., March 19, 1804. 

William C. Evick. disch. by order, May 22, 1865. 

Milton Hazard, died in rebel prison at Montgomery, Ala., June 20, 1862. 

Eenben Hart, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

Daniel B. Martin, veteran, Dec. 30, 1«63; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

Abner Marckle, disch. by order. May 22, 1865. 

Isaiic Marckle, disch. by order, June 9, 1866. 

William E. Patterson, disch. by order, June 27, 1865. 

Charles H. Parketon, disch. June 27, 1S62. 

Nathan S. Page, disch. for disability, Sept. 13, 1864. 

Mahlon Pearson, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Myron Parshall, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Preston Parmeter, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Jesse Painter, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Lewis Purdy, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John Shockley, died of disease, June 25, 1862. 

James D. Taggart, died in rebel prison at Macon, Ga , Aug. 12, 1862. 

Stephen J. Weaver, veteran, Jan. 21, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. C, Jan. 7, 1805. 

Company G. 
2d Lieut. Alex. G. Davis, Niles; com. Oct. 23, 1801 ; died of wounds received at 

Shiloh, April 0,1802. 
2d Lieut. Benton Stearns, Galien ; com. March 21,1865; pro. to Ist lieut., Co. E. 
2d Lieut. Kichard II. Burke, Coloma; com. June 10, 1866; must, out Feb. 16, 

1806. 
Calvin H. Crowley, disch. by order, Aug. 22. 1865. 
Jasper Finch, died of disease at Little Rock, July 22, 1864. 
Erwin J. Fancher, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
George King, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Henry L. King, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Company K. 
Capt. John Graham, Oronoko; com. Oct. 8, 1862; res. June 9, 1864, as 1st lieut. 
Capt. Itichard A. Dcmont, Buchanan ; com. June 9, 1804; res. Nov. 15, 1804. 



1st Lieut. Henry T. Kimmel, Niles; com. March 16, 1864; com. 2d lieut. May 6, 

1802; pro. to capt. in SO.th Inf. 
1st Lieut. James Adams, Niles; com. Nov. 15, 1804; pro. to capt., Co. F. 
1st Lieut. Otis J. Fenton, Niles; com. Aug. 26,1865; must, out as 2d lieut.,Fcb. 

15, 1866. 
2d Lieut. Leonard K. Jillson, Benton ; com. Jan. 20, 1865 ; must, out Feb. 15, 

1866. 
James Anstice, veteran, March 8, 1864. 
Charles Burrows, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
Wesley Buckniaster, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
Joshua Rogers, disch. at end of service, March 1, 1865. 
George R. Rogers, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Hiram F. Strong, disch. by order, Sept. 20, 1865. 
James F. Vallean, disch. at end of service, Feb. 25, 18G5. 

Company I. 

Capt. Darius Brown, Niles; com. Oct. 5, 1861; must, out at end of service, Jan. 

7, 1805. 
Capt. William M. T. Bartholomew, Oronoko; com. Dec. 20, 1804; com. 2d lieut. 

March 29, 1804 ; must, out Feb. 16, 1806. 
1st Lieut. John Graham, Oronoko; com. Oct. 5,1861 ; pro. to capt., Co. H, Match 

19, 1804. 
1st Lieut. William H. Miller, Berrien ; com. March 19, 1804; res. May 3, 1865. 
2d Lieut. Charles E. Howe, com. Oct. 8, 1861 ; pro to capt , Co. A. 
2d Lieut. Hiram B. 11 ipp, Berrien ; com. Sept. 14,1862; disch. for disability, 

March 29, 1864. 
2d Lient. John C. Welch, com. July 3, 1864; pro. to 1st lieut, Co. A. 
2d Lieut. Jnsiab C. Murphy, Buchanan; com. Jan. 7, 1864; resigned June 7, 

1865. 
2d Lient. Hiram L. Brown, St. Joseph; com. June 7, 1805; must, out Feb. 15, 

1800. 
Sergt. William H. Hail, Niles; enl. Sept. 1, 1801 ; disch. July 25, 1862. 
Sergt. Hinim B. Hipp, Berrien ; enl. Oct. 5, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Sergt. William H. Miller, Berrien ; enl. Oct. 11,1801; veteran, Dec. 26, 1803 ; 

pro. to 1st lieut. 
Sergt. Charles H. Parketon, Oronoko ; enl. Oct. 12, 1801 ; disch. for disability, 

June 27, 1862. 
Sergt. Henry L. Johnson, Berrion ; enl. Oct. 11, 1861; killed in battle at Shiloh, 

April 6, 1862. 
Corp. John E. Eidson, Oronoko ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 12, 1862. 
Corp. William M. T. Bartholomew, Oronoko ; enl. Oct. 12, 1861 ; sergeant ; vet- 
eran, Dec. 26, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Corp. David K. Hubbard. Oronoko ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 25, 1803 ; 

disch. for disability, Juno 8, 1805. 
Corp. Daniel G. W. Gangler, Oronoko ; eul. Oct. 12, 1801 ; veteran, Dec. 26, 1803; 

disch. Nov. 13, 1805. 
Corp. Henry R. Smith, Pipestone; enl. Oct. 14, 1861 ; died of wounds received 

at Shiloh, May 4, 1862. 
Corp. William W. Leader, Oronoko; enl. Oct. 14, 1801; veteran, Dec. 25, 1803; 

killed in battle, Sept. 4, 1804. 
Corp. Israel M. Allen, I'ipestone ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861 ; disch. by substitute. 
Corp. Charles S. Reese, Pipestone; eul. Oct. 9,1801 ; died in rebel prison in Ala- 
bama, May 11, 1862. 
Musician Daniel E. Clark, Berrien; enl. Nov. 8, 1861 ; died of disease at St. 

Louis, May 11,1862. 
Musician James R. Ackerman, Oronoko; enl. Oct. 12, 1801; veteran, Dec. 25, 

1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
John A. Anniick, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., June 12, 1864. 
William Brayman, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., May 8, 1864. 
Francis Bartholomew, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 6, 1865. 
Elisha M. Blakeman, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., June 18, 1862. 
Lemuel S. Barlow, Jr., disch. Feb. 1, 1863. 
George Brown, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
George W. Babcock, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
James C, Bedinger, disch. at end of service, March 28,1865. 
Ephraim Black, disch. by order, Feb. 11, 1865. 
John Barber, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1805. 
William V. Baker, veteraTi, Dee. 26, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Raymond Brosius, veteran, Dec. 26, 1803; must, out Feb. 16, 1805. 
Alonzo Brayman, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Joel Benson, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Charles Brownell, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Isaac Crawford, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
George B. Crandall, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Albert D. Crandall, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
Edward J. Curtis, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
James D. Curtis, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
John E. Curtis, disch. Nov. 11. 1862. 
Andrew Covert, disch. for disability, Aug. 8, 1862. 
Van B. Clendenin, disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1805. 
James Conkwrite, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., June 16, 1864. 
Orlando A. Cook, died of disease at Pitlsburg Landing, Slay 20, 1862. 
Jacob Cool, died of disease at Little Rock, Ai k., May 24, 1804. 
Hiram Clawson, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 5, 1864. 
Ezra N. Cleveland, died of disease Iti Tennessee, Sept. 16, 1862. 
Levi Chase, died of disease at Chickaming, Oct. 31, 1803. 



TWELFTH INFANTRY. 



75 



William Calhoun, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

James C. D..nnell, died of disease at Pittsburj; Landing, May 20, 1802. 

Calvin H. Davidson, died of disease at Macon, Ga., Sept. 6, 18G2. 

Samuel L. Davis, died of disease at Balcigh, N. C, Oct. 12, 18G2. 

Lyman I. Davidson, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; disch. at end of service, March 28, 

186.';. 
Silas Davidson, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863 ; disch. at end of service, March 28, 1865. 
Wayne B. Delong, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; disch. by order, July 29, 1865. 
Jesse P. Delong, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
James W. Delong, must, out Feb. 15, 18G6. 
Henry Delong, must, out Feb. 16, 1860. 
Charles D. Donnelly, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Tliomas T. Elliott, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
Noble Fisher, disch. by order, Nov. 28, 1862. 
John Fisher, Jr., must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Gphraim Fairbanks, must, out Feb. 15, 1K66. 
William H. Faulkner, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
David Foster, died of wounds at Pittsburgh, Pa., May 2, 1802. 
Amos Goff, died of disease at Jackson, Tonn., July 7, 1802. 
John Gilbert, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., July 20, 1864. 
Japhet Godfrey, disch. at St. Louis. 
Ira Gorhani, disch. for disability, July 25, 1864. 
Luther Graham, disch. for disability, Dec. 19, 1864. 
Frederick Goodrich, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Franklin Grande, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Armingo Gilford, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
Isaac Horton, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William Horton, Jr., veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
Nathan Harrington, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; disch. by order, Jan. 6, 1806. 
William M. House, disch. by order, Aug. 30,1865. 
William H. Hall, disch. July 26, 1862. 
Lewis J. Hunneston, disch. by order, June 21, 1803. 
George W. Hatlleld, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 186.i. 
Perry G. Hatfield, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 
John W. Haverna, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 
Levi Horner, transferred to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Aaron Hiser, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., July 

20,1864. 
Elias Hartline, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Nov. 16, 1804. 
Samuel Jasper, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Nov. 25, 1804. 
Jacob Johnson, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
Royal Jacobs, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
James Jones, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Jacob Lauer, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1S66. 
Thomas Lightfoot. must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
A. Lightfoot, disch. for disability, Aug. 22, 1865. 
Albeit Lumbard, disch. for -disability, Oct. 29,1862. 
Alex. Lowrey, disch. July 14, 1862. 
George W. Lake, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Deo. 12, 1803. 
Hugh McClelland, died of disease at Niles, Jan. 11, 1802. 
George F. Murphy, died of disease in Tennessee, Sept. 8, 1862. 
George W. Murphy, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Dec. 16, 1864. 
John Marsh, died of disease in Arkansas, July 2, 1864. 
Jasper N. Murphy, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
William Murphy, disch. Nov. 28, 1862. 
Nicholas Michael, disch. July 12, 1862. 

Elijah Michael, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Albert McMichael, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Adam Michael, must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 
Daniel Miller, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William W. Morris, must, out Feb. 16, 1806. 
James O'Connor, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
JohTi B. Odell, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., June 9, 1802. 
Aaron Renbargor, died of disease in Arkansas, Jan. 30, 1866. 
Patrick Reagan, disch. for disability, Sept. 2, 1864. 
William Ryan, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
William Robinson, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
William Reagan, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Daniel Redpath, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Ensley Rakestraw, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Henry R. Smith, died of wounds at St. Louis, Mo., 1362. 
Alonzo Sircho, died of dise,ase at Pittsburg Landing, May 18, 1862. 
Thomas Streets, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; died of disease at Berrien, Mich., Jan. 

1, 1865. 
Sebastian Shafer, veteran, Dec. 25,1863; disch. by order, Dec. 16, 1805. 
Luther St. John, veteran, Dec. 26,1863; must, out Feb. 15,1860. 
William Stringer, disch. for disability, Nov. 10, 1865. 
John Templar, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9, 1865. 
Clark Toland, disch. by order, Sept. 30,1805. 
John Treadwell, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 
Royal J. Tuttle, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 12, 1864. 
Julius Teich, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John Vanseau, disch. at Detroit, 1862. 
Maitland Wilson, disch. July 18,1862. 
William E. Willis, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Jasper F. Willis, died of disease in Alabama, May 24, 1802. 
Charles H. Willard, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark , Jan. 6, 1866. 



Company K. 
Capt. Robert Brethschneider, Niles; com. Oct. 10,1861; res. Oct. 3,1862. 
Capt. Byron B. Rockwell, Niles; com. Sejit. 3, 1862; res. April 12, 1865. 
Ist Lieut. Andrew P. Collins, Niles; com. Sept. 30,1861; must, out Jan. 7, 

1865. 
1st Lieut. Thomas Swobe, Niles; com. April 12, 1865; com. 2d lieut., Dec. 20, 

1804 ; must, out Fell. 15, 1866. 
*2d Lieut. William E. Stewart, Niles; pro. to Ist lieut. and adjt. 
Sergt. Dion B. Keltner, Niles; enl. Oct. 7, 1861; veteran, Jan. 1, 1804; pro. to 

2d lieut., Co. C. 
Sergt. James A. Parish, Niles; enl. Nov. 21, 1801 ; missing in action at Shiloh, 

April 6, 1862. 
Sergt. Ezekiel Spaulding, Buchanan; enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 29, 1863 j 

pro. to 2d lieut, Co. A. 
Corp. Granville M. Willis, Berrien; eul. Oct. 8, 1861; died of disease at Pitts- 
burg Landing, May 7, 1802. 
Corp. Almbn Richardson, Niles; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; died of disease at St. Louis, 

Mo., May 1.3, 1862. 
Corp. John E. Curtis, Niles; enl. Nov. 11, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 11, 1862. 
Corp. Albert V. B. Lumbard, Pipestone ; enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 29, 1862. 
Corp. Lorenzo Drake, Niles; eul. Sept. 17, 1801 ; veteran, Dec. 29, 1863; disch. 

by order, Aug. 10, 1865. 
Musician Zalmon A. Disbrow, Chickaming; enl. Nov. 1, 1801; died of disease 

at Pittsburg Landing. 
Musician Thos. M. Stewart, Pipestone ; enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

July 29, 1803. 
Wagoner David Hofstetter, Niles ; enl. Oct. 25, 1801 ; died of disease at St. Louis, 

June 21, 1862. 
David Anglemeyer, must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Thomas Brown, must. oTit. 
George Bowers, must. out. 
Hosea Clemens, must. out. 
William R. Campbell, must. out. 
Robert Charlton, disch. by order, June 20,1865. 
Charles Denend, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
John N. Denend, must, out Feb. 1.5, 1860. 
Almou A. Doane, disch. for disability. 

George Dragoo, died of disease at Fort Smith, Ark., June 20, 1864. 
James Finnell, died of disease at Helena, Ark., Aug. 17, 1863. 
Patrick Finn, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Alvin A. Godfrey, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Harvey Green, died of disease. 

John Green, died of disease at Corinth, Miss., September, 1862. 
William Higgins, died of disease in Alabama, May 26, 1862. 
Orlando Hoadley, died of disease. 

Aaron H. Hoadley, veteran, Dec. 29, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Rodney Holstein, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Robert Hawkins, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William Haumer, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 
Abram J. Hudson, disch. by order, Nov. 16, 1865. 
Elias B. Kendy, must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 
Abram O. Kendy, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Luke Lavanway, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William Lavanway, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William H. Lavanway, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Anson Lewis, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Ansel Lewis, veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Dorus M. Lewis, died of disease in Arkansas, Dec. 13, 1865. 
Charles C. Luce, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
John Large, disch. for disability, July 10, 1862. 
John Lynn, drowned at St. Louis, Mo. 

Addison McCoy, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Daniel McGee, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
James McGurk. must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
John H. Morrison, disch. for disability. 
Noel Matchett, disch. at Detroit, July 9, 1862. 
Sylvester B. Nolan, disch. by order, June 17,1865. 
James Norris, disch. for disability, Dec. 28, 1864. 
Jeremiah Puterbaugh, disch. Nov. 25, 1862. 
Lewis M. Pope, veteran, Deo. 29,1863; must, out Feb. 15,1806. 
Daniel Price, veteran, Dec. 29, 1863; must, out Feb, 15, 1866. 
James D. Parish, missing in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1802. 
William Parish, missing in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Ferdinand P. Row, died in battle at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 
Almon Richardson, died of disease. 
James R. Riggin, died of disease at Niles, Sept. 9, 1864. 
Oscar Rood, disch. by order, July, 1862. 
Jerome Roseman, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
Samuel H. Smith, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
Alfred Sherwood, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Bernard Scanlon, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Christopher Stephens, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John H. Srackengast, veteran, Dec. 29, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Nelson Sinkler, veteran, Dec. 29, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Chauncey B. Sinkler, died of disease. 
Adelbert R. Tabor, died of disease. 
Henry Teesdale, died of disease at Macon, Ga, July 13, 1862. 



76 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Charles V. H. Trowbridge, disch. at Detroit, July 9,1862. 

Oliver D. Trowbridge, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

jHCob Tibbs, veternu, Dec. 29, 18G3; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Willinm Tilroe, veteran, Dec. 29, 1863; disch. by order, Sept. 27, 1865. 

Jiimes E. Vaudemark, disch. for disability, .July 19, 1862. 

Benjamin Van Patten, disch. for disability, Aug. 25, 1802. 

Granville M.Willis, died of disease. 

Nicholas W. Webber, discli. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 

Isaac Wilson, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

George Williams, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

MEMBERS OF THE TWELFTH INFANTRY FROM VAN BUBEN 
COUNTY. 
CovtjHwy A. 
Alonzo H. Allen, died of disease at Bolivar, Tenn., Sept. 30, 1862. 
Horace N. Alexander, disch. by order. May 22, 1805. 
Caleb J. Brown, veteran, Dec. 25, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John Buckley, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Joseph Freelove, must, out Feb. 16, 1860. 
Samuel Horton, discli. by order, Jan. 24, 1866. 
Calvin Hess, disch. by order, Jan. 24, 1866. 
John Welcher, disch. May 31, 1862. 
Albert Welcher, disch. May 31,1862. 

Compamj B. 
2d Lieut. James H. Hall, Lawton ; com. Feb. l.'i.lSOS; pro. to Ist lieut., Co. C, 

June 14, 1866; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Franklin Beal, disch. by order, Nov. 11, 1865. 
Uriah Bucknell, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Thomas Denims, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Kobert K. Evans, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Franklin D. Gates, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

William W. Lamson, died of disease at Camp Prentiss, Tenn., April 2, 1862. 
Morgan Matran, must, out Feb. 15,1866. 
Oliver C. Tinimins, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
BedienI Timmins, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Henry Teachout, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 

Company D. 
Porter Dousherty, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., May 11, 1865. 
Andrew L. Davidson, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Nathaniel Keyes, disch. for disability, June 12, 1865. 
John McMillan, must, out Feb. 15, 1866, 
Estell D. Smith, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Company E. 
David G. Crippen, disch. by order, May 22, 1805. 

Compamj F. 
Charles Barrett, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Shadrack H. Hamblin, disch. at end of sorrice, Sept. 9, 1866. 
Elias V. Johnson, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Eber A. Smith, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Israel D. Tryon, died of disease at Washington, Ark., July 21, 1865. 

Coiiipanr/ G, 
Andrew Bratton, disch. for disability, Jinie 9, 1865. 
Robert Barnes, must, out Feb. 15, ISGO. 

Compaiiy II. 
Capt. Gilbert D. Johnson, Lawton ; com. Oct. 14, 1861 ; res. Oct. 8, 1862. 
Ist Lieut. Stephen Bitely, Lawton; com. Nov. 11, 1863; app. q.m. March 15, 

1864. 
l8t Lieut. Runyan Van Hise, Lawton ; res. Dec. 31, 1864. 
2d Lieut. Jonathan L. Chase, Lawton ; com. Oct. 10, 1861 ; res. May 16, 1862. 
2d Lieut. Wm. H. Debolt, Lawton ; res. Aug. 20, 1804. 
Sergt. Lucius K. Robinson, Lawton; enl. Oct. 14, 1861; disch. for disability, 

July 7, 1863. 
Sergt. Orion R. Hight, Lawton ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; disch. July 11, 1862. 
Sergt. Wm. H. Dobolt, Lawton ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861; veteran, Dec. 19, 1863; pro. 

2d lieut. 
Corp. Wm. A. Nash, Lawton ; enl. Oct. 31, 1861 ; died of disease at Pittsburgh, 

I'a., April 27, 1862. 
Corp. Luther D. L. Follett, Lawton ; enl. Nov. 6, 1861 ; died of disease at St. 

Louis, June 0, 1802. 
Corp. Wesley M. Hall, Lawton ; enl. Oct. 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug. 

25, 1862. 
Corp. Saml. F. Slainbrook, enl. Oct. 30, 1801 ; veteran. Doc. 19, 1803 ; must, out 

Feb. 15, 1860. 
Corp. Stephen Bitely, Lawton ; enl. Nov. 1, 1801 ; app. commissary sergt. Sept. 

1,1802. 
Musician Wm. Beals, Lawton ; enl. Oct. 10, 1801 ; veteran, Dec. 19, 1863 ; must. 

out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Wagoner Richard Monroe, Lawton ; enl. Oct. 23, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 10, 1862. 
William E. Atkinson, supposed to have been taken prisoner and murdered by 

guerrillas. May, 1863. 
Richaid Aimatago, veteran, Dec. 19, 1803; mual. out Feb. 16, 1866. 



Wallace W. Andrews, disch. at end of service, Feb. 4, 1865. 

Nelson Arsnell, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

Owen L. Allen, must, out Feb. 16, 1806. 

Joseph Burrel, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

David Burgess, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 

Franklin Baker, must. Feb. 15, 1860. 

James M. Bowman, died in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1802. 

George Barnes, died in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 0, 1862. 

Wilson Burch, disch. Jan. 29, 1863. 

Cyrus Bitley, veteran, Dec. 19, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

William II. Brott, disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1805. 

Randall Z. Case, veteran, Dec. 26, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

John J. Cole, supposed to have been taken prisoner and murdered by guerrillas. 

May, 1863. 
Danford D. Cole, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Benjamin F. Dine, must, out Feb. 13, 1866. 

Charles J. Dibble, died of disease at Little Bock, Ark., Nov. 13, 1863. 
Lewis Dine, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps by order, Nov. 17, 1866. 
Albert Doolittle, veteran, Dec. 19, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Adam Dine, veteran, Dec. 19, 1863 ; must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
James E. Durden, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Harvey Egleston, disch. by order, Aug. 22, 1865. 
George Eastman, disch. May 8, 1863. 
John Farron, disch. for disability. May 5, 1866. 
William Fuller, disch. to re-enlist as veteran. May 8, 1864. 
Edwin Flanders, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Milan Flanders, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Clinton J. Gustin, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 

Harvey Harper, missing in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862. 
James H. Hall, pro. to commissary sergt. ; veteran, Dec. 19, 1863 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut., Co. B, Feb. 16, 1865. 
Daniel Hawkins, veteran, Feb. 6, 1864; must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Eli J. Hincher, must, ont Feb. 15, 1866. 
Cyrus Hopkins, must, out Feb. 15,1806. 
George K. Kenney, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
William Kennard, disch. for disability, June 20, 1806. 
Henry W. Lee, veteran, Dec. 20, 1803 ; disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
Franklin Leet, died of disease at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. 
Nicholas Miller, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo. 
William Minnick, died of disease at Atlanta, Ga., June 17, 1S62. 
Livingston McNiel, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., July 21, 1804. 
Lyman Mayo, disch. for disability, Oct. 24, 1862. 
Alpheus D. Munger, disch. at Detroit, July 18, 1862. 
Alfred Myers, veteran, Dec. 19, 1863; must, out Feb. 15, 1800. 
Samuel D. Nash, veteran, Dec. 19, 1803; died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., 

July 12, 1864. 
Dyro Parker, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark , Oct. 17, 1863. 
James W. Parker, died of disease in Michigan, March 26, 1864. 
James Parker, died of disease at Lawton, Mich., Jan. 11. 1805. 
Daniel Prince, died of disease at Lawton, Mich., Nov. 21, 1804. 
Christopher Parsons, disch. for disability, July 14, 1862. 
Walter P. Robinson, disch. for disability, Dec. 1 1, 1802. 
Uriah W. Rough, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
James B. Reynolds, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 
Edward H. Bice, must, out Feb. 15, 1860. 

George Stephens, died of disease at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn,, April 6, 1802. 
Thomas J. Scott, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., July 26, 1864. 
Luther D. Sheldon, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Nov. 23, 1864. 
James Stilwcll, veteran, Deo. 19, 1863 ; disch. by order, Sept. 30, 1865. 
William Sternberg, disch. by order, Aug. 22, 1865. 
Samuel A. Sidney, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, May 2, 1866. 
Isaiah Stilwell, veteran, Dec. 26, 1803 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
James Sams, must, out Feb. 15,' 1806. 
Jacob Showers, Jr., must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Allen Smith, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Bennett Smith, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
James Tomlinson, must, out Fob. 16, 1866. 

Clanson Tomlinson, died of disease at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., Juno 6, 1S62. 
James P. Tyler, disch. for disability, Oct. 24, 1862. 
Rungan Van Hise, veteran, Dec. 19, 1863 ; sergeant. 
Samuel Votight, disch. by order, June 17, 1805. 
Gerald Van Hise, disch. by order, June 17, 1805. 
William Vannetten, missing in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1802. 
William R. Van Hise, must, out Feb. 16, 1800. 
Thomas A. Vought, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Adelbert Wright, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Stephen E. Wait, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
William Wilson, must, out Feb. 15, 1806. 
Burney 0. Wilson, died at Shiloh from wounds received there. 
Charles Wilson, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 23, 1803. 
William Wilson, died in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862. 

Company K. 
Sergt. Othniel H, Field, Hamilton ; enl. Nov. 13, 1861 ; must, out Feb. 15, 1S60. 
Sergt. Russell L. Cbubbuck, Lawrence; enl. Nov. 4, 1801; veteran, Dec. 29, 

1803; must, out Feb. 1.5, 1800. 
Corp. Barney 0. Wilson, Hamilton; enl. Nov. 16, 1801; died May 30, 1802, of 

wounds received at Shiloh. 



THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 



77 



Corp. Allen J. Jordan, Hamilton; eul. Nov. 15, 1S61 ; Tcli'ran, Dec. 29, 1861 ; 

must, out Feb. 15, 18CC. 
Koswell Ames, disch. at end of service. Jan. 7, 1865. 
David C. Blackmer, died of disease at Little Kock. Ark., Sept. 24, 1SC3. 
John E. Blackmer, veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; discli. for disability, June 1, 1865. 
Amos Barnuni, died of disease at Washington, Ark., July 3, 18G5. 
William Barnnm, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Eli M. Corder, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John Code, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John L. Earl, disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863. 
Samuel E. Earl, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Charles M. Gear, died of disease. 

William A. Geer, died of disease at Camp Tyler. Te.'sas, Dec. 22, 1864. 
Conrad R. Hartman, disch. by order, June 21, 1863. 
William H. James, trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. 
Charles C. Luce, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
John Morrison, disch. for disability. 
John A. Peck, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1865. 
David E. Fletcher, mnst. out Feb. 15, 1866. 
Henry 0. Parker, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 
John D. KeddiT]g, must, out Feb. 15, 1866. 

Kussell H. Bobaids, died of disease at Duvall's BlulT, Ark , Sept. 1, 1864. 
William B. Rider, died of disease at Keeler, Mich., July 15, 1S62. 
Barney L. Eobards, veteran, Jan. 1, 1863. 
Allen Sweet, disch, for disability, June 12, 1865. 
William W. Sterns, disch. for disability, Sept. 6, 1865. 

THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 
This regiment, raised during the autumn and winter of 
1861, had its rendezvous at Kalamazoo. It left that 
place for the front on the 12th of February, 1862, with 
nine hundred and twenty-five officers and men, to which 
seventy- four were added by enlistment before the 1st of 
July following. Company K was from Van Buren County, 
and so were considerable portions of Companies C, D, E, 
and H. There were also some from that county in other 
companies, and the regiment contained a few from Berrien 
County. 

From Kalamazoo the regiment proceeded through In- 
diana, Kentucky, and Tennessee to Pittsburg Landing, 
which it reached, after a forced march, near the close of the 
second day's battle, too late to take part in the conflict. 
From that time until the evacuation of Corinth, the 13lh 
was engaged in the arduous picket and fatigue duties per- 
formed by Gen. Halleck's army. It then moved with Gen. 
Buell's forces into Northern Alabama, and was the last of 
the command to leave that locality when the general fell 
back towards Louisville. It shared all the hardisliips of 
that long march through Tennessee and Kentucky, and 
immediately on reaching Louisville, in October, 1862, 
retraced its weary steps in pursuit of the rebel Gen. 
Bragg It aided in chasing him and his motley forces out 
of Kentucky, but did not happen to be present at any 
heavy battle. It suffered severely from disease, however, 
the deaths from this cause during the first year of service 
(closing on the 1st of November, 1862) numbering sev- 
enty-one, while the number discharged for disability during 
the same time was one hundred and twenty. 

After a short stay at Silver Springs, Tenn., the regiment 
advanced and aided in driving the enemy from Lebanon. 
Proceeding to Nashville, it was on duty in that vicinity 
until the 26th of December, when it marched with Gen. 
Rosecrans' army towards Murfreesboro'. On the 29th it 
was engaged in skirmishing with the enemy, and had sev- 
eral of its men killed and wounded. On the 31st of De- 
cember and 1st and 2d of January the regiment was hotly 
engaged in the battle of Stone River, having twenty-five 
killed, sixty-two wounded, and eight missing, out of two 



hundred and twenty-four who entered the conflict. On 
the 31st of December it recaptured, by a bayonet charge, 
two Union cannon which had fallen into the hands of the 
enemy. 

After the victory at Stone River, the 13th was engaged 
in building fortifications at Murfreesboro', and in scouting 
through the adjoining parts of Tennessee until the 2-lth of 
June, 1863, when it advanced with Rosecrans against 
Bragg. After various marches and countermarches in rear 
of the retreating forces of the latter general, the regiment, 
with its division, moved from HilLsboro', Tenn., to cross 
the Cumberland Mountains. By a march of four days 
over mountains three thousand feet high, along roads so 
steep that the cannon and baggage often had to be hauled 
by hand, the division reached the valley of the Sequatchie. 
It then crossed the Tennessee and marched upon Chatta- 
nooga, the 13th being one of the first regiments to occupy 
that place. 

On the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, the 13th 
was warmly engaged in the disastrous battle of Chicka- 
mauga, going into action with 217 officers and men, and 
having twenty-five killed and mortally wounded, fifty-seven 
others wounded, and twenty-five missing, some of whom 
were probably killed. The total number of those killed 
or mortally wounded in action during the year ending Nov. 
1, 1863, was fifty-one, while tliere were ninety-two others 
wounded, sixty-six who died of disease, and one hundred 
and sixty-two who were discharged for disability. 

On the 5th of November this regiment, with the 21st 
and 22d Michigan Infantry, and the 18th Ohio Infantry, 
was organized into a brigade of engineers and a.ssigned to 
duty at Chattanooga, being attached to the headquarters of 
the Department of the Cumberland. 

The 13th was present at the battle of Mission Ridge, but 
was not seriously engaged. During the months of Decem- 
ber, 1863, and February, 1864, it was stationed on the 
Chickamauga, engaged in picket duty and in cutting logs for 
building warehouses at Chattanooga. 

The regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization on the 
5th of February, 1864, and in the early part of February 
returned home. After the usual veteran furlough, the men 
rendezvoused at Jackson, in this State, their number being 
increased by over four hundred new recruits. On the 26th 
of March they again set out for the field, reaching Chatta- 
nooga on the 20th of April. For five months from that 
time the regiment was stationed at Lookout Mountain, en- 
gaged in the construction of military hospitals and guarding 
the sick and wounded sent back from Sherman's army. It 
was then relieved from engineer duty, and assigned to the 
2d Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps. After a severe march 
in pursuit of the rebels, under Forrest and Roddy, through 
Northern Alabama, the regiment joined the brigade at 
Rome on the 1st of November. 

In a few days it joined Gen. Sherman's army near At- 
lanta, and set out on the celebrated " march to the sea," — 
that renowned but comparatively easy achievement, when 
sixty thousand men, the flower of the whole Western army, 
.swept in a resistless mass through Georgia, brushing con- 
temptuously aside the few feeble detachments of home- 
guards and conscripts which endeavored to oppose them. 



78 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



without delaying for a moment their own mighty and ma- 
jestic advance. Having reached Savannah on the 16th of 
December, 1864, the regiment was on duty in the trenches 
before that city until the 21st of the same month, when the 
enemy evacuated the place. On the 17th of January, 
1865, the regiment advanced with the army through the 
Carolinas, being slightly engaged at Catawba River, S. C, 
on the 28th of February, and at Averysboro', N. C, on the 
16th of March. 

At Bentonville, N. C, on the 19th of March, 1865, the 
13tli took part in one of the severest battles of the latter 
part of the war. By this time Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, 
one of the best officers in the Confederate service, had col- 
lected all the rebel troops in North and South Carolina, 
and was prepared to make a desperate effort to stop, or at 
least to delay, the advance of Slierman's array towards the 
" last ditch" which encircled Richmond. Down to this 
time there had been hardly any opposition worthy of the 
name since the army left Atlanta, and when the 1st Division 
was ordered to drive the enemy from the position which he 
had taken up near Bentonville, the men advanced with con- 
fident steps to what they e-xpected would be a repetition of 
their former easy victories. But when they arrived on the 
ground they were met by a withering fire from a large force 
of veteran .soldiers, heavily intrenched and ably commanded. 
The division advanced gallantly, their men falling by 
scores, and at one time the 13th gained a position within 
six rods of the enemy's breastworks, but the storm of lead 
was too severe to be withstood ; the regimental commander, 
Lieut.-Col. Willard G. Eaton, was shot dead at the head of 
his men, and at length the whole division was compelled to 
fall back to the shelter of a low acclivity within easy 
mu.sket range of the rebel intrenchments. Here the fight 
was continued during a considerable part of the day, until 
at length heavy reinforcements came up, and the breast- 
works were captured without serious difficulty. In this 
battle the 13th Michigan Infantry had one hundred and ten 
ofiicers and men killed, wounded, and captured. 

After the surrender of Gen. Johnston's army the 13th 
left its camp on the Cape Fear River on the 30th of April, 
1865, participated in the grand review of Gen. Sherman's 
army at Washington, on the 21th of Slay, left that city on 
the 9th of June, and reached Louisville, Ky., on the 15th 
of the latter month. It was mustered out in that city on 
the 25th of July, and on the 27th of July arrived at Jack- 
.son, Mich., where it was paid off and disbanded. 

MEMBERS OF THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY FROM VAN BUREN 
COUNTY. 
FUld and Staff. 
Col. Joshua B. Culver, Paw Paw; com. May 26, 1863; l!eut.-col., Feb. 26, 1863; 
maj., July 4, 1862; 1st lieut. and adj., Nov. 9, 18G1; must, out Feb. 23, 
1865. 
Q.M. G. Edwin Dunbar, Decatur; com. Aug. 18, 1802 ; app.q.m. D. S. Vols., 
Dec. .■>, 1863 ; bvt. maj. and lieut.-col. U. S. Vols, for gallant and meritori- 
ous services during the campaign in Georgia aud the Carolinas; must, 
out Nov. 22, 1865. 
Chaplain Rev. Lewis Whitcomb, Paw Paw ; ccm. Aug. 7, 1863 ; disch. for <\is- 
ability, March 17, 18G5. 

Non-Commissi/yned Staff. 
Com. Sergt. John Kirby, Mattawan ; enl, Dec. 1(1, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. 
A, May 7, 1865. 

Compani/ A. 

2d Lieut. John Kirby, Mattawan; com. May 7,1865; pro. to 1st lieut., July 

5, 1866 ; must, out 2d lieut., Jnly 25, 1805. 
Jesse Brown, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 



Dewey D. Chapman, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Benjamin F. Hoyt, must, out Jnly 25, 1865. 
Fred. Waldron, must, out Feb. 0, 1806. 

Company B. 
William F. Austin, died of disease, June, 180.'). 
James C. McVey, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 

Company C. 
2d Lieut. G. Edwin Dunbar, Decatur; com. May 15, 1862; sorgt., Oct. 9, 1861 ; 

pro. q.m., Aug. 18, 1S62. 
2d Lieut. Smitli G. Williams, Antwerp; com. March 19, 1864; veteran, Jan. 18, 

1804; sergt.; pro. capt., July 5, 1865; must, out 2d lieut., July 25, 1805. 
Musician Geo. W. Edict;, Decatur; enl. Nov. 2, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864 ; 

must, out July 25, 1805. 
William W. Arnold, must, out July 25, 1865. 

William D. Butler, died of disease at Nashville, Teun., May 20, 1863. 
William H. Britain, must, out July 25, 1805. 

Orlando W. Calkins, died of disease at Mattawan, Mich., May 10, 1862. 
Stephen A. Colbnrn, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
Andrew J. Davis, disch. by order. May 31, 1865. 
William S. Dailey, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Ira Dailey, must, out July 25, 1805. 

Henry Fox, died in action at Chickamauga, Term., Sept. 19, lSe3. 
Miles Greenman, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Apiil 27, 1802. 
Collins D. Griffith, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. 
Henry Huff, disch. by order, July II, 1865. 
Marion Huff, disch. by order, June 9, 1805. 

Alden S. Hand, dieil in action at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. 
Champlin Lent, discli, by order, June 30, 1865. 
Elbridge G. Lynden, must, out July 25, 1866. 
Augustus Niles, disch. by order. May 30, 1805. 
Warren Pratt, disch. by order, July 30, 1804. 
Lawrence E. Prindio, disch. by order, June 8, 1866. 
William Van Sickle, disch. by order, JuTie 0, 1805. 
John Yarnum, discli. by order, June 8, 1865. 
John A. Welch, disch. by order, June 15, 1865. 
Cantlne R. Williams, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Compauy D. 
Anson S. Allen, must, out July 23, 1805. 

Ephraim M. Bell, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., March 28, 1804. 
Sylvester Bush, disch. by order, July 12, 1805. 
William H. Burkhart, disch. by order, June 8, 1806. 
Levi Cadwell, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
Willis C. Cook, disch. for disability, Nov. 3, 1862. 
William Doran, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 25, 1806. 
Cortes F. Foot, disch. for disability, July 16, 1802. 

Oiange T. Howard, died of disease at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Aug. 13, 1804. 
Andrew J. Joy, died of disease at Stevenson, Ala., Feb. 10, 1804. 
Abner Lull, died of disease at Hdlsboro', Tenn., Aug. 4, 1863. 
George Steadman, died of disease at Bridgeport, .\la., Jan. 14, 1805. 
Harmon Timerson, disch. by order, June 15, 1805. 
George W. Vaughan, disch. by order, May 20, 1806. 
Oscar D. Vanderveer, disch. by ordei-, June 28, 1865. 

Compcnuj E. 
Sergt. James Wilson, Paw P.iw ; enl. Oct. 10, ISGl ; In 

3U, 1803. 
Sergt. Elisha Tyler, Paw Paw ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861; ve 

out July 26, 1865. 
Charles W. Acker, disch. for disability, July 12, 1862. 
George W. Berridge, died of disease, Oct. 26, 1862. 
Ora S. Brown, must, out July 25, 1865. 
James Cannon, disch. by order, Aug. 29, 1863. 
Corey Davi.s, disch. by order from Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 29, 1665. 
John R. Fowler, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1805. 
William Henry, disch. for disability, Sept. 12, 1862. 
Andrew J. Jobn.son, disch. for disability, October, 1863. 
Henry Jay, trans, to Vet. Res, Corps, Sept. 1, 1803. 
Ephraim Lewis, must, out July 26, 1805. 
Arthur L. Lillie, must, out July 23, 1865. 
David McNeil, disch. for disability, Sept. 14, 1802. 
Nathaniel C. Parrish, died of disease at NaNhvillo, Tenn., April 4, 1802 
Henry A. Rogers, disch. for disability, Oct. 5, 1862. 
William Robbins, disch. at end of service, Jan. 18, 1805. 
Henry K. Slocomb, disch. for disability, July 22, 1862. 
George W. Sams, disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1862. 
Byron Sa.\ton, disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 1803. 
Harry Smith, died of disease, April 20, 1802. 
William S. Tattman, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 
Guy E. Trumball, disch. July 29, 1862. 
John V. Wetheibee, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Dec. 19, 1864. 



to Invalicl C<)rps, Sept. 
in, .Ian. 18,1804; must. 



A/.or Barnum, died of dii 
Pliilo Cadilv, luiiat. out 51 



Cintipani/ F. 
> at Savannah, Ga., Ja 



THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 



79 



Nathan Belong, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
John H. Hannah, disch. by order, June 27, 1865. 
Hiraui L. Stratton, disch. by order, June 8, 18G5. 

2d Lieut. William Murcli, Paw Taw ; com. Jan. 11, 1S64; resigned May 26,1864. 
Corp. Wni. H. Johnson, Columbia ; enl. Oct. 16, 1801 ; veteran, Feb. 13, 1804 ; 

disch. by order, July 29, 1865. 
Corp. George W. Bewley, Columbia ; enl. Nov. IB, 1861 ; sergt. ; disch. at end of 

service, Jan. 10, 1865. 
Corp. George W. Belden, Columbia; enl. Oct. 23, 1801 ; sergt.; disch. at end of 

service, Jan. 10, 1865. 
Albert Adams, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., May 3, 1805. 
William II. Ashley, disch. June 8, 1805. 
Timothy P. Bewley, disch. for disability, Feb. 25, 1803. 
Levi Bush, must, out July 25, 1865. 
James Bell, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Lucius Cleveland, must, out July 25, 1SG5. 
Jamea Cleveland, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. 

Hiram S. Coovey, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., March 18, 1865. 
Walter H. Campbell, disch. by order. May 26, 1805. 
Willard N. Campbell, disch. June 8, 1805. 
Marshal Dean, disch. by order, July 29, 1865. 
Hubert Dean, died in action at Beulonville, N. C, March 19, 1865. 
John H. Davis, died of disease at Indianapolis, Itid., Oct. 24, 1864. 
James Fox, disch. May 15, 1805. 

Simon P. Foster, disch. at end of service, June 28, 1865. 
Euos Huey, died of disease at Millen, Ga., Dec. 4, 1864. 
Daniel F. Hayes, must, out Feb. 26, 1865. 
Obadiah Joy, must, out Feb. 25, 1865. 
Henry B. Johnson, must, out July 25, 1865. 
George Johnson, must, out July 25, 1865. 
George Kent, must, out July 25, 1865. 
Nathaniel Kent, disch. by order, June 20, 1865. 
Byron H. Kidney, disch. for disability, Aug. 4, 1863. 
John W. Niles, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1805. 
Andrew A. Price, disch. for disability, July 31, 1862. 
Charles U. Rice, disch. for disability, July 8, 1862. 
James S. Kandall, died of disease at Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 9, 1802. 
John T. Robinson, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Ezekiel V. Taylor, disch. for disability, Oct. 20, 1802. 

William Vallien, died of disease at David's Island, N. Y. Harbor, Maich 8, 1865. 
Robert Walker, disch. May 15, 1S05. 
Martin J. Wcscott, disch. May 15, 1865. 
Joel S. Wait, disch. May 15, 1805. 

Cfynipany H. 
Sergt. Wm. R. Sirrine, Paw Paw; pro. to 2d lieut. ; must, out as sergt. .Ivily 25, 

1865. 
Sergt. Alvin P. Holmes, Antwerp; enl. Oct. 5, 1861 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 
Wilson Burch, disch. for disability. May 4, 1864. 
James Bennett, disch. by order, July 18, 1866. 
James H. Bovier, disch. by order, June 13, 1865. 
George W. Brooks, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Edward M. Coon, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
William D. Duston, must, out July 26, 1805. 
George De Long, must, out May 6, 1865. 
Edwin Dunton, must, out May 15, 1865. . 
Mortimer J. Edson, must, out July 2.^, 1865. 
Jamea Ellison, di.scb. for disability, Nov. 17, 1863. 
Martin V. Erhenback, disch. by oi der. May 28, 1865. 
Cliarles Gibson, disch. by order, July 13, 1805. 
Philemon Holmes, disch. by order, June 8, 1805. 
Ira M. Hill, disch. by order, June 16, 1866. 
Jerome D. Hall, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
John H. Hannah, disch. Juue 8, 1805. 
Ashbel Heron, must, out July 26, 1805. 
Van Rensselaer Hnzainin, must, out July 25, 1865. 
Irving W. Lane, must, out July 25, 1865. 
John Loveridge, disch. by order, June 8, 1805. 
Malcolm McGregor, must, out May 27, 1865. 

Spencer Mather, died of disease at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., July 20, 1864. 
George W. Myers, must, out July 25, 1865. 
Fiancis P. Myers, must, out July 25, 1805. 

Eugene F. Osborne, missing on march near Sebastopol, Ga., Dec. 1, 1804. 
Charles Bhiel. died in action at BentonviUe, N. C, March 19, 1865. 
Orrin Rhodes, must, out July 25, 1866. 
Elijah Strong, must, out July 25, 1865. 
Addis Wolcott, must, out July 25, 1865. 
George Wood, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
Charles Welch, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
Jerome C. Warner, disch. by order, June 22, 1805. 

Company I, 
James A. Byers, disch. by order, June 8, 1805. 
Alvin Chapman, disch. by order, Juue 8, 1865. 
Arris B. Culver, disch. by order, June 10, 1865. 



David Fi'eeman, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Draper Fish, disch. by order, June 8, 1806. 

Bradford Gorbam, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Zenas Kidney, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Warren B. Kinney, must, out July 25, 1865. 

James S. Lee, disch. by order, June 8, 1805. 

James Martin, diud of wounds at Newborn, N. C, April 23, 1865. 

Comp'tnif K. 
Capt. Dewitt C. Fitch, Mattawan ; com. Oct. 3, 1861 ; pro. to maj., 25th Inf., 

Sept. 17, 1862. 
1st Lieut. Harrison Balfour, Mattawan; com. July 13, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut., 

Oct. 3, 1801 ; res. March 6, 1802. 
2d Lieut. Hiram Reed, MatUwan; com. July 5, 1865; must, out as sergt, July 

26, 1805. 
William Anderson, veteran, enl. Feb. 13, 1804; must, out July 25, 1865, 
Eiustus v. Allen, disch. for disability, Nov. 15, 1803. 
Edmund B. Allen, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. 
George E. Anderson, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Demick Butler, must, out July 25, 1865. 
William R. Berzley, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Elmore A. Byington, died of disease at Murfreesboro", Tenn., Nov. 22, 1862. 
Alvertou Baker, died of disease at Hamburg Landing, Tenn., June 26, 1862. 
Chester Baker, veteran, enl. March 19, 1864; must, out July 26, 1865. 
Joshua Bishop, disch. at end of service, July 5, 1865. 
Othaniel H. Blandon, disch. for disability. 
William Boss, disch. for disability, Sept. 9, 1862. 
Jeremiah Brick, disch. by order, Juno 9, 1865. 
Charles A. Barker, disch. by order, July 19, 1805. 
Andrew J. Boss, disch. by order, June 25, 1865. 
Charles L. Curtis disch. for disability, Nov. 8, 1862. 
George Clugston, disch. for disability, Nov. 10, 1862. 
Joseph A. Cook, disch. for disability, July 12, 1862. 
Cyrus J. Clark, disch. for disability, July 8, 1863. 
William Cleveland, disch. at end of service, Jan. 15, 1865. 
Danlord Daggitt, disch. at end of service, Jan. 18, 1865. 
Michael J. Dykeman, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 1, 1865. 
Horace Dyer, must, out July 25, 1805. 

William W. Dean, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out July 25, 1865. 
Albert W. Earl, veteran, enl. Jan. 18,1804; must, out July 26, 1865. 
James L. Earl, died in action at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 19, 1863. 
.idelbert L. Earl, died in action at Chickamauga, Teuu., Sept. 19, 1863. 
Alexander R. Griffin, disch. by order, June 8, 1866. 
William T. Gilpin, disch. at end of service, Jan. 18, 1865. 
Franklin Hoppin, disch. at end of service, April 4, 1865. 

William C. Hamblin, missing in action at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 19, 1863. 
Julius P. Hamlin, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1864. 
Chester Hurlburt, died of disea.se at Do Camp Hospital, N. Y. H., March 7,1805. 
Joel Hudson, veteran, enl. Jan. IS, 1804; must, out July 25, 1865. 
Frederick J. D. Hamlin, must, out July 25, 1805. 
Charles Hudson, must, out July 25, 1865. 
Milon Hudson, must, out July 25, 1805. 

William P. Johnson, died of disease at Nashville. Teiin., Juue 7, 1802. 
Aaron H. Johnson, disch. for disability, Sept. 27, 1802. 
Joshua Jackson, disch. at end of service, March 16, 1865. 
James F. Kidder, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. 
John Ketchum, disch. by order, July 25, 1865. 

Oliver Ketchum, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 26, 1865. 
Sherburn Kidder, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out July 25, 1865. 
Samuel J. King, died of disease at Shiloh, Tenn., April 22, 1862. 
Harvey E. Leighton, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 1, 1862. 
AguiUa Lett, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. 
Richard Monroe, disch. by order, Aug. 9, 1865. 
William McPlierson, disch. for disability, Aug. 20, 1862. 
Nelson S. Marshall, disch. for disability. 
George F. Miller, disch. for disability, Sept. 8, 1802. 
Audrew Marcellus, veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; nmst. out July 26, 1805. 
Jeremiah Miller, veteran, Jan. 18, 1804 ; must, out July 25, 1866. 
Francis M. Nelson, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 5, 1862. 
Edmund R. Nichols, died of wounds at Nashville, Teuu., Nov. 10, 1863. 
Anthony Nightingale, disch. for disability. 
Alfred B. Palmer, disch. by order, June 8, 1866. 
Timothy Parks, disch. by order, July 18, 1865. 
Leonard Parks, must, out July 26, 1865. 

William H. H. Robinson, died of disease at New Albany, Ind., Nov. 9, 1802. 
Clark Randall, must, out July 25, 1866. 
Bufus M. Rowe, disch. at end of service, Jan. 10, 1865. 
Charles F. Spencer, disch. for disability, June 20, 1862. 
Reuben C. Smith, disch. for disability, Oct. 2, 1862. 
William R Storey, disch. for disability, Jan. 26, 1864. 
Edwin P. Samson, disch. at Detroit, July 25, 1862. 
John L. SUnton, disch. by order. May 16, 1865. 
Samuel H. Smith, must, out July 25, 1805. 

Lorenzo D. Story, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1865; must. o>it July 26, 1S65. 
Martin Stover, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1805 ; disch. for disability, June 25, 18C5. 
David H. Slielters, died in action at BentonviUe, N. C, Maich 19, 1865. 
Edgar Story, died of wounds, Oct. 18, 1863. 



80 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Isaac Shower, died of disease at Na8h?ille, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1862. 

Noble Sumner, died of disease at Murfi-eesboro', Tt-nn., Nov. 19, 1862. 

George A. Taplin, discli. at eud of service, Jan. 30, 1805. 

Hawley Van Oslrum, disch. for disability, Dec. LI, 1802. 

Benjamin Van Siclile, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must, out July 25, 1805. 

Clarlc Vandervort, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 4, 1802. 

Nathan Vandervort, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 18, 1865. 

Ahram R. Ward, died of disease at Town Creek, Ala., Jtme 27, 1802. 

Henry 0. Wallace, liied of disease at De Camp Hospital, N. Y. II., May 29, 1805. 

John Walker, died in action at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. ;il, 1802. 

James White, Jr., disch. for disability. 

Hopkins West, disch. by order, June 8, 1805. 

Amos Wait, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1804; must, out July 25, 1865. 

MEMBERS OF THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY FROM BERRIEN 
COUNTY. 

Company B, 
Lawrence Hand, must, out July 25, 1865, 
Peter Higgins, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Company C. 
Thos. W. Brown, disch. for disability. May 26, 1862. 
Edward A. Johnson, disch. for disability. May 26, 1862. 

Company E. 
2J Lieut. Levi Brown, Pokagon; com. March 19, 1S64 ; veteran, Jan. 18, 1804; 

sergeant; corporal; res. January, 1865. 
Wm. Morris, must, out June 8, 1805. 
Leander Tallnian, must, out June 8, 1865. 
Wm. S. Tallman, must, out July 25, 1865. 

Colnpayiy K. 
Wm. W. Dean, must, out July 25, 1805. 



CHAPTER X. 



SEVENTEENTH, NINETEENTH, AND TWENTY- 
FOURTH INFANTRY. 

The SeTentcenth Infantry at South Mountain and Antietam — Trans- 
fer to the West — Services in Mississippi, Kentuclty, and East Ten- 
nessee — Return to the Army of Potomac — Campaign of the Wilder- 
ness — Before Petersburg — Muster Out — Members of the Seventeenth 
from Berrien and Van Bureu Counties — The Nineteenth Infantry 
— ''Morrison Guards'* — Campaign in Kentuclsy and Tennessee — 
Desperate Fight and Surrender at Thompson's Station, Tenn. — 
The Georgia Campaign of 1864 — March to the Sea — Averysboro' 
and Bentonville — Close of Service — Van Buren and Berrien Mem- 
bers of the NinetecnfB — The Twenty-Fourth Regiment at Hatcher's 
Run— Before Petersburg— On Duty at Springfield, III.— Close of 
Service and Discharge — Berrien and Van Buren County Members 
of the Twenty-Fourth. 

SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment had about forty men from Berrien 
County, and about half as many from Van Buren. It 
was raised in tlie summer of 1862, and left Detroit for 
Washington on the 27th of August. Scarcely had it ar- 
rived at the latter place when it was assigned to the Army 
of the Potomac, and in less than three weeks from the time 
of leaving Michigan these raw recruits were gallantly bat- 
tling for their country at South Mountain. The victory 
gained there by the Union army cost the regiment the lives 
of twenty-seven of its officers and men, besides one hundred 
and fourteen who were wounded. On the 17th of Sep- 
tember it was again hotly engaged at Antietam, where it 
had eighteen of its members killed and eighty-seven 
wounded. 

After following Lee's defeated army through Northern 
Virginia, and camping for a while at Falmouth, the regi- 
ment crossed the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, but did 
not particijiate in tlie battle of that place. It remained in 
the Army of the Potomac through the winter, but in the 



spring was ordered to Kentucky. After a short stay in 
that State, it proceeded with the 9th Corps to Mississippi, 
and joined Gen. Grant. It was stationed at Haynes' Bluff 
and Milldale, and was slightly engaged before Jackson on 
the 10th of June. 

It soon returned to Kentucky, and moved thence with 
Burnside's army into East Tennessee. It took part in 
numerous movements and counter-movements, for which the 
forces in East Tennessee became famous, and on the IGth 
of November was acting as the rear-guard of the army, which 
was falling back towards Knoxville. While it was crossing 
Turkey Creek, near Campbell's Station, the enemy attacked 
in force, and a sharp engagement followed. The 17th, 
with its brigade, steadily covered the rear of the army, 
having twenty-six officers and men killed and wounded 
during the fight. 

That night the whole Union force moved into Knox- 
ville, and from then until the retreat of the enemy, on the 
4th of December, the 17th was busily engaged in the 
defense of that place, suffering greatly from want of rations, 
but gallantly performing its duty. After the defeat of the 
Confederates, the marching up and down the Tennessee 
Valley was resumed, and was kept up, with some intervals 
of rest, throughout the winter. 

On the 20th of March, 1864, the regiment set out with 
the 9th Corps from Knoxville, and marched over the Cum- 
berland Mountains to Nicholasville, Ky., whence it moved 
at once to Maryland. 

With the same corps the 17th passed through the great 
campaign of 1864. It was sharply engaged in the Wilder- 
ness on the 6th of May, having forty-six men killed and 
wounded. At Spottsylvania, on the 12th of May, the 
regiment charged gallantly on the rebel works, but was 
surrounded by a superior force in the dense woods, and 
had twenty-three killed, seventy-three wounded, and ninety- 
three taken prisoners, out of two hundred and twenty-five 
engaged. So small a squad remained for duty that on 
the 16th of May it was detailed for engineer service, 
though still retaining its regimental number. 

It served throughout the winter of 1864-65 either in 
this capacity or as provost-guard. During the Confederate 
attack on Fort Steadman, however (March 25, 1865), the 
17th advanced as skirmishers, drove back the enemy's 
skirmishers, and captured sixty-five prisoners. After the 
capture of Petersburg and the surrender of Lee, the regi- 
ment moved north to Washington, set out for Michigan on 
the 4th of June, 1865, reached Detroit on the 7th, and 
was forthwith paid ofi" and discharged at the latter place. 

BERRIEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY. 

Company B. 
1st Lieut, John Cunningham, Niles ; com. June 2,1802. 
Sorgt. William H. Marston, Niles ; enl. June 2, 1862 ; lost a leg at retorsburg, 

Va., June Ifi, 1804 ; disch. for wounds, May 6, 18C5. 
Corp. Samuel H. Case, Buchanan ; must, out June 3, 1806. 
Corp. Allen B. Myers, Sodns ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; killed in battle at Spottsylvania, 

Va., May 12, 1864. 
Alonzo G. Bigelow, discli. for disability, Sept. 13, 1802. 
Albert Bixby, must, out June 3, 1865. 
John Beauwain, must, out June 3, 1805. 
George W. Chase, disch. for disability, Feb. 9, 1803. 
Jonathan Day, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps., Feb. 15, 1864. 
Kock Edwards, must, out Jnne 3, 1865. 
Jesse Foster, disch. for disability, March 3, 1863. 
Daniel A. Gates, disch. for disability. Fob. 26, 1863. 



NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 



81 



John Hazlett, dUcli. for wounds, Sept. 14, 1802. 
Henry Hinman, died of disease in Tennessee, Jan. 21, 1863. 
Nutter M. Ualstod, must, out June 3, 1865. 
John R. Haynes, must, out June 3, 1865. 

George Isham, died in action at Ciimpbell's Station, Tonn., Nov. 10, 1863. 
'Lewis Jones, accidentally killed at Antietam, MJ., Sept. 17, 1S02. 
Henry .Jackson, died in action at Cainphell's Station, Nov. 16, 18G3. 
Sylvanus NcManua, disch. for disability, Deo. 3, 1862. 
Ferdinand Metzger, disch. for disability, Oct. 3, 1861. 
Stephen Mead, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Benjamin Norris, must, out June 3, 18G5. 
Columbus Paddock, disch. for disability, Feb. 6, 186 !. 
Edward F. Kice, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Chester J. Walser, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Loreuzo D. White, disch. for disability, Sept. 17, 1863. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE HTU. 
Contpani/ B. 
Musician John Slover, Waverly; enl. July 22, 1863; must, out June 3, 1866. 
Wagoner Daniel A. Gates, Lake; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; disch. for disability, Feb. 
1803. 

Company E. 
Stephen B. Hodsill, disch. Jan. 4, 1861. 






17, 1802; killed in action at 



2d Lieut. George Galligan, Lawrence ; cc 

Soutb Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862. 
Sergt. Herrick Hodges, Lawrence; enl. May 21), 1862 ; diach. for disability, June 

1, 1863. 
Corp. Orrin W. Hodges, Lawrence ; enl. May 29, 1862 ; disch. for disability, April 

14, 1803. 
Wagoner Uriah Woods, Lawrence ; enl. May 29, 1802 ; disch. by order, April 28, 

1865. 
Frederick Brotherton, died of diiease at Washington, D. C, Sept. 12, 1802. 
Harry Bailey, died of disease at Newport News, Va., March 8, 1863. 
William Coombs, disch. for disability, Sept. 12, 1863. 
J.din T. Dunning, missing in action, April 30, 1804. 
.John S. Dunning, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Norman Dexter, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Hezekiah Dills, must, out June 3, 1S65. 

James Grey, died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky,, Nov. II, 1863. 
Boas A. Griffin, disch. f.n- disability, Nov. 5, 1862. 
Floyd Lindsley, disch. for disability, Jan. 5, 1863. 
Patrick McGann, disch. by order. 
John Nichols, must, out June 3, 1865. 
George Pritchard, disch. Nov. 27, 1863. 
John Bobb, trans, to V. R. C, April in, 186 1. 
Philip J. Smith, disch. for disability, Dec. 30, 1862. 

NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 

The 19Lh Kegiment of Michip;aD Infiintry was raised 
from the counties of Branch, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Cass, 
Berrien, Van Buren, and Allegan, in the summer of 18G2, 
under the President's call of July 2d, for three hundred 
thousand men. Its rendezvous for recruiting and organi- 
zation was at Dowagiac, Cass Co. Company I, of this re- 
giment, was from St. Joseph, Royalton, and vicinity, and 
was, when first raised, known as the Morrison Guards. 
There were also a number of the soldiers from Berrien 
County in other companies. Company G was principally 
from Van Buren County. 

The 19th broke camp at the rendezvous on the 14th of 
September, 1862, proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to 
Nicholasville, Ky., and later, towards the close of the year, 
to Danville, Ky. It had been assigned to duty with the 
4th Brigade of the 1st Division of the Army of Kentucky, 
which, on the formation of the Department and Army of the 
Cumberland, was transferred to that army as a " reserve 
corps." As a part of that corps the regiment moved from 
Danville early in February, 18(53, and reached Nashville on 
the 7th, proceeding thence to Franklin, Tenn. 

On the 4th of March, 1863, the brigade, consisting of 

the 19th Mjchigan, the 33d and 85th Indiana, and the 

22d Wisconsin Regiments, numbering fifteen hundred 

and eighty-seven men, strengthened by two hundred men 

11 



of the 124th Ohio, with detachments of three regiments 
of cavalry, about six hundred strong, and a full battei-y 
of artillery, all under command of Col. Coburn, moved 
out from Franklin on a reconnoissance in force. After 
a march of about four miles the enemy's outposts were 
encountered, but they retired before the Union skirmishers, 
and the brigade bivouacked there for the night. 

Resuming the march on the following day, the Union 
column found the enemy in force and strongly posted at 
Thompson's Station, nine miles from Franklin. At the 
point where the railroad crosses the turnpike the enemy 
opened fire on the forces of Col. Coburn, who immediately 
formed his men, and ordered a section of the battery to 
occupy a hill on the left of the road, sending the lOtli 
Michigan and 22d Wisconsin to support it. The 33d and 
85th Indiana, with the other guns of the battery, took posi- 
tion on a hill at the right. The enemy had two batteries 
posted on a range of hills, three-fourths of a mile in front 
and south of the position of tiie Union troops. The 33d 
and 85th Indiana made a demonstration on the left of the 
enemy, to draw him out or charge his batteries, as circum- 
stances might dictate. This movement was made under a 
most galling fire from the enemy's batteries, and, when the 
position was reached, two entire brigades of dismounted 
rebel cavalry were disclosed sti'ongly posted behind stone 
walls and other defenses. 

As it was found impossible to advance farther under the 
severe and incessant fire, the regiments were ordered to re- 
turn to their former position on the hill, supported by a 
squadron of cavalry ; but for .some unexplained reason the 
cavalry failed to occupy the supporting position, as intended. 
No sooner had the two regiments commenced to fall back 
than they were pursued by two rebel regiments, firing rapid 
volleys into the retiring Union force, which was at the same 
time under fire from the enemy's batteries. But as soon 
as they reached the hill the Indiana regiments turned upon 
their rebel pursuers and drove them back at double-quick, 
killing Col. Earle, of Arkansas. The enemy rallied and 
charged desperately, and was handsomely repulsed ; but it 
soon became evident that the command of Col. Coburn had 
here encountered the entire cavalry force of Bragg's army, 
consisting of six brigades, commanded respectively by 
Gens. Forrest, Wheeler, French, Armstrong, Jackson, and 
Martin, all under the command of Gen. Van Dorn. 

On the left the enemy, under Gen. Forrest, advanced on 
the position occupied by the 19th Michigan and its com- 
panion regiment, the 22d Wisconsin. At the time the 
attack was made the section of artillery posted with these 
regiments hurriedly left its position, and at the same time 
three companies of the Wisconsin regiment abandoned the 
field without orders, moving ofi' by the left flank, and join- 
ing the reireating Union cavalry and artillery. The 19th 
and the remainder of the 22d Wisconsin, however, bravely 
poured in their fire, and held the assailants at bay fully 
twenty minutes. FoiTCst, checked in his advance, made a 
circuit with his whole force beyond the ground occupied by 
Col. Coburn to the east, with the intention of turning his 
left flank. The 19th and 22d were then moved to the 
west side of the turnpike, leaving the 33d and 85th In- 
diana to protect the southern acclivity of the hill. The 



82 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



four regiments had scarcely formed in line behind the crest 
when Armstrong's rebel brigade charged from the east and 
the Texans from the south. The fighting now became 
terrific. Three times the enemy charged gallantly up the 
hill, and thrice was he forced back with severe loss. In 
one of these charges the colors of the 4th Mississippi were 
captured by the 19th Michigan. 

The fighting became desperate. The enemy, having 
gained possession of the hill on the east of the road, was 
sweeping the Northern ranks with canister, and, bravely as 
the Union troops fought, it soon became evident that the 
struggle was hopeless. Their ammunition was nearly ex- 
hausted, and Forrest, who had already cut them off from 
Franklin, was advancing on their rear. Col. Coburn faced 
his command to the north to repel this new danger, and 
thus Forrest was held in check until the Union men had 
expended their last round of ammunition. Then the brave 
band fixed bayonets, determined to charge through the 
enemy's lines and escape; but just then it was discovered 
that still another line lay in reserve, and ^till another bat- 
tery opened on them from an unexpected quarter. Escape 
was now hopeless, and to avoid a further and useless loss of 
life the command surrendered. Col. Gilbert had had his 
horse shot under him in the early part of the fight, and 
throughout all the fierce engagement had borne himself 
most gallantly. When he offered his sword to the Confed- 
erate commander the latter declined to receive it, with the 
remark that " so brave an officer, commanding so gallant a 
regiment, deserves to retain his arms." 

A part of the 19th had escaped capture at Thomp.son's 
Station. This small body, with those who had been left in 
camp at Franklin, were sent to Brentwood, organized with 
the remaining fragments of the brigade, and placed under 
command of an officer of another regiment. This force was 
surrendered to the rebel general Forrest on the 25th of 
March, 18(53, without the firing of a gun. The enlisted 
men were soon paroled and sent North ; the commissioned 
ofiicers were exchanged on the 25th of May following. 

The 19th was reorganized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and on 
the 8th of June, 1863, left Columbus to engage once more 
in service at the front. It reached Nashville on the 11th, 
and from that time was employed in ordinary camp and 
picket duty until July, when it formed a part of Rosecrans' 
column, advancing on Tullahoma. The regiment was ordered 
back to Murfreesboro' on the 23d of July, to do garrison 
duty in the fortifications at that point and along Stone 
River, where Company D was captured on the 5th of Oc- 
tober by a rebel cavalry force, under Gen. Wheeler. After 
having been plundered, the men were released on parole. 

About the last of October the 19th was ordered to Mc- 
Minnville, Tenn., where it remained engaged in the con- 
struction of fortifications and similar duty until the 21st of 
April, 18G4, when it was ordered to join its division, and 
march with the strong columns of Sherman into Georgia. It 
reached Lookout Valley on the 30lh, and moved forward 
with the army on the 3d of May, being then in the 1st 
Brigade, 4th Division of the 20th Army Corps. Moving by 
way of Buzzard Roost and Snake Creek Gap to Rcsaca, it 
was, with its brigade, desperately engaged in the battle at 
that place on the 15th, on which occasion it gallantly 



charged and captured a battery of the enemy, afterwards 
holding the position against all efforts to retake it. It was 
in that charge that Col. Gilbert received the wound from 
which he died at Chattanooga on the 24th of May. The 
total lo.ss of the 19th in killed and wounded was eighty-one. 

The regiment was also engaged at Cassville, Ga., on the 
19th of May, at New Hope Church on the 25th, at Gol- 
gotha on the 15th of June, and at Culp's Farm on the 
22d of June ; having in these engagements eighty-three 
officers and men killed and wounded. Joining in the pur- 
suit of the enemy after his evacuation of the position and 
works at Kenesaw Mountain, the 19th, then under com- 
mand of Maj. John J. Baker, crossed the Chattahoochee 
and took part in the battle of Peach-Tree Creek, on the 20th 
of July, in which its loss was thirty-nine killed, among the 
latter being its commander, Maj. Baker. During the re- 
mainder of the siege of Atlanta the regiment was constantly 
on duty, much of the time under artillery fire, its loss 
during that time being eight killed and wounded. 

In the early days of November, 1864, the 19th was 
quartered in the city of Atlanta, and on the 15th of that 
month moved with its brigade (the 2d of the 3d Division, 
20th Corps) on the storied march to Savannah, taking an 
active part in the siege of that city, until its evacuation, on 
the 21st of December. It remained near Savannah until 
Jan. 1, 1865, when, with the companion regiments of its 
command, it moved across the Savannah River into South 
Carolina. It crossed the Pedee River at Cheraw on the 
2d of February ; arrived at Fayetteville, March II th ; de- 
stroyed the arsenal and other public buildings at that place, 
and moved thence towards Raleigh. On the 16th the 
enemy was found in heavy force at Averysboro'. Here 
the 2d Brigade was ordered to assault the works, and carried 
them with great gallantry, capturing the guns and a large 
number of prisoners, the loss of the 19th being nineteen 
in killed and wounded. During the conflict of Benton- 
ville, on the 19th of March, the regiment stood in line of 
battle, but was not ordered to engage. 

■From Bentonville the regiment moved to Goldsboro', 
arriving there on the 24th of March, and then marched 
to Raleigh. Here it remained until the war was 
virtually closed by the surrender of Johnston's army. 
Then, with its corps, it faced northward, and marched 
through Virginia to Alexandria, where it arrived on the 
18th of May. Six days later'it marched with the bronzed 
and battered veterans of Sherman's army, on the 24th of 
May, through the streets of the national capital. Prom 
that time it remained in camp near Washington till June 
10th, when it was mustered out of the service and ordered 
to Michigan. Covered with honor, the men of the 19th 
returned to Jackson, and were there paid off and discharged, 
on or about the 15th of June, 1865. 

MEMBERS OF THE NINETEENTH INFANTRY FROM V.\N BUEEN 
COUNTY. 
Company A. 
2d Liout. Eenben B. Larzalore, Hamilton ; com. Aug. 9, 1SC2; res. AuR. 7, 18(j3. 
Daniel W. Broadheall, must, out June 10, 18G5. 
Frank Frost, mnst. out June 10, 1805. 
George Lee, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Charles E, Stever, ilii-il in action at Thompson Station, Tenn., March 5, 1S63. 

Companfi F. 
lienjainiii Grosfent, must, out M.iy 20, 1805. 



NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 



83 



Ciynipalijj G. 



1. July 28, 1SI!2 ; died May 29, 18G4, 
Jan. n, ISC:! ; 2d lieut. July 28, 1SG2 ; 
. Dec. 17, 18G4; sergt. July U, 18C2 ; 
in. G, 18G:i; sergt. July IC, 1S62; res. 
Tgt. Aug. 1,1802; res. 



Capt. Chas. W. liigelow. South Ilaren; 

of wounds received at Dallas, Ga. 
let Lieut. John A. Stafford, Decatur; co 

res. July 27, 1803. 
let Lieut. John Wilson, South Haven; c 

must out June 10, 18G5. 
2d Lieut. A. J. McLachlin, Bangor; con 

May 25, 1804. 
2d Lieut. A. J. Nynmn, Bangor; com. Sept. G, ISM; 

April 24,1805. 
Sergt. Augustus Bailey, South Haven ; enl. July 10, 1802 ; died of disease at 

Murfree«horo', Sept. 0, 1803. 
Sergt. Orlando Van Hise, Decatur; eul. July 31, 18G2; pro. into U. S. C. T., Dec. 

3, 1803. _ 
Sergt. John Graham, South Haven; enl. July 31, 1862; pro. Ic 2d lieut. ; must. 

out June 10, 1805. 
Corp. Newton Chapman, Decatur ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 5, 1865. 
Corp.Lsaac K. Evans, Keeler; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. for disability, April 19, 

1863. 
Corp. Albert J. Olds, Hartford ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; must, out Juno 10, 1865. 
Corp. John Rea, Bangor ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; absent, wounded ; not must, out 

with company. 
Musician Phineas Watson, Geneva; enl. Aug. 14,1862; must, out June 10, 18G5. 
Musician Solomon E. Stone, Decatur; enl. Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 10, 

1805. 
Wagoner Wm. H. Hubbard, South Haven; enl. July 14, 1862; must, out Juno 

10, 1805. 
William Breed, died of disease at Eichmond, Va., March 29, 1803. 
John Beechner, died of disease at Lynchburg, Va., March 22, 1803. 
Charles H. Brown, died of disease at Nicholasville, Ky., Dec. 12, 18G2. 
Clark D. Bminard, died of disease at Nicholasville, Ky., Dec. 25, 1862. 
Erastus P. Brown, disch. for disability, Oct. 24, 1803. 
Chester Clark, disch. for disability, Feb. 1863. 
William M. Chambers, disch. for disability, June 8, 1863. 
Thomas W. Carroll, died of disease at Covington, Ky., Nov. 22, 1862. 
John A. Dunham, died of wounds at Eesaca, Ga., May 17, 1804. 
Silas De Long, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Henry Delongay, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Cyrus Dopp, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Selah J. Evans, disch. for disability, June 17, 1863. 
Moses E. F. Eaton, disch. for disability, June 22, 1803. 
Charles Freeman, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Jonathan W. Foster, must, out June 10, 1865. 

Elias B. Oilpen, died in action at Averysboro', N. C, March 16, 1865. 
George Gowers, died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 5, 1863. 
Gershom Hinckley, died of disease at Na.shville, Tenn., March 29, 1803. 
James Heald, discli. for disability, Jan. 20, 1863. 
James Hughes, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Pliilip Hughes, mU4t. out June 10, 1865. 
Patrick H,and, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Thomiis Uortou, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Thomas W. Harvey, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Charles W. Jones, must, out June 10, 1805. 
John W. Kingston, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Frederick Kieckner, must, out June 27, 1805. 
Osmer Lester, must, out Jutjo Id, 1865. 
Jacob H. Lewis, must, out Juno 10, 1865. 
Mnnley B. McNitt, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Aaron Missinger. 

Ollin 0. Olds, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Almon Olds, must, out June 10, 1866. 
Ephraim E. Page, must, out June 10, 1865. 
John Page, died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., June 14, 1864. 
Almon J. Pierce, disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 1803. 
Henry D. Boot, discli. for disability, Nov. 18, 1862. 
Uriah Beams, disch. tor disability, July 15, 1863. 
Samuel Sweet, disch. for disability, April 23, 1863. 
Aaron Sweet, disch. for disability, April 25, 1863. 
William S. Stone, disch. for disability, Nov. 14, 1862. 
Benjamin C. Sayles, died of disease at McMinnville, Tenn. 
John W. Shearer, must, out July 19, 1805. 
Jerome Stone, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Lyman S. Sweet, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Andrevf S. Shuff, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Sears J. Shepard, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Charles D. Smitli, must, out June 10, 1865. 
Azariah D. Sturvesant, must, out June 10, 1805. 

George W. Tuttio, accidentally killed at Porter, Mich., Juno 2, 1803. 
Gilmore Todd, must, out June 10, 1865. 
John W. Vincent, must, out June 10, 1865. 

Jared Van Horn, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Marcli 12, 1803. 
Henry White, must, out June 10, 1805. 

Cotnpaiiil H. 
William Graham, died of wounds at Eichmond, Va., March, 1803. 



Geor 



■ Boyd, Norman Davis 
:e M. Kleet, died of wi 



ands at Chattan 



, Tenn., Aug. 8, 1864. 



BEERIEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE NINETEENTH INFANTEY. 

Field awl HUiff. 

Lieut.-Col. David Bacon, Niles; com. Aug. 8, 1862 ; wounded in action at Baton 

Rouge; res. April 3, 1863. 
Lieut.-Col. Eli A. Griffin, Niles. com. April 20, 1864; ma,)., Oct. 22, 1803; capt., 

0th Inf , Aug. 19, 1801 ; died in action at Golgotha, Ga., June 15, 1804. 
Adjt. Heury M. Brown, St. Joseph ; com. May 1, 1803 ; com. 1st lieut., Co. I ; res. 

Oct. 4, 1864. 
Q.M. Warren Chapman, Sr. Joseph; com. Aug. 2, 1862; res. Nov. 17, 1862. 

Nmi-Cmnmi.ifui,ml Stag. 
Q.M. Sergt. Lysander J. Brown, St. Joseph; enl. Aug. 12, 1802; died May 20, 

1863. 
Principal Musician Charles E. Bort, Eoyalton; trans, to Co. I. 

Compatii/ A. 
1st Lieut. Herbert M. Reynolds, Niles; enl. May 2.5,1804; pro. to 2d lieut, July 

27, 1803; com. sergt. ; disch. for disability, July 20, 1804; 2d lieut. 
Lyman Carney, died in action at Thompson's Station, Tenn., March 5, 1863. 
Lee Chapman, disch. for disability, Aug. 27, 1863. 
Edward C. Dix, must, out June 10, 1865. 
M. D. L. Peters, must, out June 10, 1865. 
MiKord Tice, died in action at Thompson's Station, March 4, 1803. 

Company li, 
George M. Kirk, died in action at Frederick, Md. 

Couijtatiif C. 
Albert Newton, trans, to 10th Inf. ; must, out July 19, 1865. 
Emanuel Einehard, trans, to 10th Inf. ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Company D. 
Jeremiah Van Horn, must, out Sept. 8, 1865. 

Company G. 
William L. Black, trans, to 10th Inf.; must, out July 19, 1865. 
Francis Cooper, must, out June 10, 1865. 
William H. Cook, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Orange Hutchins, must, out June 10, 1865. 
William Moore, must, out June 10, 1805. 

Aaron Messenger, died March 5, 1863, in Columl.ia, Tenn., of wounds. 
Isaac A. Williams, died in rebel prison at S.alisbury, N. C, Jan. 27, 1805. 
Winfleld Wilson, must, out June 4, 1805. 
Franklin E. Wilson, must, out June 4, 1805. 
Albert H. Wheeler, must, out June 4, 1865. 
Eli Wittfery, must, out June 4, 1865. 

Company I. 
Capt. Eichard Lysaght, St. Joseph ; com. July 25, 1862; res. June 6, 1803. 
Capt. Charles H. Calmer, St. Joseph ; com. May 1, 1863 ; pro. to 2d lieut., July 

26, 1862; died in action at Resaca, Ga., May 16, 1864. 
1st Lieut. Heury M. Brown, St. Joseph; com. Aug. 11, 1862; app. adjt.. May 1, 

1803. 
Sergt. Aaron F. Brewer, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. II, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut. 
Sergt. Marvin Beamau, Eoyalton ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out July 10, 1805. 
Sergt. Geoige W. Livingston, St. Joseph ; eul. Auit. 21, 1802; died July 1, 1864, 

of wounds received at Golgotha, Ga., June 15, 1804. 
Sergt. Charles A. Cronkhite, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. for disability, 

March 11, 1865. 
Sergt. George Brown, St. Joseph; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. for disability, April 

23,1863. 
Corp. D. H. Stevenson, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. March 6, 1863. 
Corp. George W. Eiley, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. II, 1802; must, out June 8, 1865. 
Corp. Asher Lane, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. for disability, June 17, 

1803. 
Corp. Frederick Clay, Eoyalton ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; died in action at Golgotha, 

Ga., June 15, 1S04. 
Corp. Thomas Eiley, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must, out June 10, 1865. 
Corp. George F. Stewart, St. Joseph ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; pro. to sergt. ; 1st lieut., 

Co. F, March 29, 1805. 
Musician Charles E. Bort, Eoyalton; enl. Aug. 12,1862; must, out June 10, 

1865. 
Wagoner John Wilson, St. Joseph; eul. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out June 15, 

1865. 
Silas W. Allen, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 11, 1803. 
William Bnndy, died of disease at Danville, Ky., Jan. 13, 1863. 
James M. Boswell, disch. for disability, April 21, 1863. 
Henry L. Beaman. must, out June 10, 1805. 
John Bradley, must, out Juno 10, 1805. 

Charles Chanbeck, died of disease at Danville, Ky., Jan. 8, 1863. 
Edward Cronan, disch. for disability, June U, 1803. 
Daniel Calmer, must, out Juno 10, 1S05. 
Joseph Clamfoot, must, out May 30, 1805. 



84 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Daniel E. Dopp, must, out June 10, 1805. 

Peter T. Dopp, must, out June 10, ISC'). 

Oscar Dee, must, out June 10, 1805. 

William A. Depuc, must, out June in, 1805. 

William G. Ensley, most, out July l:i. 1805. 

John H. Fikes, must, out Jnne 1(1. 1805. 

Benj. Fikes, must, out June 10, 1805. 

Benjamin Green, disch. for disaliility. May 13, 1.S03. 

Milo H.yde, must, out May 20, 1805. 

Alexander Hunter, died of disea-se at Annapolis, Md., Juno 2, 1S03. 

George Koof, died of disease in Indiana, Feb. 14, 1805. 

William Kelsey, died in action at Thompson's Station, March 5, 180.3. 

Charles McCain, died in rebel prison, Richmond, Va., March 22, 1863. 

William Morelock, died of wounds at Big Shanty, Ga., June 24, 1804. 

Theodore Morelock, trans, to 10th Inf. ; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Peter Mooth, trans, to lOth Inf.; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Horace M. Pitcher, died while a prisoner, March 20, 1803. 

Joseph Peiiland, died while at work on fortifrcations, Aug. 11, 1864. 

Charles J. Peterson, died of disease at Murfreeslwro', Sept. 17, 1803. 

Jerry Robicho, disch. for disability, June 1, 1803, 

Martin V. Sherman, disch. for disability, June 17, 1863. 

Timothy H. Spelman, died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 11, 1863. 

James Snyder, died at Kno.\ville, Tonn., April 20, 1864. 

George Thompson, disch. for disability, Apiil 23, 1803. 

William Wiese, disch. for disability, April 11, 1803. 

Thomas Waterman, disch. for disability, July 18, 1863. 

William W. Webster, died of diseiise at Murl'i eesboro', Sept. 17, 180:5. 



TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. 

In tlie earlier parts of its career there were no members 
of the regiment from Van Buren or Berrien Counties. In 
the summer of 1864, however, its commander. Col. Henry 
A. Morrow, now of the regular army, found that his regi- 
ment was below the minimum number, and was likely to be 
consolidated with some other organization. To avoid this 
he obtained, by the aid of Edgar A. Kimmel, of Niles, nearly 
fifty recruits, who joined the regiment before Petersburg in 
September and October, lSt)4, bringing it up to the required 
number and saving its organization. Mr. Kimmel was 
commissioned as first lieutenant. Afterwards more recruits 
joined the regiment from Berrien County, making the whole 
number of members from that county near one hundred. 

The Berrien County men first mentioned, as well as those 
who followed, were distributed among the various compa- 
nies. The first fight of the regiment, after the arrival of 
the Berrien County squad, was at Hatcher's Run, on the 
27th of October, 18G4. It was not in the thickest of the 
fight. The division to which it belonged — -the 3d in the 
5th Corps — lost its way in tlie dense forest, and about dark 
ran almost against a rebel breastwork. Falling back a 
trifle, the men bivouacked within musket-range of the foe. 
Soon after, a rebel division, which was also at a loss as to 
its location, marched in behind the Union division. In the 
confusion which ensued some of the men of the latter were 
captured, but the division succeeded in taking a much 
larger number from the enemy. 

After its return to Petersburg the regiment was engaged 
on trench and picket duty until the 5th of December, when 
it moved with its corps and other forces against the Wel- 
don Railroad, which was destroyed for about twenty miles. 
There was no general engagement, but continuous fighting 
for several days. 

The usual siege d,uties before Petersburg occupied the 
time of the regiment until the 5th of February, 18G5, when 
it moved witli the army to Hatcher's Run, and on the 6th 
and 7th it was liotly engaged with the enemy at Dabney's 
Mills. Col. Morrow was shot through the body, and one 
other oflRcer and twenty men were killed and wounded. 



On the 11th of February, the 24th left Petersburg and 
proceeded to Springfield, III., where it was on duty at the 
draft rendezvous until the end of the war, being principally 
occupied in guarding conscripts and taking them to the 
front. When the body of President Lincoln was brought 
home for interment, the 24th acted as the escort at his 
funeral. On the 19th of June, 1865, the regiment left 
Springfield for Detroit, and on the 3d of the same month 
was mustered out of service at the latter place, being soon 
after paid off and disbanded. 

MEMBERS OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY FROM BERRIEN 
COUNTY. 

Non-CmnmissioTied Slajf. 
Hosp. Steward Owen Churchill, Niles; enl. Aug. 24, 1864; must out June 30, 
1865. 

Conipanij A. 

Riihard Burr, must, out Jnne 30, 1865. 
Selah House, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Alex. P. Manamy, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Geo. F. Niles, must, out June 30, 1805. 

Coinpmiy B. 
Calvin W. Aiken, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Charles Brunke, must, out June .30, 1805. 
Wm. II. Emmons, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Bu rkhardt Freund, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Xiuther Hemingway, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Wm. Sullivan, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Lorenzo Smith, inudt. out June 30, 1865. 

Contpauii ('. 
James Bo\irdon, must, out June 30, 1865. 
James Breen, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Wm. Burlingame, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Ari-a Cook, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Patrick English, must, ont June 30, 1805. 
Jolin R. Field, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Thos. Gendersou, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Jerome Head, must, out June 30, 1865. 
John Hutchinson, must, out June 30, 1865. 
John J. Hart, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Davis L. Hurlburt, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Alexander Lamond, must, out June 5, 1800. 
Walter S. Mizner, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Andrew E. Mitchell, died of disease in Illiuoi.», April 22. 1865. 
James M. Noel, must, uut Juno 30, 1805. 
James St. John, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Oscar St. John, must, out June 30, 1805. 
James h. Sharp, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Theodore Swain, must, out June 30, 1805. 
James S. Stafford, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Gideon B. Stiles, died of disea.se at Niles. Nov. 5, 1804. 
Amos A. Thompson, must, out June 3U, 186.5. 
Frank Verbanm, must, out June 30, 1S05. 

( 'ompavj/ I). 
Chiirles A. Champion, nmst. out June 30, 1865. 
Henry Varsop, must, out June 30, 1865. 

Cnmpnii;/ E. 
Henry Aldridge, died of wounds at Baltimore, Feb. 22, 1805. 
Henry Bradley, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Frederick H. Eisenhardt, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Diiyton Fuller, must, out Juno 30, 1805. 
James S. Gender, must, out June 30, 1865. 
John H. Hawkins, must, out June .30, 186.5. 
E])hraim P. St'ntton, must, out Juno 30, 1805. 
J.din Talbot, must, out June 30, 1865. 



uis W. Rutledge, Galii 



i-mpmni t. 

t. out Juno 3IJ, 1SC5 



2d Lieut. Andrew J. BucUIin, Niles; com 
Wm. B. Flanigan, must, ont June 30. 1806. 
Harvey B. Hall, must, out June 30, 1865. 

( 'iimpaii'l II. 
Fnink Higbee, must, out June 3(1, 1805. 
Frederick W. Holnics, must, out June 30, 1805. 



Sept. 27, l(-04 ; resigned May 3, 1865, 



TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. 



85 



I. 

Thos. Evans, must, out June 30, 1865. 
James H. Nostrand, must, out June 30, 1865. 
John O'Connor, must, out June 30, 1863. 
Jackson Itobertson, must, out June 30, 1$G5. 

Company K. 
1st Lieut. Edgar A. Kimmel.Niles; com. Sept. 27, 1S04 ; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 
Wni. H. Ames, must, out Juno 30, 18G5. 
Wm. Breen, must, out June 30, 1866. 
David Boyd, must, out June 30, 1865. 
\Vm. L. Condit, must, out June 30, 1805. 

Franklin Oelbretzcr, died of disease in Illinois, April 23, 1865. 
Henry Griffilli, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Henry L. Morse, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Anson Miller, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Charles Pike, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Henry Smith, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Wm. W. Serviss, must, out June 30, 1865. 
Silas J. Tomlinson, died of disease at Alexandria, Dec. 5, 1804. 

VAN BUEBN SOLDIERS IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. 
Anthony Hawkins, Co. B ; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Peter A. Di-an, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Isaac F. Parrish, Vo. K; must, out June 30, 1865. 
Elijah J. Khinehart, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865. 
Richard A. Ward, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865. 



CHAPTER XL 

TWENTY-FIFTH AND T'WENTY-SIXTH IN- 
FANTBY. 

Berrien Companies in the Twenty-Fifth Infantry — Departure for 
Kentucky and Winter Quarters at Bowling Green — Fight at Tibbs' 
Bend, Ky. — The " G'reen River Boys" — Siege of Kno.wille — The 
Atlanta Campaign — Pursuit of Gen. Hood — Transfer to North 
Carolina — Muster Out of Service — Berrien and Van Buren Soldiers 
in the Twenty-Filth— Organization of the Twenty-Sixth Infantry 
— Service at Sutfolk, Va., and on the Peninsula — Transfer to New 
York Harbor — Return to Army of the Potomac — Mine Run, the 
Wilderness Campaign, and Petersburg — Appomattox — Muster Out 
— Soldiers from Berrien County in the Twenty-Sixth. 

TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. 

During the general uprising of the people which fol- 
lowed McClellan's disasters on the Virginia peninsula, in 
the summer of 1862, six regiments of infanti'y were raised 
from the several Congressional districts of the State. Upon 
the organization of these, there was still found a surplus of 
companies, raised by the patriotic young men of Michigan, 
and the 25th Infantry was constituted from that surplus. 
Three of its companies were from Berrien County, — -Com- 
pany C, from Berrien Springs and vicinity ; Company F, 
from Niles and vicinity ; and Company K, from Buchanan 
and vicinity. 

The regiment rendezvoused at Kalamazoo, and on the 
29th of September left that place for Louisville, Ky. It 
moved thence to Munfordsvllle, Ky., on the 8th of Decem- 
ber, 1862, where it remained until the 8tli of January, 
1863. It then proceeded to Bowling Green, Ky., and re- 
mained there during the rest of the winter. On the 20th 
of March, 1863, the regiment moved to Lebanon, Ky., and 
took part, under Gen. Manson, in the pursuit of the rebels 
under Gen. Pegram. It then went to Louisville, where it 
was employed as provost-guard. 

On the 10th of June five companies (including Com- 
panies F and K of Berrien Couoty), under Col. 0. H. 
Moore, the commander of the regiment, were ordered to 
Green River. They took post at Tibbs' Bend, near Co- 



lumbia, a place where that river makes a circuit, inclosing 
a peninsula united by a narrow neck to the main land. 
Many details had been made from the five companies of 
the garrison, so that there were only about two hundred 
men of the 25th present for duty. There were al.so about 
twenty bridge-builders detailed from various other regi- 
ments. There was no artillery. 

On the 2d of July, Col. Moore learned that the celebrated 
partisan. Gen. John H. Morgan, was approaching with a 
division of rebel horsemen. A breastwork was imme- 
diately built across tlie neck before mentioned, and then 
the little band quietly awaited the result. 

About three o'clock in the morning of the 4th of July, 
1863, just as the first flush of dawn was beginning to tinge 
the sky, the long column of the enemy appeared and formed 
a line of battle in front of the breastwork. The Confederates 
opened on the Unionists with two guns, doubtless for the 
purpose of letting them know that the former had artillery, 
for immediately afterwards several horsemen rode up with 
a flag of truce. Capt. Spencer S. Lansing, of Company 
F (now city marshal of Niles), who was in command at the 
front, received the bearers, and sent back to Col. Moore the 
written communication which they presented. Ere long 
the colonel, who was an ofiicer of the regular army, came 
riding up. 

"Ah, captain!" said he to Lansing, "I see you have 
some visitors this morning." 

" Yes," replied the captain ; " allow me to introduce Maj. 
Elliott, of Gen. Morgan's command." 

The major was the bearer of dispatches, but Col. Basil 
Duke, Morgan's right-hand man, was also one of the party. 
Col. Moore courteously saluted his enemies, and at once 
began chatting with them on indiS'erent subjects, without 
mentioning the communication from Morgan. Presently, 
however, Col. Duke said to Elliott, — • 

" This won't do ; we are losing time. Ascertain imme- 
diately what answer we are to take back to Gen. Morgan." 

" Oh, excuse me, gentlemen," .=aid Col. Moore ; " I be- 
lieve I did receive a communication from Gen. Morgan ; 
let us see what it says." 

He took the paper from his pocket, and read nearly as 
follows : 

"To THF COM-IIANDER 01'' THE UnITEJ) StATI^S FOHCES AT TiBBs' 

Bend : 
" I, John H. Morgan, major-general in the array of the Confederate 
States, hereby demand the immediate and unconditional surrender of 
the troops and post under your orders. 

"John H. Morgan, Maj.-Gen. C.S.A." 

" Well, major," said Col. Moore, smiling as he folded up 
the paper, and speaking as pleasantly as if he were convers- 
ing with a friend at the breakfast-table, "please present my 
best compliments to Gen. Morgan, and say to him for me 
that this is the Fourth day of July, — a day held sacred in 
the feelings of every American. If it were any other time 
I might possibly take his demand into consideration ; but 
on this day be kind enough to say to him, with my com- 
pliments, that I'll see him damned first." 

" Let us be ofl"," said Duke, sharply, and the next mo- 
ment the party of Confederates was galloping swiftly back 
towards Morgan's line. 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Col. Moore then ordered Capt. Lansing to hold the right 
of the position with Company F, while he himself took 
charge of the left and centre. The colonel ordered all his 
men to lie down behind the breastworks, and then, standing 
erect in their rear, spoke to them in a low but clear voice : 

" Now, men, this is the Fourth of July, and we must 
die right here in our tracks before we let those fellows whip 
us. You must all lie perfectly quiet until I order you to 
rise and fire. There are two pieces of artillery dii'ectly in 
front of you, which you can't see now, but which you will 
see when you rise up, and there are thirty or forty rebel 
officers around them. I want every man of you, when the 
command is given, to fire at that artillery and those officers. 
Do you all hear me ?" 

" Yes, yes," replied the men. 

" Attention, battalion ! stand up ! ready ! aim ! fire !" 

With the last word nearly two hundred rifles cracked at 
once, all aimed at the group around the rebel guns. It was 
afterwards learned that twenty-three Confederate officers 
were killed and wounded by that discharge. This disas- 
trous opening greatly depressed the spirits of the rebels, 
and contributed greatly to their defeat. 

Gen. Morgan then sent a large force of dismounted men 
to flank the right of the Union line. They got as far as a 
gorge cut out by the rains in the bank of the river near 
the breastwork, but they could get no farther. The men 
of Company F, who were mostly excellent marksmen, cut 
them down by the score, and at length they gave up the 
attempt. Then the whole Confederate force, dismounted, 
made a grand charge on the breastwork, but the rifles of 
the men of Michigan blazed with pitiless aim and incessant 
fury; the killed and wounded among the assailants fell at 
every step, and at length this efi'ort was also abandoned. 

During a lull in the combat. Col. Moore rode back for a 
few moments to bring up his little reserve, and when he re- 
turned he found that, through some mistake, all of his first 
line except Company F had retired to the second line of 
defense, which was a slashing, stretching across the penin- 
sula. Company F was then ordered back to the second 
line, and slowly retired, fighting as they went, under the 
direction of Capt. Lansing. The latter especially noticed 
Lieut. Tennant, since deceased, setting the example of stub- 
born resistance, retreating step by step, and firing in rapid 
succession at the enemy from the revolver which he held 
in either hand. 

Col. Moore, having arranged his little command at his 
second line, firmly awaited the advance of the enemy. The 
Confederates came on, and again and again essayed to carry 
the position, but in vain. Notwithstanding their over- 
whelming numbers, they could not make head against the 
rifles of the Michigan boys, and at length gave up the 
attempt in despair after the fight had lasted four or five 
hours. 

After there had been a long silence on the part of the 
assailants. Col. Moore ordered Capt. Lansing to make a 
reconnoissance. He advanced cautiously with a small de- 
tachment, and at length reached the point used by Morgan 
as a hospital. There he found some of the wounded rebels, 
who, mostly severely injured, were in charge of a Confed- 
erate surgeon, who gave his word that Morgan had left, and 



handed Capt. Lansing a written message to Col. Moore 
from Gen. Morgan, requesting permission to bury his dead. 
This was granted, and the task was no slight one, for the 
Michigan rifles had killed and wounded more men than 
there were in the Union ranks, or nearly two hundred and 
fifty. It is doubtful if any other conflict of the war showed 
as severe a loss inflicted by so few defenders. One colonel 
(Chenault), two majors, five captains, and six lieutenants 
were killed outright. The Union loss was about eight 
killed and twenty wounded. 

Morgan moved forward from Tibbs' Bend, and captured, 
without difficulty, two or three other bodies of troops, each 
much larger than the one which defended that post. In 
fact, the Confederate chieftain, who seems to have had a 
spice of humor in his composition, was so much impressed 
with the extraordinary character of the defense that he 
sent back a communication to Col. Moore, breveting him a 
brigadier-general in the United States army. 

The Legislature of Kentucky unanimously passed a reso- 
lution thanking Col. Moore and hi« men for their gallant 
defense, and Gen. HartsufT, the commander of the depart- 
ment, ordered that a flag should be erected on the field of 
battle, which should fly as long as there was a tatter left, in 
commemoration of Michigan valor. The Fourth of July, 
1863, was distinguished as the day of the surrender of 
Vicksburg, and also as witnessing the retirement of the 
beaten foe from the field of Gettysburg ; but the battle of 
Green River, though less important, was certainly no less 
honorable to those engaged. Its lame spread throughout 
the Army of the Cumberland, and thenceforth the 25th 
Michigan Infantry was almost universally known by the 
name of the " Green River Boys." 

The five companies which had remained at Louisville 
joined the rest of the regiment at Lebanon on the 19th of 
August, and on the same day the regiment began its march 
with the 23d Corps, being in the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 
over the Cumberland Mountains into East Tennessee. 
After various movements back and forth through the val- 
ley of the Tennessee, it was stationed at Kingston, a few 
miles from Knoxville, on the 9th of November, to aid in 
defending the latter town, then threatened by the enemy. 
The 25th remained at Kingston during the celebrated siege 
of Knoxville, and on the 26th of November aided in re- 
pulsing a sharp attack by the Confederates under Gens. 
Wheeler and Armstrong. 

Leaving Kingston on the 4th of December, it was occu- 
pied during the winter of 1863-64 in numerous tedious 
marches up and down the valley of the Tennessee, being 
stationed for brief periods at Mossy Creek, Knoxville and 
Morristown, and other places, again camping at Mossy Creek 
on the 12th of March, 1864. It remained there until the 
26th of April, preparing for the summer campaign, and 
then moved into Georgia, where it joined Gen. Sherman's 
army in its advance on Atlanta. 

At Rocky-Face Ridge the 25th was ordered forward 
against the almost impregnable position. It advanced with 
great gallantry, and two companies, extended in skirmish- 
line, dashed forward, drove the rebels from their rifle-pits, 
and occupied them themselves. The troops on both flanks 
of the 25th, however, fell back, and the regiment was ordered 



TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. 



87 



to lie down. Capt. Lansing, findinc; himself the ranking 
officer of the force thus circumstanced, moved it back with- 
out loss to the shelter of the woods. The division to which 
it belonged then climbed a portion of the ridge, and rein- 
forced Gen. Harker The next day Gen. Barker's division 
carried the main position of the enemy by assault, losing 
six hundred men killed, among whom was its gallant com- 
mander. 

Skirmishing all the way, the regiment advanced with the 
army to Resaca. There Gen. Judah ordered the brigade 
to which it belonged to charge one of the enemy's forts 
with the bayonet. The brigade did so, but the 25th was 
the only regiment which reached the foot of the intrench- 
ments, having many of its men killed and wounded on the 
way. Alone, and decimated every moment by the fire of 
the well-protected foe, it could go no farther, and was obliged 
to seek shelter in the bed of a creek, where the men 
remained, half under water, until night, when they returned 
to their comrades. 

At Lost Mountain the enemy, as usual, had the choice of 
position, and was heavily intrenched. After his skirmishers 
had been driven back to his main line, a Union battery, 
which was supported by Gen. Cooper's brigade, to which 
the 25th belonged, opened on the foe, principally to as- 
certain his strength. The cannon-balls and shells, how- 
ever, were pitched with such rapidity and accuracy into the 
rebel breastworks that the occupants swarmed out en masse 
and scampered up the hill in the rear. Gen. Cooper saw that 
was the time to strike, and immediately ordered his brigade 
to advance. The men went swiftly forward ; the Confeder- 
ates continued to retreat; a gap was opened in their lines, 
into which the brigade entered ; the news of the break spread 
right and left among the Union commanders: brigade after 
brigade, division after division, swept forward to the attack ; 
the Confederates gave way at every point, and were pur- 
sued eleven miles. 

The regiment was also engaged, though less prominently, 
at Pine Mountain, June 15, 1SG4; at Gulp's Farm, June 
22d ; and at Nickajack Creek, July 1st. On the 9th of 
July it crossed the Chattahoochee, and on the 22d appeared 
before Atlanta. It took an active part in the siege of that 
place^and on the 6th of August it aided in carrying, by 
a gallant charge, the enemy's works near East Point. It 
also participated in the flank movement to the rear of At- 
lanta at Jonesboro', which resulted in the evacuation of the 
former place. During the campaign it had been under fire 
fifty-eight days. 

After a short stay at Decatur, Ga., the 25th moved north 
with its corps in pursuit of Gen. Hood. Reaching John- 
sonville, Tenn., on the 5th of November, it remained there 
until the 14th, when it marched with its brigade to Centre- 
ville, where it was engaged in guarding important fords 
across Duck River. Still moving northward, it was engaged, 
though not very severely, at the battle of Franklin, on the 
30th of November, 1864. 

Soon after, it was ordered with its brigade to Nashville, 
but, as Gen. Hood had invested that city and lay directly in 
front of the command in question, the latter was obliged to 
make a long circuit by way of Clarksville, during which it 
was at one time entirely within the rebel lines. Under 



cover of a dark night, however, it made its way out, 
reaching Nashville on the 8th of December, and on the 
15th and 16th was slightly engaged in the battle before 
that city, having eight men killed and wounded. 

The regiment then marched with the 23d Corps in pur- 
suit of Hood. With that corps it was afterwards transported 
from Columbia, Tenn., over a circuit of thousands of miles, 
by way of Washington, D. C, to North Carolina, where it 
took part with Gen. Schofield's army in extinguishing the 
last remnants of life in the expiring hydra of treason. 
After the surrender of the Confederate army commanded 
by Gen. Johnston, the regiment remained at Salisbury, 
N. C., until the 24th of June, 1865, when it was mustered 
out of service and set out for Michigan. It arrived at 
Jackson on the 2d of July, 1865, where it was paid ofi' 
and discharged. 

BERRIEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE TWKNTV-FIFTH INFANTRY. 
Fit'ld and Staff. 
Adj. Chas. Wuodniff, Njles; com. April 7, 1864; scrgt. niaj., Jan, 14, 1864; 2d 
lieut. Co. K ; must, out June 24, 1865. 

('ompttHif C. 
Capt. Cihas. E. McCollislcr, Oronoko ; com. Aug. 10, 1862 ; res. May 11, 1853. 
Capt. Jacob Ewalt, Oronoko; com. Maroli 13, 1863; 1st lieut. Aug. lu, 1862; 

disch. lor disability, Oct. 10, 1864. 
Capt. Clarence H. Howe, Oronoko ; com. Nov. 1, 1864; 2d lieut. .March l;l, 1864 ; 

sergt., Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out June 24, 1865. 
iBt Lieut. Edwin F. Kimmel, Oronoko ; com. March 13, 1863 ; 2d lieut. Aug. 1, 

1862 ; res. Sept. 23, 1864. 

2d Lieut. Jos. L. Carli-Ie, Oronoko; com, Feb, 24, 1865; 2d lieut., Nov. 1, 1864; 

sergt,. Aug, 11,1862; must, out June 24,1805. 
Sergt. Ezra E. Dunn, Buchanan ; enl, Aug, 9, 1862 ; died of disease at Bowling 

Green, Ky,, March 20, 1863, 
Sergt. Marion W. Jennings, Pipestone; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; must, out June 24, 

1865. 
Sergt. Benj, F, Feather, Oronoko ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; trans, to Inv. Corps, July, 

1863 ; must, out July 8, 1865. 

Sergt. Roulen H. Eichardson, Oronoko; Corp., Aug. 1, 1862; must, out Juno 24, 

1865. 
Corp. James W. Granger, Oronoko; enl, Aug. II, 1862; must, out June 24,1865. 
Corp. Sylvester P, Mason, Buchanan ; enl. Aug. 15, 1802 ; disCh. for disability, 

Fell. 24, 1863. 
Corp. Francis M. Douj^herty, Oronoko; enl. Aug. 11, 1862 ; disch. for disability. 

Sept. 21, 1863. 
Corp. Abram Long, Oronoko ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; trans, to Inv. Corps, Dec. 15, 

1863, 
Corp. Alfred French, Royaltun ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; disch. by orler, May 29, 

1865. 
Corp. Eli Uclmick, Oronoko; ejil. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out June 25, 1865. 
Musician Win. H, Dennisun, Oi'onoko ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died of disease at 

Bowling Green, Jan. 16, 1863. 
Wagoner Elliot Chamberlain, Orouoko; eul. Aug. 18, 1802; died of disease at 

Louisville, July 27, 1803. 
James B. Alden, must, out June 24, 1866, 
Orange L. Blake, must, out June 24, 1805, 
John A, Bui-ke, must, out June 24, 1865. 
Samuel C, Burke, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Lavinius Bratt, must, out June 21, 1865. 
Josephus Brownell, must, out June 24, 1865, 
Porter H, Buckley, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Peter Bovee, disch. by order, July IS, 1863. 
Reuben Cnlbretzer, nmst. out June 24, 1865. 
Eli N. Crabbe, must out June 24, 1805. 
Milton Cowley, must, out July 4, 1805, 
Dorman Curtis, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Ralph Denn, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Alanson Dickerson, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Ambrose Dickerson, nmst. out June 24, 1805. 
Thos. Daker.must. out June 24, 1865. 
Wm. Desler, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Jesse Fisher, nmst. out June 24, 1865. 
B. P. Ferris, mu^t. out June 24, 1865. 
Belhuel H. Friley, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Stephen E, Gilbert, died of accidentia wouniis, March 31, 1803. 
Abel Goddard, disch. for disability, June 16, 1863. 
Edwin S. Hadlock, must, out June 24, 1866. 
Wm. B. Hartnian, must, out June 24, 1865. 
Wm. Hunter, must, out June 24, 1865. 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Peter IlHmphrey, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Marcli 9, 1863. 

TFmik .lern, Dinst. out Juno 24, 1865. 

Will. H. Jones, trans, to 28tli Inf.; must, out June 5, 1866. 

Geo. H. Kinimel, must, out May 31, 1805. 

Samuel Kiiiimel, must, out June 29, 186,5. 

John A. Kcbler, must, out July 1, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps. 

Albert Kuglcs, must, out June 24, 1865. 

LudoVic Leeds, must, luit June 24, 1865. 

Isaac Long, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Stephen Lappaii, must, out June 24,1865. 

Eichaid Lawrence, disch. f.ir disability, Jan. 9, 1863. 

Nott. Lockman, distli. for disability, Juno 16, 1863. 

Jonathan Mosier, disch. for disability. May 9, 1863. 

Geo. D. Matlier, died in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864. 

Geo. W. M.vers, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Simeon McOmber, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Henry P. Movier, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Isaac Maddox, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Chaa. S. Mead, must, ont June 5, 1860. 

George Mallison, must, out June 5, 1806. 

Henry Near, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Feb. 6, 1.S05. 

Merritt Nichols, niu<t. out from Vet. Ues. CorjM, June 12, 1805. 

Patrick E. O'Brien, must, ont from A'et. Res. Corps, July 7, 1865. 

Wni. P. Olds, must, out July 2, 1865. 

Joel Pangburn, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Benj. F. Potter, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Aaron Puntivers, must, out Juno 24, 1865. 

Wm. R. Place, trans, to 2Sth Inf.; must out June 6, 1866. 

Wm. E. Patterson, disch. for disability. May 8, 1863. 

Delos Reed, disch. by order, July 18, 1863. 

John P. Rooney, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Feb. 16, 1803. 

Galen R. Rogers, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Feb. 17, 1863. 

Jonathan Ressler, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Myron H. Roberts, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Reuben H. Richardson, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Frederick Simons, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Samuel StuUer, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Nathan Smith, must, out Oct. 28, 1865. 

Wra. H. Shankwiler, must, out June 24, 1865. 

J. Shankwiler, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., April 21, 1864. 

Stephen Simons, died of disease at Bowling Green, Marcli 29, 1863. 

Noah St. John, disch. for disability, June 16, 1863. 

John A. Sperinar, disch. for disability, July 21, 1864. 

Andrew J. Tebbs, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1804. 

James M. Taylor, must, out June 25, 1865. 

Chas. E. Terriere, must, ont Jnne 25, 1865. 

Peter JL Van Husan, must, out June 25, 1805. 

Michael Van Husan, disch. for disability, March 10, 1863. 

Solomon Wirrick. disch. for disability, Dec. 21, 186:i. 

Benj. Wirrick, disch. for disability. May 22, 1865. 

John Williams, discli. by order, July, 1863. 

David H. Whipple, trans, to 28th Inf. ; must, out June 5, 1866. 

Compiittij F. 
Capt. Spencer L. Lansing, Niles; com. Aug. 10, 1862; distil, for disability, Oct. 

28, 1864. 
Capt. Irving Paddock, Three Oaks; com. May 8, 1865; 1st lieut., Nov. 1, 1804; 

sergt., Aug. 14, 1862 ; must, ont June 24, 1865. 
Ist Lieut. Gideon Frisbie, Avery; com. Aug. 10, 1862; disch. for disability, 

Sept. 24, 1864. 
1st Lieut. Henry Bond, Niles; com. May 8, 1865 ; 2d lieut., Nov. 2, 1804; Kergt., 

Aug. 11, 1862; mn,«t. out June 24, 1865. 
2d Lieut. Artliur Twombly, Niles; com. Aug. 10, 1862; res. Sept. 18, 1864. 
Sergt. Chas. Woodruff, Niles : enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. to sergt. maj., Jan. 14, 1862. 
Sergt. Henry B. Adams, Niles; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; dieil of disease at Knoxville, 

Tenn., Feb. 20, 1864. 
Sergt. Julius C. Webb, Niles; Corp., Aug. 14, 1862; must, out June 24, 1865. 
Corp. Don A. Clark, Niles; enl. Ang. 13, 1862; died Dec. 25, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived Aug. 6, 1864. 
Corp. Peter G. Cuddeback, Berrien; enl. Aug. 13, 1802; died July 4, 1863, of 

wounds received at Tibbs' Bend. 
Corp. Henry T. Kimmel, Niles ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. by order, Feb. 27, 1863. 
Corp. Joel F. Warner, New Buffalo; enl. Aug. 14,1862; must, out June 24, 1865. 
Corp. Byron W. Earl, Niles; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; trans, to Iiiv. Corps, Feb. 15,1804. 
Corp. Thos. tjuigley, Niles ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 1 805. 
Musician Isaac McDaniel, Niles ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; died of disease at Murfrees- 

boro',. Tan. 16,1863. 
David C. Bachelor, trans, to Vet. Rea. Corps, May 1,1864. 
Henry Bowman, must, ont June 24, 1805. 
Thos. D. Bines, must, out June 21, 1805. 
John IJouike, must, out Juno 24, 1865. 
Chas. U. Burbank, must, out June 21, 1865. 
Kellison Collins, disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 1805. 
Frederick W. Doane, disch. for disability, April 23, 1863. 
Jerry Doolan, tiaus. to Vet. Res. Corps, April l(i, 1864. 
John Davis, must, out June 24, 1865. 
James Kdgiri, from Vet. Res. Corps ; must, out July 5, 1865. 



James Fallon, disch. for disability, Feb. 18, 1803. 

Morris Frisbee, must, out Juno 24, 1805. 

Wm. Gray, must, out June 24, 1805. 

John J. Garris in, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Francis W. Gano, must, out June 10. 1805. 

Nathan Gilbert, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Thos. J. Gilbert, must, out June 24, 180.5. 

Justus H. Hastings, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Levi Hoover, disch. for disability, April 4, 1863. 

Geo. C. Inman, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. 

Edwin G. Loncks, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Leroy Lamunion, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Wm. Lahey, must, out June 24, 1866. 

John W. McKee, must, out June 24, 1805. 

John McClarey, disch. by order, July 20,1863. 

James McGurk, disch. for disability, Aug. 28, 1803. 

Arbuth M. Nott, disch. for disability, Sept. 4, 1803. 

I'bilo Norton, must, out June 24, 186.5. 

Thos. O'Callaghan, must, out Jnne 24, 1865. 

Wm. M. Otwell, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Emory Otwell, disch. by order, July 20, 1863. 

Andrew J. Painter, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Horatio H. Richardson, must, out Juno 24, 1865. 

Lewis Quick, died of disease at Louisville, Feb. 8, 1863. 

Jesse Sheridan, died of disease at Bowling Green, Feb. 18, 1863. 

Wm. Slater, died of disease at Bowling Green, March 10, 1863. 

Rowland Soper, died at Chattanooga, June 29, 1804. 

Isaac Smith, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 16, 1863. 

Thos. E. Sheridan, disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1863. 

Chas. T. Serviss, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Thos. P. Starr, must, out June 24, 1865. 

John P. Titsworth, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Frederick L. Thaldorf, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Marcus Tuttle, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 16, 1864. 

Thos. Wood, trans, to Vet. Kes. C!orps, Dec. 15, 1864. 

Michael Wood, disch. for insanity, Oct. 28, 1863. 

Nathan Williams, disch. by order, March 20, 1863. 

Ephraiiu Wellwood, disch. by order, July 20, 1863. 

Joliii Wright, died at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864. 

Orson S. Warner, must, out June 24, 1865. 

John Wing, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Company K. 
Capt. M. V. McKinney, Buchanan; com. July 23, 1862; res. July 26, 1863. 
Capt. John Tennant, Buchanan; com. July 26, 1863; 1st lieut., Aug. 4, 1862; 

disch. for disability, June 14, 1804. 
1st Lieut. Frank D. Weaver, Buchanan; com. July 20, 1803; 2d lieut., Aug. 15, 

1802; died of disease, April 2, 1804. 
2d Lieut. Chiis. Woodruff, Niles; com. April 2, 1864; pro. to 1st lieut. and adj., 

April 7, 1864. 
2d Lieut. Norris H. Merrill, Buchanan ; com. June 1, 1864; sergt., July 22, 1862 ; 

disch. for wounds, Nov. 4, 1804. 
Sergt. Rodney Knight, Buchanan; enl. Aug. 13, 1802; died of disease at Knox- 
ville, Jan. 4, 1805. 
Sergt. Abram Welles, Wecsiiw ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; discli. for disability, .Sept. I, 

1863. 
Sergt. Jos. C. Harris, Buclianun ; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; disch. for disability, Jan. 

3, 1803. 
Sergt. John A. Sperry, Royalton ; enl. July 12, 1862; disch. for disability, Jan. 

16, 1803. 
Corp. Jas. L. Slater, Weesaw; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; died in action at Tibbs' Bond, 

Ky., July 4, 1863. 
Corp. Emmet S. Totlen, Buchanan; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; must, out May 31, 1805. 
Corp. Solomon Ulery, Buchanan ; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; absent, sick. 
Simon P. Aldrich, must, out June 24, 1865. 
John Boyce, must, out July 7, 1805. 
Henry Beacham, disch. for disability, March 3, 1863. 
Chas. Cochran, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 
Oliver J. Chin, died of disease at Bowling Green, March 31, 1863. 
Charles Carr, missing in action in Tennessee, Jan. 22, 1864. 
Geoigo W. Colvin, must, out June 16, 1805. 
James A. Cook, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Wm. Conradt, must, out June 24, 1865. 
Wm. W. Compton, must, out June 24, 1805. 
Nathan DoddB,must. ont June 24, 1865. 
Ambrose Dickerson, discli. for disability, Jan. 6, 1863. 
Hiram Dunham, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 20, 1864. 
A. Ewarts, disch. for disability, July 21, 1803. 
Joseph Fuller, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 
Franklin B. Fancher, disch. for disability, Jan. 15, 1863. 
Emory F. Ferry, disch. for disability, February, 1864. 
Lewis B. Force, trans, to Vet. Res. Coriis; must, out June 30, 1865. 
Chas. W. Fancher, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, July 26, 1863. 
George Furay, must, out May 7, 1866. 
Wni. R. Gonder, must, out June 24, 1805. 
J. L. Oorham, trans, to Vet. Res. Cor|)S, April 10, 1864. 
Jacob Garlinger, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15,1804. 
Andrew Graham, disch. by order, July 21, 1803. 



TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 



89 



J. S. Gordon, disch. by order, July 21, 1S63. 

F. G. M. Hollies, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 

Wm. J. Henderson, disch. fur disability, Sept. 11, 18a:i.. 

Wm. H. Hanover, disch. for disability, Mnrcli .), ISOi. 

Warren J. Harris, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Henry Homer, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Martin V. Hulmes, must, out Juno 24, 1806. 

David Hill, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Marvin H. Haskins, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Wm. Inglewriglit, Sr., disch. by order. 

Wm. Inglewright, Jr., trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1804. 

Harvey V. Judson, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Teb. 15, 1864. 

Andrew Judy, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862. 

James S. Lee, disch. for disability, Jan. 15, 1861. 

James Meeker, utust. out June 24, 1865. 

Robert Norris, must, out June 24, 1865. 

James Penwell, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., March 11, 186'J. 

George Pierce, died of disease at Kno.\ville, Tcnn., May 25, 1804. 

Nathan Pratt, disch. by order, July 29, 186:i. 

A. Randall, trans, to Vet. R.-8. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. 

Henry Rundell, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Benj. N. Redding, must, out June 24, 1865. 

James M. Rose, must, out May 30, 1865. 

John Z. Swanger, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Chas. W. Strong, must, out June 24, 1865. 

James H. Snodgrass. 

John C. Spinetta, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Oct. 7, 1862. 

Jacob Shrnler, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1802. 

Zi/nith Strong, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 

John Taylor, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Volney 0. Van Denbuigli, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Feb. 11, 1863. 

Frank Watson, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., May 11, 1804. 

John Weaver, died of wounds at Bcsaca, Ga., May 14. 1864. 

Evert Wirt, died In action at Rocky Face, Ga., May 9, 1864. 

Alvertus Wray, died in Indiana, March lu, 1805. 

Philip Walwortli, disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 

H. Wells, disch. for disability, Sept. 1, 1863. 

Oscar Woodworth, di»ch. f.)r disability, Jan. 15, 186.3. 

Emery Wray, disch. by order to Vet. Res. Corps, July 21, 1863. 

Samuel Washburn, disch. by order to Vet. Res. Corps, July 21, 1803. 

Hiram Wnlcott, discli. for disability, Feb. 10, 1803. 

W. P. Wood, disch. for disability, Feb. 6, 1863. 

J. J. Wade, must, out June 24, 1865. 

David Washburn, nuist. out June 24, 1865. 

John Washburn, must, out June 24, 1865. 

Wm. H. Walworth, must, out June 24, 1805. 

Noah Weaver, must, out June 23, 1805. 

Noah M. Wilter, must, out May 18, 186"). 

Goo. H. Watson, must, out May 20, 1805. 

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY FROM VAN 
BUREN COUNTY. 

Field and SUiff. 
Maj. Dewitt C. Fitch, Jlattawan ; com. Sept. 17, 1862 ; res. April 12, 1864. 
1st Lieut, and Q.M. John M. Eidlon, Paw Paw; com. Aug. 27, 1862; res. March 
16, 1863. 

Company C. 
Jonathan Ryder, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Feb. 0, 1805. 

ComiKtny D, 
Stephen H. Kenney, must, out Juno 19, 1885. 

Company F. 
Franklin C. Snow, disch. for disability, Feb. 5, 1863. 

Company G. 
William Ryan, must, out June 5, ISOO. 
Forice Rhodes, must, out Sept. 13, 1865. 
Philo M. Russell, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Stephen Root, must, out June 5, 1860. 
Reuben Root, must, out Juno 5, 1806. 

Company H. 
Leander Vining, died of disease at Washington, D. C, March 9,1865. 

TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 

This regiment was rai.sed during the summer and autumn 
of 1862, in Berrien, Muskegon, Ingham, Livingston, and 
Other counties. Over half of Company G was from Berrien 
County. 

The regimental rendezvous was at Jackson, where it was 
mustered in by Capt. Mizuerof the United States army, with 
Judson S. Farrar as colonel, Henry H. Wells as lieutenant- 
colonel, and William Donnell as major. 
12 



The regiment, nine hundred strong, left Jackson on the 
13th of December, and proceeded at once to Washington. 
After a few unimportant marches it was stationed in the 
suburbs of Alexandria, Va., as provost-guard of that place, 
Lieut.-Col. Wells being appointed provost-marshal. The 
26th remained at Alexandria about four months, a period 
which is remembered by the survivors of the regiment as 
one of the most pleasant in their war experience. On the 
1st of April, 1862, a small newspaper called Our Camp 
Journal was issued by members of the regiment, and it 
appeared occasionally (or, perhaps, it were allowable to say, 
" semi"-occasionally) afterwards. But such pleasant intel- 
lectual work was soon interrupted, for on the 20th of April, 
1862, the 26th embarked on a steamer, and the next day 
landed at Norfolk, Va. On the 22d it moved to Suffolk, 
and remained there till the 16tli of May, when it advanced 
to " Deserted House," ten miles out from Suifolk. 

On the 23d of May the 26th became engaged in its first 
conflict, near a place called Windsor. The rebels charged 
on a post occupied by a part of the regiment, yelling like 
devils, in hopes to intimidate the Michigan Yankees. The 
latter, however, who then met the " gray-backs" for the first 
time, stood their ground like veterans. Although the assail- 
ants were in large force, yet, on seeing the firmness of the 
Union line, they retreated faster than they came, and their 
flight was accelerated by a counter-charge of the men of 
the 26th, which drove them out of sight in a very brief 
time. 

On the 19th of June, 1862, the regiment was moved to 
Yorktowu, proceeding thence in Gen. Keyes' corps by way 
of Williamsburg to the " White House," on York River. 
On the 1st of July it marched to the vicinity of Bottom's 
Bridge, on the Chickahominy, where it remained eight days 
on the plantation of ex-President Tyler. About the 10th 
of that month it returned to Yorktown, and at once pro- 
ceeded by way of Washington to New York to keep watch 
over the disloyal element of that city, which showed some 
of the same disposition to resist the laws which resulted a 
year later in the trouble and the well-known draft riots of 
1863. It was not, however, found necessary to use a mili- 
tary force there at that time. After a brief stay in the 
city the regiment was encamped on Staten Island. 

About the middle of October, 1863, the regiment returned 
to Virginia and joined the Army of the Potomac at War- 
renton, being assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2d 
Corps. After changing its position to Stevensburg, it ad- 
vanced with the army on the 26th of November, and on the 
29th arrived in front of the hostile works at Mine Run. In 
the morning of that day the 1st Brigade moved forward in 
skirmish-line, driving the enemy's pickets to within a mile 
of his main works. Eighty rods in front of the brigade a 
piece of pine woods was held by a force of the enemy 
superior both in numbers and position. After a half hour's 
halt the brigade was ordered to charge it, and did so, rush- 
ing swiftly, with wild shouts, across the open space of a 
quarter of a mile, exposed to a fierce fire of musketry from 
the woods and of shells from the batteries, and in ten 
minutes they held the wood, within easy musket range of 
the rebel intrenchments. The Confederates repeatedly en- 
deavored to dislodge the brigade from its position, but amid 



90 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



bursting shells, hissing balls, and falling boughs the men of 
the 1st Brigade coolly held their position, and all of the 
foemen's efforts were easily repulsed. An officer present 
attributed to the bad practice of the enemy's gunners and 
infiintry the fact that only ten of the regiment wore 
wounded during the charge. , 

The Mine Run expedition was but a reconnoissance in 
force, and on its completion the 26th returned to its camp 
at Stevensburg, where it remained in winter quarters until 
the opening of the campaign of the Wilderness. 

On the 3d of May, 1864, the regiment advanced with 
the Army of the Potomac, and on the 5th was in hearing 
of the roar of battle, though it did not then take any part. 
That night and the next day it was bu.sy throwing up 
intrenchments. On the 7th the regiment was slightly en- 
gaged, driving back the enemy without serious loss. On 
the 8th it had a slight skirmish with the foe near Todd's 
Tavern, on the 9th and 10th was not engaged, but on the 
11th had a sharp, brief fight, in which eighteen men were 
killed and wounded. 

On the 12th of May, 1864, came the memorable and 
successful attack by the 2d Corps on the enemy's works at 
Spottsylvania, in which the 2Gth Michigan took a most 
active and gallant part. At the word of command the 
regiment swept steadily forward, amid a storm of bullets 
and cannon-balls, charged with the bayonet, fought hand to 
hand with the desperate Confederates, drove them from 
their position, captured two guns with their gunners, and 
was the first regiment to place its colors on the hostile 
works. It was also engaged in the desperate fight which 
followed the exploit just mentioned, and assisted in the cap- 
ture of a large number of guns, colors, and prisoners. In 
this day's work the gallant regiment had one hundred and 
twenty-five men killed and wounded and fourteen missing, 
most of the latter being afterwards found to be among the 
slain. 

The next engagement of the 26th was at Jericho Bridge, 
on the 24th of May, where it crossed the North Anna 
River under a heavy artillery fire, and drove the enemy into 
his works, having fourteen men killed and wounded. On 
the 29th of May it was slightly engaged near Tolopotomoy 
Creek. At Cold Harbor, on the 2d and 3d of June, the 
26th had fifteen wounded and five missing. Ten more were 
killed and wounded during the skirmishes of the next nine 
days. 

On the 16th of June the regiment reached the front of 
Petersburg, and the same day aided in carrying by assault 
the first line of Confederate rifle-pits, twelve of its members 
being killed and wounded, among the mortally wounded 
being its commander, Capt. Lothian. On the 17th it 
helped to carry a line of works, having nine men killed and 
wounded. It was also heavily engaged on the 22d near 
the Williams House. 

Our space will not allow us to describe in detail the in- 
cessant labors, skirmishes, and minor combats of the gallant 
26th during the long investment of Petersburg ; we can 
barely mention some of the principal events. On the 27th 
of July it participated in the assault on and capture of the 
enemy's works at Deep Bottom, and the next day, while on 
a reconnoissance, routed a large force of Confederates and 



drove them into their intrenchments. On the 16th of 
August it had a sharp fight with the enemy near White 
Oak Swamp, seventeen of its members being killed and 
wounded, and seventeen taken prisoners. 

On the 25th of August the regiment, while at work de- 
stroying the Weldon Railroad, was furiously assaulted at 
Ream's Station and driven from its defenses, which were, 
however, retaken by a gallant charge, in which the 26th 
suffered considerable lo.ss. From this time until the 25th 
of March, 1865, the regiment in question was almost con- 
stantly employed in constructing earthworks or in other 
fatigue duty, and on picket in front of Petersburg. 

On the day last named, immediately after the furious 
Confederate attack on Forts Steadman and Hancock, the 
26th with its brigade charged the works in front, and cap- 
tured a part of them, with a considerable number of pris- 
oners. On the 31st of March it was heavily engaged in 
skirmishing in front of the enemy during the great flank 
movement to the left, and continued in pursuit of the enemy 
during the four following days. On the 6th of April it 
captured a train of two hundred and sixty wagons, loaded 
with ammunition and provisions. The 26th was in the 
extreme advance at the time of Lee's surrender, having 
captured four hundred prisoners since the 28th of March, 
and having during the same period had about sixty men 
killed and wounded, — more than a fourth of the number 
present for duty. 

The regiment started for home on the 2d of May, arrived 
at Washington on the 13th, took part in the grand review 
of the Army of the Potomac on the 23d, was mustered out 
on the 4th of June, and was paid off and disbanded at 
Jackson, Mich., on the 14th day of June, 18G5. 

SCLDIERS FROM BERRIEN COUNTY IN TWKNTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 

Compitntf C. 
2d Lieut. Sylvester R. Wilson, Galien; com .Iiiii.2, 1SG5; l.ro. to 1st lieul.; must, 
out us 2d lieut., Juno 4, ISOS. 

Couipani/ (r. 

Capt. Asa G. Daile.v, Dayton ; com. Aug. 4, 1802 ; resigned April 27, IStW. 

1st Lieut. Win. M. Cady, Dayton ; com. Aug. 11, 1864 ; resigned April 0, 1864. 

Sergt. .lames M. Price, Weesaw ; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; discli. fer disability, Nov. 
28, 180:i. 

Sergt. Sylvester R. Wilson, Galien ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. C. 

Sergt. William Hulmes, Dnyton ; eul. Aug. 6, 1802; died in rebel prison, Salis- 
bury, N. C, Jan. 12, 1SG5. 

Sergt. John Landor, Dayton ; onl. Aug. 6, 1862; must, out June 3, 1805. 

Sergt. Albert 0. Ewen, New lluffalo; enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; must, out June 3, 1865. 

Corp. Henry Howlaod, Daytiui ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; must, out Juno 3, 1805. 

Corp. David Bryant, Niles; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; must, out June I'J, 1S65. 

Corp. Winfleld WiLson, Galien; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; must, ont June 4, 1805. 

Corp. William Do Armand, liertiand; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; died of wounds re- 
ceived at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

Corp. George Day, St. Joseph; enl. Aug. 12,1862; died of di8ea.<<e at Alexandria, 
Va., Feb. 15, 1863. 

Corp. Reuben H. Uice, Galien: enl. Aug. 15, 1862; must, out June 10, 1805. 

Corp. Alvah H. Spalding. Galien; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; must, out June 4, 1SC5. 

Corp. Albert H. Wheeler, Dayton ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802 ; must, ont June 4, 1S65. 

Chauncey K. Ashcroft, must, out June 2il, 1805. 

Cinirles E. Bradley, must, out June 29, 1806. 

Sclah Baxter, must, ont June 2U, 18'.5. 

F. A. Bunas, must, out June 29, 1866. 

Milford L. Brightford, di.sch. for disability, April 20, 1865. 

William L. Bennett, died in Andersonvillo prison, Nov. 20, 1864. 

Uri M. Barber, died in Andersonvillo prison, Sept. 23, 1804. 

John Bowen, missing in battle. May 12, 1864. 

John A. Davidson, must, out June 4, 1865. 

John F. Espy, died of disease at Weesaw, Mich., May 8, 1804. 

T. J. Green, died of disease. Doc. 21, 1801. 

Joseph F. Grooms, must, out June 4, 1805. 

Joseph V. Grooms, disch. fur disability, Feb. 17, 1805. 

John Ilaggerty, disch. for disability. 



TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



91 



Joseph Happe, died in liattle at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 18G4. 

Daniel Hiirris. died in Salisbury prison, Jan. 12, 18G5. 

Samuel Hills, must, out June i, 180S. 

Gilbert F. Kinney, disch. for disability. May 2, 1863. 

Nelson Kinney, disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 18(j3. 

Kobert Landon, must, out June 4, 1865. 

James Lavelle, must, out June 4, 1865. 

Obed Look, died of diseiise, Nov. 7, 1862, 

Elkanah A. Parish, died of disease at Dayton, Mich., Feb. 20, 18G4. 

Edgar Potter, died of disease at Alexandria, April 9, 1863. 

Aaron Perks, died in batde at Spottsylvania, Va., M.ay 12, 1804. 

James R. Boss, died of disease at Dayton, Mich., Feb. 20, 1861. 

Joseph Kouse, must, out June 4, 1865. 

David Stoner, must, out June 4, 1865. 

Alvin C. Spalding, must, out June 4, 1865. 

Abncr P. Spalding, must, out June 4, 1865. 

George W. Spengelburch, died in rebel prison at Salisbury, Dec. 9, 1865, 

George W. Stoner, disch. for disability, June 17, 1863. 

Nicholas Shoop, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Jan. 21, I8C4. 

Hiram A. Sackett, died in battle at Spoltsylvani.i, Va., May 12, 180J. 

William Seward, died iii battle at Spoltsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. 

Benjamin F. Yaw, discli. for disability, Dec. 16, 1863. 

Jonathan Yaw, disch. for disability, Dec. 16, 1863. 

FROM VAN BUREN COUNTY. 
George Snow, must, out May 30, 1865. 



CHAPTER XII. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY — FIRST ENGIN- 
EERS AND MECHANICS — FIRST SHARP- 
SHOOTERS, 

Organization of the Twenty-Eighth at Kalamazoo — Short Service in 
Kentucky and Tennessee — Transfer to North Carolina — Fight at 
Wise's Forks — Kailroad Duty — Close of Service — Berrien and Van 
Buren Soldiers in the Twenty-Eighth — First Engineers — Fight at 
Lavergne, Tenn. — Severe Duly in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, 
and the Carolinas — Muster Out — The First Sharpshooters — Fight- 
ing John Morgan in Indiana and Ohio — Services with the Army 
of the Potomac — Members from Berrien and Van Buren Counties. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

The colonel of this regimeDt was William W. Wheeler, 
of Niles, and there were about one hundred and fifty men in 
it from Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Company H 
had over thirty men from Berrien County, and a few from 
Van Buren. Company G had nearly fifty from Van Bu- 
ren County, and about a dozen from Berrien. The other 
representatives of the two counties were scattered through 
the different companies. The regiment was raised in the 
summer and early autumn of 18G4, its rendezvous being 
at Kalamazoo, and it was completed in October of that year 
by the consolidation with it of several partially formed 
companies intended to form the 29th Infantry. 

The new regiment left Kalamazoo on the 26th of Octo- 
ber for Louisville, Ky., arriving in that city on the 29th. 
On the 10th of November it was ordered to Camp Nelson 
to guard a wagon-train from that place to Na.shville, Tenn. 
Arriving at that city on the 5th of December, it was as- 
signed to temporary duty at Nashville until Jan. 14, 1865, 
when it was embarked on steamboats, under orders to pro- 
ceed to Ea.stport, Miss. But on reaching Paducah, at the 
mouth of the Tennessee River, orders were received, chang- 
ing its destination to Louisville, Ky. Arriving at Louis- 
ville on the 18th of January, 1865, it was ordered to An- 
napolis, Md., but while on its way to that place another 
change of orders was made, under which it was moved to 
Alexandria, Va. There, having been assigned to the 2d 



Brigade, 1st Division, of the 23d Army Corps, it embarked 
on ocean transports for Morehead City, N. C, where it ar- 
rived on the 24th of February, leaving at once by railroad 
for Newborn, and reaching that point on the following day. 

On the 2d of March the regiment moved with its com- 
mand on the road to Kinston, but encountered the enemy, 
under the rebel Gen. Hoke, at Wise's Forks, and was 
there engaged on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of March, having 
twenty ofiicers and men killed and wounded. After this 
affair the march was continued, the regiment reacliing 
Kinston on the 14th and Goldsboro' on the 21st of March. 
It was then, with its brigade, assigned the duty of guarding 
the railroad line, and so continued until the 9th of April, 
when it was moved by way of Goldsboro' to Raleigh, ar- 
riving there on the 13th of that month. 

After the substantial closing of the war by the surren- 
der of Johnston, the 28th remained in North Carolina, en- 
gaged on duty at Goldsboro', Raleigh, Charlotte, Lincoln- 
town, Wilmington, and Newbern, till the 5th of June, 
1860, when it was mustered out of service. It was paid 
off and disbanded at Detroit, on the 8th of June, 1866. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE TWENTY-EIGHTH. 

Field aud Staff. 

Col. Wm. W. Wheeler, Niles; com. Aug. 15, 1864; lieut.-col. and maj. 23d Inf.; 

must, out July 13, 1866. 

Compami B. 
S. F. West, died of disease at Nashville, Jan. 9, 1865. 

^'^itnpany C. 
Andrew Baer, must, out June 12, 1S65. 
Wilson J. Norton, must, out June 12, 1865. 
Willis S. Norton, disch. by order, July 26, 1865. 
Charles E. I'erry, disch. by order. May 26, 1865. 
Paul Pasch, must, out June 5, 1806. 

Abram Packard, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 13, 1865. 
James E. Sprang, must, out June 5, 186G. 
James A. SUelden, must, out Sept. 12, 1865. 

Company E. 
John Brott, must, out June 5, 18G6. 
Charles L. Cunmiings, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Lawson T. Humphrey, must, out June 5, 1866. 
George Hamilton must, out Oct. 6, 18G5. 
Wm. W. Jordan, must, out June 5, 186G. 
Zephaniah Linscy, disch. by order, Aug. 26, 1865. 
Frank Matron, must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Michael Rohrer, must, out June 5, 18G6. 
Archibald Schoonover, disch. by order, Sept. 5, 1865. 
Luman Wireman, must, out June 14, 1865. 

Company G. 

Wm. Allen, must, out June 5, 18C6. . 

John A. Hunt, must, out May 22, 1865. 

Henry D. Kirtland, disch. for disability. 

Iia Olds, died of disease at Detroit, March 4, 1865. 

Daniel Quinn, must, out June 5, 18GG. 

Charles H. Stevens, must, out Sept. 13, 1865. 

James 1'. Tilton, must, out June 5, 1866. 

Wm. S. Williams, must, out June 5, 186G. 

Cornelius Williams, must, out Jan. 3, 18C6. 

Wm. Wittier, must, out May 25, 1865. 

Company U. 

Sergt. Orrin W. Grossman, Benton; enl. .Sept. 3, 1801; .lied of disease at Alex- 
andria, Va., Feb. 16, 1805. 

Sergt. Orange C. Burbank, Benton; enl. Oct. 1, 18G4; died of disease in North 
Carolina, Aug. 16, 1865. 

Corp. Anthony Jerrue, Benton ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864; disch. by order, Sept. 6, '65. 

Corp. Delmont J. Coboneau, Berrien; enl. Sept. 10, 1864; sergeant; must, out 
Junes, 1866. 

Corp. Francis H.Taylor, St. Joseph; enl. Sept. 13,1864; disch. for disability, 
Sept. 23, 1865. 

Corp. James Hanna, St. Joseph ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; must, out June 6, 1865. 

Corp. Uriah Greas, Benton; enl. Sept. 19, 1864; disch. by order, May 19, 1805. 

Perry J. Ashley, died at Kalamazoo (shot), Dec. 6, 1861. 

David Abbey, disch. by order. May 17, 1866. 

Wm. Annable, must, out June 5, 1866. 



92 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



W. S. Aikens, disch. at end of service, Marcli J, 1800. 

Frerlerick Barney, disch. by onler. May 26, 18G5. 

RiclinnI W. Brown, must, out .Inly 7, 18(15. 

Sniitli B. Barker, must, out June 5, ISCli. 

Wni. W. Fenno, must, out .Tunc ."), 1«00. 

George G. Goucliy, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Lewis Herbert, must, out Sept. l;t, 18G5. 

Win. E. Jakeway, must, out Dec. 4, 1805. 

Richard S. Lawrence, died of disease at Louisville, Nov. 21, 1804. 

Charles K. Mowry, must, out June 12, 1805. 

George W. Odell, died of disease in In<Uana, Nov. 23, 1804. 

Gain 0. Kobinson, died of disease at Alexandria, Va,, Feb. 10, 1865. 

Humphrey Starks, must, out May 29. 18€n. 

Harvey Smith, must, out June 5, 18G6. 

Pardon D.Taylor, died of diaeiiso at Nashville, Jan. 10, 1805. 

Edmund Tappen, must, out June 5, 18G0. 

Hiram Tubb.s, must, out Sept. 13, 18G5. 

Merrick Vincent, died of disease in Norlli Carolina. June 5, 1865. 

Henry Weber, disch. by order, May 19, 1805. 

Calvin S. Warren, disch. for disability, Oct. 19, 180.5. 

Arthur Wordon, must, out June 5, 18G0. 

(hmpany T. 
Washington S. Blowers, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 10, 18G6. 
Fred. N. Bachman, must, out June 5, 1866. 
John Buchanan, must, out June 5, 1806. 
John J. Baxter, must, out June 5, 1806. 
George A. Cook, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Frederick M. Cook, must, out July 14, 1805. 
William C. Conklin, disch. by order, May 27, 186.5. 
Amos L. Herrick, disch. for disability, Dec. 21, 1805. 
Daniel D. Havens, must, out June 5, 1800. 
Stephen R. Thayer, must, out Sept 13, 1865. 
.Tohn B. Woodward, died of disease at New Vork City, June 30, 1805. 

tkympany K. 
Corp. Warren Beckwith, Watervliet; enl. Oct. 11, 18G4; died of disease in 

North Carolina, June 8, 1865. 
Daniel Aspinwall, must, out May 11. 1865. 
Perry Converse, must, out Muy 16, 1865. 

Sibis J. Chapman, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 10, 18G5. 
Alexander Fisher, must, out June 5, 1806. 
David W. Felson, must, out June 5, 1860. 
Albert E. Ilealon, must, out May 15, 1865. 
Richard A. Lawience, must, out May 20, 1865. 
Edward Measure, must, out May 26, 1805. 
John 11. Measure, must, out June 5, 1865. 
William H. Morey, must, out June 5, 1866. 
James P. Versan, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Samuel Versau, must, out June 6, 1866. 

MEMBERS OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY FROM VAN BUREN 
COUNTY. 

Field and SUiJf. 
Q.M. John B. Upton, Lawrence ; com. Aug. 27, 1864 ; must, out June 5, 1800. 
Q.M. Seigt. Augustus H. Draper, Lawrence ; disch. by order, May 22, 18G0. 
Com. Sergt. William H. Clay, Lawrence ; must, out Sept. 13, 1805. 

Company C. 
Jolin Ganiby, disch. at end of service, Feb. 0, 186G. 
Charles A. Woodward, must, out May 12, 1805. 

Company D. 
Isnac Graham, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., March 30, 1865. 

Company E. 
Corp. Barker C. Storey, Bloomingdale; enl. Sept. 15, 1804; disch. for di.sability, 

Feb. 18, 1866. 
Thomas J. Draper, must, out June 5, 1860. 
Thomas B. Draper, must, out May 25, 1866. 
■ Henry M. Freeman, disch. lor wounds, June 5, 1866. 
Edward M. Wetmore, must, out June 5, 1860. 

Company O. 
Capt. Kri Barber, Bangor ; com. Sept. 30, 1804 ; resigned Sept. 12, 1865. 
Capt. Edwin E. Farmer, Lawrence ; com. Sept. 12, 1806 ; 1st lieut., Sept. 30, 1864 ; 

must, out June 6,1860. 
2d Lieut. Daniel Spicer, Antwerp ; com. Sept. .30, 1864; must, out May 15, 1805. 
Sergt. Orvillo F. McNitt, Lawrence; enl. Sept. 6,1804; must, out June 5, 1800. 
Sorgt. Washington I. Bird, Decatur; enl. Sept. 2,1804; must, out June 6, 1806. 
Sergt. Erastiis V. Allen, Lawrence; enl. Sept. 3, 1804; must, out June 6, 1806. 
Sergt. Andrew Bartlett, Lawrence : enl. Sept. 9, 1804 ; disch. by order, April 20, 

1800. 
Sergt. John Mayhard, Antwerp ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804; disch. by order, April 10, 

1800. 
Corp. Robert 11. I'rivilts, Lawrence; enl. .Sept. B, 1804; d.sch. by order, Aug. 

25, 1805. 



Corp. Orlen F. Olcott, Decatur; enl. Sept. 30, 1864 ; disch. by order, June 12, 

1805. 
Corp. John G. Youngs, Decatur; enl. Sept. 1, 1864; must out June 5, 1806. 
Coip. Wallace H. Page, Lawrence ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864 ; must, out June 5. 1860. 
Corp. Charles Kelley, Lawrence ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804 ; must, out Sept. 13, 1865. 
Corp. Lewis Herrington, Lawrence; enl. Sept. 12, 1864; must, out June 5, 

1800. 
Sherman Andrews, died in action. Wise Forks, N. C, May 8, 1865. 
Charles C. Butcher, died of disease at Newbern, N. C, March 26, 1805. 
Daniel Bancroft, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 14, 1805. 
James L. Cooper, must, out May 31, 1805. 
Joseph C. Cook, must, out May 20, 1805. 
James Cannon, must, out June 5, 1800. 
James M. Drake, disoli. for disability, Dec. 0, 1864. 
Isaac M. Drake, must out June 6, 1866. 
Charles Doty, must, out June 6, 1806. 
John M. Dowejer, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Larue Dyer, must, out June 6, 1866. 
James E. Depilds, must, out June 16, 1865. 
George H. Eaton, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Pulaski Easton, must, out May 29, 1806. 
Edward Forman, must, out June 7, 1865. 

John Fitzpatrick, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 1, 1806. 
Amos Gibbs, died of disease at Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 10, 1805. 
Justice A. Irish, must, out May 31, 1805. 
Ezra McAllister, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Russell W. Menton, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Lyman A. McNitt, must, out Sept. 13, 1866. 
Thomas S. Nesbitt, must, out June 5, 1866. 
Harvey Potter, must, out May 26, 1805. 
Joseph Salisbury, must, out June 5, 1860. 
Morris Stedman, must, out June 8, 1865. 

Lyman F. Smith, died of disease at New York City, Ang. 22, 1805. 
Cassias M. C. Traver, died of disease at Charlotte, N. C, Aug. 28, 1865. 
George W. Wells, must, out June 13, 1865. 

Company if. 

1st Lieut. George Platts, Bloomingdale; com. Feb. 2, 1866 ; 23 lieut., March 2, 
1865; sergt., Sept. 10, 1804; must, out June 5, 1860. 

Sergt. Dyer Newcomb, Lawrence ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864 ; must, out May 27, 1866. 

Corp. Wm. H. Braman, Hamilton ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804; died of disease at Alex- 
andria, March 12, 1805. 

Corp. Jefferson Slaybaugh, Hamilton; enl. Aug. 30,1804; died of disease at 
Kalamazoo, Mich., Oct. 11, 1804. 

Cliarles C. Crisler, must, out June 5, 1806. 

Newcomb Dyer, must, out May 27, 1806. 

Reuben Drake, must, out July 0, 1865. 

Lewis Wise, must, out June 12, 1806. 

Company 1. 
Sergt. Wm. H. Nichols, Lawrence ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864 ; must, out June 5, 1806. 
Amos Gibbs, died of disease at Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 10, 1805. 
Abram A. Smith, must, out June 8, 1806. 
Miles Spicer, disch. by order. May 24, 1865. 

Company K. 
Sergt. Allen Gorham, Almena ; enl. Oct. 4, 1804 ; must, out June 5, 1866. 
Corp. Frecnan Vanliew, Waverly ; enl. Sept. 30, 1804; must, out June 5, 1800. 

FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. 

About half of Company G of this regiment was from 
Van Buren County, and there were a few in other com- 
panies from Berrien County. The regiment was raised in 
the summer and autumn of 1861, and left Marshall for 
Louisville, Ky., with ten companies, of one hundred men 
each, on the 17th of December in that year. It was soon 
divided into detachments, which were principally employed 
throughout the following year in building bridges and 
making repairs on the railroads between Louisville and 
Nashville, Nashville and Chattanooga, Nashville and Co- 
lumbia, Corinth and Decatur, Huutsville and Stevenson, 
and Memphis and Chattanooga. In June, 1861, alone, it 
built seven bridges on the Memphis and Charleston Rail- 
road, varying from eighty-four to three hundred and forty 
feet in length. During that year the regiment was in- 
creased by law to twelve companies, of one hundred and 
fifty men each, arranged in three battalions, but the men 
were not recruited till the next year. 

On the 1st of January, 1862, the regiment was attacked 



FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS. 



93 



at Lavergne, Tenn., by from three to four thousand rebel 
cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, under Gens. Wharton 
and Wheeler. The assailants were repulsed with serious 
loss. During the year 18G3 the Engineers and Mechanics 
were engaged at their former work of building bridges and 
repairing railroads in Tennessee and North Alabama, for 
the benefit of Gen. Rosecrans' army. The one over Elk 
River, Tenn., was four hundred and sixty feet long, and 
the one over Duck River three hundred and fifty feet. 

During the winter of 1863-6-1 the regiment, divided as 
usual into detachments, was engaged in building trestle- 
work and bridges, and also in constructing store-houises, 
etc., at Chattanooga and Bridgeport. Part of the time the 
men at Chattanooga were refitting saw-mills, and in March 
and April, 1864, they were running saw-mills, getting out 
railroad ties, working on the defenses. Other detachments 
were erecting block-houses on the Nashville and Chatta- 
nooga and other railroads. 

The greater part of the regiment followed Sherman's 
army during the summer of 1864, building block-houses 
with which to hold the railroad from Cliattanooga to At- 
lanta, the great artery which preserved the life of the army. 
Although the time of the regiment expired in October, 
1864, there were enough re-enlisted veterans and new 
recruits to maintain its full strength. During the latter 
part of the fall of 1864 it was very busily engaged in de- 
stroying rebel fortifications, rolling-mills, foundries, etc., and 
in constructing defenses for the small Union force which 
Gen. Sherman intended to leave behind him. 

On the 16th of November the regiment, except two com- 
panies retained with the Army of the Cumberland, set out 
with Sherman's army on the great march to the sea, during 
which its duties were probably harder than that of any other 
regiment in the service. It had to keep pace with the army, 
marching over twenty miles a day, and performed an im- 
mense amount of extra service in destroying railioad tracks 
and bridges and in building bridges and corduroy roads for 
the use of the army. On the 10th and 11th of December 
it built a dam across the Ogeechee Canal, near Savannah, 
under the fire of rebel batteries. After the capture of that 
city, the regiment began work on fortifications there, which 
were completed in six days. 

Having been carried to Beaufort, S. C, on transports, it 
set out with the army on its northward march on the 31st 
of January, 1865. Its course through the Carolinas was 
marked by its old work of alternate destruction and repair. 
At Edisto Station the men built a bridge under fire from 
the enemy's sharpshooters. At Lynch Creek they con- 
structed a crossing a mile long in the night, when the water 
was waist deep, and corduroyed it the next day for the 
trains. The regiment reached Goldsboro', N. C, on the 
23d of March, 1865, and two days later was joined by the 
two companies which had been left in the Army of the 
Cumberland. 

After the surrender of Gen. Johnston's army, the 1st 
Engineers and Mechanics moved north to Washington, 
participated in the grand review of Sherman's army on the 
24th of May, was sent West early in June, and arrived 
at Nashville on the 1st of July, 1865. It was employed 
on the defenses there until the 22d of September, when it 



was mustered out of service. It was paid oft' and disbanded 
at Jackson, Mich., on the 1st day of October, 1865. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIEHS IN THE FIRST ENGINEERS AND 
MECHANICS. 

Sergt. Bra'ilo)' W, Stant.in, djl. Sept. 10, ISGl ; disch. iit end uf service, Oct. 29, 

1864. 
Corp. David H. Gault, enl. Sept. 16,1861; disch. July 12, 186:i. 
Corp. Alva Hayep, enl. Sept. 14, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 29, 1864. 
Corp. Newlimd Na.sh, enl. Sept. 11, 1861 ; sergt. ; disch, at end of service, Oct. 

31, 1K64. 
Corp. Edmund N. Ila.vden. enl. Sept. 12, 1861 ; dii'd of diseiis", Miircli 22, 18C4. 
Darius F. Austin, discli. for diaal.ility, July 2:!, 1863. 
Reuben H. Allen, disch. at end of service, Oct, .'.l, I8G4. 
.lames C. Brown, disch, for disability, Aug, 18, 1862. 
Eli Busb, disch. for disability, April 28, 1862. 
Cynerus Brown, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., March 13, 1862. 
Barnabas Brown, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn,, Oct. 30, 1863. 
Clark K. Brewer, disch. at end of service, Oct. .31, 1864, 
David D, Brown, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
R'lbert B. Bisliop, veteran. Jan. 1, 186 J. 
William Craver, died of disease at Bridgeport, Ala. 
William H. Carr, must, out Sept, 22, 1864. 
Sylvester Dyer, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
Lewis Fosberry, disch. at en.l of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
Kzra H, Fosmire, disch, at end of service, Oct, 31, 1864. 
Klial L. Goble, disch. for disability, Sept, 16, 1862. 
David H. Garrett, disch. for disability, July 23, 1863. 
Alonzn Libbie, di*ch. for disabilily, July 24, 1862. 
William Murch, disch. for disability, April 21, 1862. 
Edwin R, .Murch, disch, at end of service, Oct. .31, 1864. 
John M. Palmer, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
Stephen A. Hoot, disch. for disability, June 23, 1862. 
John Richardson, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
James H. Boot, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 
William Reed, died of disease at Murfreesboro', Tenn., April 23, 1S03, 
Uriah Steiihens.dicd of disease at Murfreesboro', Tenn., Jan, 111, 1863, 
Jesse Stevens, disch, by order, June 6, 186,5. 

John M, Vosburg, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn,, Oct, 31, 1863, 
Daniel Van Tassel, vetemn, enl, Jan, 1, 1864, 
David S, Van Tassel, must, out Sept. 22, 186.'). 
Martin A. We.'gate, disch, at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. 

Compnwi H. 
Giles S, Nolile, must, out Sept. 22, 1865, 

BERRIEN COINTY MEN IN THE ENGINEER REGIMENT, 

Company D. 
George Scott, disch, by order, June 6, 18G,';, 

Cowprtmj F. 
Addison M, Gustiii, must, out Sept, 22, 186,1, 



I F, Guslin, 



St. out Sept. 22, 1865. 



FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS. 

The formation of this regiment began at Kalamazoo in 
the autumn of 1862. Ira L. Evans, who had served over 
a year as a private in the 2d Infantry, recruited about thirty 
men from Niles and vicinity, and was commissioned as 
lieutenant. Other recruits were obtained from various 
parts of Berrien and Van Buren, amounting in all to 
nearly one hundred. 

The incomplete regiment remained at Kalamazoo and 
Dearborn until the summer of 1863, when it went to In- 
diana to help drive Morgan's raiders from that State and 
Ohio. After returning to Dearborn and filling up its ranks, 
it proiieeded to Chicago, where it acted as guard over rebel 
prisoners until March, 1864, when it joined the 9th Army 
Corps at Annapolis, Md. 

With that corps it went through the Virginia campaign 
of 1864, taking part in nearly all the battles, and suffering 
heavy loss. In the Wilderness it had twenty-four officers 
and men killed and wounded. At Spottsylvania it gallantly 
charged a rebel battery, but was so terribly cut up by shell 
and canister that it was ordered to lie down and hold the 



94 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



ground, which it did until night. During the conflict at 
Spottsjlvania the regiment had one hundred and fifty-one 
officers and men killed and wounded. 

After several sharp skirmishes at North Anna River, 
Tulopotomoy Creek, and Bethesda Church, it reached Cold 
Harbor on the 4th of June. It was but slightly engaged 
there, and on the 1 6th of June arrived in front of Peters- 
burg. The next day it participated in the successful 
charge on the enemy's works, and as.sisted in repelling two 
efforts to retake them, capturing eighty-eight officers and 
soldiers and a rebel battle-flag. The Sharpshooters were 
on the extreme left of the corps, and the Confederates 
made a night attack on its left and rear, inflicting heavy 
loss and nearly capturing the whole regiment. The greater 
portion, however, succeeded in cutting its way through the 
rebel lines, though several companies were badly shattered. 
Thirty-one officers and men were reported killed, forty-six 
wounded, and eighty-four missing. 

The Sharpshooters were also actively engaged in the fight 
which followed the celebrated mine explosion on the 30th 
of July, capturing fifty prisoners, but also suffering a loss 
of three killed, twelve wounded, and thirty-three missing. 
The regiment likewise took part in engagements on the 
Weldon Railroad in August ; near " Peebles' House," on 
the 30th of September ; and on the South Side Railroad, 
on the 27th of October. After the latter event the regi- 
ment served on picket, and in the trenches before Peters- 
burg until the 25th of March, when two companies aided in 
repelling the Confederate attack on Fort Steadman ; and in 
the final charge, which drove him behind his works, cap- 
tured more prisoners than they had men engaged, with but 
slight loss to themselves. The regiment lost heavily, how- 
ever, on the 2d of April, in making a feint against the 
enemy's left, in order to facilitate an attack on his right. 

On the 3d of April the Sharpshooters advanced, at half- 
pa.st three in the morning, to reconnoitre, and, finding that 
the enemy had evacuated his works, pushed forward, and 
was the first regiment of Union troops to enter the long- 
contested city of Petersburg. The regiment was at this 
time commanded by Maj. Ira L. Evans, before mentioned, 
now of Niles. As the column approached the court-house, 
Maj. Evans sent his adjutant to hoist the regimental flag 
upon its tower. Near the top of the tower was the 
town-clock, and, as the adjutant was determined that no 
banner should float higher than that of his regiment, he 
punched the flagstaff through the dial of the clock and 
fastened it there, with the flag of the 1st Michigan Sharp- 
shooters floating in the morning breeze, the first symbol of 
the national sovereignty displayed over captured Petersburg. 

The regiment was employed in guarding the South Side 
Railroad until after Lee's surrender, when it returned to 
Washington, and there remained till the 28th of July. It 
was then mustered out of service, and set out for Michigan, 
being paid off and disbanded at Jackson on the 7th of 
August, 1865. 

BEBRIKN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE FIRST SHAKP.SHOOTEUS. 
Company A. r 
fapt. Ira L. Evans, Nilcs; com. June 19,1801; brevet, inuj. U.S. V., Dec. 2, 
1864, *' for gaUant and meritorioua services in tlie aasault before Peters- 
burg." 
1st Lieut. Daniel C. Gore, Niles; com. Dec. U, 1804; must, out July 28, 1805. 



Cornymmj E. 
Ist Lieut. Ira L. Evans, Niles ; com. April 10, 1803; pro. to capt., Co. A. 
Corp. Jacob Barnhardt, Berrien ; enl. Jan. 3, 18G 1 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 

1804. 
Corp. Daniel C. Gore, Berrien ; enl. Jan. M, IBO.i ; pro to 1st lieiit., Co. A. 
Musician John Jones, Berrien ; enl. Dec. 20, l8G:i ; pro. to principal miis ician, 

Dec. 1, 1804. 
Wagoner Edward TeruiUiger, U.rrieo ; enl. .Ian. VI, ISCIl; must, out July 28, 

lSG,i. 
Luke D. Hatch, must, out of Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 11, 18C0. 
Josepli Nichols, died uf wounds at Portsmouth, Sept. 8, 1804. 
Isaac Odell, must, out July 28, 1805. 

Wilson Ryan, died in Andersonville prison-pen, Sept. 1, 180i. 
Oscar E. Thompson, disch. for disability, March 22, 1804. 
Charles M. Wheeler, trans, to 9th Ind. Vols., January, 1804. 



Chltqiatlit G. 
coiu. Aug. 8, 1803; died of V 



ed at 



Capt. Thomas II. Caffney, Nile 

Petersburg, June 17, 1804. 
Sergt. Hubert Farrell, Berrien Springs ; enl. June 20, 1803 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. 

H, Doc. 27, 1864. 
Sergt. John Uniah, Galien ; enl. July 2, 1863; must, out May 25, 1865. 
Corp. Horace B. Secley, Niles ; enl. June 27, 1803 ; must, out May 2.1, 1805. 
Corp. Stephen Teeter, Galien ; enl. July 15, 1863; died of disease, Sept. 10,1804. 
Corp. James Jones, Niles; enl. June 0, 18Gi; died in battle at Wilderness, Va., 

May 0, 1804. 
Corp. George J. Davis, Weesaw ; eul. Aug. 1,1803; must, out of Vet. Res. Corps, 

Nov. 20, 1865. 
Musician P. B. Bostwick, Niles ; enl. June 1, 1863 ; must, out July 28, 1805. 
Wagoner Charles A. Knoll, Weesaw ; enl. June 25, 1863 ; must, out July 28, 1865. 
Sylvester Berry, disch. for disability, Sept. 27, 1864. 
Nelson E. Drayman, must, out July 28, 1805. 
Dennis Broderitk, must, out July 28, 1865. 

John H. Countryman, must, out of Vet. Kes. Corps, July 28, 1805. 
Edward Corey, must, out July 28, 1865. 
Noah Cain, died of disease, Aug. 17, 1864. 
Simon E. Davis, died of disease, Aug. 17, 1864. 
Jairus Davidson, must, out July 2S, 1865. 
Israel R. Dalrymple, disch. March 9, 1805. 
John Harvey, died of disease at Chicago, Dec. 3, 1803. 
John Hanover, disch. for disability, Dec. 10, 1864. 
Charles Hunstable, must, out July 28, 1865. 
John Knoll, must, out July 28, 1863. 

Samuel McArthur, died of disease at Chicago, Nov. 20, 1803. 
John McCann, must, out July 28, 1805. 

Lewis Matliews, must, out of Vet. Res. Corps, Miircli 18, 1805. 
George W. Morris, must. out. Aug. 18, 1805. 
Abram Norris, disch. April 17, 1804. 
Muuford A. Potter, must, out July 28, 1865. 
Jerome Paddock, died of disease, July 6, 1864. 
Robert B. Ready, disch. for disability, Dec. 29, 1805. 
Wm. A. Roby, must, out July 28, 1865. 
Merritt F. Reed, must. out. July 28, 1865. 
Bossiler Sanford, must, out July 28, 1806. 
Albert Shedd, died in battle at Spottsylvania, May 12, ISO*. 
Alvah Thayer, must, out July 28, 1865. 
Jolin Wallace, disch. May 12, 1865. 
Wm. Wiseman, died of disease, April 10, 18(54. 
Joseph Wilson, died in action near Petersburg, June 17, ISOl. 

Compnwj I. 

Capt. George H. Murdock, Berrien Springs; com. Oct. 1, 1803; wounded in 
action before Petersburg, June 17, 1864; pro. to brevet maj. U. S. Vols,, 
Dec. 2, 1864, for gallant services in the battle of Spottsylvania and during 
tlie campaign before Richmond; res. Dec. 6, 1864. 

William B. Andrews, must, out July 28, 1865. 

Louis 1'. Boulford, must, out July 28, 1805. 

Wdliam Cassell, must, out July 28, 1805 

Andrew J. Davis, must, out July 28, 1865. 

Myron Fox, must, out July 28, 1866. 

Austin Harmon, died of disease at Chicago, Dec. 22, 1863. 

Benjamin Long, must, out July 28, 1805. 

Henry Miller, disch. for promotion in U. S. C. T., June 12, 1865. 

James M. Walton, must, out July 28, 1865. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY MEN IN THE FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS. 
i^vipanij B. 
Albert Garmire, must, out June 2, 1805. 
Augustus Taylor, must, out June 8, 1805. 

Enos .\ustin, must, out June 3, 1805. 
Benjamin Caswell, must, out July 28, 1805. 
Cyrenius Irish, must, out July 28, 1305. 

Company D. 
Charles Bonfoey, must, out June 29, 1806. 
Charles Y. Briggs, must, out Aug. 14, 1805. 



FIKST CAVALKY. 



95 



Alvin P. Enrl, mu^t. out July 28, 1865. 

David R. Meacliam, must, out June 27, 16fi5. 

Kirk W. Noyes, missing in action, re.ioine(i regiment. 

Nelson A. Storey, died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 21, 181 

Levi H. Waite, died in action near Petersbuig, Va-, June 1", 18C4. 

Daniel W. Watson, mnst. out July 28, 1805. 

George M. Wikley, mu«t i.ut July 28, 1805. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

FIRST AND SECOND CAVALKY. 

Services of the First Cavalry with the Army of the Potomac — The 
Regiment at Geitysburg and in the Wilderness — The Richmond 
Raid — Battle at Trevillian Station — Campaign in the Shenandoah 
Valley — Winter Quarters at Winchester — Campaign of 1S65 — Five 
Forks and Appomattox — Service on the Plains — Members of the 
Regiment from Van Buren and Berrien Counties — Second Cavalry 
■ — Long and Arduous Service in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, 
and Georgia — Veteran Re-enlistment — Berrien and Van Buren 
Representation in the Second Cavalry. 

FIRST CAVALRY. 

This regiment, which was raised in the summer of 1861, 
under Col. T. F. Brodhead, with its rendezvous at Detroit, 
at first contained thirty or forty men from Berrien County 
and about an equal number from Van Buren. Subse- 
quently a considerable addition was made from the latter 
county, as will be mentioned farther on. 

The regiment -left Detroit for Washington on the 29th 
of September, 1861. It passed most of the succeeding 
winter at Frederick, Md., and in the spring of 1862 entered 
on a season of active service on the Upper Potomac, in 
the Shenandoah Valley and near the eastern slopes of the 
Blue Ridge. It was in action at Winchester, March 23, 
1862; at Middletown, March 25th; at Strasburg, March 
27th ; at Harrisonburg, April 22d ; at Winchester again. 
May 24th ; at Orange Court-House, July 16th ; at Cedar 
Mountain, August 9th ; and at Bull Run, August 30th. 
In the latter action Col. Brodhead was mortally wounded 
and the regiment had twenty men killed and wounded. 
During the season it had thirty men killed iu action, fifty- 
eight wounded, and sixty who died of disease. 

After another winter passed near Frederick, Md., the 1st 
Cavalry again entered the field, and performed grand-guard 
duty along the front line of the defenses of Washington in 
Virginia, extending from Edwards' Ferry to the mouth of 
the Occoquan. On the 27th of June it moved northward, 
and for fifteen days it was almost constantly engaged in con- 
flicts with the enemy. It formed a part of the celebrated 
" Michigan Cavalry Brigade," of which Custer was the 
commander, and which contributed very largely to the 
renown of that distinguished cavalry general. 

At Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, 1863, it met and 
charged Hampton's legion, consisting of three regiments of 
rebel cavalry, and defeated it in six minutes, having eleven 
oflficers and eighty men killed and wounded out of three 
hundred who went into the action. 

In September, 1863, the War Department authorized 
the consolidation of the twelve companies into eight, and 
the raising of a new battalion of four new companies. These 
were speedily raised, and the new battalion was mustered 
into service at Mount Clemens, in December. 1863. One 



of its companies (K) was largely from Van Buren County. 
This battalion went to Camp Stoneman, near Washington, 
in December, 1863, and remained there until the spring of 
1864. Meanwhile the two old battalions re-enli.sted, came 
home on veteran furlough, and joined the new levies at 
Camp Stoneman. 

The battalions went to the front together, and in the latter 
part of March, 1864, joined Gen. Sheridan's cavalry corps 
at Culpeper, Va., being still a part of the " Michigan Cavalry 
Brigade," under the fiery Custer, which was made the 1st 
Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. In the first days of 
May the brigade advanced with the army, and soon became 
engaged in the great battle of the Wilderness, fighting, 
mounted, during the first three days with the renowned 
cavalry of Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, having ten men killed 
and twenty wounded. 

On the 9th of May the cavalry corps set out under Gen. 
Sheridan, on his great raid towards Richmond. Three divi- 
sions, numbering full twelve thousand, turned their horses' 
heads to the south ward ; the blue-coated column, as it marched 
by fours, stretching eleven miles along the road. Towards 
evening of the same day, the 1st Michigan Cavalry, fol- 
lowed closely by the rest of the column, dashed into the 
rebel depot at Beaver Dam, driving away almost in an 
instant the force stationed for its defense. All night long 
the men were busy destroying the immense amount of rebel 
supplies accumulated at Beaver Dam, the flames of which 
rose in lurid columns through the darkness, amid the cheers 
of the excited soldiers. 

At daybreak the next morning the command moved for- 
ward, and on the 11th of May reached " Yellow Tavern," 
ten miles from Richmond. There Gen. Stuart had assem- 
bled a large force of cavalry, and a hard battle took 
place. Again and again the Union horsemen charged, 
sabre in hand, and scattered the chivalry like chaff before 
the whirlwind. A single squadron of two companies of 
the 1st Michigan, one of which was Company K, dashed 
like lightning upon a rebel battery of two guns, sabred or 
drove away the cannoniers, and captured both pieces in an 
instant. A detachment of the 5th Michigan scattered the 
immediate followers of Gen. Stuart, and ere he could escape 
a soldier of that regiment mortally wounded the rebel com- 
mander. Ere long all the Confederate forces were driven 
away, and the Union column pursued its unmolested course. 
The regiment of which we are writing had eleven killed 
and twelve wounded. 

The next day the command arrived within a mile and a 
half of Richmond, but there were found strongly-manned 
fortifications, on which cavalry could make no impre.ssion, 
and Gen. Sheridan turned his course towards the Chicka- 
hominy. Near that stream a large rebel force occupied a 
narrow passage through a swamp, along which not more 
than four men could ride abreast, and where a well-posted 
battery cut down the head of the Union column, com- 
pletely checking its advance. The leading brigade vainly 
endeavored to force a passage. The next one likewise failed, 
and then Gen. Sheridan sent to the rear for Custer and his 
Michigan brigade, which at once hastened to the front. 
There the youthful general dismounted the 5th and 6th 
Michigan, and sent one regiment on either side into the 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



swamp, while the 1st and 7th, with drawn sabres, awaited 
an opportunity to charge. Wading sometimes waist-deep, 
the dismounted men advanced towards the flanks of the 
battery, and plied their Spencer carbines on the cannoniers. 
The latter were obliged to turn their guns on these assailants, 
to prevent being entirely enfiladed. The moment they did 
so Custer gave the order, and the two mounted regiments, 
with brandished sabres and ringing cheers, dashed forward 
at the top of their horses' speed. The gunners had barely 
time to limber their pieces and retreat, and the road was at 
once laid open for the advance of the whole corps. The 
command then proceeded to Malvern Hill, and thence to 
White House Landing, whence it marched to rejoin the 
main army of Gen. Grant. 

The regiment was engaged at Hanover Town on the 27th 
of May, at Hawes' Shop on the 28th, where fifteen of its 
members were killed and wounded, and at Old Church on 
the 30th, where fifteen were killed and wounded. On the 
31st of May and 1st of June it was engaged, together with 
other cavalry regiments, at Cold Harbor, where it fought, 
dismounted, in advance of the infantry, having eighteen men 
killed and wounded. 

Soon after, the Michigan brigade set out, under Gen. 
Sheridan, to join Gen. Hunter, who was moving from the 
Shenandoah Valley towards Lynchburg. On the 11th of 
June the command met at Trevillian Station a large force 
of the enemy, both cavalry and infantry. During that day 
and the next, there en.sued one of the severest cavalry fights- 
of the war, the men mostly fighting dismounted with the 
enemy's infantry, and the 1st Regiment losing fifty-one men 
in killed and wounded. During the first da}' the Michi- 
gan brigade did almost all the fighting, and no loss than 
six commissioned officers of the 1st Regiment were killed. 
The brigade battery was three times captured by the rebels, 
but was each time recaptured by the determined efforts of 
the Michigan soldiers. Gen. Hunter failed to make the 
passage of the mountains, and Gen. Sheridan consequently 
made his way to White House Landing, and then joined 
Gen. Grant at City Point. 

After serving on picket and scout duty through July, 
18G4, the Michigan brigade was taken on transports to 
Washington, and thence marched to the Shenandoah Valley. 
Here it followed Custer in many a desperate charge, fully 
sustaining its old renown. It was engaged at Front Royal, 
August 16th, where the 1st Cavalry had eleven killed and 
wounded ; at Shephordstown, August 20th, where it had 
six killed and wounded; at Sniithfield, September 4th, 
where there were but four of its number in that li.st ; at 
Winchester, where the killed and wounded numbered thirty- 
two ; and at Cedar Creek, October 19th, when twenty-seven 
of its officers and men were slain or injured. Capt. Charles 
Shier, of Company K, was killed in this action. 

During the si.K months closing on the 1st of November, 
1864, the regiment had eighty-two men killed or mortally 
wounded in action, and one hundred and two less seriously 
wounded, while only thirty-three died of disease. 

In December the Michigan brigade went into winter 
quarters, near Winchester, and remained until the latter 
part of February, 1865. On the 27th it started, with the 
rest of the cayalry, under Gen. Sheridan, on a long and 



rapid journey up the Shenandoah Valley, past Staunton, over 
the mountains, and down the James River. The command 
met with little opposition, and soon joined Gen. Grant before 
Petersburg. 

On the 30th and 31st days of March and 1st day of 
April, 186.5, the Michigan brigade was warmly engaged at 
Five Forks. During the first two days the men gen- 
erally fought mounted. On the 1st of April they charged 
the enemy mounted, and drove him into his breastworks, 
and then attacked the fortifications, dismounted, with the 
rest of Sheridan's corps, capturing the fort with several 
thousand prisoners. The brigade was con.stantly engaged 
in fighting with the enemy from this time until the sur- 
render of Lee, on the 9th of April, at which time it was in 
the extreme advance, the flag of truce to negotiate the sur- 
render being sent through its lines. 

After this, the regiment moved into the edge of North 
Carolina, then returned to Washington, and immediately 
after the review of the Army of the Potomac, on the 23d 
of May, 1865, was sent by rail and steamer to Fort Leav- 
enworth, Kan., whence it was ordered across the Plains. 
There was much dissatisfaction, but most of the regiment 
set out on the march, reaching Camp Collins, at the foot of 
the Rocky Mountains, on the 26th of July. Its head- 
quarters remained there until about the 1st of November, 
when it was moved to Fort Bridger. There it was consoli- 
dated with the 6th and 7lh Michigan Cavalry, forming an 
organization known as the 1st Michigan Veteran Cavalry. 
Company K was distributed among several other compa- 
nies. After the consolidation eight companies were sent to 
Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, while four remained at 
Fort Bridger. The regiment garrisoned those two stations 
until the 10th of March, 1866, when it was mustered out, 
paid ofi", and disbanded. The men were given their choice : 
to be disbanded in Utah then, or remain till June and then 
be marched to Fort Leavenworth, without horses or tents. 
All but about seventy made the former choice. The com- 
mutation paid them in lieu of transportation, however, was 
not enough to carry them home, and on representation of 
the injustice to Congress, that body voted three hundred 
and twenty-five dollars to each member of the regiment, 
minus the amount already paid as commutation money. 
This gave each member about two hundred and ten dollars 
extra, which was duly paid them by the government. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE FIRST CAVALRY. 

Field and Slag. 
Ailjt. Henry Beach, Decatur ; com. Oct. 26, 1S64 ; prg. to 2a licut., Co. K, Nov. 
18, 18G3 ; capt., Co. G, Dec. 4, 18C4. 

Non-CommimUmcd Stuff. 
Sorgt. Maj. James S. McElheiiy, Mattawan ; eiil. October, 1862; pro. to 2il licut., 

Co. G, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Com. Sergt. Henry B. Babcock, Keeler. 

Hosp. Steward Watson N. Sbilliiig, Decatur; veteran, Dec. 21, 18C3 ; must, out 
Dec. 4, 1865. 

Company A. 
Amasa Lyon, liisch. for disability, April 24, 1865. 
George H. Prentice, must, out Jan. 4, 1866. 
Orlando F. Tracy, died of disease at Fort Leavenworth, June i, 1865. 

Company B. 
1st Lieut, Tlioa. Stephenson, PawP.iw; com. Dec. ^8, 1803; disch. for disability, 

May 28, ISG4. 
Alonzo Eleuwood, disch. by order, July 19, 1865. 
Charles B. Galligan, disch. Au-. 1(1, 1865. 
Mathias Michaels, must, out July lU, 1805. 



SECOND CAVALRY. 



97 



Compamj C. 
1st Lieut. Wm. H. Tucker, Decatur; com. Marcli 7, 1805 ; 2d lieut., Oct. 28, 1803 ; 
must, out March 10, 1SG6. 

Compinu/ D. 
1st Lieut. John Munson, Decatur; com. 2(1 lieut., Dec. 4, 1801; pro. to 1st licut., 
March 7, 1805; must, out March 10, 1800. 

Compantj E. 
Zehulon Cleveland, must, out July 17, 1805. 
William B. Mills, must, out Marcli 2, 1865. 
Coleman P Rawson, ntust. out March 10, 1SG5. 
Henry ;jtoddard, must, out March 10, 1SG6. 

Company F, 
Sergt. Henry B. Balicock, Keeler; pro. to com. sergt. 
William H. Bilrcli, must, out March 25, 1800. 
Seth Stiilts, must, out Marcli 25, 1800. 

Company G. 
Capt. Henry Beach, Decatur; com. Dec. 4, 1864; must, out March 10, 1866. 
1st Lieut. James S. McElheny, Decatur; com. 2d lieut., Nov. 12, 1802; pro. to 
1st lieut.. May 18, 186:i; died in action at Fairfield Gap, Va., July 4, 1803. 
Floyd Bisby, must, out March 10, 1866. 
David A. Cornell, must. out March 10, 1800. 
Isaac B. Conner, must, out June 2, 1860. 
Ebenezcr Daily, must, out March 10, 1800. 
Cassius M. Field, must, out March 10, 1806. 
Albert Flanders, must, out March 10, 1860. 
Joseph Flanders, must, out March in. 1806. 
Hudson M. Harris, must, out March 10, 1806. 
Benjamin C. June, must, out March 10, 1866. 
Oilvin Lee, must, out March 10, 1866. 
John Laberdy, must, out Marcli 10, 1866. 
William J. Manuel, must, out March 10, 1800. 
Ford Orr, must, out March 10, 1660. 
Seth Orr, must, out Jan. 20, 1806. 
Nathan Kyan, disch. by order, July 19, 1805. 

Company H. 
Orlando Hoard, must, out June 30, 1805. 
Charles H. Johnson, must, out Juue 30, 1866. 

Company I. . 

Augustus Benlly, died in action at Gettysburg, Pa,, July 3, 1S63. 
Oscar A. Eastman, died of wounds at Winchester, Va., Oct. 28, 1864. 
Lucius Hungerford, died of disease, Nov. 1, 1861. 
Lucius L. Judson, veteran, Dec. 21, 1863. 
Ira A. Hunger, disch. for disability. 
Edward J. Bickard, veteran, Dec. 21, 1863. 
Irvin U. Skinner, disch. for disability, Nov. 14, 1862. 
Alexander L. Whitford, died of disease, July 19, 1862. 

Company K, 
Capt. Chas. Shier, Jr., Decatur; died of wounds received in action, Oct. 19, 1864. 
1st Lieut. Thos. H. Stephenson, Paw Paw; trans, to Ist lieut., Co. B. 
2d Lieut. Henry Beach, Decatur; com. Nov. 18,1863; pro. to 1st lieut. and ad,;., 

Oct. 25, 1804. 
Sergt. John Munson, Decatur; enl. Nov. 18, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. D, Dec. 

4, 1804. 
Sergt. Wm. H. Tucker, Decatur ; enl. Nov. 18, 1803 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. C, Oct. 

25, 1864. 
Hiram Ayers, died of disease at Harper's Ferry, Va., .\pril 23, 1865. 
Abner Anger, disch. by order. May 3, 1865. 
Charles Amak, must, out July 10, 1865. 
Percy S. Bowers, must, out July 24, 1805. 
John G. Bionson, disch. by order, May 3, 1805. 
Ti-uman B. Bashford, disch, by order, Aug. 21, 1865. 
Charles S. Caryl, disch. by order, June 28, 1865. 
Elhannon J. Copley, must, out July 10, 1805. 
Orange Hays, trans, to Invalid Corps, Sept. 25, 1804. 
Cadmus 0, Huntley, disch. for disability. May 3, 1865. 
Joseph W. Jones, disch. by order, July 10, 1805. 
Lewis Meechara, disch. by order. May 3, 1865. 

Peter Manuel, died of wounds at Washington, D. C, July 29, 1864. 
Charles H. Mather, must, out June 21, 1866. 
Theodore G. Nortlirup, disch. by order. May 19, 1805. 
Samuel H. Painter, disch. by order, June 16, 1865. 
Hiram Bevere, disch. by order, Aug. 18, 1805. 
Edgar K. Kickard, must, out .lune 30, 1806. 
De Witt C. Shattuck, must, out Dec. 8, 1865. 
John Sutter, must, out Nov. 14, 1805. 
Topham Smith, disch. by order, July 16, 1863. 
Alexander Winburn, disch. by order, July 17, 1865. 
Johu West, disch. for disability, Jan. 10, 1805. 

Company L. 
John P. Clay, must, out Dec. 5, 1866. 

13 



Company M. 
Q.M. Sergt. Lorenzo D. F. Poor, Decatur; enl. Aug. 20, 1801; disch. at end of 

service, Aug. 22, 1804. 
Sergt. Gilbert Viucent, Decatur; enl. Aug. 20, 1801; disch. for disability, Nov. 

1, 1862. 
Sergt. Jag. S. Mcllheny, Mattawan ; enl. Jan. 1, 1802 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. G. 
Corp. Henry B. Babcock, Keeler; enl. Aug. (6, 1861; veteran, Dec. 21, 1803; 

pro. to sergt., Co. F. 
William Baker, disch. for disability, September, 1801. 
Benjamin F. Bartholomew, disch for disability, October, 1802. 
Mathew Burgher, disch. for disability, March 24, 1863. 
John F. Barnum, disch. by order, Aug. 8, 1865. 
Charles Johnson, veteran, Dec. 21, 1863. 
Daniel Knight, disch. for disability. 

Isaac N. Lowe, died of disease at Frederick, Md., Jan. 5, 1802. 
Harris Price, missing in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 
James W. Randall, missing in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 
John N. Shaw, veteran, enl. Dec. 21, 1803. 
Ezra Serriiie, disch. for disability. May, 1802. 
Bichard L. Shaw, must, out July 23, 1806 
Albert Vincent, died of disea.se. 
linos B. Wilcox, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., Feb. 27, 1803. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE FIRST CAVALRT. 

Company B. 
Isaac B. Johnson, must, out Dec. 5, 1805. 

Company C. 
John Carrier, must, out Dec. 5, 1805. 
Albert H. Watel-s, must, out March 10, 1866. 

Company D. 
Anthony Trembly, must, out March 10, 1866. 

Company E. 
Samuel Nolan, must, out Dec. 5, 1865. 
Theodore Parmelee. must, out Aug. 8, 1865. 
P. K. Sampson, must, out March 10, 1866. 

Company F. 
Mark A. Aiken, must, out March 26, 1806. 
John Abbott, must, out July 15, 1865. 
Chas. Hagerman, must, out May 11, 1865. 
Chas. Pennell, must, out March 25, 1866. 

Company H. 
Shadrach Colo, must, out Dec. 5, 1865. 

Company K. 
Robert Diamond, died of disease. 
John W. Hatflold, must, out Nov. 30, 1866. 
James H Leiand, disch. by order, June 6, 1805. 
Charles Wilson, disch. by order, June 7, 1865. 

Company JIf. 
2d Lieut. Richard H. Van Atta, Watervliet; 

Aug. 20, 1861 ; res. March 24, 1S65. 
Alonzo Bullock, died of disease at Strasburg, Va., April 2, 1862. 
Harrison Branch, disch. for disability, Feb. 2, 1862. 
Francis Barclay, disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 1864. 
Theodore A. Barnum, disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 1864. 
Solomon Brummer, disch. by order. May 17, 1865. 
Peter Baldwin, veteran, enl. Dec. 21, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865. 
Henry Beachman, must, out Dec. 5, 1805. 
Harrison H. Cole, disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 1864. 
Alfred Cook, disch. at end of service, Sept. 24, 1864. 
John C. Cleland, missing in action at Buck's Mills, Oct. 19, 1863. 
Oscar W. Elliott, veteran, enl. Dec. 21, 1803; must, out Nov. 24, 1865. 
Joseph H. Fisher, must, out Nov. 24, 1805. 
Micah W. Grimes, died of wounds. Sept. 2, 1864. 
W. R. Hopkins, must, out July 10, 1865. 
Wilbur Moore, must, out Dec. b, 1865. 
George W. Miles, disch. by order. May 15, 1865. 
Edward O'Donnell, must, out Dec. 5, 1805. 
Simon Shrickengast, must, out Dec. 5, 1805, 
George W. Walcott, disch. at end of service, Sept. 6, 1864. 



.Nov. 12, 1862; sergt.; Corp., 



SECOND CAVALRY. 

Of this regiment about fifty men, in all, were from 
Berrien aud Van Buren Counties. It left Grand Rapids 
for St. Louis in November, 1861, remaining at the latter 
place until Maruh, 1862. It then took part in the opera- 
tions near New Madrid and Island No. 10. In May, 
1862, it proceeded to Corinth, Miss., and was occupied 



98 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



throughout the summer in cavalry duty in Northern Mis- 
sissippi and Western Tennessee. Its colonel was then 
Philip H. Sheridan, now lieutenant-general, who had re- 
cently been detailed from duty as a captain in the regular 
army to receive the colonelcy lately vacated by the promo- 
tion of Gen. Gordon Granger. Col. Sheridan commanded 
the brigade consisting of the 2d Michigan, 2d Iowa, and 
7th Kansas Cavalry, and at its head made numerous excur- 
sions through the country around Corinth, to keep down 
guerrillas and learn the movements of the enemy. 

Early in the autumn, however, Col. Sheridan was made a 
brigadier-general of volunteers and transferred to the Army 
of the Cumberland, and about the same time the 2d Cav- 
alry was sent to Kentucky. In December, 1862, and 
January, 1863, it was engaged in a movement into East 
Tennessee, the men being in the saddle twenty-two days 
and taking part in several sharp skirmishes. Soon after- 
wards it moved into Tenncs.see, and for several months its 
headquarters were at or near Murfreesboro', while it was 
almost constantly engaged in scoutings and raids through 
Middle Tennessee. 

On the 25th of March, 1863, it had a sharp encounter 
with a large rebel force under Gen. N. B. Forrest, killing 
and wounding many and capturing fifty-two prisoners. 
The 2d had seven men killed and wounded. On the 4th 
of June it had another brisk skirmish between Franklin 
and Triune, five of its men being killed and wounded. 

When the army advanced from Murfreesboro' in June, 
1863, the 2d accompanied it in the cavalry division, driving 
the enemy from Shelbyville, Middletown, and other points. 
In the autumn it was engaged in scouting around Chatta- 
nooga, at one time being part of a force which chased 
Gen. Wheeler's cavalry one hundred and ninety-one miles 
in six days (October 3d to 8th inclusive). In November 
it marched into East Tennessee, and on the 24th of Decem- 
ber it participated in an attack on a large force of the 
enemy at Dandridge, Tenn., having ten men killed and 
wounded. On the 26th of January, 1864, the 2d with 
other forces attacked a brigade of rebel cavalry on Pigeon 
River, capturing three pieces of artillery and seventy-five 
prisoners, and having eleven of its own men wounded. 

Three hundred and twenty-eight of tiie men re-enlisted 
as veterans, and in April wont home on veteran furlough. 
The rest of the regiment accompanied Gen. Sherman in 
his Atlanta campaign, having several sharp skirmishes with 
the enemy, but being ordered back from Lost Mountain to 
Franklin, Tenn., where they were rejoined by the veter- 
ans in July. During the summer and autumn it was 
busily engaged in marching through Middle Tennessee, 
fisrhtin'f with the horsemen of Forrest and other rebel 
generals. 

On the 5th of November, 1864, the regiment was at- 
tacked at Shoal Creek, Ala., by a large Confederate force 
(a part of Hood's army, then advancing against Nashville), 
and was forced back with heavy loss. It steadily fell back, 
skirmishing almost constantly with the enemy, and at 
Franklin, on the 30th of November, it resisted his ad- 
vance all day, having eighteen olficers and men killed and 
wounded. 

After Hood's defeat before Nashville, the 2d pressed hard 



on his rear, and at Richland Creek, on the 24th of Decem- 
ber, charged repeatedly, driving the foe sixteen miles, and 
having seven men killed and wounded. After Hood's final 
retreat from the State the regiment remained mostly in 
Middle Tennessee until March 11, 1865, when it set out 
on a long raid through Northern Alabama to Tuscaloosa, 
thence through Talladega to Macon, Ga., where it arrived 
on the 1st day of May, 1865. 

After remaining in Georgia, on garrison duty until the 
17th of August, the regiment was mustered out and sent 
home, arriving at Jackson on the 25th of August, where it 
was paid ofi" and disbanded. 

BERRIEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE SECOND CAVALRY. 
Company L. 
C'apt. Bezaloel P. WcMa, Niles ; com. A>lg. 24, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 22, 1864. 
Capt. Kichaid F. Williams, Niles ; com. Oct. 22, 1864 ; 2d lieut. March 1, 1864; 

sergt. ; must, out Aut'. 17, 1866. 
1st Lieut. Andrew .1. Foster, Niles; com. Aug. 24, 1861 ; res. Aug. 31, 1862. 
1st Lieut. John Huttou, Niles; com. Sept. 9, 1862 ; 2d lieut. Sept. 2, 1861 ; res. 

April 9, 186t. 
2d Lieut. Joseph N. Stfvens, Niles ; com. April 15,1863; Ist sergt. Aug. 24,1861 ; 

must, out Oct. 22, 1864. 
Sergt. Rohert S. Longreel, Niles; cnl Sept. 7, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. ; must, out 

Aug. 17, I8G5. 
Sergt. Wni. H. Wynne, Niles ; enl, Sept. 14, 1S61 ; veteran, Jan. 5, 1864 ; pro, to 

2.1 lieut. ; must, out Aug. 17, 186.'). 
Murk A. 1>. Chipman, Niles ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861 ; disch. April 2, 1864. 
Wm. H. n.irnliouso, Niles ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 22, 

1864. 
John Lanioure, Niles ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 4, 1864; must, out Aug. 

17, 1805. 
Corp. Frank H. Cross, Niles; enl. Sept. 13, 1861; disch. at end of service, Oct. 

22, 1864. 
Orville D. Carlisle, Niles ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. for disahility, Nov. 4, 1S62. 
Ira Hagerty, Niles; enl. Sept. 6, 1861 : disch. at end of service, Oct. 22, 1864. 
James Scliram, Niles ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861 ; sergt. ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 

22,1864. 
Farrier Freen.iin Hitchcock, Niles; enl. Sept. 11, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, 

Oct. 22, 1864. 
.lolin Armsburgh, must. o\it Aug. 17, 1865. 

John Bec', died July I, 1863, of wounds reo-ived at Farmington, Miss. 
Harrison L. Baxter, must, out Feb. 16, 1866. 
Henry D. Benson, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, IS6t. 
Ransom Birdsall, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1864. 
Ashley Carlisle, disch. at end of service, Oct. 2S, 1864. 
David E. Cook, must, out Dec. 5, 1805. 

Nelsou W. Corwin, died of disca.se at F.irniinglon, Mis.s., July 22, 1S02. 
Gelson Clark, died of disea.se at Rienzi, Miss., Aug. 0, 1862. 
John B. Cisney, disch. for disability, Oct. 3, 186i 
Nelson W. Crippeii, disch. for disability, Dec. 22, 1862. 
Herman Chapman, must, out May 24, 1805. 
Augustus Conrad, must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 
James Dewitt, disch. for disability, July 14, 1862. 
James Dunn, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1864. 
Wm. H. Dodge, disch. for disability, Dec. 4, 1863. 
Delos Ellis, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1864. 
Chaa. W. Granger, disch. for disability, July 16, 1862. 
Hamilton McKean, must, out Dec. 5, 1865. 
Oriin Wray, died in battle at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1803. 
Edward HoUister, disch. for disability, Nov. 27, 1862. 
Jacob Hand, veteran, enl. Jan. 8,1864; drowned in Sopsie River, Ala., Apr.l 10, 

1S65. 
Albert W. Hayward, trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps, Feb. 15, 1865. 
Charles Hudson, veteran, enl. Jan. 8, 1804; must, out Aug. 17, 1805. 
Chas. Kennicott, disch. for disability, Sept. 15, 1802. 
Wm. Kelley, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1864. 
Joseph M. Lester, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1804. 
Civilian S. Lee. must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 
Frank Maxwell, must, out June 19, 1865. 
Chester Niles, disch. for disability, July 15, 1862. 
Benj. F. Kugg, disch. for disability, July 16, 1862. 

Franklin B. Bice, veteran, enl. Jan. 6, 1864 ; disch. by order, July 4, 18G."i. 
Loren A. Bice, must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 
Edgar Sanford, disch. for disability, Oct. 20, 1862. 
Marvin E. Scott, disch. for di.sability. May 14, 1802. 
John W. Stone, disch. for disability. May 14, 1862. 
Fmnklin Stevens, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1804. 
Geo. S. Schram, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1804. 
Frank J. Stevens, died of wounds at Thompson's Station, March 4, 1803. 
Colonel I. Stephens, died of disease nt Nashville, Dec. 29, 1804. 



THIRD CAVALRY. 



99 



Geo. Smitli, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864; must, out Aug. 17, 1805. 

Geo. Shear, veteran, enl. Jan. 6, 1864; must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 

Aylmer Taggart, discli. for disability, Oct. 10, 1862. 

Anthony Turner, disch. at end of service, Oct. 28, 1865. 

Chas. Valleau, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1S64; must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 

Cornelius Young, disch. I'or disability, Aug. 9, 1862. 

VAN BUBEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE SECOND CAVALRY. 
Compuitt/ I. 
2d Lieut. Alonzo W. Carty, com. Sert. 24, 1864; resigned. 
Sergt. Frank H. Lanikin, enl. Sept. 11, 1861 ; died of disease. 
Sergt. Oscar Caldwell, enl. Sept. 1, 1861 ; disch. for disability. 
Sergt. Alonzo W. McCarty, enl. Sept. 11, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 5, 1864 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut. 
Sergt. Gilbert Mitchell, enl. Sept. 13, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 5, 18G4 ; pro. to 1st 

lieut., Co. L. 
Reuben A. Lambkin, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 1, 1861. 
George S. Steward, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864. 

Contpanij K. 
Williiim H. Brotherton, must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 
James Freeman, must.out Aug. 17, 1865. 



1st Lieut. Gilbert Mitchell, 

June 22, 1865. 
John C. Barker, must, out Aug. 17, 1865. 
Hiram Daily, must, out March 10, 1866. 



Company h. 
Feb. 20, 1865 ; trans, to 130th Regt., U. S. C. T., 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THIRD CAVALRY. 

Organization of the Third Cavalry at Grand Rapids — Departure for 
the Front — Capture of Prisoners l)y Capt. Boihaiu — Long Cam- 
paigning in Mississippi and West Tennessee — Veteran Re-enli-st- 
ment and Furlough — Subsequent Duty in Arkansas, at Mobile, and 
in Texas — Muster Out at San Antonio — List of Van Buren and 
Berrien County Members. 

This regiment, raised in the southwestern part of the 
State, contained in all about one hundred men from Berrien 
County and about two hundred from Van Buren. Capt. 
Thomas H. Botham, of St. Joseph, in the former county, 
raised Company L, principally in that place and vicinity, 
and Capt. Hudson organized Company C from among the 
young men of Van Buren County. Company A was also 
largely from the latter county. The regiment was recruited 
during the summer and autumn of 18U1, its rendezvous 
being at Grand Rapids. 

It left that place for St. Louis on the 28th of November, 
under Col. John K. Mizner. It remained at Benton Bar- 
racks, St. Louis, until February, 1862, when it joined the 
army of Gen. Pope, in the vicinity of New Madrid, Mo. 
It was then actively engaged in picket duty and other cav- 
alry service, and one battalion supported the heavy guns 
placed in position before New Madrid. 

After the capture of that place and Island No. 10, the 3d 
was sent to Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived soon after 
the battle of Shiloh, and took an active part in the ad- 
vance of Gen. Halleok's army upon Corinth. During this 
period, about the middle of April, a battalion of the 3d 
Michigan, containing Companies L and C, and a battalion 
of an Illinois cavalry regiment were sent out to repel the 
enemy's horse, which had driven in the Union pickets. A 
skirmish ensued and the rebels retreated. Company G, 
under Capt. Botham, an old soldier of the British army, 
dashed forward on the right to intercept their retreat. 
Coming to a deep creek, with miry bottom and banks, the 



captain plunged in. His mare fell under him, but he 
urged her up, and with great difficulty made his way 
through. Some of his men attempted to follow, and as he 
supposed they would all be able to cross he galloped for- 
ward at full speed towards the foe. 

As he approached the point where the road he was fol- 
lowing struck at an acute angle the one on which the rebels 
were retreating, he found himself alone, though he could 
see that at least a few of his men were getting through the 
creek. Riding into a thick undergrowth in the forks 
of the road, he saw a hundred or more horsemen dash 
past him, eager to get out of the way of the Yankees. 
Then they came in scattering groups of six, eight, or ten 
men together. Capt. Botham saw that something mu.st be 
done quickly if any of the rebels were to be caught, and 
so, relying on the speedy arrival of his men, he spurred 
out in front of a group of eight, who were making the best 
of their way to the rear, brandished his sabre and shouted, 
in stentorian tones, — 

" Halt, dismount ! You are surrounded by a thousand 
men. Throw down your arms or you will all be cut to 



pieces 



The captain had lost his hat while struggling through 
the creek, and with his waving sabre and streaming beard, 
his horse covered with mud and his face with dust, looked 
decidedly ferocious. The fugitives, too, naturally supposed 
that he was followed by at least a company, and the group 
of eight already mentioned at once dismounted and threw 
down their arms. As they did so, two more of Company 
L, Lewis Seymour and Cochrane, who were all that had 
succeeded in getting through the creek, joined Capt. Botham, 
and aided in guarding the prisoners. Scattering rebels 
continued to come up, dismount, and throw down their 
arms until the three Unionists had thirteen captives. An- 
other man dismounted and fled into the brush, leaving his 
horse, which joined the others and raised the number of 
captured steeds to fourteen. Others of the fleeing Confed- 
erates, seeing what was going on, rode aside into the forest 
and escaped. The three Unionists then guarded their pris- 
oners until the rest of the company came up.* 

Immediately after the evacuation of Corinth the 3d Cav- 
alry was ordered to Booncville, a few miles south of the for- 
mer place. Soon afterwards the Berrien County and Van 
Buren County companies (L and C), under Capt. Botham, 
were ordered to advance and ascertain the position and 
strength of the enemy. After finding a rebel force of all 
arms, halting and Temaining out all night, the detachment 
again advanced the next morning, but halted to get some 
breakfast. While doing so the enemy was discovered by a 
scout. The command left their breakfast half eaten, 
mounted, and hurried forward. They soon found a small 
body of horsemen, who fled before them. 

The Union horsemen advanced at a rapid pace, and soon 
found an entire regiment of rebel cavalry disputing their 
progress. There was no time for consideration. If the 

^' The writer might possibly have looked with some suspicion on 
this account, though received from the most authentic source, had he 
not known beyond cjuestion of a similar occurrence, which happened 
not far from Corinth the following year. Such events were not com- 
mon, but they did sometimes happen. 



100 



HISTOKY OF BERKIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



little command had then retreated, it would have been at- 
tacked and crushed by the elated Confederates. Capt. 
Bothani knew it was essential for cavalry to get the advan- 
tage of its own momentum in a combat, and accordingly 
shouted the order to charge. The detachment dashed for- 
ward at the top of its speed, burst tlirough the Confederate 
lines, and then turned and charged back. The enemy was 
so demoralized by these movements that no attempt was 
made to follow. How many of the foe were killed and 
wounded was not known, but it was certain that at least 
eleven were dismounted, for eleven of their horses accom- 
panied the Union force on its returning charge. After 
retreating a short distance, Capt. Botham halted and sent a 
dispatch to camp. About four o'clock in the afternoon he 
was relieved by the 2d Michigan Cavalry, under the com- 
mand of Col. Philip H. Sheridan. The latter drove back 
the enemy four or five miles, and then rejoined the main 
army. 

The regiment was actively engaged in the usual cavalry 
duty of picketing and scouting throughout the whole season. 
Through the month of August it was at Tuseumbia and 
Russellville, Ala. On the approach of Price's rebel cavalry 
it returned to the vicinity of Corinth. Just before the 
battle of Corinth, while a detachment was scouting in the 
dark, an advance-guard of two or three, among whom was 
Mr. Cross, now postmaster at Lawrence, was startled by the 
question, coming almost from their horses' feet ; 

" What the devil are you doing? Take care where you 
ride, or your horses will step on us." 

They had ridden unsuspectingly into a group of rebels 
who seemed to have lain down without a guard. They got 
out of their dangerous position as soon as possible. After 
the battle of Corinth the regiment had some sharp skirmish- 
ing with tlie foe at Hudsonville, capturing a whole rebel 
company at once. The regiment was with the advance of 
Gen. Grant's army in Mississippi, and shared the defeat 
inflicted on the cavalry at CofFeeville. During the winter 
it was on duty in North Mississippi and West Tennessee. 

On the ist of April, 1863, near Lexington, Tenn , Capt. 
Terry Harvey and Private JIalloy, both of Bangor, Van 
Buren Co., while out together chased and captured seven 
guerrillas, who supposed there were more Yankees in the 
rear. The very next day " Del" Cross captured a rebel 
with a loaded rifle and revolver by drawing an empty pistol 
on him.* 

Duiing the year 1863 the 3d Cavalry was principally 
engaged in the arduous service of driving out the numerous 
bands of guerrillas which infested Western Tennessee and 
Northern Mississippi, and repelling the incursions of Con- 
federate forces from other quarters, its camp being most of 
the time at Corinth, Miss. There were few very severe 
battles in this kind of warfare, and few opportunities for 
winning martial glory amid the shock of charging squad- 
rons, but it tested to the utmost the endurance, the fortitude, 
and the patriotism of the hardy sons of the West. Day 
and night, in sun and rain, the cavalry was kept in 
motion. Often, when all the camp lay locked in the 



*For those and other incidents we are indebted to the diary of 
Capt. Rowhind, of Paw Paw. 



deep slumbers of two o'clock in the morning, the silence 
would suddenly be broken by the stirring sounds of the 
bugle, and a moment later the oSicers would be heard going 
from tent to tent, arousing the half-awakened men with the 
orders, " Turn out here. Company B." " Turn out. Com- 
pany F." " Get ready to march, with three days' rations." 
" Lively now ; lively, I say." 

Then would follow a hurried drawing of rations, the 
filling of haversacks and saddle-bags with cofiee, pork, and 
" hard tack," and perhaps the cooking of a hasty meal for 
immediate consumption. Presently the bugles would sound 
" Boot and Saddle," the horses would be speedily equipped, 
mounted, and ridden into line, the voices of a dozen cap- 
tains would be heard in succession commanding " Fours 
Right — Column Right — March !" and away into the dark- 
ness would go the 3d Jlichigan, or the 7th Kansas, or the 
3d Iowa, or any two of them, or all of them, as the occasion 
might seem to require. 

Nobody would know where they were going except the 
field-oSicers,and very frequently they didn't ; but all sorts of 
rumors would pass rapidly among the boys. " Forrest is 
coming to attack the camp;" "Roddy is out here ten 
miles ;" " Chalmers is raising the devil over at Holly 
Springs," etc. A ride would follow, perhaps lasting two 
or three hours, perhaps extending through three or four 
days and half as many nights, and sometimes embracing 
a period of one, two, or three weeks, during which the 
bold riders were generally compelled to live upon tlie coun- 
try they traversed. In that half-cleared country there was 
seldom an opportunity for the dashing charge which one 
naturally associates with the idea of cavalry service ; but 
whenever they met the foe, which was quite frequently, 
both sides dismounted, and a lively skirmish with carbines 
against shot-guns ensued, which lasted until one party or 
the other retreated. The retreating party was usually, 
though not always, the rebels, as the best Confederate troops, 
after the battle of Corinth, in October, 1862, were taken 
away to other sections, leaving only undisciplined bands 
of what was called " shot-gun cavalry" in Northern Missis- 
sippi and Western Tennessee. 

In such tasks the 3d Michigan Cavalry was engaged 
throughout 1863, taking part in sharp fights, and gen- 
erally defeating the enemy : at Clifton on the 20th of Feb- 
ruary ; at Panola, Miss., on the 20th of July; at Byhalia, 
Miss., on the 12th of October; at Wyatt's Ford, Miss., on 
the 13th ol' October. At Grenada, Miss., also, on the 14th 
of August, the od led the Union advance, and, after a vig- 
orous fight, drove back the enemy, captured the town, and 
destroyed more than sixty locomotives and four hundred 
cars, gathered there by the Confederate authorities. 

In the latter part of January, 186-1, the regiment being 
then in winter quarters at Lagrange, Tenn., three-fourths 
of the men enlisted, and the command became the 3d 
Michigan Veteran Cavalry. After enjoying their veteran 
furlough the command went to St. Louis in March, 1864, 
and in the latter part of May proceeded, dismounted, to 
Little Rock, Ark. It was not mounted until the 1st of 
August, when it resumed the work of chasing guerrillas, 
scouting for information, etc., with an experience similar to 
that already described. 



THIRD CAVALRY. 



101 



From November, 1864, to February, 1865, the 3d was 
in garrison at Brownsville Station, on the Memphis and 
Little Rock Railroad, where the men built such a fine- 
appearing set of quarters and stables that the place was com- 
monly called Michigan City, instead of Brownsville Station. 
In March, 1865, the regiment, as a part of the 1st Brigade, 
1st Division, 7th Army Corps, proceeded to New Orleans, 
and in April continued its course to Mobile. After the 
capture of that place the 3d was on outpost duty in that 
vicinity until the 8th of May, when it marched to Baton 
Rouge, La. In June it set out for Texas by the way of 
Shreveport, and on the 2d of August arrived at San Anto- 
nio, in that State. Its headquarters remained at San An- 
tonio until the 15th of February, 1866, while successive 
detachments were scouting tlie country, protecting the 
frontier against Mexicans and Indians. 

In February, 1860, the regiment was dismounted, mus- 
tered out, and sent home, being paid off and disbanded at 
Jackson, Mich., on the 15th of March, 1866, after a ser- 
vice of four years and a half, unsurpassed as to hardship and 
fidelity by that of any other regiment in the army. It is 
claimed to have captured during the time over two thou- 
sand five hundred prisoners, besides those taken in co-op- 
eration with other regiments. 

OFFICEES AND MEN OF TUE THIRD CAVALRY FROM VAN BUREN 
COlINTy. 
Field ami Ht.iff. 
Maj. Wm. S. Burton, South Haven ; com. Sept. 7, ISGl ; res. Dec. 2, 18G4. 
Maj. Gilbert J. Hudson, Paw Paw ; com. Nov. 1, 1802 ; must, out Juue 6, 1865. 
Surg. Josiah Andrews, Paw Paw ; com. Sept. 7, 18GI ; honoraljly disch. at end 

of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 
Asst. Surg. Lucius C. Woodman, Paw Paw; com. Sept. 7, 1861; pro. to surg. 

mil Cav., Oct. 7,1863. 
Surg. Albert Thompson, Lawton ; com. Oct. 4, 1864; asst. surg. March 31, 1864 ; 

hospital steward ; 2d lieut. Oct. 1, 1862; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Chaplain Afa Harmon, Paw Paw ; com. Dec. 10, 1862 ; must out Feb. 12, 1866. 

C^imptinij A, 
Capt. Barney Dyokman, South Haven ; com. Jan. 13, 1862 ; res. Oct. 24, 1864. 
Sergt. John McDonald, Paw Paw ; enl. June 9, 186.") ; must out Feb. 12, 1806. 
Corp. Ezra Whaley, Bloomingdale ; eul. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Musician Benj. F. Bridges, Bloomingdale; enl. Sept. 2, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. HI, 

1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
James Alger, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Homer E. Boughnian, veteran, Jan. 19, 1864 ; must out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Charles M, Brown, disch. for djeability, Dec. "J, 1S62. 
Cyrus Brown, disi-h. by order, Feb. 3, 1863. 
Edwin A. Cohvell, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 
Marcus F. Clark, disch. for disability, July 13, 1862. 
CbarlJs M. Coon, must, out Oct. 6, ise.?. 

George Fowler, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., May 27, 1862. 
Charles Ives, must, out Oct. 6, 1865. 
Ford Manch, nuut. out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Shertis Mitchelson, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
James U. Miller, veteran, Jan. 19, 1864; nnnt. out Heb. 12, 1866. 
William McMechau, disch. for disability, March 28, 1864. 
Francis M. Pearson, veteran, Jan. 19, 1864. 
Benjamin Parker, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Obed W. Quint, disch. at enil of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 
William A. Robinson, disch. for disabil.ty, Jan. 20, 1863. 
William Bice, disch. at end of service, Oct. 20, 1864. 
Aaron Scott, veteran, Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Marion M. Smith, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Compttnij B. 
John AWiott, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Frank Branch, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Harrison Hilliard, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Ransom D. Norton, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Uziab Osborn, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
David H. Wiard, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Cfimpamj C. 
Capt. Gilbert J. Hudson, P.iw P.iw; com. Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. to maj., Nov. 1, 

1862. 
Capt. Orrin W. Howland, Lawrence ; com. Nov. 17, 1864; 1st lieut., Co. I; must. 

out June 6, 1865. 



nl. Sept. 17,1861 (sergt.); disch. at end of 
nl. Sept. 17, 1861; disch. for dis- 



1st Lieut. Joseph W. Huston, Paw Paw ; com. Sept. 17, 1861 ; res. Jan. 12, 1862. 
1st Lieut. Barney Dyckman, South Haven; com. Jan. 13, 1862 ; 2d lieut. Sept. 

17, 1861 ; pro. to capt., Co. A. 
IstLieut. Henry Chattield, South Haven; com. Nov. 7,1864; 2d lient; res. June 

12, 1865. 
2d Lieut. Albert H. Thompson, Paw Paw ; com. Jan. 13, 1862 ; sergt.; res. Oct. 

12, 1862. 
Q.M. Sergt. Henry A. Rogers, Paw I'aw; com. Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut., 

Co. L. 
Sergl. Benj. F. Ewing, Bangor; onl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Nov. 

30, 1863. 
Sergt. Nuble D. Richardson, Arlington ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

April 6, 1862. 
Sergt. Minard McNeil, Lawton ; enl. Sept. 17,1861 ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 

21, 1864. 

Sergt. Orrin W. Rowland, Lawrence; enl. Sept. 17,1861 ; veteran, Jan. 19,1864; 

pro. to 2d lieut., Co. E. 
Sergt. Charles S. Daskam, Paw Paw ; onl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. F, 

Nov. 17, 1864. 
Corp. John Blaisdell, Ai lington ; onl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Nov. 

22, 1862. 

Corp.Ainot Dopp, Lawrence: enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Dec. 29, 

1862. 
Corp. Wm. 11. Durkee, Paw 

service, March 3, 1865. 
Corp. Joseph G. Van Dyke, South Ila 

ability, March 28, 1864. 
Corp. John Mahard, Lawton; enl. Sept. 17. 1861; disch. for disability, July 27, 

1862. 
Corp, John McDonald, Paw Paw; enl. Sept. 17,1861 (sergt.); trans, to Co. A; 

veteran, Jan. 18, 1864. 
Corp. Orrin W. Cross, Bangor; enl Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 16, 1862. 
Corp. Isaiah L. Bates. Porter; enl. Sept. 17, 1861; veteran, Jan. 19, 1864: ser- 
geant ; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Philo N. Ferguson, Paw Paw ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. at enil of 
e, Oct. 3, 1864. 
Musician George M. D. Tucker, Arlington ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 

19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Farrier Edward D. Ormsby, Porter; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch'. at end of service, 

Feb. 7,1864. 
Farrier Hiram A. Randall, South Haven ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 19, 

1864 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Archibald Abbott, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Cornelius Buys, disch. for disability, Feb. 14, 1863. 
Job C. Bunnell, liisch. for disability, May 13, 1863. 
Orson M. Baker, disch. for disability, Oct. 16, 1864. 
Eli Beardslie, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 14, 1864. 
Charles Branch, died of disease, March 24, 1865. 

Walter Bowman, missing in action at Lagrange, Tenn., Aug. 28, 1864. 
Isaac L. Bates, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
John G. Boosted, veteian, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 

George A. Cross, veteran, enl. .Ian. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
John D. Chandler, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Daniel S. Camp, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Jesse Cooper, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
Burrell A. Cross, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 
Joseph Don, Jr., died of wounds, April 29, 1862. 
Andrew J. Daily, died at Corinlh, Miss., Nov. 14, 1863. 
Andrew Donovan, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Oct. 2.3, 1865. 
John H. Dolson, veteran, eul. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Roswell Earl, vetoi'an, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Ebenezer Ewart, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
William Ewers, missing at Brownsville, Ark., Dec. 22, 1864. 
William Ewart, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 

William W. Finley, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Selim P. Fuller, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 14, 1862. 
James F. Fassett, died of disease at Corinth, Miss., Nov. 8, 1863. 
Daniel P. Fuller, disch. by order, Jan. 2, 1866. 
Abram F. Foster, disch. for disability, March 28, 1864. 
James Gilbert, disch. for disability, FefcS, 1863. 
Ernest Geisen, disch. for disability. 

Oliver E. Goodale, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 
John P. Gross, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Delos Gage, nmst. out June 2, 1865. 
James Harris, disch. for disability, Nov. 8, 1862. 
Spencer N. Hurlbut, disch. for promotion, Jan. 31, 1864. 
Orville 0. Hoxie, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 10, 1864. 
Albert Hurlbnrt, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 1, 1866. 
Samuel P. Harvey, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Edwin S. Hofmeyer, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out June 2, 1861. 
Mitciiell H. Hofmeyer, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out June 2, 1805. 
William H. Huston, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 
James Hennessy, must. out. Tune 2, 1865. 
Franklin Kelly, must, out June 2, 1866. 
Marvin Kidney, disch. at end of service, Feb. 14, 1865. 
John R. Kinney, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Fob. 12, 1666. 
Julius H. Kelley, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 



102 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



John R. King, yetemn, enl. Jan. 19, 18C4. 

CImrles 0. King, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 18';4 ; nmsl. .mt Ful). 12, 1865. 

Samuel Luiz, veteran, enl. Jan. 10, 1804. 

Loren E. Lamiihere, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804 ; must, out Fob. 12, 1860. 

Joseph W. Luce, ilisfb. for disal.ility, Nov. 7, 1802. 

Hans Laniont, di^ch. for disahility. 

Jerome B. Marshall. di»ch. for disability, July 1, 18G2. 

Judson J. Moses, disch. for disability, June 27, 1862. 

William n. Moon, disch. for disability, April 0, 18G2. 

Eugene W. Moon, disch. for disability, July 29, 1863. 

0. D. Martin, discU. at end of service, Oct. 24, 18114. 

Eben \V. Monroe, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 

Andrew S. Moses, died of disease at Uamhurg, Tenu., June 2, 1862, 

Samuel C. Mallory, veteran, enl. Jan. 13, 1864. 

Ronald McDonald, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

William M. Nichols, disch. for disability, July 24, 1862. 

R. C. Nyman, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

George W. Peabody, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must, out Feb. 19,1800. 

Enoch M. Pease, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must. out Feb. 19, 1806. 

Franklin M. Pierce, disch. for disability, Jan. 1(1, 1861. 

James M. Parrisb, disch. for disability, Dec. 10, 1863. 

Lyman S. Russell, disch. by orrler, Sept. 16, 1863. 

Clai-k G. Russell, disch. by order, Sei.t. 16, 1863. 

Hiram L. Royall, voteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

John B. Shuler, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804. 

Stacy N.Stearns, disch. for disabili'.y, Nov. 7, 1862. 

J. Swan, disch. for disability, Jan. 11, 1863. 

William J. Smith, disch. lor disability, Oct. 7, 1804. 

John Showei-8, disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1802. 

Silas J. Southrell, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 12,1802. 

Otis Sinclair, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo. 

James B. Travis, died of disease at New Madrid, Mo., April o, 1862. 

Uriah Utley, disch. July 1, 1862. 

Henry Van Duzer, disch. April 21, 1863. 

A. Voorhees, discli. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 

William H. Wovelhen, disch. for disability. 

Claudius D. Wright, died of disease at Rienzi, Miss., Aug. 19, 1862. 

William H. Ward, died at Corinth, Miss., Nov. 15, 1803. 

Henry A. WelU, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

David M. Ward, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. 

R. C. Wymau, must, out Feb. 12, 18GG. 

Company D. 
Horace B. Buss, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 
Charles Hilliard, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Talcott Shaver, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

CompauTj E. 
2d Lieut. Orrin W. Rowland, com. April 29, 1803 ; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. I, Oct. 

24, 1804. 
Mark Dawson, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Benjamin Sisson, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

(Jompanif F. 
2d Lieut. Chas. S. Daskam, Paw Paw; enl. Nov. 17, 1804, sergl., Co. C; must. 

out Frb. 12, 1806. 
John Q Bousted, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 
Elieuezer Ewers, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Julius Hamilton, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Martin A. House, must, out Feb. 12, 1886. 
Dempster Lamphere, must, out June 19, 1865. 
Lemuel E, Mallory, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Lyman Mills, disch. Aug. 24, 1802. 
Fernando Hhodes, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Company H, 
1st Lieut. Henry A. Rogers, Paw Paw ; com. Dec. 11, 1802 ; 2d lieut., Co. L, 

July 12, 1802; res. Aug. 13, 1863. 
Ezra A. Exceea, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 
William Hinckley, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 
Elbert E. Taylor, died of disease at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Aug. 20, 1805. 

Coinpanij J. 
1st Lieut. Orrin W. Rowland, Lawrence; com. Oct. 24,1804; pro. to capt,, Co. C. 
2d Lieut. Wm. A. Woodward, Lawrence; com. Oct. 20, 18G5. 
Marion C. Benjamin, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 
James Bridges, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 
Julius F. Kelly, miist. out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Truman K. Lamphere, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Otis E. Lnmpliere, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Samuel Lutz, disch. for disability, Oct. 22, 186,5. 
William Patterson, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Andrew I. Richmond, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Milan Richardson, must, out Feb. 12. 1866. 
Hiiani K. Wells, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 
James Widner, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Contpauy K. 

Wm. T. Carpenter, died of disease, Sept. 14, 1804. 



Coiiipantf L. 

2d Lieut. Henry A. Rogers, Paw Paw; com. July 12, 1802; pro. to 1st lieut., 
Co H. 

Company M, 

Bedford Boyce, died of disease at Brownville, Ark., Nov. 29, 1864. 

William Clokes, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Orrin S. Koag, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Allied T. Ingram, disch. by order, June 21, 1800. 

Achilles Long, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., July 6, 1804. 

Hugh MiPherson, must, out Oct. 9, 1805. 

John McDouough, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Nicholas Newman, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., July 20, 1804. 

Charles Pratt, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Robert Orr, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Henry Pease, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Wm. S. Parker, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

J, Paul, died of disease at Duvall's BlulT, Ark., Aug. 6, 1804. 

Adrian Uathbun, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

William Swick, died of disease at New Orleans, La., April 19, 1805. 

Jason M. Van Tassel, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

George W. Williams, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., March 25, 1864. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE THIRD CAVALRY. 

Non-commiseioned SUtff. 
Sergt. Maj. Wm. B. Philips, Niles; pro. to 2d lieut.; died of disease in Missouri, 

March 25, 1862. 
Q.M. Sergt, Aaron Bowo, St, Joseph ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861; disch. for disability, 

April 27, 1862. 

Company L. 
Capt. Thomas H. Botham, St. Joseph; com. Sept. 18, 1861; res. June 18, 1862. 
1st Lieut. Monroe G. Carlton, St. Joseph; com. Sept. 18, 1861; pro. to capt.; 

res. June 18, 1862. 
2d Lieut. Harvey L. Drew, Niles; com. Aug. 13, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. M, 

Dec. 20, 1862; res. Nov. 14, 1804, 
2d Lieut. Samuel W. Boyle, St. Joseph ; com. Nov. 4, 1864 ; trans, to Co. D ; pro. 

to 1st lieut , Oct. 17, 1805 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Sergt. Cornelius Williams, St. Joseph ; eul. Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

Dec. 16, 1862. 
Sergt. Theopli. Hardcubrook, Oronoko ; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 19, 1864 ; 

disch. by order, Sept. 12, 1865. 
Sergt. Wm. I. Barber, Berrien ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; veteran, Jan. 19, 1864 ; disch. 

for disability, Jan. 19, 1865. 
Sergt. Thomas Mackay, Hagar; enl. Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. by order, Jan. 15, '63. 
Corp. Mike Galvin, Niles ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 

1804. 
Corp. Patrick Daly, St. Joseph; enl. Sept. 23,1801; disch. for disability April 

19, 1864. 
Corp. Nelson Patterson, SodLis ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; veteran, Jan. 19, 1804; must. 

out Feb. 12, 1800. 
Corp. Lewis Seymour, St. Joseph; eid. Sept. 18, 1801 ; disch. for disability, April 

7, 1863. 
Corp. Edward R. Foster, St. Joseph ; enl. Sept, 22, 1861 ; died of disease at Ma- 
con, Ga., Aug. 14, 1862. 
Corp. Jesse Jones, St. Joseph ; enl. Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 14, 

1863. 

Andrew J. Acker, Buchiiuan; enl. Sept. 29, 1861; disch. at end of 
■vice, Oct. 24, 1864. 
Leander McDougal, Sodus; enl. Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch, for disability, 

June 15,1862, 
Fariier Robert Badgely, St. Joseph; enl. Sept. 18, 1861; died of disease in Mis- 

souii, March 20, 1802. 
Alonzo Avery, died of disease at Cincinnati, Ohio, June IS, 1862. 
Joseph Boudin, died of disease in Tennessee, May 31, 1802. 
Stephen Bailey, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1804; died of disease in Arkansas, Nov. 

4, 1804. 
Orrin F. Boyle, disch. for disability, October, 1862. 
Lacey Brant, disch, for disability, Sept. 25, 1863. 

Andrew Bassford, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
George M. Brant, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; mnst. out Feb. 12, 1866. 
S. W. Bayless, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Andrew D. Barnuni, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Wm. Blakesley, must out Feb. 12, 1866. 
Nicholiis Bartling, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Charles D. Case, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864 ; must, out Nov. 4, 1805. 
Ezra Dowell, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862. 
George J, Davis, disch, for disability, Oct. 17,1862. 
James Drake, disch, for disability, April 8, 1863. 
Louis Eckhardt, must, out Feb. 12, 1866, 
William Freund, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Philetus Farr, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1S66. 
Anloine Geraw, must, out Sept. 1, 1865. 
Orlando S. Cans, disch, for disability, April 12, 1802. 
Louis Grabfelter, disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1865. 
John Graw, died of disease at Sodus, Mich,, Aug. 10, 1864. 
Jesse Hodges, died of disease at St, Louis, Mo., March 26, 1862. 
Francis M. Uardenbrook, disch. for disability, Aug. 1, 1802. 



FOURTH CAVALRY. 



103 



John Hi-ath, disch. for disability, Jan. TO, 1863. 

Henry Hanmer, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1804: must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Henry Hoffman, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1804; mnal. out Feb. 12, 1886. 

Henry Hediick, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Asabel I. Howard, must, out Feb. 12, ISGO. 

r. B. Hardenbrook, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1864 ; must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Lewis W. Jones, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Lewis Lamb, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out Feb. 12,1860. 

George W. McCormick, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

John McLelbin, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Jobu E. Madison, must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Henry Mellen, died of disease at New Madrid, Mo., April 9, 1802. 

Charles W. Morse, died of disease a St. Josepji, Mich., Jnne 10, 1862. 

Patrick Mabau, died of disease at Cincinnati, Ohio, June 13, 1862. 

Albert Nichols, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

John Proper, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Joseph Prickett, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

Henry C. Plumb, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Michael Pollock, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Franklin Rvther, died of wounds in Alabama, July 21, 1802. 

Maurice T. Root, disch. for disalility, Oct. 24, 1802. 

Cbnrles D. Boome, disch, for disability, Jan. 15, 1803. 

Abram Rosey, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out April 20, 1806. 

Joseph Bosey, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Jacob Rebl, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 

David 0. Ramsay, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Lewis B. Ruble, veteran, enl. Jan 20, 1864 ; must, out Feb, 12, 1806. 

Perry W. Roome, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

William Ritchie, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Elmer L. Ritchie, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Orrin Roatli, disch. at end of sirvicc, Oct. 24, 1864. 

Charles D. Stodilnrd, di.*ch. tor disability, Feb. 16, 1862. 

Wm. B. Smith, disch, a' end of service, Oct. 24, 1804. 

Josiah Simons, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Aug. 21, 1864. 

Jacob Spielniau, died of disease in Texas, Aug. II, 1805. 

John Stouffer, veteran, enl. Jan. 20, 1801; must, ont Feb. 12, 1800. 

Gottfried Siefert, veteran, enl. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Solomon Siifford, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

Adoniram Strickland, veteran, enl. Jan. 20, 1864 ; must, ont Feb. 12, 1866. 

Winson Simson, must, out Feb. 12, 1866. 

John Stearns, must, out Feb 12 1806. 

John G. Stingee, must, out July 17, 1865. 

Francis Versaw, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, ont Nov. 4, 1865. 

Belos Vinton, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1804; must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

James Yanderbeck, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 

Philander E. Webl-i, must, out Fob. 12, 1800. 

John P. Wood, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Christopher Williams, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 

Alfred D. Williams, missing in action at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., June 22, 1864. 



CHAPTER XV. 

POUETH CAVALRY. 

Organization of the Fourth, and its Assignment to Duty in the 
Southwest — Battles of Stone River and Chickamauga — Wintering 
in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia — The Atlanta Campaign — 
Pursuit of the Confederate Gen. Hood — Remounting of the Regi- 
ment at Louisville — Return to Alabama — Battle at Selma — Capture 
of Macon, Ga. — Capture of Jefferson Davis — Muster Out — Soldiers 
of tbe Fourth from Van Buren and Berrien Counties. 

The 4th Michigan Cavalry was authorized about the 1st 
of July, 1862. Its rendezvous was at Detroit, and it was 
mustered into the United States service on the 29th day of 
August, its colonel being Robert H. G. Minty, and each of 
its twelve companies being filled to the maximum number 
of one hundred men. Of these. Company C was almost en- 
tirely from Van Buren County, while full half the men of 
Company M were credited to Berrien County. 

On the 26th of September the regiment left Detroit for 
the seat of war in the Southwest, receiving its arms at Jef- 
fersonville, Ind. It moved at once into Kentucky, and was 
soon engaged with the redoubtable guerrilla, John Morgan. 
It was in the advance on the attack on Morgan at Stan- 
ford, and pursued him as far as Crab Orchard. It also led 



the attack on Lebanon, Ky., on the 9th of November, five 
hundred and forty of its men pushing in Morgan's pickets 
at a gallop, entering the town two miles in advance of the 
infantry, and driving out the guerrilla leader with seven 
hundred and fifty followers. 

After a short stay at Nashville, the regiment marched, on 
the 13th of December, to Franklin, drove out the enemy, 
thirteen hundred strong, killed, wounded, and captured a 
number of them, and also captured their colors. On the 
20th of December it moved in advance of the army to- 
wards Murfreesboro', and began the fighting at Lavergne. 
On the 31st of December it had a sharp skirmish with a 
large force of the enemy, which it drove back in disorder, 
having ten of its own men killed and wounded. 

After the battle of Murfreesboro', the 4th was engaged 
from the 9fh to the 19th of January, 1863, in an im- 
portant cavalry expedition to Harpeth Shoals, by which 
Wheeler's, Forrest's, and Wharton's mounted men were 
driven beyond Harpeth River. During the month of Feb- 
ruary it made numerous scouts, capturing one hundred and 
forty-five prisoners, including two colonels and fourteen 
other commissioned ofiicers. 

Numerous other expeditions were made out of Murfrees- 
boro' during the spring, in all of which more or less pris- 
oners were taken and stores destroyed. On the 22d of May 
a detachment of cavalry, with a part of the 4th Michigan 
and two companies of regulars in advance, charged into the 
camp of the 8th Confederate, 1st Alabama, and 2d Georgia 
Cavalry, and, after a sharp engagement, routed them, taking 
fifty-five prisoners and destroying their camp. The colors 
of the 1st Alabama were captured by the 4th Michigan, 
and are now in the ofiice of the adjutant- general. 

The regiment moved in advance of the Army of the 
Cumberland in June, 1863, charged into the enemy's in- 
trenchments near Shelbyville, and aided in driving the 
rebels through that town into Duck River, where many of 
them were drowned. Six hundred prisoners and four can- 
non were captured by the Union troops. After two or three 
minor skirmishes, the regiment entered Chattanooga on the 
11th of September, 1863. On the 18th, while scouting 
towards Ringgold, it met a large force of the enemy of all 
arms and was driven back, eleven of its men being killed 
or wounded. 

The next day it fired the first shots in the disastrous 
battle of Chickamauga. After doing duty as skirmishers 
until nearly the close of the battle, it met a rebel brigade 
in the afternoon of the 20th, and held it in check until 
dark, while the shattered Union army was making its way 
ofi' from the field. The 4th bivouacked on the ground 
it had held, but the next day was compelled to share in the 
general retreat. 

On the 30th of September it was driven by Wheeler's 
rebel cavalry near Cotton's Ferry, on the Tennessee ; but 
from the 1st to the 3d of October the tables were turned, 
and the 4th had the pleasure of following its late pursuers 
with ardor and success. 

By the 1st of November, 1863, the service of the regi- 
ment had been so severe that only three hundred of the 
men were mounted. This battalion was actively engaged 
on picket and scout duty in Southeastern Tennessee, North- 



104 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



western Georgia, and Northeastern Alabama throughout 
the winter, the number of mounted men being i-educed, 
by the latter part of March, 186+, to one hundred and 
twenty-eight. Meanwhile, the dismounted men had been 
employed in various duties in the same locality and also in 
Middle Tennessee. 

On the 28th of March, 18C4, all of the regiment except 
the one hundred and twenty-eight mounted men set out 
for Nashville, wliere the men received new horses and 
equipments, and were armed with Spencer carbines. On 
the 14th of April the regiment joined the 2d Cavalry 
Division, at Columbia, Tenn. Thence it advanced, with 
eight hundred and seventy-eight men, into Georgia, where 
the cavalry began its arduous and dangerous labors in co- 
operation with Sherman's army, which was then advancing 
on Atlanta. 

On the 18th of May seven companies were sent towards 
Kingston on a reconnoissance. Meeting the enemy's cavalry, 
they drove them several miles, until at length the pursuers 
were stopped by the rebel infantry. The opposing cavalry 
then threw themselves on their flanks and rear, but the men 
of Michigan drew their sabres and cut their way out, with 
a loss of twenty-four iu killed, wounded, and missing. 

Crossing the Allatoona Mountain and the Etowah River, 
the regiment marched on Dallas, where it had a heavy 
.skirmish and took several prisoners. As a specimen of the 
incidents constantly occurring, we relate a circumstance told 
us by Mr. James F. Bullard, a member of the regiment 
and now a citizen of Paw Paw. He and two others were 
sent ahead in advance even of the skirmish line. Suddenly 
they were fired on by a squad of mounted men, who at 
once dashed forward to kill or capture them. They fled, 
but Bullard's horse was so exhausted by long .service that 
he could not be urged ofi' from a slow trot, and he was soon 
left alone. Two mounted rebels, revolver in hand, dashed 
up on either side of him, with the emphatic and duplicate 
command, — 

" Halt, you d d Yankee !" 

"All right," he replied, bringing his worn-out horse to a 
stop. Without stopping to take away his weapons they 
galloped on after his comrades. Mr. Bullard still had his 
Spencer carbine with two or three loads in the breech. He 
cocked it and awaited developments. A moment later another 
horseman rattled up, crying out, — 

'• Give me that, you d d Yankee ! give me that gun, 

I say." 

Not liking his style, Mr. Bullard lifted his carbine, fired, 
and the rebel fell from his horse. Others were immediately 
behind, but without waiting for them, Mr. Bullard sprang 
from his jaded steed and into the thick and swampy under- 
brush which lined the sides of the road. Unclasping his belt, 
he flung aside all his weapons and made the best time possible 
through the brush. A storm of bullets cut the leaves above 
and around him, but he escaped unharmed, and made his 
way by a long and circuitous route to the Union lines. 

Soon after, the regiment, with its brigade, moved to the 
right and rear of the rebel army, driving back the Confed- 
erate cavalry, and aiding the flank movements which forced 
Gen. Johnston's command from one stronghold to another. 
On the 9th of June it assisted in driving the enemy's 



cavalry, supported by infantry, from their intrenchments 
to the base of Kenesaw Mountain, capturing a number of 
prisoners. On the 12th the command again encountered 
the enemy at McAfFee's Cross-Roads, where it carried a 
line of rebel intrenchments. 

After continued skirmishing with Wheeler's cavalry, 
from the 12th to the 20th of June, the 4th Michigan and 
7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, on the latter day, went to Lat- 
timore's Mill, on Noonday Creek, to secure a quantity of 
wheat stored there. While there the two regiments were 
surrounded by three brigades of rebel cavalry. Col. Minty, 
who was in command of the Union forces, dismounted a 
part of the men, and charged with the sabre at the head 
of the rest. Repulsed in their first attack, the rebels made 
desperate efibrts to destroy the little force of Unionists. 
The 7th Alabama charged seven times on a battalion of the 
4th Michigan (including Company C), which lay dis- 
mounted behind a knoll, and met the assailants with terrific 
volleys from Spencer carbines. 

At length the rebels gave way, enough so that Col. 
Minty 's command was able to retire and join its supports. 
Wheeler's whole division of Confederate cavalry then at- 
tacked the Union command, and was repulsed with heavy 
loss. The troops then went to the .scene of the first fight 
to bury their dead, every one of whom they found to have 
been stripped to the skin by the rebels. Persons living 
near the field said there was a very large number of rebels 
piled up on the knoll where the men of the 4th Michigan 
used their " Spencers ;" and it is said that the Confeder- 
ates themselves fixed the number of their killed and 
wounded at five hundred. The 4th Michigan had thirty- 
seven men killed and wounded. 

A constant succession of raids and fights occupied the 
time until the 1st of August, 18G4, during which many 
miles of railroad track and many bridges were destroyed, 
thus impeding the operations of the enemy and facilitating 
those of Gen. Sherman, who had steadily advanced to the 
front of Atlanta. From the 1st to the 14th of that month 
the regiment was employed as infantry, occupying a por- 
tion of the trenches before Atlanta. Being remounted, it 
participated in Gen. Kilpatrick's raid on the Macon Rail- 
road, when twenty miles of track was torn up, and contri- 
buting largely to the fall of Atlanta. While thus engaged, 
Col. Minty's brigade was caught between two bodies of 
rebel cavalry, one of them being Ferguson's Texan Ran- 
gers. The Unionists at once charged with the sabre, 
bursting through the ranks of the Texans like a whirlwind, 
and chasing them ofi" the field. Over two hundred of 
their number were taken prisoners, nearly all of them with 
sabre-cuts across the head. 

After the fall of Atlanta the regiment moved northward, 
and on the 4th of October joined the 2d Cavalry Division 
at Marietta, with which it started in pursuit of Hood's 
army, then making its way towards Middle Tennessee, and 
had numerous skirmishes with its rear-guard. 

One of the sharpest fights of the regiment was near 
Rome, Ga., on the 13th of October. A body of Union 
troops were occupying Rome, and a force of mounted rebels 
undertook to drive them out. While a brisk skirmish was 
going on, Minty's brigade crossed the Oostenaula River, and 



FOURTH CAVALRY. 



105 



made a sabre charge on the flank of the Confederates. The 
latter fled in the utmost confusion. The Unionists ran 
over a battery of guns and captured it in an instant, and 
.then pursued the enemy several miles, capturing prisoners, 
and sabring those who resi-sted. The 4th Michigan alone 
took one hundred and twenty-eight prisoners, which was 
about the number of the mounted men in the regiment, 
nearly all the horses having been worn out by the severity 
of the service. 

Mr. BuUard, before mentioned, who ran down and 
caught in succession eight of the fleeing rebels, rode up to 
an ambulance, drawn by four mules, and ordered the driver 
to halt ; but he only urged his team to greater exertions. 
Spurring his horse up beside the lead team, Mr. BuUard 
struck one of the mules over the head with his sabre, 
knocking him down. Another sabre cut dismounted the 
driver, who I'olled to the side of the road witii the scalp 
torn from one side of his head, but not fatally wounded. 
Sitting up and lifting the loose scalp, he looked up to the 
victor and drawled out ; 

" Mister, you cut my head mighty bad." 

Similar incidents were constantly taking place as the 
tide of pursuers and pursued swept tumultuously onward 
over the hilly road. At length a force of inlrenched Con- 
federate infantry was reached, and the Union cavalry retired 
with its prisoners to join the main command. 

The mounted men of the regiment moved thence to 
Little River, Ala., where the command had a conflict with 
Wiieeler's cavalry, which was forced to retire. 

Meanwhile the dismounted men were sent back from 
time to time as their horses were worn out by the severity 
of the service, being mostly employed in garrisoning block- 
houses on the Nashville and Huntsville Railroad. On the 
17th of September, 1861, a corporal and seventeen men in 
a block-house were attacked by a cavalry division with 
artillery, but although the assailants shelled the block- 
house over five hours, they could not compel the gallant 
little squad to surrender, and finally retired, after having 
eight men killed and sixty wounded. The corporal was 
promoted to bo a commissioned oflicer, and the names of 
his men were honorably mentioned in general orders. 

After the fight at Little River, before mentioned, the 
mounted men of the regiment, then numbering but about one 
hundred, transferred their horses to the 3d Brigade, and pro- 
ceeded to Louisville, Ky. The dismounted men also concen- 
trated at the same point. They remained there until the latter 
part of December, being in the mean time remounted and fur- 
nished with new Spencer seven-shooting carbines. On the 
28th of December the 4th again moved southward, with 
twenty-six officers and six hundred and ninety-six soldiers. 
It proceeded by way of Nashville to Gravelly Springs, Ala., 
where it remained until the 12th of March, 1865. Some 
of the time the men suffered severely for want of rations, 
being obliged to live on parched corn for several days. 

On the 12th of March the regiment broke camp, and set 
out on Gen. Wilson's great cavalry movement through 
Central Alabama. Four divisions of cavalry stretched in 
an almost interminable line as the command made its way 
southward over mountains, rivers, creeks, and swamps. It 
crossed the Black Warrior River, on the 2i)th of March, by 
14 



swimming the horses, losing one man and from thirty to 
forty horses. On the 31st it crossed the Cuhawba River, 
passing the accompanying battery over the railroad-bridge, 
which was temporarily floored with ties, five or six horses 
being killed by falling nearly a hundred feet from the bridge 
to the river. 

On the 2d of May, at two p.m., the bi-igade to which the 
4th belonged being in the advance, the column arrived in 
front of the city of Selma. This, the chief city of Central 
Alabama, was surrounded by two lines of bastioned in- 
trenchments. On the top of the parapet lay a line of 
large logs, supported by blocks two or three inches above 
the earth, giving just room for the defenders standing 
behind the parapet to push their rifles through the inter- 
stices. The works were defended by Gen. Forrest with 
seven thousand men, according to the rebel statement, 
though the Unionists claimed there were nine thousand. 

The 2d Division, in which was the 4th Michigan, was 
ordered to attack, dismounted, on the Summerville road. 
For a while the 4th supported a battery which played on 
the rebel works. Just before the assault was ordered to 
take place, the rebel Gen. Chalmers attacked the rear 
of the 2d Division. Three regiments were detached to 
oppose him ; the remainder, including the 4th Michigan, 
swept forward to the assault. Besides the men holding 
horses, the force resisting Chalmers, and other detachments, 
there were about fifteen hundred men of the 2d Division 
in the a.ssaulting column. These moved forward under a 
terrific fire from the breastworks, which was followed by a 
swift succession of volleys from the Spencer carbines of the 
Unionists, steadily aimed at the top of the parapet. 

Col. Long, the division commander, was shot in the head 
at the beginning of the a.ssault, and Col. Minty, of the 
4th Michigan, led the men against the works. Increasing 
their pace, they dashed forward with resounding cheers, 
swarmed through the ditch and over the breastworks, killed, 
captured, or drove away the rebels almost in an instant, and 
took possession of the enemy's main line in twenty minutes 
after the first advance. Three hundred and twenty-four out 
of the fifteen hundred assailants were killed in this brief 
period. 

So close had been the aim of the Unionists, that a con- 
siderable number of the Confederates (our informants think 
as many as twenty) were found standing erect inside the 
breastworks, but shot through the head and stone dead. 
Their rifles were held in place by the logs before mentioned, 
and death came to them so suddenly that they were held 
upright by the parapet and by their stiff'ened grasp on their 
weapons. 

The inner line of works was also captured by the 2d 
Division by the time the 4th Division arrived at the outer 
line. The result of the whole operation was the capture 
of one hundred pieces of artillery, two thousand eight hun- 
dred prisoners, and an immense amount of ammunition and 
stores. 

On the 7th of April the command moved eastward, pass- 
ing through Montgomery and Columbus into Georgia. The 
brigade to which the 4th belonged marched all the night 
of the 17th of April to save the double bridges over the 
Flint River, reaching them early in the morning of the 



106 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



18th, when a gallant sabre charge was made by one bat- 
talion of the 4th Michigan, which carried the bridges and 
captured every man of the rebel force left to destroy them. 
On the 20th of April the 2d Division, which was in the 
advance, after a rapid march of twenty-seven miles, was met 
some twelve or fifteen miles from Macon, Ga., by a rebel 
oflBcer with a flag of truce, who informed Col. Minty that 
an armistice had been stipulated between the contending 
forces, and requesting him not to enter Macon. 

" I have had no notification of any armistice from my 
superiors," replied Col. Minty, "and shall not stay out of 
Macon. I will give you five minutes' start (taking out his 
watch) in returning to Macon, and you had better make 
good use of it." 

The officer and his escort set out on the gallop. Col. Minty 
Silt on his horse, watch in hand, until the five minutes had 
elapsed, when he returned the watch and gave the order : 
" Forward ! gallop, march !" 

The division dashed forward, in thundering column, 
towards Macon. Over hill and down dale it pursued its 
fiery course. The flag-bearers were run down and passed ; 
some small detachments stationed along the road were 
swept away like chaff, and at six p.m. the division dashed 
into Macon, where it received the unconditional surrender 
of Gen. Howell Cobb and about two thousand men, with 
sixty-two pieces of artillery. Being there ofiicially notified 
of the surrender of the rebel armies under Lee and John- 
ston, Gen. Wilson stayed the fiirther advance of his corps. 
On the 7th of May the 4th Michigan, four hundred and 
forty strong, under Lieut.-Col. Pritchard, left Macon for 
the purpose of capturing Jefierson Davis and his party, 
who were known to be making their way towards the coast. 
Having struck the trail of the fugitives at Abbeville, on 
the 9th of May, Col. Pritchard selected one hundred and 
thirty-five of his best-mounted ofiicers and men, and moved 
rapidly by a circuitous route to intercept them. At Irwins- 
ville, at one o'clock in the morning of the 10th of May, 
Col. Pritchard learned that a train, which probably belonged 
to Davis, was encamped a mile and a half distant. 

Moving out into the vicinity of the camp, he sent Lieut. 
Puriuton, with twenty-five men, to wait on the other side 
of it. At daybreak, Col. Pritchard and his men advanced 
silently, and without being observed, to within a few rods 
of the camp, then dashed forward and secured the whole 
camp before the astonished inmates could grasp their 
weapons, or even fairly arouse themselves from their slum- 
bers. A chain of mounted guards was immediately placed 
around the camp, and dismounted sentries were stationed 
at the tents and wagons. 

While this was going on, Corp. George Munger, now of 
Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Co., and private James F. Bullard, 
of Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., observed two persons, in 
women's dress, moving rapidly away from one of the tents. 
Munger was mounted and Bullard dismounted. 

" That ought to be attended to," said one of them. 
" Yes," replied the other, and Munger immediately rode 
around in front of one of them and ordered " Halt !" 
Bullard mounted and followed a moment later. 

" This is my mother-in-law," said one of them. " She 
is going after some water. Can't you let her pass?" 



Her companion, a tall person, much bent, wrapped in a 
woman's " water-proof," with a .shawl over the head and a 
pail in one hand, remained .silent. 

" No, you can't pass," replied Munger. 
At that moment Bullard rode up, and the hitherto silent 
personage, seeing that further disguise was u.seless, straight- 
ened up, dropped the pail, threw ofi' the waterproof and 
shawl, and disclosed a tall, thin, sharp-faced, sour-looking 
man, with gray hair, gray whiskers under his chin, and one 
blind eye. Several other soldiers came up immediately 
afterwards, but no one at first seemed to recognize in this 
forlorn fugitive the renowned chief of the defunct Confed- 
eracy. Mrs. Davis, however (for she was his companion), 
had her wifely fears aroused by the grim faces and clanking 
arms around her, and threw her arms around her husband's 
neck, exclaiming, — 

" Don't shoot him ! don't shoot him !" 
" Let them shoot," said Davis, " if they choose ; I may 
as well die here as anywhere." 

But no one was inclined to be his executioner, and the 
squad with the two prisoners moved back towards the tents. 
Mrs. Davis, when questioned, admitted that her companion 
was the ex-president of the Confederacy. As they went 
along, Mrs. Davis said to Mr. Bullard, — 

" Mr. Davis is a very reverend man ; I hope he will not 
be insulted." 

" I shall not insult him," curtly replied Bullard, " if he 
behaves himself" 

Meanwhile Col. Pritchard had taken the greater part of 
the force and gone to the assistance of Lieut. Purinton, in 
whose front heavy firing was heard. It proved to be a 
most unfortunate rencontre with a detachment of the 1st 
Wisconsin Cavalry, which was also in pursuit of Davis, and 
the advance-guard of which began firing on Purinton's 
men before ascertaining who they were. After this error 
was discovered (which was not until several men had been 
killed and wounded). Col. Pritchard returned to camp and 
discovered that, besides Davis, his wife, and four children, 
his command had also captured two of his aides-de-camp, his 
private secretary, several other Confederate ofiicers, thirteen 
private servants, waiting-maids, etc., making a total of 
about thirty persons. As he rode up, Col. Pritchard was 
accosted by Davis, who asked if he was the ofiicer in com- 
mand. The colonel said he was, and asked how he should 
address his interlocutor. 

" Call me what or whoever you please," said the rebel 
chieftain. 

" Then I shall call you Davis," replied Pritchard. After 
a moment's hesitation the former admitted that that was 
his name. He then suddenly drew himself up with great 
dignity and exclaimed, — 

" I suppose you consider it bravery to charge a train of 
defenseless women and children ; but it is theft ; it is van- 
dalism." 

Without stopping to inquire whether the distinguished 
prisoner considered himself a woman or a child, the colonel 
set out for Macon, joining the rest of the regiment on the 
way. 

The lucky man of the expedition was one Michael Lynch, 
a deserter from the Confederate army, who had enlisted in 



FOURTH CAVALRY. 



107 



the 4th Michigan. He secured a pair of saddle-bags con- 
taining eighteen thousand dollars in Confederate gold. 
Although vigilant search was made for it by the officers, he 
managed to conceal it, got out of camp with it, and buried 
it. He was strongly suspected from various circumstances 
of being the person who had it, and the acting adjutant- 
general of the brigade endeavored to persuade him to give 
it up, saying it would certainly be found, and then he would 
lose it, but if he would give it up he (the officer) would 
use his influence to have it, or a part of it, given back to 
him. 

" Well now, captain," said Lynch, with great apparent 
frankness, " I haven't got that money, but if I had it I 
shouldn't be green enough to give it up." 

" Why, what could you do with it ?" queried the officer. 

"What could I do with it?" replied Lynch, "why I 
would bury it, and after I was discharged I would come 
back and dig it up. But then I haven't got it." 

And this was precisely what he had done, and what after 
his discharge he did do. 

From Macon Col. Pritchard, with twenty-three officers 
and men, was ordered to Washington, as a special escort 
for Davis and his party. Corporal Munger and Private 
Bullard were placed on the detail by the adjutant, on account 
of their having been the first to stop Davis. While this 
party went to Washington (giving Mr. Davis into the cus- 
tody of the commandant at Fortress Monroe), the rest of 
the regiment returned, by way of Atlanta and Chattanooga, 
to Nashville, where it was mustered out and paid off on the 
1st of July, 1865. It reached Detroit on the 10th of the 
same month. 

VAN BUISEN COUNTY MEMBERS OF HIE FOURTH CAVALRY. 
Field and Slag. 
Maj. Joseph W. Heuston, Paw Paw ; com. Sept. 1, 1802 ; res. Aug. 23, 1863. 
Maj. Kobert Burns, Lafayette ; com. Dec. 11, 1804; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Ailjt. Robert Burns, Lafayette; com. Dec. 18, 1802; pro. to capt., Co. C, March 

31, 1863. 
Com'y John S. PugsU-y, com. Jan. 23, 1801 ; must, out July 1, 1805. 

Nmi-Commiesinned Sta^'. 
Sergt. Maj. E. Fitz-Stevens, must, out July 1, 1865. 
Vet'iny Sergt. Silas M. Rawson, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Company A. 
2J Lieut. Mortimer Buck, Lafayette; com. Feb. 17, 1803; pro. to 1st lieut, Co. 

C, Feb. 25, 1804, 
John Baty, must, out Aug. 15, 1865. 
Kodolphus Moon, died of disease at Cartersville, Ga., June 7, 1804. 

Company B. 
2d Lieut. John Bennett, Decatur; sergt , Co. C; brevet 1st lient. U. S. Vols., 
May 10, 1865, for meritorious services in the capture of Jefferson Davis. 
John A. Sullivan, died in action at Noonday Creek, Ga., June 20, 1804, 

Company C 
Capt. Thaddeus W. Molcher, Laf.iyette; enl. July 8, 1802 ; res. for disability, 

March 31,1863. 
Capt. Robert Burns, Lafayette ; com. March 31,1863; Ist lieut., July 8,1862; 

pro. to maj., Dec. 11, 1864. 
Capt. George W. Lawtou, Porter ; com. Aug. 23, 18G3 ; let lieut,, Jan. 23, 1803 ; 

2d lieut., July 8, 1862; wounded in action at Dallas, Ga,, May 24, 1864; 

brevet maj, U, S, Vols,, March 13, 1865, for g.allant and meritorious con- 
duct in action near Dalhis, Ga, 
Capt. Mortimer Buck, Lafayette ; com Jan. 3, 1865; Ist lieut., Feb. 25, 1804 ; 

2d lieut., Co, A, Feb, 17, 186:1 ; must, out July 1,-1865, 
2d Lieut. Albert H, Marsh, Paw Paw ; com, Dec, 24, 1862 ; res, Feb, 17, 1863, 
2d Lieut, Aaron F, Ismon, Lafayette ; com. May 31,1863; q.m, sergt., Aug. 6, 

1862; res. Dec. 19, 1863, 
1st Sergt. Mortimer Buck, Lafayette ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. A. 
Sergt. Thomas J. McKinney, Porter; enl. July 21, 1862 ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Sergt. James C. Crandall, Hartford ; enl. July 23, 1802; disch.for disability, Jan. 

20, 1803. 
Sergt, Henry Sherwood, Columbia; enl, July 23, 1862 ; disch by order. 



Sergt. James Dopp, Lawreuce ; enl, July 31, 1802 ; died of disease at Murfrecs- 
boro', Jan. 17, 1863. 

Sergt. William Moore, Columbia; enl. Ang. 2, 1862; died of disease at Mur- 
freesboro', Feb. 17, 1863. 

Sergt. John Bennett, Decatur; enl. Aug. 5, 1802 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. B. 

Sergt. Thomas D. Smea<l. Antwerp ; must, out July 1, 186-5. 

Corp. Henry Loveland, Lafayette; must, out July I, 1865. 

Corp. Franklin Buck, Keeler; disch. for disability, April 25, 1863. 

Corp. Bulla Dean, Hamilton ; disch. March 8, 1863. 

Corp. Gilbert H. Darling, Antwerp ; must, out July 1, 1865, 

Corp, Charles H, Leathers, Columbia; sergeant; must, out July 1, 1865, 

Return T, Anderson, must, out July 1, 1865, 

Benjamin F. Austin, must, out July 1, 1865, 

John R. Bryant, must, out July 1, 1865. 

James M, Buckley, must, out July 1, 1865, 

James F, BuIlarJ, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Charles Burrell, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Wesley P. Barker, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Charles W. Barnes, disch. for disability, Dec. 30, 1862. 

James M. Bierce, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 28, 1862. 

Edwin L. Clark, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 13, 1863. 

George W. Collins, died of disease at Murfreesboro', Tenn., Feb, 17, 1863. 

Stephen A. CoUrarn, disch. for d.sability, Dec. 27, 1863. 

Luman Conklin, disch, for disability, Aug, 6, 1863, 

James M. Crane, disch, for disability, Oct. 3, 1S63, 

Peter Carr, missing in action at Columbia, Tenn,, April 17, 1805, 

Lester Crawford, must, out July 1, 1865, 

Edgar A, Crane, must, out ,luly 1, 1865, 

David Q, Curry, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Hiram P, Dake, must, ont July 1, 186,5, 

Benajah M, Davis, 

Timothy Darien, disch, for disability, Feb, 3, 1863, 

Harvey Delano, died of disease, 

Elon G, Dalson, disch, for disability, Sept. 30, 1863. 
John Denton, must, out May 3, 1865. 

Egbert 0. Dickenson, must, out July 1,1865. 

David Dillon, must, out July 1 , 1865. 

Daniel Eckler, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Allen Engle, must, out May 8, 1865, 

Norman W, Eastman, disch, for disability, March 25, 1863, 

August Freeman, disch, for disability, June 2, 1864, 

William A, Field, tians. to Vet. Res, Corps, Nov. 1, IS63. 

George N. Fish, ilied of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 20, 1863. 

Jeremiah C. Hayues, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan, 18, 1863, 

H, L, Howard, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn,, Feb, 2, 1863, 

Russel Harrington, died of disease at Murfreesboro', Tenn., March 14, 1863. 

E. C, Hazaril, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., July 21, 1863, 

Harry T, Howe, disch for disability, Feb, 25, 1863. 

Henry A. Holly, disch, for disability, 

George P, Harrison, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Elijah Hazard, disch. for disability, July 1, 1863. 

Williivm G. Irwin, disch. for disability. 

Allen Jones, disch. for disability. Sept, 30, 1863, 

Marcus D, Jenkins, trans, to Vet, Res. Corps, Dec. 15, 1863, 

George J.cnkins, died of disease at Ooltewah, Tenn,, Feb, 28, 1864, 

Oliver Jaqnayes, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn,, Jan, 5, 1863. 

William Leonard, died of diseiise at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 14, 1862. 

Byron W, Lamphire, died in action at Noonday Creek, Ga,, June 20, 1864. 

Edward I. Lane, must, out July 1, 1805. 

John C. McLean, nnist. out July 1, 1865, 

Stephen B, Munson, must, out July 1, 186.5, 

Alfred M, Merrymnn, trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, Sept, 15, 1863, 

Henry Merriman, died of disease at Murfreeshoro', Tenn,, Nov, 22, 1863, 

Gideon P, Niles, disch, by order, May 3, 1365. 

George W. Pierce, disch. by order, M'ly 3, 1865. 

Howland Place, disch. for disability, March 2, 1863. 

John Prince, Jr., trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 1, 1803. 

John F. Page, must, ont July I, 1805. 

Reuben Palmerton, must, ont July 1, 1865. 

Philo Pritchard, must, ont July 1, 1865, 

Pomeroy Prince, must, ont July 1, 1805. 

Jerome Rockwell, must, ont July 1, 1805, 

John Ryan, must, out July 1, 1865, 

George B, Rediker, must, out July 1, 1865. 

Isa-ic P. Riiss, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 15, 1863, 

Rensselaer Riggs, disch, for disability, Aug, 11, 1803, 

William J, Smith, disch. by order, June 3, 1805, 

Charles H, Smith, must, out July 1, 1865, 

Reuben 0. Wilcox, must, out July 1, 1865. 

William Woolsey, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 18, 1SG3. 

Company L. 
John L. Derby, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 5, 1863. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE FOURTH. 

Non-Commissioned Stajf. 
Sergt. Major Virgil M. Jones, Niles ; com. Feb. 23, 1863 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co, E, 
March 31, 1863; disch, fur disability, Aug, 27, 1864, 



108 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Cnmpttmj A. 
Geo. W. Cull, Diust. out Aug. 15, 1805. 
Albert Killing, must, out Aug. 16, 18C5. 
.Tohn I'etcrliiiugh, dieil of tiiseaBe iit Kaslivillc, Tenn 
Otis Sliaw, must, out Aug. l.i, 1865. 



Enoch WoodbriJgp, must. 



Company B. 
ut Aug. 15, 1*65. 



Onnpamj C. 
Daniel vfBiowu, Jisdi. by order, Mny 4, 1805. 

CornpttT};/ M, 
2d Lieut. Aaron Kowe, Niles ; com. Aug. 13, 1862 ; res. Sept. 20, 1864. 
1st Seigt. Virgil M. Jones, Niles; eul. Aug. 4, 1802; pro. to sergt. maj. 
Sergt. Andrew S. Pcnnell, Niles; eiil. Aug. 0. 1802; disdi. for disability, Jan. 1, 

180.i. 
Sergt. Geo. W. Collins, Benton ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802 ; must, out July 1> 1865. 
Sergt. John H. Phiiiuey, Beutou ; enl. Aug, 9, 1802; discli. by order, May 26, 

18135. 
Sergt. Daniel C. Bickford, Niles ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; disch. for disability, March 

26, \mi. 
Sergt. Edwiu McComber, Niles; enl. Aug. 5, 186i ; disch. for disiibility, Jan. 17, 

180;!. 
Edward B.GrifDlh, Niles; enl. Aug. 0, 1802; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Sergt. Reuben A. Hay, Niles; enl. Aug. 0, 1802; disch. lur disability, July 1, 

1805. 
Homer E. Atkins, died of disease at Nashville, Feb. 24, 1805. 
Chas. C. Branch, died of disease at Murlreesboro', May 11, 1803. 
Seymour Boyer, disch. for disability. May 5, 1803. 
Albert Brooks, must, out July 1, 1805. 
Barton J, Curtis, disch. for disability, Jan. 14, 1803, 
Isaac Curry, discU. for disability, April 22, 1863. 
Chas. E. Durham, di-ch. for disability, April 22, 1803. 
Thos, Douglass, dieil of disease at Colouia, Mich., April, 1864. 
James Edmonds, disch. for disability, June 24, 1863. 
J. M. Edwards, disch for disability, July 28, 1864. 
U. V. Fasha, disch. for disability, Sept. 21, 1804. 
Jared N. Gray, disch. by order, May lU, 1865. 
Watson Gray, must, ont July 1,1865. 

\Vm. B. Greene, died of wounds, Dec. 17, 1802, at Nashville, Tenn. 
Henry E. Gibney. trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps, April 30, 1804. 
Nelson J. Gibney, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1801. 
Jaftrey Godfrey, must, out July 1, 1865. 
Barllett Huiitover, must, out July 1, 180.5. 
Samuel Harris, must, out July 1, 1865. 
lleury Hammond, trans, to Vet. Res, Corps, April 30, 1804. 
S. C. Irwin, disch. for disability, Jan. 15,1863. 
Chas. S. Lincoln, disch, for disability, Dec. 6, 1862. 
Peter S. Ludwig, trans, to Vet. Res. Coips, April 15, 1804. 
Orville McKean, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn,, D.^c, 8, 1862. 
C. McComber, disch. for disability, Feb. 22, 1863. 
W. W. Matlice. disch. for disability, May 1 1, 186:!. 
Geo. N. Marshall, missing in action in Georgia, Aug, 19, 1864. 
Elisha Martindale, must, out July 1, 1865. 
Andrew B. Norris, died of disease at Nashville, Ma.v, 1864, 
Roland Osgood, must, out July 1, 1805. 
Austin L. Sniitli, must, out July 1, 180.5. 
Walker Smith, must, out July 1, 1805. 
John Silver, died of disease at Chattanooga, Dec. 18, 1862. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

SEVENTH, NINTH, AND ELEVENTH CAVALRY. 

The Seventh Cavalry assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade — 
Service in Virginia in 1863 — The " Kilpatrick Raid" — Sheridan's 
Richtuond E.\j)edition — Service in the Shenandoah Valley — March 
to the James River — Petersburg, Five Forks, and Appomattox — 
Transfer to Fort Leavenworth — Service on the Plains — Muster Out 
and Disbandmcnt — Ninth Cavalry — Pursuit of the Rebel John 
Morgan — Campaign in East Tennessee — Again in Pursuit of Mor- 
gan — Participation in the Atlanta, Savannah, and Carolina Cam- 
paigns — Muster Out at Concord, N. C. — Eleventh Cavalry — Scout- 
ing in Kentucky — Raiding with Stoneman in Virginia and North 
Carolina — Consolidation with the Eighth Cavalry — Muster Out at 
Nashville — Rerrieu and Van Buren Soldiers in the Eleventh. 

SEVENTH CAVALRY. 
About' half of Company B of this regiment was from 
the northwestern part of Berrien County ; about a third of 
Company A was from the central and southern parts ; while 



several other residents of the same county were scattered 
through Companies C, D, E, II, I, and L. 

The regiment was raised by Hon. T. W. Kellogg, in the 
fall of 18G2 and the ensuing winter, its rendezvous being 
at Grand Rapids. Two battalions (including Companies 
A and B) left that place for Washington on the 20th of 
February, 1863, being joined by the third battalion in May 
following. 

The 7lh was assigned to the celebrated Michigan cavalry 
brigade, consisting of the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th cavalry re- 
giments from this State, and commanded successively by 
Gens. Kilpatrick and Custer, and participated with it in all 
the glory and excitement of the ensuing campaigns. It 
took part in minor actions at Thoroughfare Gap, Va., on 
the 21st of May, 1863 ; at Greenwich, Va., on the 30th 
of May ; and at Hanover, Pa., on the 30th of June. On 
the 3d of July it was very hotly engaged, charging the 
enemy repeatedly, and having fifty-seven of its men killed 
and wounded, besides twelve missing and twelve taken 
prisoners. It was also in conflicts of more or less impor- 
tance at Smithson, Md., July 6th ; at Boonston, Md., July 
8th ; at Falling Waters, Md., July 14th ; at Snicker's Gap, 
July 19th ; at Kelly's Ford, Va., Sept. 13th ; at Culpeper 
Court- House, Va., Sept. 14th ; at Raccoon Ford, Va,, Sept. 
16th ; Brandy Station, Va., Oct. 13th, and others. Ninety- 
two men were killed and wounded during the season, be- 
sides forty-six reported missing in action, many of whom 
were killed. 

During the winter of 1863-64 the 7th was mostly em- 
ployed on picket duty in front of the Army of the Potomac, 
but on the 28th of February, 1864, it started with several 
other regiments in the " Kilpatrick raid." Arriving before 
Richmond on the 1st of March, it was placed on picket the 
following night. During the night it was attacked by a 
superior force of the enemy, and being unsupported was 
driven back. Forty-four men were reported missing, among 
whom was the commander of the regiment, Lieut -Col. 
Litchfield. The command soon marched to Yorktowii, 
whence it proceeded by transports to Alexandria, Va. 

Having crossed the Rapidan with the Army of the Po- 
tomac on the 5th of May, the regiment set out on the 9th 
in Gen. Sheridan's movement against the enemy's commu- 
nications. On the 11th it was in the battle of Yellow 
Tavern, charging the enemy's cavalry and driving it from 
the field, and having eighteen of its own men killed and 
wounded. The operations of the Michigan cavalry brigade 
on that raid have been mentioned in the sketch of the 1st 
Cavalry, previously given, and the 7th took its full share in 
them all. 

After rejoining the army, it attacked the rebel cavalry on 
the 27th of May, charging and driving one of their bri- 
gades several miles, and capturing forty-one men. The 
next day it was in a fight at Hawes' Shop, where fourteen 
of its men were killed and wounded. It also took part in 
the attack on the enemy's works at Cold Harbor, on the 
30th of May, fighting dismounted in advance of the in- 
fantry. 

With the rest of the Michigan brigade and other regi- 
ments, it then moved, under Gen. Sheridan, towards Gor- 
donsville, and on the 11th and 12th of June had a hard 



SEVENTH CAVALRY. 



109 



cavalry fight at Trevillian Station, losing twenty-nine 
killed and wounded during the conflict. On the first day 
of the fight a small squad of the 7 th recaptured from a large 
force of the rebels a piece of artillery which had been taken 
from a Union battery. 

The command then returned to the main army, and on the 
31st of July the Michigan brigade set out for Washington 
and the Shenandoah Valley. On the 16th of August, the 
7th Cavalry was in the battle of Crooked Run, where it had 
twelve men killed and wounded, and where, according to 
the oflficial report, " one battalion charged a brigade of 
rebel cavalry, routing them and capturing nearly a hundred 
prisoners." 

On the 25th of August it was engaged near Shepherds- 
town, with slight loss. On the 29th, its division being at- 
tacked by infantry in force, it covered the retreat to Smith- 
field, having fourteen killed and wounded. 

On the 19tli of September the regiment was warmly 
engaged in the battle of Opequan Creek. It charged 
across that stream, drove the enemy from the bank, advanced 
and aided in driving him at headlong speed through the 
town of Winchester. Twenty-three officers and men were 
killed and wounded in the 7th, among the mortally wounded 
being its commander, Lieut. -Col. Melvin Brewer. Five 
days later the regiment was in another combat at Luray, 
driving the enemy back in great confusion, and capturing 
sixty prisoners. 

On the 9th of October the 7th took part with its corps in 
routing the rebel cavalry under Gen. Rcsser. Ten days later, 
at Cedar Creek, while the 7th was on picket, the enemy, 
by a sudden attack, broke through the line of the Union 
infantry and struck this regiment in the rear. It made 
good its retreat, however, without serious loss. When 
Sheridan galloped up from Winchester and retrieved the 
fortunes of the day, the 7th Michigan Cavalry took an active 
part in the conflict, and in the final charge which drove the 
foe in confusion from the field it captured about one 
hundred prisoners. 

During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had 
had no less than one hundred and fifty-nine officers and 
men killed and wounded, — a very heavy loss for a cavalry 
regiment. 

The 7th remained in camp near Winchester most of the 
time until the 27th of February, 1865, when it moved up 
the Shenandoah Valley, with its corps, to take part in Gen. 
Sheridan's celebrated march to the James River. On the 
8th of March the regiment aided in routing a portion of 
Rosser's cavalry near Louisa Court-House, and capturing 
the town. After destroying a large part of the Lynchburg 
and Gordonsville Railroad, and the locks, aqueducts, and 
mills on the James River Canal, the command reached 
White House Landing on the 19th of March, and was soon, 
with the cavalry corps, established on the left of the Army 
of the Potomac. The 7th took an active part in the battle 
of Five Forks, and was engaged with the enemy almost till 
the moment of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. 

After a short stay in North Carolina, the Michigan 
brigade returned to Washington, and thence proceeded to 
Fort Leavenworth, whence it was ordered to cro.ss the 
Plains and operate against the ho.stile Indians. There was 



much bitterness felt by the men at this extension of their 
service to another field from what was originally intended. 
Nevertheless, they crossed the plains to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and were employed until November in guarding the 
overland stage-route from the Indians. About the 1st of 
November the regiment transferred two hundred and fifty 
men, whose term extended beyond March 1, 1866, to the 
1st Michigan, the remainder of the regiment returning to 
Fort Leavenworth, and being there mustered out of the 
service. It was paid off and disbanded at Jackson, Mich., 
on the 25th of December, 1866. 

OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE SEVENTH C.WALRY FROM 

BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Field mid Staff. 

Miij. Alpxaniier Walker, Niles ; com. capt., Oct. 16, 18G2 ; pro. to maj., Feb. 24. 

1864; discli. for disability, NiiT. 28, 1S64. 
Miij. I.inU3 F. Wariu'i-, Rciyalton ; com. capt., Oct. 15, 1862 ; pro. to maj., Oct. 12, 

1864; mu.it. out 1st Cav., Miircli 2Y, 1866. 
Adjt. Charles O. Pratt, Niles; com. Maidl 28, 1804; pro. to capt., Dec. 12, 180.J ; 
must, out as adjt., Dec. 15, 1865. 

Noii-Cowm,ixfiioited Skiff. 
Q.M. Sergt. Chailc-s O. I'nitt, Niles; cnl. Sept. 8, 1862; pro. tolst lieut. and adjt. 
Q.M. Sergt. William W. liro-.vi., St. .Toseph ; eol. Nov. 1, I8G4 ; most, out Dec. 11, 
l'6.i. 

Cmqnmii .1. 

Sergt. Edwin D. Cook, Pipestone ; enl. Sept. 15, 1862 ; pro. to 2d lieut.. May 21, 

1865; mUKt. out a« sergt , Dec. 15, 1805. 
Sergt. Edwaid R. Havens, Bucliauan ; enl. Sept. 12, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut.. May 

24, 1866; must, out a,« 2d lieut., Dec. 15,1865. 
Sergt. William H. CBrii^n, Benien; enl. Sept. 6,1862; died in Andersonville 

prison. Sept. 13, 1864. 
Sergt. Edwar.l S. Lang, Niles; enl. Sept. 22, 1862 ; died in rebel prison, Rich- 
mond, Va.. Feb. 1, 1864. 
Corp. Harvey S. Reynolils, Berrien ; enl. Sept. 8, 1862; taken prisoner; disch. 

by order, July 5, 1865. 
Corp, Wni. S. Graham, Niles ; enl. Sept. 8, 1862; must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 
John Alexander, trans, to 1st Cav.; must, out March 27, 1866. 
Eli J. Briney, must, out Dec. 15, 1866. 

Edward J. Brickell, died of disease at Gettysburg, Pa., Aug. 10, 1863. 
George Bridleman, died of disease at Grand Rapids, Mich., Oct. 19, 1S62. 
Madison Cox, must, out of Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 13, 1SG5. 
Calvin Chester, must, out Dec. 15, 1805. 
David Fnlton, died of disease at St. Loiiia, June 1.5, 1865. 
0. H.dlis, disch. for disability, Oct. 17, 1803. 
Alexander Lowrey, died of disea-'C in Ohio, Feb. It, 1803. 
E. S. Lenney, died of dlwise iit Annapolis, Md., June, l>-64. 
Oliver Marcott, died of disease. 

N. Matchitt, died in action at Trevillian, Va., .>Iay U, 1.S04. 
George U Matchitt, rau.st. out Dec. 15, 1865. 
Charles Malcolm, must, out June 7, 1806. 

Allen C. Parks, missing in action at Cedar Cieek, Va., Ort. 19. 1804. 
A. L. Reims, disch. for disability. Oct. 17, 1863, 

Michael Shrewder, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Aug. 2, 1863. 
John H. Stead, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Spencer N. Sparks, from Vet. Res. Corps; must, out Oct. 13, 1865. 
Cornelius Sparks, trans, to 1st Cav.; m\ist. out March 1(1, 1806. 
James Trumbull, died of disease at convalescent camp. 
George \V. Vosburg, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Company B. 
Capt. Linus F. Warjier, Royalton ; com. Oct. 15, 1862; pro. to maj, Oct. 12, 1864. 
2d Lieut. James C. Boughton, St. Joseph ; com. Oct. 15, 1802; res. June 26, 1805. 
1st Sergt. Riley A.Gregg, Royalton; eul. Aug.30, 1802; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. M, 

Oct. 23, 1864. 
Sergt. Ira Enos, Benton ; enl. Aug. 29, 1802; disch. by order, Aug. 18, 1863 
Sergt. Kellogg B. Martindale, St. Joseph; enl. Sept. 29, 1862 ; must, out Dec. 

15, 1865. 
James Barney, from Vet. Res. Corps; must, out June 29, 1865. 
James Burnett, must, out Dec, 15, 1865. 
John J, Burrows, must, out June 20, 1865. 
John Boughton, must, out June 3, 1865. 
Norman H, Badger, must, out Dec, 15, 1865, 

George Birdsay, missing in action at Trevillian, Va., June II, 1864. 
Jacob Chant, missing in action and gained no other record. 
James Conley, must, out Dec, 16, 1865, 
John Drake, disch. for disability. 

William H, Erlck, trans, to 1st Cav, ; nuist, cut March 10, 1860, 
John S, Hagan, dieil of disease, Dec. 8, 1862. 
George Hartsell, died in Andersonville prison-pen, April 2, 1864. 
James Haskins, died of wounds in field-hospital, April 7, 1865. 



110 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



iBiulc Iless, must, out May 2'^, 18G5. 

William Hawthorne, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Caleb L. Hatch, tiaiis. to 1st Cav. ; must, out Marili 10, ISCIi. 

Hamilton Hicks, missing in action at Hichniontl, Va., niaich 1, 1SG4. 

El'enezer Jakeway, died in Andersonville prison, July 18, 1864. 

Henry H. Keller, died in hospital of wounds, June 25, 18U4. 

Joseph H. Miller, must, out June 27, 1865. 

Lewis P. McBiide, must, out Dec. 16, 1865. 

Arthur N. Napier, must, out Aug. 22, 1805. 

Edwin J. Philips, missing in action near Richmond, Va., March 1, 1864. 

Josiah Safford, died of disease at Grand Rivpids, Mich., Feb. 15, 186:i. 

Mickle Smith, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. 

Charles Stevensou, must, out Dec. 15, 1805. 

William H. Stevens, trans, to Ist Cav.; must, out March 10, 1860. 

Frederick Scott, trans, to 1st Cav.; must, out March 10, 1800. 

Hiram Tietzel, must, out Dec 15, 1805. 

Francis H. Van Pelt, dieil ut disease in Virginia, April 24. 1863. 

Joseph F. Whitaker, died in Andersonville prison-pen, April 2, 1804. 

Samuel Whitmore, must, out Dec. 16, 1866. 

Companif C. 
George B. Griffith, niuat. out Dec. 15, 1865. 
Henry Parmenter, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 
Adam Sinn, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Gtmpanij D. 
Charles Grisler, died of disease at Washingtofl, DC. 
Wesley GrifBth, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Company E. 
Joseph C. Cassidy, must, out Dec. 16, 1865. 

Company H. 
William Covert, must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company T. 
2d Lieut. Edward R. Havens, Buchanan ; com. June 2.5, 1805; must, out Dec. 15, 

1865. 
Thomas Mclntyre, must, out June 7, 1865. 

Cnmpimy L, 
George W. Riley, must, out Dec. 8, 1805. 
Jasper Abbe, must, out Dec. 8, 1S65. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SULDIERS IN THE SEVENTH CAVALRY. 
Company B. 
Stephen Austin, died of disease on board transport, Dec. 17, 1864. 
Jerome Gessler, missing in action at Trevillian, Va., June 11, 1864. 
Geoige H. Hedding, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 
John Oifard, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 
Henry C. Russell, must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Jason Ru3<ell, died of disease at Richmond, Va., March 5, 1864. 
Robeit Thompson, must, out May 23, 1865. 



David McNeal, must, out Au 



Company F. 
. 8, 1805. 



Company II, 
George H. Prentice, trans, to 1st Cav.; must, out Jan. 4, 1806. 

NINTH CAVALRY. 

More than half of Company E of this regiment was from 
Van Buren County, and a few men of Company L were from 
Berrien County. It was raised in the autumn of 1862 
and in the winter and spring of 18G2-63, having its ren- 
dezvous at Coldwater. Except two incomplete companies, 
it left there for Kentucky about the 20th of May, 1863. 
After chasing ordinary guerrillas through June, it joined 
in the pursuit of the famous Morgan on the 4th of July, 
and followed him through Kentucky, engaging his rear- 
guard at Lebanon and capturing some prisoners. 

On the 12th the regiment was divided at Westport, Ky. 
One battalion joined Gen. Hobson's command, which fol- 
lowed Morgan's force to BufiBngton's Island, on the Ohio 
River, and there captured five hundred prisoners and three 
cannon. Another battalion went to Portsmouth, Ohio, 
pursued the enemy to Chester, Ohio, and captured a part 
of his force, then joined Gen. Shackleford and marched to 
Eight Mile Island, where the Confederates were again en- 



gaged and more than a thousand captured. The third bat- 
talion pursued the rebels which had escaped capture at 
Buffington's Island. It overtook them near Steubenville, 
Ohio, on the 25th of July, and the next day routed them, 
killing and wounding .sixty-seven, and capturing three hun- 
dred and five, — more than were in the Union force. 

The regiment was then united, and went with Gen. Burn- 
side to East Tennessee. It reached Knoxville on the 3d 
of September, but immediately moved on Cumberland Gap, 
where it took part in the capture of two thousand five 
hundred men and fourteen pieces of artillery. 

It then returned to the Valley of the Tennessee, and 
until the 15th of January was almost constantly engaged 
in scouting the country, skirmishing with the enemy in that 
region. On the 16th it encountered the rebel infantry 
in heavy force at Kinsbro's Cross roads, and was repulsed 
with a loss of thirty-two killed, wounded, and missing. 
The regiment soon returned to Knoxville with two hundred 
of its horses worn out and the men dismounted by reason 
of the severity of the service. 

The 9th then returned to Kentucky and received new 
horses. On the 12th of June it again encountered Morgan 
at Cynthiana, and aided in routing him, capturing one hun- 
dred and ton prisoners. 

In July it moved south to join Sherman. It reached 
the vicinity of Atlanta on the 8th of August, joined Kil- 
patrick's cavalry division, and was employed around At- 
lanta until its fall. It afterwards participated in Sherman's 
great march to the sea, being engaged in numerous minor 
conflicts with the enemy on the way. At Waynesboro', 
Ga., on the 4th of December, it charged with the sabre, 
capturing four hundred prisoners, and receiving special 
notice from Gen. Sherman and the War Department. It 
remained near Savannah after its capture until the 27th 
of January, 1865, when it started on the Carolina cam- 
paign. During this campaign it was in fights and skir- 
mishes at Salkohatchie, S. C, February 0th ; at White 
Pond, S. C, February 9th ; at Aiken, S. C, February 
11th; at Lexington, February 15th; at Broad River 
Bridge, S. C, February 17th; at Phillips' Cross-Roads, 
N. C, March 4th ; at Wadesboro", N. C, March 5th ; at 
Solemn Grove, N. C, March 10th; at Averysboro', N. C., 
March 15th ; at Bentonville, N. C, March 20th and 21st; 
at Raleigh, N. C, April 12th; and at Morrisville, N. C, 
April 13, 1865. The news of Lee's surrender was received 
on the 14th, and the regiment did no more fighting. It 
remained in North Carolina until the 21st of July, when 
it was mustered out of service at Concord, in that State. 
It then returned home, reaching Jackson on the 30th of 
July, where it was paid off and disbanded. 

MEMBERS OF THE NINTH CAVALRY FROM VAN BUREN COUNTY. 

Company E. 
Capt. John G. Hinchey, Antwerp ; com. Nov. 5, 1802; must, out July 21, 1865. 
Ist Lieut. F.ugene E.Smith, Antwerp; com. Nov. 5, 1862; disch. for disability, 

Dec. 28, 1803. 
Ist Lieut. Will H. S. Banks, Porter; com. Jan. 8, 1864; 2d liout, Nov. 12, 1862 ; 

pro. to capt., Co. C; must, out July 21, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Geo. B. A. Hill, Antwerp; com. May, 1805 ; sergt. ; must, out July 21, 

1806. 
Ist Sergt. Ellis D. Simmons, Antwerp; enl. Dec. 8, 1862; disch. for disability, 

June 0, 1865. 
Com. Sergt. Grant \V. Tuttle, Lafayette ; enl. Dec. 1(1, 1802 ; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. 

K ; res. Ni>v. 24, 1864. 



ELEVENTH CAVALRY. 



Ill 



Com. Sergt. Clias. Vf. Brown, Almena; enl. Dec. 5, 1862; dlsch. by order, Juno 

7, 1805. 
Sergt. Geo. L. Tultle, Lafayette ; enl. Jan. 10, 1863 ; (liscli. by order, May 18, '65. 
Sergt. Silas A. Smith, Lafayette , enl. March 6, 186:i j l8t sergt. ; mnst. out July 

21, 1S65. 
Corp. John G. Markellie, Almena: enl. Dec. 5, 1SG2; sergt.; must, out July 21, 

1805. 
Corp. Wallace R. Snyder, Antwerp; enl. Nov. 20, 1802 ; sergt. ; niTist. out July 

21, 1865. 
Corp. Edwin T. Phelps, Pine Grove ; enl. Dec. 12, 1802 ; must, out July 21, 1865. 
Corp. Alfieil Finch, Pine Grove ; enl. Dec. 18, 1862 ; must, out July 21, 1865. 
Corp. Wm. Brown, Antwerp; enl. Nov. 20, 1802 ; disch. by order, July 18, 1805. 
Corp. Mauley M. Morse, Pine Grove; enl. Dec. 18, 1802; disch. by order, June 

12, 1865. 
Corp. Uri.ah Waldo, Antwerp ; enl. Dec. 26, 1802 ; must, out July 21, 1865. 
Corp. Reuben D. Ford, Pine Grove; enl. Nov. 10, 1862; must, out July 21, 1S05. 
Merritt Bliss, died of disease at Indianapolis, Ind. 

George Bilby, di.-d of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga , April 20, 1804. 
Merritt Binell, missing in action at Dandridgc, Tenn., Jan. 10, 1804. 
Aaron Bott, must, out July 21, 1865, 
Calvin P. Bradford, must, out July 21, 1805. 
Joseph Clark, must, out July 21, 1805. 
Charles Cristie, must, out July 21, 1865. 
Willis C. Cook, must, out July 21, 1865. 
Alplionzo Carey, disch. for disability. 

John Clark, died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky., June 2, 1804. 
Joseph Ellison, must, out Aug. 5, 1805. 
David Earl, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Edward Finch, must, out July 1, 1865. 
Dewitt C. Goff, must, out July 21, 1805. 
Orviu Holden, must, out July 21, 1805. 
Samuel E. Holden, must, out July 21, 1805. 

Ehuore Holden, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., March 10, 1804. 
Bruce Lewis, must, out July 21, 1865. 
Hamilton W. McLean, must, out July 21,1805. 
James G. Mar^h, must, out July 21, 1865. 
Charles Magoou, must, out June 18, 1865. 
Jacob Markellie, disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1864. 

Truman Rider, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., July 7, 1804. 
Solomon Shook, died of disease at OolJwater, Mich., April 6, 1863. 
Joseph Sheldon, must, out July 21, 1805. 
Thomas Stevens, must, out July 21, 1805. 
William Veeley, must, out July 21, 1865. 
Daniel L. Williams, must, out Juno 20, 1865. 

Company L. 
Corp. Maurice T. Root, Keeler; enl. Jau. 1, 1863; trans, to Inv. Corps; must. 
out Aug. 30, 1865. 

SOLDIERS OF THE NINTH CAVALRY FROM BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Company L, 

2d Lieut. Ira B. Riford, Niles; com. Jan. 22, 1863 ; res. for disability, Jan. 19, '64. 

Sergt. Wm. Butler, Niles; enl. Dec. 16, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut.; died of wounds 

at Marietta, Ga., Sept. 7, 1864. 
Q.M. .Sergt. Collins A. Kinsley, Niles; enl. Dec. 10, 1802; must, out July 10, 

1865. 
Com. Sergt. M. M. McClave, Niles; enl. Dec. 16, 1802 ; sergt. ; must, out July 

21,1865. 
Com. Sergt. Burwell Carniichael, Sodus ; enl. Dec. 16, 1802; must, out May 22, 

1865. 
Chas. B. Soule, died in action in Georgia, Dec. 4, 1804. 
Luke Versaw, disch. by order, Aug. l;^, 1864. 
Wm. N. Wood, died of disease at Knoxville, Feb. 10, 1804. 

ELEVENTH CAVALRY. 

More than half of Company K of the 11th Cavalry was 
from Berrien County, which also furnished a few men to 
Companies A and I. There were also a dozen or so from 
Van Buren County scattered through Companies B, D, E, 
G, and I. The regiment was recruited during the sum- 
mer and autumn of 1863, and left its rendezvous at Kala- 
mazoo in December of that year for the scene of war in the 
Southwest. 

After scouting in Kentucky about six months, the 11th, 
in company with other regiments, came in collision with 
the noted rebel cavalry leader, John H. Morgan, at Mount 
Sterling, in that State, and, after a sharp action, utterly 
routed his command. On the 12th of June, 18G4, it came 
up with the remainder of his force at Cynthiana, Ky., and 



again the sons of chivalry were compelled to fly before the 
men of Michigan. In the latter part of September, 1864, 
the regiment moved with its division on a long and tedious 
raid over the mountains to Saltville, Va. The place was 
found to be fortified and well defended by a large force, under 
Gen. Breckenridge. The attack failed, and the command 
returned to Kentucky. 

In the latter part of November the 11th was ordered to 
East Tennessee, where it was engaged in the usual fighting 
with guerrillas and rebel cavalry until the middle of Jan- 
uary, 1865, when it marched with Gen. Stoneman on an 
important raid into Virginia. On the 16th of January, 
1865, it fought with Vaughan's Brigade all day near Ab- 
ingdon, Va., completely routing it and capturing all its ar- 
tillery and two hundred and fifty men. After defeating 
Breckenridges infantry, destroying the salt-works at Salt- 
ville, burning an arsenal, and capturing a large quantity of 
supplies and artillery, the command pa.ssed over the moun- 
tains into Kentucky, three-fourths of the horses being worn 
out and the men dismounted. 

In the early part of March the regiment, with new 
honses, again went to East Tennessee, where it joined an- 
other expedition of Gen. Stoneman, bound for North Car- 
olina. At Salisbury, in that State, on the 12th of April, 
the command defeated a large force of the enemy, captur- 
ing eighteen hundred prisoners and twenty-two pieces of 
artillery. It then passed on through South Carolina into 
Georgia, and on the 11th of May captured the cavalry 
escort of Jefferson Davis, near Washington, in that State. 
It then went back through South Carolina to East Ten- 
nessee. 

On the 20th of July, 1865, the 11th was consolidated 
with the 8th Michigan Cavalry, the united body taking 
the latter name. The consolidated regiment was retained 
in service in Tennessee for the purpose of suppressing guer- 
rillas, etc., until the 22d of September, 1865, when it was 
mustered out at Nashville. It immediately returned home, 
reaching Jackson on the 28th of September, and was soon 
after paid off and disbanded at that point. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE ELEVENTH CAVALRY. 
FkU awl Sl<ijr. 
Adj. Mauley S. Rowley, Niles; enl. Sept. 1, 1863 ; must, out Aug. 10, 1805, 

Onitpiiiiy A. 
Edward Frazer, must, out June 16, 1865. 
Charles H. Fanow, mnst. out Sept. 22, 1865. 

Company I. 
Sergt. Joel Turner, Watervliet; disch. for disability, April 13, 1863. 
Joseph O'Keefe, must, out July 17, 1865. 

Company K. 
Capt. Geo. M. WelH, Niles ; com. Aug. 1, 1803 ; trans, to 8th Cav.; must, out 

Sept. 22, 1865. 
2d Lieut. Chas. H. Palmer, Niles ; com. June 1, 1864 ; sergt., Oct. 20, 1863 ; trans. 

to 8tli Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
(J. M. Sergt. F. M. Cottrell, Buchanan ; enl. Sept. 25, 1863 ; disch. for disability, 

Jan. 26,1865. 
Com- Sergt. Jas. E. Goodman, Niles ; enl. Oct. 15, 1863 ; trans, to Sth Cav. ; i)ro. 

to 2d lieut. ; must, out Ist sergt., Sept. 22, 1805. 
Sergt. James H. Delauo, Niles; enl. Sept. 21, 1863; trans, to Sth Cav.; must. 

out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Sergt. Burwell Hickman, Three Oaks; enl. Sept. 2, 1863 ; must. out May 20, '05. 
Sergt. Benjamin F. Ralph, Niles; enl. Oct. 23, 1803; trans, to Sth Cav.; pro. to 

capt. in U. S. C. T. 
Corp. Wm. Martin, N. Buffalo ; enl. Sept. 28, 1803 ; sergt.; trans, to Sth Cav. ; 

must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Corp. C. D. n. Trowbridge, Pipestone; enl. Sept. 10,1863; trans, to Sth Cav.; 

must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 



112 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Corp. Win. H. Drew, Niles; enl. Nov.2,1863; trans, to Inv. Corps; must out 

May 18, IfOo. 
Corp. Thos. S. Stewiirt, Pipestone ; eul. Sept. 24, 1803 ; sergt. ; trans, to 8th Cav. ; 

must, out Si'pt. 22, 180.5. 
Corp. James MfOniNer, Niles; enl. Sept. 17, 1803; must, out June 16,186.5. 
Corp. Henry C. Redding, Niles; enl. Sept. 8, 1863; sergt.; trans, to 8th Cav.; 

must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Musician Wm. C. Winch, Buclianan ; enl. Oct. 15, 1803; died in action at Sal t- 

vill.., Va., Oct, 2, 1864. 
Karrier Henry L. Beecroft, Niles; enl. Oct. 23,1863; trans, to SIh Cav.; pro. 

intoU.S. C. T. 
John G. Allen, diseh.by order, July 31, 180.5. 
Chiis. Boyce, trans, to Sth Cuv.; niiist. out June 16, 1865. 
Moses Binniman, trans, to 8th Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
James H. Biiyes, must, out June 10, 1805. 
Chas. B. Cronkite, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 186.5. 
John B. Cnistraw, trans, to 8th Cav, ; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Sullivan Clawson, trans, to 8th Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Chas. Dunlap, ti-ans. to 8th Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Qnincy S. Drew, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
James A. Doinielly, discli. May 2-t, 1805. 
H. B. Emerson, disch. by order, July 25, 1805. 
Gilljert Green, must, out July 17, 1805. 
Wm. Henry, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must. out. 
Albert Knappen, mis.nng in action at Saltville, Va., Oct. 2, 1804. 
George Munjoy, must, out June 10, 1805. 
John McLogiin, trans, to Sth Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
F. Parmeter, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 

Frank J. Pennell, trans, to 8tli Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1S65. 
Oliver T. Philips, traus. to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Wm. H. Summers, tr.ms. to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Harvey Stratton, trans, to Sth Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Z. E. Strong, must, out July 17, 1S05. 

Isaac Tinmiins, trans, to 8tli Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Aloysius Tucker, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Aylmer Taggart, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Charles Taggart, died of di-sease at Detroit, Mich., March 9, 1864. 
Wm. C. Webb, trans, to Sth Cav. ; must, out Oct. 1", 1805. 
James W. Webber, trans, to Sth Cav.; must, out Sept. 22,1865. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE ELEVENTH CAVALRY. 

Field and S(.#. 
Surg. Lucius C. Woodman, Paw Paw; com. Oct. 7, 1863; taken prisoner in 
action at Saltville, Va., Oct. 2, 1864; sent to Libby prison; exchanged 
Oct. 20, 1864; must, out Aug. 10, 1805. 

Company B. 
James E. Donaldson, died of disease at Mt. Sterling, Ky., Feb. 12, 1805. 

C'omjjani/ D. 
John Elliot, died at Clinch River, Va., Dec. 0, 1864. 

Otmpanii E. 
George W. Busb, trans, to 8th Cav. ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 

Company G. 
Chiirles W. Acker, trans, to Sth Mich. Cav. 
Eli Huey, trans, to Sth Mich. Ciiv. ; must, ont Sept. 22, 1865. 
Zephaniah Reams, died of disease at Bowlinii: Green, Ky., Feb. 20, 1865. 
James A. Skinner, died of disease at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 13, 1S64. 

Company I. 
Sergt. Stephen Randall, Decatur ; corporal; disch. for di-abilily. May 26, 1805. 
Thomns Coltun, trans, to 8lh Mich. Cav.; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
John T. Courtwiight, disch. fur disability, July 15, 1805. 
Riley S. Plapper, must, out May 22, 1865. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

WESTERN SHARPSHOOTERS AND ONE HUNDRED 
AND SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS. 

The Paw Paw Rifle Company — Assignment to the Fourteenth Mis- 
souri — Capture of Forts Henry and Donelson — Shiloh and Corinth 
— Long Stay in Missi.ssippi — The Atlanta Campaign— The March 
with Sherman— The One Hundred and Second U. S. Colored Regi- 
ment — Service in South Carolina and Florida — Return to South 
Carolina — Muster Out at Charleston — Berrien and Van Burcn 
Members of the Regiment. 

In the spring of 1861 a company was raised in Van 
Buren County, with its headquarters at Paw Paw, intended 



for service under Fremont, as a rifle company. When its 
ranks were full it joined Birge's " Western Sharpshooters," 
which was mustered into the service of the United States 
under the name of the 14th Missouri Infantry, the com- 
mand from Van Buren County becoming Company D. The 
regiment was armed with heavy target-rifles, without bay- 
onets, and the men were generally expert marksmen. 

The 14th Missouri served in Fremont's (afterwards Hal- 
leck's) department during the autumn of 1861, and about 
the 1st of February, 1802, reported to Gen. Grant, at 
Cairo. It proceeded up the Cumberland with Grant's 
army, and on the 9th of February took part in the capture 
of Fort Henry. Immediately afterwards the whole force 
marched to attack Fort Donelson. 

There, Company D, of the 14th Missouri, occupied the 
extreme advance and opened the battle. During the suc- 
ceeding conflict the men were employed as sharpshooters to 
silence the enemy's batteries, and most efiiciently performed 
their work, gliding forward through the forest beneath a 
storm of shot and shell until within reach of the hostile 
guns, and then leveling the cannoniers with shot after shot 
from their unerring rifles. On two occasions they were 
thus employed to extricate brigades which were being cut 
to pieces by the deadly fire of the rebel artillery. Saturday 
evening, the 14th led the grand assault by Gen. Smith's di- 
vision, clearing the way and pushing on almost to the edge 
of the rebel ditch, and then halting while the infantry 
dashed forward with leveled bayonets, captured a large part 
of the enemy's works, and brought about the surrender of 
the whole rebel command the next day. 

The regiment then proceeded with the army to Pitts- 
burg Landing. When Gens. Johnston and Beauregard 
attacked the Union troops on the morning of the 6th of 
April, the 14th Missouri was turned out at daybreak and 
ordered to hold the ford across Owl Creek against any force 
which should attempt to pass it. These orders were faith- 
fully obeyed. Wall's Texas Legion endeavored to cross 
the ford, but the rifles of the 14th thinned their ranks so 
rapidly that they gave up the attempt and retreated. 

The 14th Missouri was in the skirmish-line all the way 
from Shiloh to Corinth, and after the capture of the latter 
place, still in the advance, followed Bragg's army a lonsr dis- 
tance down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The regiment 
was then stationed at Corinth until after the battle of the 
10th and 11th of October, 1862, when the rebel Gens. 
Price and Van Dorn attempted to recapture tliat place. 
On the second day of that battle the 14th was in the skir- 
mish-line in front of Battery Robinett, and when the rebels, 
under Col. Rogers, of Texas, made their last desperate 
charge against that breastwork, they broke in solid mass 
through the thin line of the sharpshooters, and, leaving 
them behind, swept gallantly on to the assault. But the 
Union artillery and musketry cut them down by the hun- 
dred. Col. Rogers was killed while vainly endeavoring 
to urge his horse over the parapet, and the shattered col- 
umn was soon compelled to flee back to shelter, leaving 
the ground covered with killed and wounded, while its 
numbers were constantly diminished by the rifles of the 
vigilant sharpshooters. 

After this the regiment remained in camp in (lie vicinity 



ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND U. S. COLORED TROOPS. 



113 



of Corinth nearly a year.* In the autumn of 1863 it was 
ordered to Chattanooga, where it remained until the spring 
of 1864, and then set out with Sherman on his great At- 
lanta campaign. In this campaign the long rifles of the 66th 
Illinois Infantry were constantly in the advance, not only 
opening, but taking an active part in, nearly every one 
of the many battles which marked the course of Sher- 
man's victorious army. The captain of Company D was 
killed, and both lieutenants and nearly all of the non-com- 
missioned oflacers and privates were killed or wounded dur- 
ing the campaign. After the flank movement from before 
Atlanta the company marched into Jonesboro', under com- 
mand of a corporal, all the commissioned ofiicers and ser- 
geants having been killed or disabled. That night the 
corporal in command received a commission as a lieutenant, 
and the very next morning he too was killed at the battle 
of Jonesboro'. 

The decimated regiment also took part in Gen. Sherman's 
easy march to the sea, accompanied him through the Caro- 
linas, and was finally mustered out in 1865. 

VAN BUREN COnNTV SOLDIERS IN THE WESTERN SHARPSHOOTERS. 

1st Lieut. Albert Gore, com. Sept. 10, 1861 ; res. June 11, 1802. 
1st Lieut. Stephen W. Dunscombe, com. June 11,1862; 2(i lieut., Sept. 10, 1801. 
Sergt. Philip Dedrick, enl. Sept. 28, 1801 ; disch. for dis;ihility, Aug. 24, 180i. 
Sergt. John H. Andrews, enl. Oct. .'), 1861 ; disch. by order, Miiy 1.1, 186:J. 
Sergt. James M. Arbowe, enl. Sept. 2.5, 1801 ; disch. fjr disability, Feli. 5, 1802. 
Sergt. Newton J. Foster, enl. Oct. 15, 1801 ; disch. for disability. May 10, 1802. 
Corp Harlow G. Barnes, enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1862. 
Corp. Hiram T. Breese, enl. Sept. 23, 1801 ; disch. at end of service, Sept. 16, 

1804. 
Corp. Daniel Goodenough, enl. Oct. 11, 1861 ; died iu action at Corinth, Oct. 4, 

1802. 
Corp. Robert D. Irish, enl. Oct. 11, 1861 ; veteran, Dec. 2 i, 186.J; must, out July 

7, 1865. 
Corp. Luther E. Sutton, enl. Oct. 30, 1861 ; disch. for disaliility, BUy 10, 1862. 
Musician Aaron D. Cheney, enl. Nov. 4, 1861 ; must, out July 7, 186.5. 
Wagoner Henry 0. Carris, enl. Sept. 2a, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H, 60th III. 
James Balfour, died in action at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862. 
George M. Bigolow, died in action at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862. 
Henry W'. Bridgeford, died of disease at Rome, Ga., Oct. 22, 1864. 
Omer A. Baird, trana. to Co. H. 

George llridgeford, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out July 7, 1805. 
Dallas Hrewster, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out July 7, 1865. 
George L. Bliss, veteran, enl. Die. 21, 1S6J; must, out July 7, 1S65. 
James Burton, must, out July 7, IS05. 
Goorge Bidloe,niuat. out July 7, 1SG5. 
Alb"rt B.irnett, must, out July 7, 186.5. 
Aurelius Barney, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Walter H. Baird, disch. for disability, Aug. 3, IS62. 
Vine Branch, disch. for disability. 
Hiram T. Bruce, disch. at end of service, Sept. 16, 1864. 
John Combes, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1865. 
Charles Cook, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1865. 
Cliarles H. Camp, disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1862. 
William Crobaugh, veteran, Dec. 23, 1803; must, out July 7, 1865. 
Isaac Chatfield, veteran, Dec. 23, 1803; must, out July 7, 1805. 
Watson Carlyl, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Edward Disbrow, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Jefferson S. Dowd, trans, to Co. H. 
Patrick Doyel, died at Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864. 
Willard E. Draper, disch. at end of service, April 4, 1865. 
Daniel Ellis, must, out July 7, 1805. 
J. Erwin, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Morris B. Foster, trans, to Co. H. 

Calvin C. G(iodenougb, disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1S02. 
Alonzo D. Gibson, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Baitholom-w Hard, must, ont July 7, 1805. 
Eber Hardy, must, out July 7, 1805. 
Albert D. Hurlbut, must, out July 7, 1805. 
William Henry, disch. for disability. May 13, 1863. 
Asa D. Hazard, disch. for disability, July 13, 1862. 
Luther W. Hammond, disch. for disability, May 24, 1862. 

* During this time its designation Wiis changed from the 14th Mis- 
souri to the 66th Illinois, the majority of the members being from the 
latter State. 

15 



Oscar P. Hill, died of disease, April 29, 1862. 

Frnncis M. Jones, disch. for di-ability. Oct. 8, 1862. 

James H. Kennedy, nmst. out July 7, 1865. 

Willinm W. Long, died at Peaoh-Tree Creek, Ga., July 22, 1864. 

Martin Miller, died of disease, March 14, 1862. 

Marcus S. Nelson, died of wounds received at Corinth. 

Orriu W. Noi tlirup, must, out July 7, 1805. 

Foster T. Newton, disch. for disability, May 10, 1862. 

William R. Nelson, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1805. 

Harmon Nelson, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1805. 

Geres W. Prater, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1805. 

Seth Polmantier, disch. for disability, June 17, 1862. 

Henry L. Prosser, died of disease at Camp Davis, July 20, 1863. 

Geo. Payne, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out July 7, 1865. 

Gporge Riley, must, out June 5, 1805. 

J.ihn Ruiiert, died of disease, April 26, 1862. 

William Rupert, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; died at Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864. 

Alfred Robinson, disch. at end of service, Sept. 16, 1864. 

Philip I. Ritcr, disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1802. 

Freeman Stowe, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1803 ; must, out July 7, 1865. 

James Smith, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1803; must, out July 7, 1865. 

Hiram P. Simmons, must, out July 7, 1865. 

Humphrey P.Tyler, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out July 7, 1805. 

Enos W.Tyler, trans, to Co. H. 

Mason M. Vernett, veteran, eid. Dec. 23, 1803. 

John Van Anken, must, ont July 7, 1805. 

John G. Van Ostran, disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1862. 

Robert Van Brunt, trans, to Co. H. 

William Van Fleet, died of disease near Ackworth, Ga., Juno 9, 1864. 

Horace Vincent, must, out July 7, 1865. 

William Wigent, must, out July 7,1805. 

Ellas Whipple, must, out July 7, 1865. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE WESTERN SHARPSHOOTERS. 

Compantj D. 
Corp. Perrival R. Dix, Berrien; enl. Oct. 20, 1861; trans, to Co. H. 
Corp. Ira Enos, Berrien ; enl. Oct. 20, 1861. 
Musician Franklin Bragg, Berrien ; enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; died of disease at Padu- 

cah, Ky., April 10, 1862. 
Adell.ert D. Allen. 

Prosper Bowe, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out July 7, 1865. 
Seth A. Bour, disch. for disability, Juno 17, 1862. 
Gilbert S. Bour, trans, to Co. H. 
Edwin S. Bmdianan, trans, to Co. H. 
Wooster Bryant, must, out July 7, 1865. 
Frank M. Mi.\, imist. out July 7, 1805. 
Joseph Dennis, nmst. out July 7, 1865. 
Cassius M. Field, disch. for disability, May 30, 1802. 
Jesse W. Fulgham, died of disease, April 14, 1804. 
John C. Gates, disch. for disability, July 13, 1862. 
Alonjio D. Gilson, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1803 ; must, out July 7, 1805. 
John D. Hill, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out July 1, 1865. 
Frederick Hill, died in action at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1802. 
Willet F. Jaquay, died in action in Georgia, May 6, 1864. 
Samuel Kilring, must, out July 7, 1805. 
John Mayo, trans, to Co. H. 
Lewis A. Merrin,died of disease, Dec. 4,1861. 
Henry W. Noble, died in action in Georgia, May 27, 1804. 
Philip Russell, disch. for disability, Jan. 1, 1802. 
John Randall, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863 ; must, out July 7, 1865. 
Murdock Randall, must, out July 7, 1805. 
Ansel A. Stiles, died of disease, April 18, 1802. 
Jedediah Safford, disch. lor disability, Oct. 15, 1862. 
Joel Turner, diiCli. for ilisability, April, 1802. 

Alonzo Vincent, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must, out July 7,1865. 
Lysander Vincent, disch. at end of service, Sept. 16, 1804. 
Jay Wetmore, disch. at end of service, June 2, 1805. 
Michael Whalen, must, out July 7, 1865. 
George Yerrington, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1803; must, out July 7, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND UNITED STATES COLORED 
TROOPS. 

This regiment was first known as the 1st Regiment of 
Michigan Colored Infantry, but its name was changed by 
the War Department to the one given at the head of this 
sketch. It contained about fifty men from Berrien County 
and twenty from Van Buren, scattered through all the 
companies, the largest number being in Company G. 

The regiment was raised in the winter of 1863-64, and 
left its rendezvous at Detroit on the 28th of March, 18G4. 
It joined the 9th Army Corps at Annapolis, but on the 



114 



HISTORY OF BERIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



15th of April was detached and embarked for Hilton Head, 
S. C, where it arrived on the 19lh. For a month it 
guarded in detachments various points on the coast of South 
Carolina, and was then concentrated at Port Royal. On 
the 1st of August it proceeded by sea to Jacksonville, Fla., 
but only remained in that State during that montli. It 
made several long marches, but was only once engaged with 
the enemy. Some rebel cavalry attacked it on the 11th of 
August, but they were easily repulsed. 

During the last days of August the regiment returned to 
Beaufort, S. C, where it was employed on picket and fatigue 
duty in that vicinity until the 30lh of November. Three 
hundred men then joined Gen. Foster's command at Boyd's 
Landing. It was engaged with the enemy at Honey Hill, 
on the 30th of November, at Tullifinny, on the 7th of De- 
cember, and at Devereaux Neck, on the 9th, having during 
the three conflicts sixty-five officers and men killed and 
wounded out of the three hundred. 

The whole regiment was concentrated at Devereaux Neck 
on the 24th of January, 1865. It moved to Pocotaligo, 
and remained there until the 7th of February. It then 
took part in various operations against Charleston, and the 
27th of that month took post on Charleston Neck. On the 
9th of March it went by sea to Savannah, Ga., and on the 
1st of April returned to Georgetown, S. C. 

On the 9th of April the right wing landed in Charles- 
ton, S. C, and on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of that month 
marched to the Santee River, driving back the enemy's 
cavalry, which annoyed it on the last day of the march. 
It also had a skirmish with the enemy on the 18th while 
marching towards Camden. 

The left wing having marched from Georgetown on the 
5th of April, under Gen. Potter, reached Manning on the 
9th, after heavy skirmishing with the enemy, and then pro- 
ceeded towards Camden. On the 16th it skirmished with 
the Confederates at Spring Hill. It reached Camden on 
the 17th, and the next day returned towards Manchester. 
About five miles out it met the enemy in force, but 
with the 54th Ma.ssachusetts (colored) it drove them back 
towards Stateburg. 

On the 19th, the two wings having united, the regiment 
met the Confederates near Singleton's plantation, where it 
made a flank movement which compelled them to retire in 
great haste. On the morning of the 21st of April, while 
Company A was on picket, it was attacked by some two hun- 
dred of the enemy, who were handsomely repulsed. The 
same day the Confederate commander sent a flag of truce 
stating that Gens. Sherman and Johnston had ceased hos- 
tilities. This virtually closed the war, and Company A of 
the 102d fired and received almo.st if not quite the last 
shots in the conflict. 

The regiment remained in South Carolina on provost 
duty until the 30th of September, when it was mustered 
out of service at Charleston. It reached Detroit on the 
17th of October, 1865, where it was paid off and dis- 
banded. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIEIIS IN THE ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND 
UNITED STATES COLOUED TROOPS. 
Company A, 
Sleplien Ifusljce, must, out Sept. 30, ISC'). 



Joshua Eiamons, liied oldi; 



in Souih CiiioliiKi, Julj 4, 1S04. 



Anthony Nash, nniBt. out Sept. :i0,1865. 

Ruhert Ogilen, di«l of disease in South Carolina, Feb. 6, 1865. 

Oympany B. 
John Baltics, must, out Sept. 30, lfi65. 
James T. Battles, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
George Brown, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Ezekiel Harris, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
William Linsey, discli. for disability, Aug. 11, 1864. 
Levi Mitchell, disch. by order, May 24, 1864. 

Compantj C 
William Adams, disch. for disability, June 16, 1865. 

Owipauy D. 
Henry Harris, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Abner A. Mitchell, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company E. 
Scrgt. Eli Smith, Niles; enl. Nov. 30, 1863 ; absent, sick, at muster c 
Nathan Hall, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
William P. Minnis, must, out Sept. 30,1805. 



Ce 



1 Vincent, l 



Company F. 
St. out Sept. 30, 1865. 



Company G. 
Sergt. Wm. Powers, Niles; enl. Oct. 28, 1863; must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Sergt. Harrison Johnson, Niles; enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Corp. John Lett, Sodus; eul. Jan 2, 1864; died of disease in South Carolina, 

June 24, 1865. 
Corp. Benj. T. Coleman, Sodus; enl. Jan. 24,1864; died of disease in New York, 

Jan. 6, 181.5. 
Corp. Miner Rivers, Niles; enl. Dec. 26, 1863; must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Wm. Buchanan, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Benj. J. Co7,zens, must, out Sept. 30, 1805. 
Jos. Dickinson, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Andrew Farmer, disch. for wounds, May 26, 1865. 
Lewis Gibney, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Washington Gibney, mu-t. out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Ashberry Hackley, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Marcellns Hackley, nmst. out Sept, 30, 1865. 
Edward Hicks, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Needham Miller, must, out Sept. 30, 1805. 
Samuel McLean" must, out Sejit. 30, 1805. 
Geo. W. Patterson, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
John Stephens, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

C'omjnniy H. 
Corp. George Jackson, Chickaming; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Thos. Buck, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Steph. A. Douglass, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Geo. H. Hicks, must, out Sept. 3ii, 1865. 
Willis Littleton, must, out Sept. .30, 1865. 
Jacob Steele, must, out Sept. 30, 18G5. 
Benj. A. Woodruff, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company f. 
Sergt. Edward Firiley, Niles; enl. Jan. 21, 1864; must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Corp. John Wright, Niles; enl. Jan. 1.3, 1804; must, out Sept. 30, 1805. 
Edwin Crowder, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Abram Love, died of disease at Detroit, Feb. 13, 1864. 
Wui. Norman, died of disease in South Caroliua, Feb. 4, 1865. 

Company K. 
Wm. Bailey, absent, sick, at muster out. 
Isaac Horden, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
John Melchum, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND 
UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS. 

Company A. 
Anderson Lewis, disch. for disability, June 2, 1865. 
William Owens, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company B. 
John Russell, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Samuel Sweet, disch. by order, Nov. 11, 1865. 

Company C. 
William Craid, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company D. 
John Jones, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
James L. Miller, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company E. 
Albert W. Hungerford, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 

Company F. 
Frederick Sherwood, must, out Nov. 11, 1865. 



OTHER SOLDIERS PROM BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES. 



115 



Company G. 
James Bowliii, must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 
Emanuel Lett, must, out Sfpt. 30, 1865. 

Company H. 
Caasius T. Lewis, must, out Sept. 30, 18G5. 



William Shurtie, must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 

Company K. 
James Mumford, must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Jeremiah Stafford, Jr., must, out Sept. 30, 1865. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

OTHER SOLDIERS PROM BERRIEN AND VAN 
BUREN COUNTIES. 

Representation of the Two Counties in Twenty Michigan Infantry 
and Cavalry Regiments — Michigan Provost-Guard — First Michigan 
Light Artillery — Berrien and Van Buren Soldiers in Ohio, Illinois, 
Iowa, Pennsylvania, and United States Regiments. 

Besides the regiments which have been mentioned above, 
there were many others which contained soldiers from Ber- 
rien and Van Buren Counties, whose record is equally 
bright and honorable, though serving in regiments in which 
these counties were less numerously represented. Of the 
men who served in these regiments a list is given in this 

cliapter. 

FIRST INFANTRY. 

SOLDIERS FROM BERRIEN COUNTT. 

Asst. Surg. Andrew Hobart, Jr., Niles; com. .\ug. 17, 1861; pro. to surg., Dec. 

10, 1802; must, out at end of service, Oct. 7, 1864. 
Henry Merikee, Co. D; disch. Feb. 7, 1862. 
.lames P. Clary, Co. E; died of wounds, Sept. 12, 1862. 
William H. Cash, Co. E; died in action at Jaclsson, Miss., July 11, 1863. 
Otho Cann, Co. E; must, out April 27, ISC'). 
Frank Morehouse, Co. E; disch. for disability. 
Ferdinand Marcliefke. Co. E; veteran, Dec. 31, 186i; must, out July 25, 1865. 

VAN BUKEN COUNTir MEN IN THE FIRST. 
Howard .'Vbbott, Co. H ; died of wounds. 
John J. Strong, Co. K ; died in action at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862. 

THIRD INFANTRY. 

FROM BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Sergt. James W. Rich, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 24, 1864 ; absent, sick, at time of muster 

out. 
Randon Keyes, Co. E; disch. at end of service, March 2, 1806. 
Melvin A. Wells, Co. E; most, out Sept. 2, 1S65. 

FROM VAN BUKEN COUNTY. 
Franklin Pearl, Co. A; died of dise.xse in Texas, June 18, 1865. 
Philip T. Miller, Co. F; must, out May 25, 1866. 
David A. Munson, C.>. D ; disch. for disability, Aug. 8, 1S03. 

FIFTH INFANTRY. 
FROM VAN BUREN. 
Russell Everett, Co. Aj disch. for disability, Sept. 2!, 1862. 
Peter W. Galiiger.Co. A; veteran, Dec. 10, 1803. 
Herman B. Haven, Co. A ; veteran, Dec. 10, 1803. 

James Sherman, Co. -K; died of disease at Camp Michigan, Va., Feb. 19, 1SC2. 
William Nesbltt, Co. G ; disch. at end of service. Aug. 28, 1864. 
James D. Rockwell, Co. II; disch. at end of service, Aug. 27, 1864. 
Frank M. Vought, Co. H ; disch. by order, Oct. 21, 1864. 

SEVENTH INFANTRY. 
FROM BERRIEN COUNTY. 
Patterson, Co. I; com. April 20, 1864; died March 29, 1865, 



ut. Steph 

if wounds received at SpottsylVi 



, May 14, 1864. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
Niles; com. May 1,1803; lieut.-col. Aug. 19, 1801 ; killed i 



Col. Frank Grav 

battle at Wilderness, Va., May 11, 186 
George Brown, Co. G; disch. by order, June 10, 1805. 
George W. Brown, Co. H; disch. by older, Sept. 14, 1805 
William T. Davis, Co. K ; must, out July .30, 1805. 



VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
John M. Mnnson. Co. A; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 1.% 1864. 
John W. Mouser, Co. C; disch. for disability, March 14, 1863. 
John O'Brien, Co. O; must, out July 30, 1865. 

TENTH INFANTRY. 
VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
John N. Shearer, Co. B; must, out July 10, 1805. 
Myron Andress, Co. E; must, out July 10, 1805. 

Frederick Penard, Co. E ; must, out July 19, 1805. * 

William A. Cole, Co. F; must, out July 19, 1805. 
William Linsenmeyer, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1805. 

BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
Charles Qnlgley, Co. G; disch. for disability, Dec. 6, 1862. 

ELEVENTH INFANTRY (OLD). 
VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
John Clark, Co. A; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30, 1864. 
Alfred G. Wright, Co. E ; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30, 1864. 
Elislia C. Branson, Co. G ; died of disease, Jan. 11, 1862. 
Elkins Bobbitt, Co. G; died of disease, March 18, 1862. 
A. Freeman, Co. G ; disch. at end of sefvice, Sept. 30, 1864. 

NEW ELEVENTH INFANTRY. 
VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS. 
John Clark, Co. C; most, out Sept. 16, 1865. 
Allen E. Clement, Co. F; must, out Sept. 16, 1865. 
Daniel Duke, Co. F; must, out Sept. 10, 1865. 
Charles H. Crandall, Co. K; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 
George L. Tyrell, Co. K; must, out Sept. 16, 1865. 

FOURTEENTH INFANTRY. 
FROM BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Asst. Surg. Alfred Wyker, Niles: com. Nov. 1802; resigned June 1, 1803. 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
Johannes Johnkerman, Co. A; must, out May 31, 1805. 
Hiram M. Goodale, Co. B; disch. for disability, April 16, 1862. 
Jiimes A. Stewart, Co. B; must, out July 18, 1865. 
Merritt W. Barnes, Co. D ; must, out July 18, 1865. 

FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 
VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
John Coleman, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Ileniy Fitzsiinmons, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Joseph Geotz, Co. A ; disch. by order, Sept. U, 1865. 
Thomas J. Whipple, Co. C; must, out Aug. 13, I860. 
Peter Chugninian, Co. D; disch. by order, June 22, 1865. 
George Hancock, Co. E; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Stephen Kocliry, Co. E; disch by order, May 30, 1865. 
George McGowau, Co. F; must, out Aug. 13, 1805. 
David Rupert, Co. F; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Jesse C Blass, Co. G; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Darius Cbatfleld, Co. G ; disch. by order. May 30, 1865. 
Lodwick Disbrow, Co. G ; disch. by order, July 3, 1865. 
Moses G. F. Baton, Co. G; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
Daniel S. Ingersoll. Co. G ; disch. by order, Aug. 11, 1866. 
Burse Merriman, (i) G ; must, out Aug. 13, 1805. 
John Buchanan, Co. H ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 
John May, Co. I ; died of disease at Baltimore, Md., June 23, 186:). 
Honry Snyder, Co. K; must, out Aug. 13, 1865. 

SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
Edward Barminl, 1st Independent Co.; must, out by order, Jon. 18, 1865. 
Horace Garrison, Co. H.; mu.st. out July 8, 1865. 
Jolin \V. Redding, Co. H ; disch. by order. May 12, 1865. 
Joseph White, Co. H ; must, out July 8, 1805. 
M. E. Laughliu, Co. I; disch. for disability. 
Alfred I. Coiiklin, Co. K; must, out July 8, 1805. 
Willi.im H. Doane, Co. K ; must, out July 8, 1805. 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
John Shant, Co. ; died of disease at Hall's Hill, Va., March 1, 1802. 
Nelson H. Cole, Co. G; must, out July 8, 1805. 
Levi Cole, Co. G ; must, out July 8, 1865. 
William F. P. Vanscoy, Co. G ; mtist. out July 8, 1805. 
Henry S. Kennicott, Co. I ; died in action at Bull Run, Va., Aug. 30, 1802. 

DYGERT'S SHARPSHOOTERS (ATTACHED TO SI.\TEE.\TH 

MICHIGAN INFANTRY). 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 

Fii'st Independent Company. 

Sergt. Edwin R. Farmer, Oct. 14, 1861 ; disch. by order, Oct. 28, 1862. 

eorgo W. Beebe, disch. at end of service, Oct. 15, 1804. 



116 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



Kolieit G. Botsford, disch. for disnl.ility, Oct. 22, 1802. 

Henry S. De Bolt, trans, to Invalid Corps, Nov. 16, 1863. 

Joseph F. Dick, veteran, Dec. 22, 1863. 

James B. Long, disch. at end of service, Oct. 15, 1804. 

Corp. Frederick E. Minnis, veteran, Dec. 22, 1863; must, out July 24, 1805. 

Cliarles J. Northrop, ve teran, Dec. 22, 1863 ; mu»t. out July 24, 1805. 

Michael Werner, veteran, March 3, 1864. 

BERRIEN COUNTY. 
Hoel C. Wright, disch. for disahility, Oct. 9, 1862. 

TWENTY-FIRST INFANTKY. 
FROM VAN BUREN COUNTY. 
George W. Billiard, Co. B; must, out June 8, 1865. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
William W. Chaddorc, Co. D ; must, out July 26, 1805. 
Cephas Earl, Co. D ; died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April ^, 1865. 
David Ostrander, Co. D; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. 
Elias H. Rcmd, Co. D ; died in action helore Petershurg, Va., July 30, 1804. 

TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
Jesse Olmslead, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 6, 1866. 
Charles Smith, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 

FROM VAN BDREN COUNTY. 
Edward Shields, must, out Sept. 6, 1865. 

THIRTIETH INFANTRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 

1st Lieut, and Adjt. Stephen H. Bahcock, Nilcs ; com. A|iril 7, 1865 j 2d li<ut.,Co. 
A, March 16,1866; sergt. maj., Nov. 23, 1804 ; must, out June 10,1805. 

Capt. Henry T.Kimmel,Niles; com. Nov. 28, 1804; 1st lieut, Co. H, 12th Inf ; 
must, out June 30, 1805. 

John Campbell, Co. B ; must, out June 30, 1866. 

Matthias Hunner, Co. B; died of disease at Detroit, Jan. 4, 1865. 

John H. Wilson, Co. B ; must, out June 30, 1806. 

Company if. — George O. Bates, Christopher Deltman, Bernard V. Forshee, Theo- 
dore Meti.ger, Roland Tripp, Isaac Welsh, Louis C. Wolfe, must. out June 
30, 1805. 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 

Guy H. Gregory, Co. A ; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Lewis C. Vedci-, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 180.5. 

MICHIGAN PROVOST-GUARD. 
VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
Elijah Burt, must, out May 9, 1865. 
John Barnard, must, out May 9, 1806. 
Asahel B. Calver, must, out Jlay 9, 1865. 
llir.im A. Chapin, must, out May 9, 1805. 
Jacob 8. Frazer, must, out May 9, 1805. 
Ernest Henry, must, out May 9, 1805. 
Christol'her Parsons, must, out May 9, 1805. 
Fayette Raw8on,di»cli. for disability, Oct. 29, 1863. 
Joseph L. Salisbury, disch. for disability, March 23, 1803. 

FIFTH CAVALRY. 
VAN BUBEN SOLDIERS. 
Edwin J. Babcock, Co. D ; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, out March 10, 1806. 
Lawrence Martin, Co. D; trans, to 1st Cav.; must, out .March 10, 1808. 
Coleman P. Uiiwson, Co. D ; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, out March 10, 1806. 
Cortes Foot, Co. L; disch. for disability, April 15, 1863. 

OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 
Corp. Allen P. Hoggins, Niles; eul. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. for promotion, Dec. 
16, 180-::. 

SIXTH CAVALRY. 

BERRIEN SOLDIKRS. 
Geo. Cornelia, Co. A ; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, cuit March 10, 1860. 
Theophile Gebeau, Co. A; must, out Dec. 8, 1865. 
Scolield Ferrier, Co. 11 ; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, out March 10, 1860. 
James Mott, Co. G ; must, out June 17, 1805. 

Geo. W. Collins, Co. H ; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, out March 10, 1800. 
Albert H. Waters, Co. L; trans, to 1st Cav. ; must, out March 10, 1800. 

OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY. 
Theron S. Uailey, Co. I ; must, out Nov. 24, 1805. 

EIGHTH CAVALRY. 

BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 

Sergt. Maj. Horace E. Woodbridge, Buchanan; enl. July 20, 1805; pro. to 2d 

lieut.; must, out as sergt., Co. M, June 10, 1805. 
Com. Sergt. Allen P. Huggins, Niles; Jiro. to 1st lieut, Co. C, May 15, 1804; 
trans, as 1st lieut. to Co. D, July 20, 1865; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 



July 20, 1805; must, out Sept. 22, 



.June 29, 1865. 



2d Lieut. Joseph T. Goodwin, Nile 

1865. 
John C. Horn, Co. F ; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
John Philips, Co. F; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Richaril Powers, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Joseph Pnlaski, Co. H; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Gottlieb Schroedcr, Co. H; must, out Sept. 22, 1866 
James Price, Co. I; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Josepli C. Garrison, Co. K; died of disease in Tenni 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
Thomas Colton, Co. A : must, out Sept. 8, 1865. 
Eli Hewey, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
George Leonard, Co. D ; mnst. out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Jatues M. Mastin, Co. D ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
John Mclntyre, Co. D; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
John J. Rowley, Co. D; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Alfred Wicket, Co. D; must, out Sept. 22, 1866. 
James H. Chamberlain, Co. E; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
Augustus Smith, Co. E; must, out Sept. 22, 1865. 
George Perry, Co. F; must, out Sept. 22, 1805. 
Leonard Crandall, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 22, 1866. 
Louden H. Davis, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 27, 1805. 
Hiram Flanders, Co. 11; must, out Sept. 27, 1866. 
George E. Grant, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 27, 1865. 
A. J. Van Brent, Co. H ; died of disease at Edgefield, Te: 
Helon McDowell, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 22, 1866. 
Asa Bell, Co. L ; must, out Sept. 22, 1866. 



TENTH CAVALRY. 
BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
Theo. F. Brown, Co. B; must, out Nov. 9, 1805. 
Alonzo Burnett, Co. B ; must, out Nov. 9, 1805. 
Chas. C. Burnett, Co. B ; must, out Nov. 9, 1805. 
John Kelly, Co. B; must, out Nov. 9, 1865. 
Lawrence Larkins, Co. B; must, out Nov. 9, 1865. 
David McKain, Co. B; must, out Aug. 28, 1805. 
Daniel Redmond, Co. B; must, out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Addison E. Storrs, Co. B; must, out Nov. 20, 1865. 

VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
Colon D. Manley, Co. A; must, out Nov. 11, 1866. 
Randolph B. Osborn, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 23, 1863. 
J. S. Vaught, Co. A; must, out Nov. 11, 1866. 
Philip C. Dedrick, Co. B; disch. by order, July 7, 1865. 
Edward D. Ormsby, Co. U; must, out Nov. 7, 1865. 
Newton Ormsby, Co. B; must, out Nov. 25, 1805. 
Michael Ryan, Co. B; must, out Nov. 7, 1805. 
Samuel Sweet, Co. B; disch. by order, Nov. 11, 1865. 
John H. Osborn, Co. C; must, out Nov. 25, 1865. 
Jacob Dodd, Co. E ; discli. by order, Juno 13, 1865. 
Chester E. Kooker, Co. F; must, out Nov. 11, 1865. 
Frederick Sherwood, Co. F ; mnst. out Nov. II, 1865. 

FIRST MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLERY. 
This regiment contained a comparatively large number 
of men from Van Buren and Berrien Countijis, but these 
men were scattered through several of the batteries of 
which the regiment was composed, and the histories of the 
batteries are as distinct and as unconnected with each other, 
or with the regimental organization, as are the histories of 
the same number of cavalry or infantry regiments. There- 
fore the 1st Light Artillery cannot be mentioned as a whole ; 
nor is it practicable to give separate histories of the several 
batteries, in each of which a few men were found from tliuse 
counties. The lists of these men, as found on the rolls in 
the adjutant-general's office, are as follows : 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN FIRST ARTILLERY. 
Battery A. 
Jacob Carr, mnst. out July 28, 1805. 
Franklin W. Hyde, must, out July 28, 1866. 
John Lemon, must, out July 28, 1865. 
William Lemon, must, out July 28, 1866. 
Ira A. Monger, trans, to Vet. Res. Con>», April 10, 1804. 

Batteni B. 
Ist Lieut. Lovell C. Teed, Antwerp; com. March 14,1805; 2d lieut., Feb. 8,1804; 

sergt.; must, out July 1, 1805. 
2d Lieut. William S. Charles, Bangor; com. Oct. 28, 1864; sergt. ; must. outJuly 

1, 1805. 



OTHER SOLDIERS FROM BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES. 



117 



Q.M. Sergt. Roswell W. Brown, Antwerp; mnst. out July 1, 1865. 

Sergt. Lucius W. Mills, Antwerp; enl. Oct. 28, 1861 ; discli. fur difabililj-, Oct. 

25, 1862. 
Corp. Nelson rinnib, Almcna; enl. Oct. 25, 1861 ; \eteran, Dec. 24, 1663. 
Musician Ransom 0. Thayer, Antwerp; enl. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

Jan. 21, 1863. 
George D. AuBtin, must, out June 14, 1865. 
James Beach, disch. for disability. 
Earl Deremo, must, out June 14, 1865. 
Albert H. Freeman, mnst. out June 14, 1865. 
Bradd G. Freeman, mnst. out June 14, 1865. 
Wesley Holmes, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863. 

Elijah L. Shepard, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 18G3 ; mnst. ont Feb. 14, 1805. 
Oliarles H. Tilton, disch. at end of service, Dec. 24, 1864. 

Balleni V. 
George W. Percival, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1865 ; nnist. ont June 22, 1SG5. 
Stephen Percival, veteran, enl. Dec, 28, 1865 ; must, out Juue 22, 1805. 
Sterne L. Kipley, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 10, 1863. 
Allen C. Sterns, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1S05 ; must, out June 22, 1865. 

BiiUerij E. 
Charles D. Claflin, must, out Aug. 3(i, 1865. 

linUeiij a, 
Casper Dunham, must, otit Aug. 6, 1865. 
William Killiffin, disch. by order, Oct. 24, 1865. 

BaUery H. 
Elijah M. Kinney, must, out July 22, 1865. 
Lewis Slienn.m, disch. for disability. 

Btillery I. 
Stephen Ciisli, must, ont July 14,1805. 
Eben C. Hiinl, must, out July 14, 1865. 
Joseph Skelton, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Tenn., Jnly 24, 1804. 

Battery M. 
William Hare, must, out Aug. 1, 1805. 
William Sleadnian, must, ont Aug. 1, 1805. 

BERRIEN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE FIRST ARTILLERY. 
Btiltery A. 
Burton Preltyman, must, ont July 28, 1805. 
Albert Weaver, must, out July 28, 1865. 

Batten/ V. 
Abram Evans, disch. for disability, Feb. 26,1803. 

BiiUemj D. 
Andrew E. Ruttan, miist. out Aug. 3, 1S65. 

BiUterij E. 
Albeit S. Bliss, must, out Aug. 3n, 1865. 
L. W. Dragon, must, out Aug 30, 1S65. 
John Shook, must, out Aug. 30, 1865. 
Samuel .Simpson, must, out Aug. 30, 1805. 

BatVtij L. 
Archelaus Goddard, must out Aug. 30, 1865. 
David Lyon, died of disease at Knoxville, Dec. 20, 1863. 
Henry Rinker, must. "Ut Aug. 30, 1865. 
Abram Voorliees, must, out Aug. 30, 1865. 

BnUery M. 
Orson 0. Bronson, must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Edwin D. Batclielor, must, out May 0, 1805. 
William F. Hurlburt, must, out May 0, 1805. 

FOURTEENTH MICHIGAN BATTERY.* 

VAN BUREN SOLDIER*. 

Blacksmith Patrick Crowley, Decatur; enl. Oct. 13, 1863; disch. for disability, 

April 10,1805. 
Robert Goon, died of disease at Camp Darry, D. C, March 18, 1864. 
Benjamin Drake, must, out July 1, 1805. 

BERRIEN SOLDIERS. 
1st Lieut. James B. Finley, Niles ; com. July 1, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Sergt. David S. Lyon, Buchanan; enl. March 20, 1863; died of disease at Knox- 
ville, Dec. 30, 1803. 
Natlian Morlan, died of disease at Washington, April 28, 1804. 
Henry F. Summei's, died of disease at Washington, March 31, 1804. 

FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

Berrien County was quite numerously represented in the 
ranks of this regiment, the following being the list, as 
nearly as it is possible to obtain it : 

* Not a part of the First Regiment of Artillery. 



Company E, 
Capt. Wm. R. Tuwnsend, Niles; com. Sept. 2, 1803; 1st lieut., July 22. 1801 ; 

must, out Jan. 23, 1865. 
1st Lieut. Edward llursoii, Berrien Springs; com. Sept. 2, 1863; 2d lieut., May 

2, 1862 ; sergt., July 2, 1861 ; died May 17, 1R64. 
Ist Lieut. Cbas. Munger, Berrien Springs; com. April 11, 1865; Corp., July 26, 

ISOl; must, out Dec. 16,1805. 
2d Lieut. Byron J. Dal t, Berrien Springs; com. Dec. 16, 1«0". ; veteran, Jan. 1, 

1S04 ; seigt. ; must, out Dec. 16, 1S65. 
Corp. Cliristoplier Halluon, Berrien Springs; enl. July 26, 1801 ; veteran, Jan. 

1, 1S61; sergt.; must, out Dec. 16, 1805. 
Alanson Dickersoii, Berrien Springs; enl. July 20, 1601; d.sch. for disability. 
Comfort P. Eite.s, Berrien Springs; enl. July 26, 1801 ; di.'d in action at Kcne- 

saw Mountain, June 18, 1804. 
Uriah Elliott, Berrien Springs; enl. Sept. 19, 1861 ; muat. ont Dec. 10, 180.5. 
Florinioiiil Evans, Berrien Springs ; enl. Sept. 19, 1861; disch. for wounds, July 

28, 1864. 
John Leaf, St. Joseph : enl. Aug. 7, 1861; died in Missis.ippi, July 15, 1862. 
Robert Moioiiy.lierrien Springs; enl. July 20, 1S61 ; must, out Sept. 10,1864. 

Company F. 
Sergt. Cbas. Stone, New Buffalo; enl. July 26, 1861 ; died at luka, Miss., Sept. 9, 

1862. 
Sergt. Ogden H. Baton, New Buffalo; enl. July 26, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

July 9,1862. 
Sergt. D.ivid Ledyard, New Buffalo ; enl. July 26, 1801 ; veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; 

must, out Dec. 16, 1865. 
Corp. Samuel II. Davis, New Buffalo ; enl. July 29, 1861 ; disch. for disability, 

Dec. 18, 1862. 
Corp. Chas. Du^l, New Buffalo; enl. July 29, 1861; disch. for disability. May 

28, 1862. 
Corp. Henry A. Merriman, New Buffalo ; enl. July 20, 1801 ; disch. for disability, 

Sept. 22, 1862. 
Corp. John Harmon. New Buffalo; enl. July 20, 1861; veteran, Jan. 1,1864; 

mnst. out Dec. 10, 1865. 
Corp. Wm. H. Bowen, New Buffalo; enl. Aug. 4, 1801; veteran, .Tan. 1, 1804; 

must, out Dec, 16, 1865. 
Reuben Birdsall, New Buffalo ; enl. Aug. 4, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Aug, 9, 1802. 
Marian Birdsall, New Buffalo; enl. Aug. 4, 1861; died at Big Springs, Miss., 

July 15, 1802. 
Geo. Courser, New Buffalo; enl. July 26, 1861; veteran, .Tan. 1,1804; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Jacob Dingman, New Buffalo; enl. July 30, 1861; died in battle at Chicka- 

mauga, Sept. 20, 1S63. 
Chas. Lohman, New Buffalo ; enl. July 26, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 1, 1864 ; mu.st. 

out Dec. 16, 1865. 
John Lieman, New Buffalo ; enl. July 26,1861 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 11, 1802. 
Charles Ledyard, New Buffalo ; enl. Sept. 3, 1861 j must, out Sept. 10, 1861. 
Jos. Newnuan, Buchanan; enl. Aug. 10, 1861; disch. to enl. in 4th U. S. Cav., 

Dec. 3, 1802. 
Owen Pritchaid, New Buffalo ; enl. July 26, 1861 ; died at Chicago, 111., Sept. 

14, 1863. 
Stephen E. Ban.lall, New Buffalo; enl. July 20, 1801 ; died at Tipton, Mo., Dec. 

18, 1801. 
Wm. D. Russell, New Buffalo; enl. July 29,1801 ; must, out Sept. 19, 1805. 
James Scroufe, New Buffalo ; enl. July 30, 1801 ; died at Camp Baker, Mo., Nov. 

2,1801. 
Volney Satterlee, New Buffalo; enl. July 26, 1361 ; died at St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 

ir, 1862. 
Wm. A. J. Topping, New Buffalo; enl. July 20, 1861 ; died at Nashville, Tenn., 

Jan. 31, 1863. 
Caleb Topping, New Buffalo; enl. July 20, 1861; disch. for disability, Feb. 3, 

1802. 

Company G. 
Sergt. Edward Aiker, Pipestone; enl. Jnly 29, 1861 ; wounded; must, out S-pt. 

16, 1804. 
Peter Barrow, St. Joseph ; enl. July 29, 1861 ; veteran, Jan. 1, 1804 ; must, out 

Dec. 16, 1865. 
Carlton L, Bunker, St. Joseph ; enl. July 29, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 16, 1804. 
N. B. Collins, Pipestone; enl. July 29, 1801; must, out Sept. 16, 1804. 
Hiram A. Chapman, Pipestone : enl. Aug. 4, 1801 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 7, 

1863. 
Daniel A. Warrell, Watervliet; enl. Aug. 28, 1861 ; must, out Sept, 16, 1864. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS. 
Corp. Jas. D. Mayberry, Paw Paw, Co. E; enl. July 20, 1801 ; died at Nashville, 

Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863. 
Jesse Miller, Paw Paw, Co. E ; enl. Jnly 26, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 5, 1862. 
John Tanner, Mattawan, Co. H; enl. Aug. 23, 1861; wounded; must, out Sept. 

lU, 1864. 
FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER IN- 
FANTRY. 
VAN BUREN SOLDIERS. 
Company H. 
1st Lieut. John W. Pierce, South Haven ; enl. June 20, 1864 ; sergeant ; res. May 

17, 1805. 
Corp. George W. Petts, Decatur; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; killed by guerrillas in Mis- 
souri, April 18, 186:i. 



118 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



George B. Andrews, Lawrence; cnl. Aug. 1, 1861. 

John Bliss, South Hiiven ; enl. Aug. 1, ISCl ; Jisdi. for liisnhillty, .Ian. 7, 1802. 

Sylvester Benton, Antwerp; enl. Aug. I, 1801; disch. for disability, June 7, 

1805. 
Algernon S. Barrett, Pine Grove; cnl. Aug. 1, 1861; discli. for disability, Feb. 

6, 1863. 
John A. Bennett, Columbia; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 2.o,lS65. 
George W. Clark, Leroy ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; niu«t. out Sept. 2.'), ISG.'i. 
Martin Carver, Lawrence ; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; must, out Sept.'25, 1865. 
"Wells Graham, Pine Grove; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; died at Rolla, Mo., Jan. 20, 1862. 
James H. Harris, Pine Grove ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 ; died at Bolla, Mo., Feb. 18, 

1862. 
Ira K. Harris, Pirje Grove ; enl. Aug. 1, 1861 : must, out Sept. 25, 1865. 
Jas. W. Harris, Hamilton; cnl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; died of wounds, Sept. 20, 1803. 
Job Johnson, Columbia; enl. Sept. 1, 1S61; must, out Feb. 28, 1865. 
Calvin Meacliam, Aillngton; enl. Sept. 1, ISOl ; must, out Sept. 25, 1805. 
Alvah Orvett, Decatur ; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; died at Rolla, Mo., March 7, 1802. 
John W. Pierce, Soutii Haven; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 ; veteran, Jan. 1, 1804; pro. to 

sergt. and 1st lieut. 
Christopher Reagan, South Haven ; enl. Sept. 1, 1801 ; disch. for disability, Feb. 

6. 1802. . 
George D. Sickendick, Columbia; enl, Sept. 1, ISOl; veteran, .Tan. 1, 1864 ; must, 

out Sept. 25, 1865. 
Eugene D. Tibbets, Pine Grove; enl. Aug. 1, 1,?C1 ; must, out Sept. 25, 1805. 
Geoi-ge H. Thompson, Arlington ; enl. Aug, 1, 1861 ; killed in action at Stone 

Hiver, Dec. 31, 1802. 
Samuel Van Fleet, Lawrence; enl. Aug, 1, 1S61 ; d'sch. for disability, Feb. 12, 

1862. 

Rea-uUs. 
Reuben Chur<:h, Columbia; enl. March 22, 1864; died at Nashville, June 4, 

1864. 
Alfred Manson, Columbia; enl. March 31, 1864; corporal; mu,st, out Sept. 23, 

1865. 

BERRIEN SOLDIERS, 
George G. Patterson, Co. B; enl. Sept, 3, 1861; disch. for disability, March 31, 

1863. 

The soldiers named below as having served during the 
war of the Rebellion in several organizations outside of 
Michigan were all from Van Buren County, viz. : 

BATTERt I, FIRST ILLINOIS ARTILLERY. 
Joseph H. Bardwell, veteran, enl. Feb. 10, 1804, 
Charles J. Pierce, veteran, eul. Feb. 10, 1804, 
Horace Reddo, veteran, enl. Feb. 10, 1864. 
George Smith, veteran, enl. Feb. U, 1864. 
\Vm, H. Sanger, veteran, enl. Feb. 30, 1864. 

FIRST UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS. 
Ist Lieut. Edwin A. Wilson, Paw Paw ; Co. C; com. Nov.21,1863; 2d lieut., 
May 23, 1863; Corp., Aug. 21, 1801; must, out Aug, 20, 1804. 

NINTH IOWA INFANTRY. 
Lyman A, Roberts, Hamilton ; veteran, enl, Jan. 1, 1864; disch. for disability, 
July 2, 186.5. 

TENTH PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES. 
Warren A.Salisbury, Decatur; veteran ; trans, to 190th Pennsylvania, June, '64. 

THIRTEENTH U. S. ARTILLERY (COLORED TROOPS). 
Henry Higgius, Lawrence; enl. April 11, 1865. 

SIXTY-FIRST U. S. INFANTRY (COLORED TROOPS). 
Sergt. Lyman G. Russell, Bangor, Co. A; veteran, 
Sergt. Clark G. Russell, Bangor, Co. C; veteran. 

The following list is of Berrien County men serving iu 
the organizations indicated belonging outside the State : 

FORTY-SEVENTH OHIO INFANTRY. 
Capt, Wm. B. Townsend, Niles; com. Sept. 2, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 11, 1865. 

FIFTH U. S. COLORED CAVALRY. 
2cl Lieut. Heury L, Beecraft, Niles; com. Aug, 9, 1864. 

THIRTEENTH U. S. ARTILLERY (COLORED TROOPS). 
Calvin Hackley, Pipestone; enl. March 18, 1865, 
George M, Works, Pipestone; enl, March 18, 1865. 

TWELFTH U. S. INFANTRY (COLORED TROOPS). 
Q.M. Sergt. Theodore C. Sachse, Niles. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS. 
Lieut. -Col, George II, Laird, .St, Joseph ; com, July 15, 1864, 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE FRUIT BELT. 

Location of the Favored Region — Causes of its Peculiar Fitness for 
Fruit Culture— Influence of Lake Michigan on the Climate of its 
Eastern Shore — The Earliest Orchards — Early Peach-Growing — 
First Shipments of Peaches — Discovery of the Peculiar Capabilities 
of the Lake-Shore Region — Rapid Increase of Peach-Growing and 
Consequent Inflation of Prices of Lands — Commencement of Sys- 
tematic Peach-Growing for the Market — E.vtension of the Business 
Northward from the St. Joseph — Earliest Orchards in the South 
Haven Region — Rapid Advance of Van Buren County in Fruit 
Culture — The " Y^ellows" among the Peach-Trees. 

O.N the extreme western border of the lower peninsula 
of Michigan, a strip of territory not clearly defined in 
breadth, but extending along the entire eastern shore of 
Lake Michigan, from near its head, northward to Grand 
Traverse Bay, has become widely known and ftimed as the 
Michigan Fruit Belt. It has received this designation 
because it has been found, by an experience of more than 
thirty years, that this region excels any other portion of the 
State — and probably any part of the United States — in its 
natural adaptiveness for fruit culture ; particularly for the 
successful production of those varieties which are most 
sensitive to sudden and severe climatic changes. 

By some, the remarkable adaptability of this belt of coun- 
try for the purposes of fruit cultivation is ascribed in part 
to the nature of its soil, but the opinion which is concurred 
in by the closest and most competent observers — and which, 
by universal acceptance, has come to be regarded as an in- 
controvertible fact — is, that it is principally due to the 
proximity of the broad, unfreezing expanse of Lake Michi- 
gan, which acts as a vast regulator ; modifying the extremes 
of heat and cold through all this region ; protecting fruit- 
trees by checking a premature development of their buds 
in spring, and no less by retarding an unnatural and hurtful 
growth in the late autumn ; preventing in a great degree 
both fall and spring frosts ; disseminating needed moisture 
in time of drought ; and creating, in many ways, the favor- 
able conditions which have made its eastern shores so famed 
for successful fruit cultivation. 

The influences of the great lake on the belt of country 
under consideration have frequently been explained by 
gentlemen who are profound students of the subject, and 
deeply interested in it. Some of the best of these explana- 
tions are found in papers which have been read from time 
to time before the State Pomological Society of Michigan ; 
and it is from one of these papers* that the following ex- 
tracts, showing the cau.ses and effects of this lake influence, 
are taken : 

" The spring season finds Lake Michigan a mass of water 
nearly covered with floating ice. The storms of March and 
the rains of April having broken up the ice in the rivers, 
large quantities of ice find their way to the lake. Some- 
times there are drifts and gorges of this ice on the west 
side, but more frequently it hugs the east shore, and is so 
extensive that the blue open water beyond is scarcely dis- 
tinguishable from a dark cloud on the horizon. The shore 
is usually protected by a pile of ice from twenty to fifty 
feet in height, which has been thrown up during the winter 

* Road by Henry S. Clubb, of Grand Haven, in 1874. 



THE FRUIT BELT. 



119 



by the action of the waves. The effect of this floating ice, 
and this pile of ice and snow on tlie shore, is to retard the 
season. 

" The prevailing winds being from the west, southwest, 
and northwest, the east shore is kept backward by the cool 
breezes, which prevent that early expansion of the buds, 
which is so much deplored on the west side of the lake, 
and which renders the destruction of fruit prospects so 
common every spring in the Western and Southern States. 
Not until summer weather is fairly established, and the 
danger of late frosts over, does the water of Lake Michi- 
gan become warm so as to melt the ice, and the sun dissolve 
the ice-wall so as to allow the breeze which passes over the 
lake to permit the expansion of the fruit-buds on the trees 
of the eastern shore. It is much less changeable in its 
temperature than the land-breezes. It warms slowly, but 
when warmed it retains the heat proportionately with its 
depth and volume. The effect of this warm condition of 
the lake-water is to prevent sudden changes on the lee shore. 
Regularly as the tides of the ocean the summer breezes 
traverse the land and water along the lake-shore. In the 
forenoon the breeze is usually towards the lake, and in the 
afternoon a lake-breeze comes over the land, modifying the 
temperature and making the hottest days of July and 
August pleasant and agreeable. This is the true system of 
ventilation, of atmospheric drainage, and where the sloping 
hill-sides are fiivorably formed, almost certain is the exemp- 
tion from summer frosts. 

" As summer proceeds with its work of perfecting fruit, 
the lake is not only a protecting but a fertilizing influence. 
The intense heat of the sun is exerted on a large expanse 
of water, and the atmosphere is laden with the moisture 
drawn up during the day, and in the dryest season dew 
comes to the aid of exhausted nature, and, wherever culti- 
vation of the soil is properly attended to, the cool earth 
condenses the moisture and absorbs it, producing the best 
possible condition for growth. In calm summer weather 
this condition is probably best secured along the lake-shore, 
as during strong winds the moist air is apt to be carried 
farther inland before the earth, cooled by cultivation, can 
condense and absorb the moisture, and immediate proximity 
to the lake iu strong .summer winds may be no great ad- 
vantage ; but as summer is the period of calm, and the 
winds are seldom strong or violent, the moist lake-air is an 
important element of fertilization. Plunge the hand into 
the loose sand of our lake-shore during the most severe 
drought of summer, and you find moisture within a few 
inches of the surface, while in digging twelve to eighteen 
inches deep in the plowed field, twenty miles from the lake, 
you will fail to develop any indications of moisture. 

" After serving to enlarge and perfect the fruit by its 
moistening influence, the lake is .still at work. It again 
assumes the oiBce of protector, but in a different manner. 
In the spring it protected the fruit by holding it back, by 
retarding the swelling of the buds by its cold atmosphere ; 
but in the fall it performs its functions by retaining and ex- 
erting its acquired heat. The deep water of Lake Michi- 
gan is as slow to give up its summer heat as it was in the 
spring to yield its winter cold. It is to Michigan, in the 
fall and early winter, what the Gulf Stream of the At- 



lantic is to Europe. It prolongs summer and fall weather 
along its eastern shore, through the western counties of the 
State, far beyond the period of killing frosts in the interior 
counties, or on the western shore of the lake, in Wisconsin 
and Illinois. It keeps off early fall frosts even more effect- 
ually than it warded off those of early summer. The fruits 
— the latest varieties of the peach, and several varieties of 
grapes — have ample time to perfect to thorough ripeness be- 
fore the frosts intercept their work, while the young fruit 
buds for the succeeding sea.son develop, stop their growth, 
and the young wood ripens so as to withstand the rigors of 
succeeding winter storms and cold. 

" Long after the small lakes and principal rivers of Michi- 
gan have become frozen over. Lake Michigan maintains its 
high temperature and consequent freedom from ice. Its 
breezes constantly temper the wind to the necessities of the 
fruit-grower along our western coast. It remains substan- 
tially open, in fact, during the whole winter, making a dif- 
ference, during every cold period, of from ten to twenty 
degrees in favor of the fruit belt. 

" The first effect of a sharp frost on the lake is a matter 
of peculiar interest. Before ice forms to any extent on the 
lake, the effect of a frost along the shore is to coat over 
with ice the beach and everything upon it near enough to 
be touched by the spray. ... As winter advances the ice 
thickens, and snow perhaps mingles with the spray still 
more abundantly ; every day a new aspect is presented by 
this new-formed shore. If the cold continues, the bulk of 
ice and snow increases in thickness, until it assumes the 
form of an immense but somewhat irregular wall, skirting 
the lake at the point where the force of the waves is usually 
expended. This wall forms a natural breakwater, against 
which the waves dash with a violence increased by the 
stubbornness of the resistance it presents to the course of 
the waves up the beach. The greater the resistance the 
more abundant the spray, and, with the temperature of the 
air perhaps near to zero, every assault made by the waves 
increases the height and thickness of the barrier. The 
lake, as the cold increases, becomes partially covered with 
ice, which is broken up into pieces by every wind-storm. 
This broken ice, dashed up with great violence against the 
ice-formed barrier on the beach, and in violent storms 
thrown completely over the ice-wall, is piled upon it, and 
greatly augments its breadth and height. Ice is piled upon 
ioc, and the whole dashed with water and frozen, until a 
solid mass is formed, firm as a rock, rivaling the lake bluffs 
and hills in their height and dimensions. . . . 

" This mass of ice forms one of the principal agencies of 
the lake in retarding the expansion of the fruit-buds dur- 
ing the spring. It is the great refrigerator or reservoir of 
cold that holds back the buds until the danger of frost has 
passed. It is the fruit-grower's ice-store, piled up without 
any labor, and placed just where it is needed for protection 
from that sudden transition from winter to summer so re- 
markable in this latitude. Under its cooling influence the 
fruit-buds ' bide their time,' and do not burst into bloom 
until danger of blighting frost is over. This accumulation 
of cold, so to speak, is just as important in the spring as 
was the store of warmth in the fall. The whole effect is to 
prevent sudden transition from cold to heat. The lake is 



120 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



the great evener of the temperature at all seasons, counter- 
actinji; all extremes of temperature and modifying the effect 
of all sudden changes. 

" Nor is the great ice-wall and its accompanying floe of 
broken ice in the lake, important as they are, the only pro- 
vision made by the lake to protect the fruit husbandry of 
the adjacent country. The operations of the lake-breezes 
on land, during the terrific snow-storms of winter, are of 
similar importance. The snow that would, were it not for 
the wind, fall on the lake, is taken over the coast, on and 
on, from one to six, and frequently ten miles, where it is 
drifted to great depth. Were it not for the wind, this 
snow would cover the ground twelve to twenty inches 
evenly, and the first few days of warm weather would dis- 
solve it ; but piled in immense drifts, it continues for weeks, 
giving forth its cooling influences gradually, retarding vege- 
tation in locations that would otherwi.se be but little bene- 
fited by the lake, and thereby carrying lake benefits farther 
inland than could be secured without. So important is this 
snow-drift regarded by some fruit men, that I have heard 
it claimed as marking the true peach belt. But I am in- 
clined to regard it as a wise provision for widening and in- 
creasing the security of that belt. This drift does not form 
in gullies or on low spots alone. It is just as likely to form 
on high as on low land, wherever some obstruction to the 
course of the wind renders the location favorable for a drift. 
A peach-orchard that is so located as to attract the drift, as 
is often the case within the limit named, secures almost 
certain protection from winter and spring frosts. In such 
localities figs could be grown with almost the same certainty 
as peaches, the snow being a most perfect protection for 
these exotics." 

In reference to this subject of the peculiar climate of the 
fruit belt, Mr. J. E. Bidwell* says, " Unquestionably, our 
climate cannot be surpassed for its uniformity of temper- 
ature, rarely exceeding twenty degrees variation in one or 
two days ; this is of great practical value to fruit culture, 
in the uniform growth and ripening of wood and fruit. 
Nor is the moisture deficient so as to produce inferior size, 
shrinkage, or wilt ; nor in excess for the perfect develop- 
ment of vegetable, grain, or fruit. These lasting results are 
maiidy due to the great length, breadth, depth, and position 
of our lakes, which in summer constantly evaporate, expand, 
and raise cool, moist vapor, to be gently distilled upon us 
at night, or showered upon us by day in seeming acci- 
dent, but through great design. Even in winter the rest- 
less waters rapidly absorb the cold, contract and settle, and 
are as quickly replaced by the waimer waters from below. 
Fresh water is easily influenced by slight atmospheric 
changes, one cubic foot of which will affect in one like de- 
gree of temperature over three thousand cubic feet of air ; 
how great, then, is the influence of Lake Michigan, three 
hundred and forty by eighty-five miles in extent of surface, 
and upwards of one thousand feet in depth ! Our prevailing 
winds are from the west, principally southwest, and so re- 
ceive the equalizing influences of the water. Who can es- 
timate the quantity of imperceptible vapor rising from sixty- 



^^ In an address before the South Haven Pomological Society, Feb. 
8, 1873. 



six thousand square miles of fresh water in extreme warm 
weather in summer, and those immense, cloud-like masses 
of dark vapor rising from the unfrozen surface in extreme 
weather in winter, extending its beneficial influence over 
our State?" 

Facts gained from actual observation are given below, 
showing the superior advantages in climate enjoyed by the 
eastern over the western shore of Lake Michigan and other 
regions. They refer to South Haven especially, but of 
cour.se apply approximately to other portions of Van Burcn, 
as well as to Berrien County. 

Facts presented by A. S. Dyckman to the South Haven 
Pomological Society in 1871 : 

" The coldest point ever touched by the thermometer at our place, 
within the recollection of civilized man, was in the winter of 185()-57, 
nine degrees below zero ; since which time the coldest point was seven 
degrees below zero, Jan. 1, 1861. The summer following eivch of these 
winters brought abundance of fruit on all bearing trees. In ordinary 
winters the thermometer does not reach zero. 

"As a remarkable instance of our lake protection, it is said that 
when the thermometer was at seven degrees below zero here, in .lan- 
uary, 1864, it was as low as twelve degrees below at Corinth. Miss., 
and twenty-seven degrees below at Milwaukee, Wis." 

Facts stated by I. S. Linderman before the South Haven 
Pomological Society, Jan. 7, 1878 : 

*' I believe that we are favored with a climate unexcelled, if not 
unequiiled, in this latitude, between the Atlantic and the Rocky 
Mountains. As a basis of the correctness of my belief, I offer the 
following synopsis of the extremes of cold for the last eight years, 
taken from my record of extremes : 

"December, 1868, to April, 1869, not below zero. 

" 1869, " 1870, 1° below zero once. 

" 1870, " 1871, as low as zero once. 

" 1871, " 1872, coldest 5°; below zero only twice. 

" 1872, " 1873, coldest winter on record to that 

date; below zero on nine diflerent 

days. 
" 1873, " 1874, coldest day January 31st; 5° above 

zero. 
" 1S74, " 1875, coldest day February 9th; 16° below 

zero for a few moments only ; 

during the winter it was below 

zero seven times. 
" 1875, " 1876, coldest 5° above zero. 

" For the last eight years we have had two winters five degrees 
above zero the coldest, two winters just zero, and four \vinter3 below 
that point, from one to nine days each. The aggregate number of 
days below zero for the eight years is nineteen. This subject of the 
superiority of our climate is of the greatest importance to the whole 
people of the Northwest, and especially to those engaged or proposing 
to eng,age in the business of fruit-growing. 

" Beloit, Wis., is directly west of us, about sixty-six miles from the 
west shore of Lake Michigan. Every winter, for the past eight years, 
it has been from sixteen to twenty-four degrees colder there than it 
has been here. I refer to that place particularly, because I receive a 
daily record of the weather and temperature once a week. I will 
now revert to the winter of 1872-73, the coldest to that date, but 
which was duplicated two years later. For convenient comparison, I 
will place the record of the two winters, also the names of places east 
and west of us, in juxtaposition. 

"WINTER OF 1872-73. 

"December 24th. 

South Haven 14° below. 

Beloit, Wis 4»° " 

Jancsville, Wis 4I»° 

Grand Rapids, Mich 40° 

Lansing, Mich 3.1 

Self-registering thermome'er at Lansing 4.i° 

Tiffin, Ohio 31° 



THE FRUIT BELT. 



121 



St. Louis, Mo ■. in° below. 

Centr.alia, III 22 to 27° " 

Chicago, 111 20° " 

" In Minnesota it was believed that over one hundred persons froze 
to death. 

"WINTER OF 1874-75. 

"February 9th. 

South Haven (for a few moments, clear and very still) 16° below. 

Grand Rapids, Mich 40° " 

Kalania/oo, Mich 34° " 

Battle Creek, Mich .34° " 

Sparta, Wis 4S° " 

" FEBRtARY IStH. 

Beloit, Wis 4n° " 

Janesville, Wis 40° " 

" The above shows a remarkable uniformity not only in the two 
winters but in the degi-ees of cold east and west of the lake, away 
from its influence. The degrees, however, do not express the whole 
of the difference in effect. A very sudden change has a much greater 
effect on man, beast, or trees than a gradual change of the same num- 
ber of degrees. West of the lake the changes are much more sudden 
than they are here. I will introduce one example: Monday night, 
Feb. 12, 1872, at Beloit, Wis., it was 38° above zero. Tuesday morn- 
ing, the 13th, 6° below was the score, — a change of forty-four degrees 
in half a dozen hours. — Beluit Fyec Prcna. My record for the same 
time stands: Feb. I2th, 6 P.M., 36 degrees above; Tuesday morning, 
13th, 34°, with high west wind, getting cold very fast, — forty degrees 
warmer than Beloit. Noon, 22° above; 6 p.m., 10°; being a change 
of 26° in twelve hours against 44 degrees at Beloit in a night, — a dif- 
ference in our favor of 18 degrees. At St. Joseph, Mo., on the same 
night, there was a change from 52° above to 2° above zero the next 
morning, — a change of 50° to Beloit 44° and our 26°. 

"I might continue these comparisons indefinitely, but it is un- 
necessary, I have this to say, however; these comparative differences 
are not exceptions, but the rule, being nearly as great every winter. 
Fortunately for us, we are not confined to the record of the thenxiora- 
eter to prove the correctness of our claims to superiority of climate. 
We have other proof that is conclusive on that point. Notwithstand- 
ing the extreme cold of 1872-73 we had a good peach crop the follow- 
ing summer, amounting to about fifty thousand baskets, while the 
combined jiroduction of all other localities in the Nortiiwest was far 
^below that amount. This is conclusive proof of tiie correctness of 
our record, and cannot be successfully controverted." 

There is great diversity of opinion among fruit-growers, 
apparently equally well informed, as to what width of ter- 
ritory is properly to be regarded as lying within the great 
fruit belt. Some, whose locations are near the lake, be- 
lieve that a strip of not more than two miles in breadth is 
all that can be regarded as within the belt ; while others, 
respectively, place its eastern limit at three, five, ten, and fif- 
teen miles back from the great lake. " Some claim that it 
extends only a few miles back from the waters of the lake, 
and that only in the immediate neighborhood of river out- 
lets, the location of future cities ; some, along the whole pen- 
insula, as far as the snow line ;'"* while others place it far 
to the eastward, in the interior of the State. " As I under- 
stand this matter," says Mr. B. Hathaway,"}" of Little 
Prairie Ronde, " there is a peach belt and a fruit belt in 
Michigan that are not identical in their limits, or rather I 
should say the latter includes the former, but is much 
more extensive. I believe the limits are not easily defined, 
but they are to include such territory as can be used for 
raising peaches, where they are reasonably sure every season ; 

» State Pomological Society Report, 1872, page 124. It does not 
seem entirely clear what is the location of the " snow line" here men- 
tioned. 

tSec pp. 11, 12, State Pomological Society Report for 1878, 

16 



and this region in Micliigan is confined to the western shore, 
and a narrow belt at that." 

Mr. J. P. Thompson, of Detroit, defines its extentj as 
follows : " The special fruit belt is composed more strictly 
of the counties bordering on Lake Michigan, which are 
Berrien (including the St. Joseph section), Van Buren, 
Allegan, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties, where fruit- 
growing is most a specialty." On the whole, notwithstand- 
ing the variety of opinions as to the extent of the fruit belt, 
it seems proper to regard the counties of Berrien and Van 
Buren — or at least a very large portion of their territory — 
as being embraced within it. 

There can be no doubt that the first orchard in all this 
region was the one situated on the left bank of the St. 
Joseph River, nearly two miles, by the course of the 
stream, above its mouth, on the farm of the late Capt, 
Samuel G. Langley. This old' orchard, originally com- 
posed of about sixty apple-trees, has been known since the 
coming of the fir.st settlers as the " Burnett orchard," be- 
cause, as tradition says, it was planted by Mr. William 
Burnett, who opened his Indian trading-house on the St. 
Joseph about 1785. About the year 1836, at a time 
when the river rose to an unprecedented height, the flood 
destroyed a part of the trees, some of which exceeded ten 
inches in diameter. A part of them, however, still re- 
main, and as late as 1876 apples produced by them were 
exhibited at the fair of the State Society of Michigan, by 
A. 0. Winchester, Esq., of St. Joseph, with the remark 
by him that they were gathered from trees a century old. 

Next in point of date must have been the orchard of 
the Carey Mission, in the present township of Niles. The 
Rev. Isaac McCoy, the founder of that mission, says,§ 
" We early planted peach-seed, and now (1826) had au 
orchard of two or three hundred trees. By searching in 
the brush about deserted Indian villages and trading-houses 
we found here and there a few young apple-trees, which, 
perhaps, had grown from .seed accidentally cast. These wo 
transplanted, and ultimately had nearly one hundred trees 
growing." Elsewhere he intimates that, as he had from 
the first foreseen that the Indians would ere long bo 
crowded from their lands by the whites, and that the mis- 
sion would then be vacated, and the land on which it was 
located would become the property of the United States. 
— in which event the board of missions would probably re- 
ceive from government the value of their improvements, — it 
had been his policy to make these improvements as valua- 
ble as possible ; and the raising of this orchard was one of 
the means used to that end. 

The fact stated by Mr. McCoy that he found young 
apple-trees growing around deserted Indian villages is no- 
ticeable as showing that the Fottawattamies were not un- 
acquainted with that fruit; and though the missionary 
makes no mention of having seen any apple-trees of size 
in their country, it is certain that they did bring some of 
them to a bearing state, for such trees were found by the 
early settlers, scattered about in several places. It is not 
unlikely that the apple was first brought into the Indian 

\ In an address before the State Pomological Society at Allegan, in 
February, 1878. 

J History of Baptist Missions, p, 263. 



122 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



country by the Jesuits, and there is nothing improbable 
in the supposition that these priests planted apple-trees on 
the banks of the St. Joseph when they established their 
mission here, in about the year 1700, as it is certain that the 
holy fathers had done thirty years before, at the mission of 
St. Ignace, of JMicliillimackinac. Orchards of both apple- 
and pear-trees were commenced at Montreal by the French 
founders of the place immediately after its first settlement, 
and the same practice appears to liave been usual with the 
people of that nation in their settlements around the more 
remote posts and missions. It was certainly done at De- 
troit at or immediately after the time of its founding by 
Cadillac, and one, at least, of the old pear-trees at that 
place, known to have been planted within the palisades of 
Fort Pontchartrain as early as 1705, remained standing 
there until its destruction became necessary to make room 
for the improvements of the city in modern time. 

The statement has been made, and published with the 
proceedings of the State Society, that peach-trees planted 
by the Indians were found in the neighborhood of the St. 
Joseph River, and that they were bearing fruit to some 
extent about 1837, but the authenticity of that part which 
credits the planting of them to the Indians is doubtful. 
The early settlers, upon flieir arrival in this region, found 
a few peach-trees growing in the Burnett orchard, but 
evidently much younger than the old apple-trees found 
there, and they were without doubt planted by Mr. Bur- 
nett. It was stated by Mr. Simeon Wilson, a pioneer of 
St. Joseph, that when he settled there in 1831 there were 
some seedling peach-trees in a bearing state on the Burnett 
orchard ; and Benjamin C. Hoyt, Esq., who came there in 
1829, said that at that time there were a few peach-trees 
growing on what was afterwards the village plat. Capt. 
Curtis Boughton also says that when he came to Western 
Michigan, in 1834, there were peach-trees, which he thinks 
must have been planted by Indians, standing on the east 
bank of Hickory Creek, on section 2 of the present town 
of Lincoln, Berrien Co. But the fact of the trees being 
found there is no proof that they had been planted by 
Indians, for they were standing on land which had been 
occupied for a number of years by a Frenchman, and in the 
immediate vicinity Mr. Timothy S. Smith had been located 
as early as 1827. 

The immigrants who made the early settlements in Ber- 
rien and Van Buren Counties were not unmindful of the 
advantage to be derived from fruit culture, and, though 
there was at that time no little doubt expressed as to the 
adaptability of the climate of this new region for the pur- 
poses of fruit-growing, and though none of the settlers 
could have had the faintest idea of the importance which 
this industry was to assume in later years, a large number of 
them planted fruit-trees, and many brought trees from the 
East and set them out on their new lands here ; but in 
most instances only in sufiBcient numbers to secure family 
orchards, and apparently without much, if any, idea of 
future fruit production as a source of any considerable pe- 
cuniary profit, though it is said that some had this object 
in view from the first. In regard to the early planting of 
orchards, Berrien can claim very little priority over Van 
Buren County, for in the latter, particularly in its eastern 



part, a large number of both apple- and peach-trees were 
planted as early at least as 1835, and from these originated 
some of the earliest orchards in the western part of the 
State. This marked the beginning in Van Buren of the 
orcharding industry, in which the county now takes a high 
rank. 

In view of the early doubts which existed in regard to 
the adaptability of the climate and soil for successful fruit 
production, it is not strange that a very large proportion of 
the orchards planted were the apple instead of the tenderer 
and more precarious peach. Still, there were a consider- 
able number of peach-trees planted by the early settlers, 
and the success which, from the outset, attended the culti- 
vation of this fruit, caused its extension, — slowly at first, 
but afterwards with great rapidity, — until at last it ab- 
sorbed most of the attention of those who had already en- 
gaged in fruit culture in this region, and caused hundreds 
of others, who were neither oichardists nor farmers, to seize 
the earliest opportunity to embark in the business, and to 
bend all their energies to the production of peaches for the 
market. 

In the shipment of peaches to an outside market, from 
any part of the territory of the counties of Berrien and 
Van Buren, precedence is claimed, and is unquestionably due, 
to the port of St. Joseph, as the region lying in the vicinity 
of that village is also entitled to priority in the raising of 
the fruit for the suppl}' of the very small home demand. 
" Before peaches were sold in Chicago from this region, even 
before St. Joseph could supply itself with fruit, Mr. Brodiss, 
who lived six miles this side of Niles, brought his seedling 
peaches by the open wagon load to peddle in St. Joseph. 
This was in 1834." * At about the same time Theodore 
C. Abbe set out a small peach-orchard in the south part of 
the township of St. Joseph, near what is known as the 
" Gard Sehool-House," having brought the trees from the 
nurseries of Rochester, N. Y. Mr. Abbe died soon after, 
and the trees upon his farm were removed and transplanted 
on the farm of John Pike, in the northwest part of the 
township of Royalton. There they flourished well, almost 
as a matter of course, and fruit from them was brought to 
St. Joseph village for sale in 1837. 

In 1839 the first shipment of peaches to Chicago was 
made by Captain Curtis Boughton, who purchased the 
fruit from the few small producers in the vicinity, and 
transported it from St. Joseph, across the lake to the city, 
in his vessel, the schooner " Henry U. King." The novel 
experiment was pecuniarily successful, and was afterwards 
repealed by Captain Boughton, though of course not on 
an extended scale, as the amount of peaches which he was 
able to purchase was very limited. In 1843, David and 
John Byers, of Bainbridge township, produced their first 
crop of peaches, amounting to forty bushels, which they 
brought to St. Joseph and sold to the steward of Captain 
Ward's steamer for the sum of one hundred dollars. The 
purchaser sold them in Chicago, but the prices realized by 
him are not mentioned. It was from these insignificant 
beginnings that the peach trade of Western Michigan grew 



*" From a paper road by Mr. Cbaiubcrlain, of St. .Joseph, before tlie 
State Poiilologioal Society in 1872. 



THE FRUIT BELT. 



123 



to the immense proportions wliieli it assumed a few years 
later. 

Mr. Benjamin 0. Hoyt was one of the early planters of 
fruit-trees at St. Joseph, and he was the first owner of any- 
thing which could properly be termed a nursery. Id this 
nursery lie had the first Crawford peach-trees which were 
seen in Western Michigan. Mr. Hoyt has also been men- 
tioned as being the first shipper of peaches to Chicago, but 
this seems to be clearly a mistake, though he was a shipper 
to some extent soon after Captain Boughton led the way. 
Among the earliest peach-growers in a small way in the 
neighborhood of St. Joseph was Mr. Eleazer Morton, of 
Benton (father of Hon. Henry C. Morton, of Benton Har- 
bor), and Lemuel L. Johnson, on the north side of the 
Paw Paw River, who, with those named above and some 
others, had, as Mr. Parmelee expresses it, " a few peach- 
trees of seedling sorts, generally in fence-corner rows, and 
rarely in orchard form."* These small producers con- 
tinued in this way, not materially increasing the number of 
their trees, nor attracting much attention until the time 
came when a succession of exceptionally cold winters de- 
stroyed a large proportion of the peach-trees of the interior, 
but left those within the fruit-belt unharmed. It was this 
fact which drew attention to the region contiguous to the 
eastern border of Lake Michigan, and resulted in the dis- 
covery of its superior capabilities for the production of 
fruit ; though at that time, and for some few years succeed- 
ing, it was believed that the fiivored section extended but 
a few miles at farthest from the mouth of the St. Joseph 
River. The circumstances above alluded to arc mentioned 
more at length by Mr. T. T. Lyon, as follows: 

" Several unusually severe winters occurring during the 
fifth decade of the present century, and coming upon us 
after the destruction cf the forests of the State had become 
considerably advanced, gave our people the first clear and 
unmistakable evidence of an unfortunate modification of 
climate by inflicting serious injury upon many orchards of 
the apple, and nearly ruining the peach plantations of the 
State. Important and obvious as are now the advantages 
of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan for the cultivation 
of fruits, up to the period mentioned they were little under- 
stood or appreciated. It was not till the loss of their trees 
had enforced the lesson upon the people, and, moreover, till 
the growth of the Western cities had created a demand for 
fruit, that the success of casual experiment here began to 
draw special attention to these advantages. 

" For a considerable period after public attention had 
become attracted to the importance of this exemption, it 
was popularly supposed to be limited to Berrien County 
and to the vicinity of St. Joseph. Hence, there suddenly 
arose at this point a wonderful inflation in the prices of 
fruit-lands, and an activity in orchard planting that can 
scarcely be said to have a parallel in the history of fruit 
culture. For this reason the history of lake shore fruit 
culture opens with the development of this interest here." 

This demonstration of the superior advantages enjoyed 
by fruit-growers on the western border of the peninsula, 

- This, however, is not a correct assertion as to Mr. Eleazer Morton, 
who had planted an orchard of apple-, peach-, and plum-trees as early 
as IStO, and in 1S45 had sold his peach crop at one dollar per bushel. 



and the action taken soon afterwards by some of the more 
energetic ones, to avail themselves of its benefits by the 
planting of more and larger orchards, is termed by Mr. 
George Parmeleef " the inauguration of the peach belt in 
1847." In this " inauguration" Mr. Parmelee himself 
took a somewhat prominent part. " About this time," he 
says, " pits of the peach known as ' Hill's Chili,' ' Stanley,' 
and other names, were planted by Mr. McKeyes, of Bain- 
bridge. At that time I owned an eighty-acre lot in the 
same town, and had planted on it that spring a small orch- 
ard of budded peach-trees, which I had bought of Col. 
Hodge's ' Buffalo Nur.sery.' " He, however, left this Bain- 
bridge farm (believing it would prove unfit for peach cul- 
tivation, on account of its elevation, and probably thinking 
also that the vicinity of St. Joseph was the only place where 
that fruit could be raised successfully), and in the spring 
of 1848 he set out, on the north side of the Paw Paw 
River, some two or three miles from Benton Harbor, an 
orchard of two and a half acres, comprising peach- and 
apple-trees, with a few pears, plums, and quinces. Captain 
Curtis Boughton set out an orchard of one hundred and 
thirty peach-trees in St. Joseph in 1849 ; and about the 
same time Dr. Talman Wheeler set out the " Teetzel orch- 
ard," and Mr. Eleazer Morton planted a small orchard in 
addition to the trees he already had. These orchards began 
to produce about 1852, and peaches from Captain Bough- 
ton's orchard (if not from the others) were sold in that 
year. " It was not," says Mr. Parmelee, "till after Mr. 
Boughton and I had sold choice peaches from our imported 
trees that there was much else than seedling trees planted, 
or budded trees from the better class of local seedlings. 
The first great impetus to peach-planting was given when 
I contracted my first considerable peach crop for fifteen 
hundred dollars, to be delivered in St. Joseph. The report 
went over the country, and it was magnified ridiculously, 
but it did its work; " that is to say, it created a great rush 
into the peach-raising business through all the country 
lying within a few miles of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor 
(which was then believed to be the one pre-eminently 
favored district), and more than quadrupled the prices of 
lands| in that section. 

t State Pom. Soc. Rep., 1874, p. 227. 

j A few years later the prices of orchard lands in that vicinity had 
increased to fabulous figures, which really seemed to be warranted by 
the very large profits which accrued from the business of peach-grow- 
ing, — the yield of a single year amounting, in some instances, to fully 
$5000 per acre. From the small beginning made by Mr. Parmelee in 
1848 he had in the course of a few years enlarged his orchard, and had 
put out ninety-eight acres; had his lands well fenced, and in a high 
state of cultivation ; built a tine residence, costing some $6000, and 
corresponding outbuildings. All these improvements were m.ade from 
his fruit, and from such a small beginning; and his property, so im- 
proved, sold for the handsome sum of $43,000. The '* Cincinnati Or- 
chard" — the largest peach-orchard in the State, embracing originally 
about sixty -five acres iu bearing, and located about one mile from Ben- 
ton Harbor — was planted by Smith & Howell, bankers, of Cincinnati 
and Lebanon, Ohio, on land leased for twelve years from Eleazer Mor- 
ton. After securing a succession of heavy and very profitable crops, 
they sold the trees and lease (when it had but three years to run) for. 
$12,000, to Hopkins, Edwards A Willard, who the same year netted 
$15,000 from the crop, and realized .about the same sum annually for 
the remainder of the lease. In 1871 this orchard produced over 
37,000 baskets of peaches, which netted about $20,000. 

Mr. Thresher, of Benton Harbor, stated that "as early as 1S65 



124 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



" The interest in fruit culture thus excited in the vicinity 
of St. Joseph* was not long in finding an echo from other 
points along the eastern shore of the lake. At South 
Haven, twenty-two miles north of St. Joseph, the next 
point affording suitable harbor facilities, orchards were 
planted about the year 1852, and from that time the interest 
gained strength slowly till the advent of the Kalamazoo 
and South Haven Railroad supplied an outlet eastward, 
and removed many of the serious embarrassments under 
which the locality had previously labored." The pioneers 
in orcharding at South Haven were Stephen B. Morehouse 
and Randolph Densmore, the former of whom removed 
there for the purpose of engaging in the business, and 
planted the first orchard in 1852. Mr. Densmore's orchard 
was planted on a lot adjoining that of Mr. Morehouse and 
at about the same time ; so it was only three or four years 
after orchard culture to any extent was commenced as a 
business at St. Joseph and vicinity, that it was also com- 
menced at South Haven. In 1857, Aaron S. Dyekman 
planted an orchard of four acres in extent, and about the 
.same time James L. lleid commenced one on the lake-shore 
in the same township. S. G. Sheffer, Joseph Dow, and C. 
M. Sheffer set out orchards here soon afterwards, and a 
little later vineyards were commenced by Orris Church, A. 
S. Dyekman, Aaron Eanies, aud others. But here, although 
both soil and climate are equally well adapted to fruit cul- 
tivation, the progress made during the first few years was 
less rapid than it had been at St. Joseph and Benton Har- 
bor, for the reason that in the last-named region there was 
an abundance of cleared land, ready for the reception of 
fruit-trees, which was not the case to so great an extent in 
the South Haven district. This disparity, however, gradu- 
ally ceased to exist, and the fruit production of South 
Haven, as in other parts of Van Bureu County, has steadily 
grown in extent and importance. 

Concerning the fruit-growing interest of the eastern part 
of Van Buren County, Mr. Lyon, in his " History of Michi- 
gan Fruit Culture," remarks that among the earliest budded 
peach-trees in that section were a few brought from near 
Rochester, N. Y., by N. H. Bitely, in 1855. These were 
planted on a hill and stood the test of a very severe winter, 
while others on low grounds were killed. This attracted 
the attention of Mr. Columbus Engle, who owned some of 
the highest land in this region, and which he regarded as 
worthless. Observing this exemption, he at once planted 
these hills with fruit-trees, largely peaches. From this 
venture has grown one of the most successful fruit-planta- 
tions in the county, he having (up to 1878) failed of a crop 
but twice in eighteen years. 

From these, and other similar beginnings in fruit culture. 
Van Buren has advanced to its present rank among the best 
fruit counties of the State. This result has been attained 
by energy and perseverance on the part of the orchard pro- 
there were at St. Joseph and Benton Harbor no less than 207,639 
peach-, 40,957 pear-, nearly 70,000 apple-, about 10,000 cherry-, 2500 
quince-, and 3000 plum-trees, 35,000 grape-vines, and more straw- 
berry-, blackberry-, and raspberry-plants than could well be enumer- 
ated." Afterwards, at the time of heaviest production, the number 
of peach-trees given above had been trebled within the same limits. 

« History of Michigan Fruit Culture, by T. T. Lyon, of South 
Haven. Report State Pom. Society, 1878. 



prietors, and the exercise of intelligence in their methods 
of cultivation, aided by unrivaled advantages in soil and 
climatic conditions. The statistics of the ninth census of 
the United States (having reference to the year ending 
June 1, 1870) show that the value of orchard products in 
the county of Berrien was $561,641, and in the county of 
Van Buren $135,910; Berrien standing first and Van 
Buren eighth in importance in this particular among the 
counties of tlie State. Four years later, by the State cen- 
sus of 1874, Van Buren had advanced to the second rank 
among Michigan counties in the value of orchard products. 
In the matter of peach production, in 1872, Berrien stood 
first among the counties, the production reported being 
140,450 bushels, while Van Buren, producing 62,92i( 
bushels, stood next in rank to Berrien. In 1873, Van 
Buren advanced to the rank of the first county in Michi- 
gan in peach production,— the crop reported being 9072 
bushels, — and the adjoining county of Allegan took the 
second place. This result is shown by the reports of the 
last census, — that of 1874. 

THE "YELLOWS" AMONG THE PEACH-TREES. 

For a period of about twenty years from the time when 
systematic peach production for the market was commenced 
by a few enterprising men in the neighborhood of St. Joseph 
and Benton Harbor, the business continued to spread rapidly 
over nearly all the favored section of the lake-shore, and 
was prosecuted with almost marvelous pecuniary profit to 
the growers. Their success had been uniform aud uninter- 
rupted ; the possibility of a iailure of crops was scarcely 
thought of, and there seemed to be little reason to doubt that 
the prosperity of these earlier years would continue indefi- 
nitely. But at about the end of the period above named 
there came a warning of approaching disaster, — the first 
appearance of that scourge, the " yellows," which was des- 
tined to spread havoc among the peach-orchards of this 
hitherto exempted region to an extent amounting, in many 
localities, to an almost complete destruction of the business. 

This fatal disease to peach-trees proceeds from a cause 
which may be said to be unknown, inasmuch as it has never 
been removed or satisfactorily explained ■,'\ and there is little 
more to be said of it than to notice its appearance and 
operation. The disease shows itself in the premature 
ripening of the fruit, sometimes that of the entire tree, but 
more generally that on one or more of its branches. The 
fruit becomes unnaturally red, especially at the pit, and ac- 
quires an insipid and unwholesome taste as it approaches 
maturity. The first indications are observed in the peach 
usually about one month before its ripening. In the first 
year of the disease the fruit grows nearly to its natural 
size, but is always marked with specks and large spots of 
purplLsh red. Internally, there appear small red specks in 
the part next the pit, first at the stem, and afterwards on 
every part of the pit. These increase daily in number, and 
gradually extend, until every cell contains one or more of 

I Mr. Thomas Meehan, of the Germantown Nurseries, near Phila- 
delphia, Pa., however, expressed this opinion to Secretary Garfield, 
of the Michigan State Society : "There is no longer any more duubt 
about peach yellows being caused by root fungus than there is that 
the sun shines on a clear day. I fear your friends have not kept pace 
with ttie progress of discovery." 



THE FRUIT BELT. 



125 



the specks. Under the microscope, these specks are seen 
to be small red globules in the fluid of the cells. When 
exposed to one hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit in 
a fruit-dryer, these globules become dry, and remain in the 
cellular tissues. The eflFect on the peach is to render it un- 
palatable, unwholesome, and worthless. 

On the tree, the presence of the disease is marked by the 
production, upon the aifected branches, of very slender, wiry 
shoots, a few inches long, and bearing starved, diminutive 
leaves, which are very narrow, quite distinct from the 
natural size, and are either pale yellow or arc destitute of 
color. Tbe sap in the aifected limbs acquires an orange 
color, a slimy touch, and a disagreeable, sickish smell. As 
the disease progresses, it can be traced down the trunk of 
the tree to the base, where tufts of unnatural growth are 
frequently found, and the new wood and bark of the tree 
acquire a softer, lighter, and more spongy growth. The 
disease does not appear to be either produced or prevented 
by any peculiarity of soil,* drainage, or exposure. Trees of 
all ages are attacked, and the most vigorous and healthy ones 
are not exempt. Mr. William R. Prince says, " The yellows 
is a disease which attacks all classes of peaches alike. It is 
analogous to the yellow fever, which attacks with equal vir- 
ulence all races of men, — black, white, copper-colored and 
yellow." The removal of limbs on which the disease first 
appears, the slitting of the bark, the application of wood 
ashes, lye, salt, potash, warm water, superphosphates, and 
many other supposed remedies have been applied, but they 
have had little or no effect in curing the disease or prevent- 
ing its spread. Nothing has been accomplished in this 
direction, except by promptly destroying and removing 
affected trees as soon as their prematurely ripened fruit gives 
warning that the blight is upon them. Mr. T. T. Lyon, 
who is excellent authority in such matters, expresses the 
opinion that the attempt to discover a specific for the cure 
of the yellows is as futile as were the efforts of the alchem- 
ists to transmute base metals into gold, or the search of 
the Spanish explorers for the fountain of perennial youth. 

For some time after the disease appeared here many 
doubted that it was contagious, but that doubt has long 
since passed away. It has been repeatedly demonstrated by 
experiment that pollen taken from the blossoms of diseased 
trees, and used to impregnate the pistils of blossoms on 
healthy trees, conveys the disease to the latter. It is now 
universally admitted that the disease is contagious, and that 
its spread is only to be prevented by the prompt destruc- 
tion of affected trees. 

In regard to the origin of the yellows within the Michi- 
gan fruit belt, we find it statedf that " the disease is supposed 
to have been introduced in this vicinity about the year 
1862, by means of trees imported from New Jersey, which 
had been grown from buds of infected trees. But few 
trees were so affected, and it was several years later when 
the disease in the vicinity of Benton Harbor first assumed 
a contagious type." It is proper, however, to note that by 
many this statement of the manner in which it was first 



* It has, however, been asserted that no damage was e 
yellows to trees growing on limestone or calcareous soils, 
t State Poui. Soe. Rep., 1S78, p. 254. 



■ done by 



introduced is pronounced entirely groundless. The diver- 
sity of opinion on the subject is, of course, very great. 

The disease made its first appearance within the fruit- 
belt, in 1868, on Crawford trees in the plantations of John 
Whittlesey and A. O. Winchester, at St. Joseph, — in the 
neighborhood of the locality where successful peach-growing 
had its origin. Not more than half a dozen trees on these 
plantations were attacked by the disease in the first season 
of its appearance, and its spread was very slow during the 
three or four years next succeeding. The peach-orchards 
of the entire region were then bearing enormous crops, and 
they continued to do so afterwards ; the crop of 1869 being 
unusually large through all the district tributary to St. 
Joseph, as elsewhere. Four years after the first appearance 
of the disease it had not reached orchards five miles away 
from the trees which were first attacked, but about that 
time it began to spread with greater rapidity, and finally 
extended over the entire belt, or at least over that part of 
it which lies within tlie counties of Berrien and Van Buren 
(excepting, perhaps, a small area in the extreme southern 
part of the former), and northwaid to Allegan and Ottawa. 

Its ravages have been greater and far more disastrous in 
the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor districts than in any 
other, partly because here were more and larger plantations 
than in any other section, and partly because, having ap- 
peared here first, it had gained a firm foothold and performed 
much of its destructive work before the fact became known 
that the only remedy is the prompt destruction of infected 
trees. " At St. Joseph and Benton Harbor," says Mr. 
Lyon,t " resort was had to experiments looking to the cure 
of the malady and preservation of the trees, but such ex- 
periments have proved futile, at least so far that almost the 
entire stand of peach-trees seems to have become affected, 
and to have, in subsequent seasons, either died outright, or 
been destroyed for the purpose of clearing the ground for 
plantations of other fruits. Indeed, so generally has this 
been done, that peach culture can hardly be said longer to 
be a leading interest here, while the end is not yet reached." 
It is true that the yellows disease has dealt to the peach- 
producing interest so staggering a blow that many people, 
having in mind the enormous production of former years, 
speak of the business as dead (though not without hope of 
resurrection) in the region which finds its outlet at the 
mouth of the St. Joseph River. But it is shown by the 
report of the deputy collector of the port of St. Joseph 
that in the past season (1879) there have been shipped 
from that port 78,299 baskets of peaches, 57,949 crates of 
berries, and 10,525 barrels of apples; an amount which in 
itself seems large, and which, as regards the peach item, is 
only insignificant when compared with the enormous ship- 
ments of earlier years. 

In the South Haven region, and at other points in Van 
Buren County, the disease appeared later than on the St. 
Joseph, and not until some knowledge had been gained as 
to its character and the only practicable method of prevent- 
ing its extension. When the first cases of yellows were 
discovered there (in 1873), the South Haven Pomological 
Society, thoroughly awake to the danger through the warn- 

J History of Michigan Fruit Culture, State Pom. Soo. Eep., 1878, 
p. 281. 



126 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 



ing which had come down from the devastated orchards of 
Birrien County, took action at once, by the appointment of 
a committee, who, with general concuri'ence, enjoined upon 
all peach-growers and the community the ' summary de- 
struction of all infected trees wherever and whenever 
discovered. Besides this, the society memorialized the 
Legislature, asking the enactment of a law compelling such 
destruction ; and in this they were joined by producers in 
Allegan and Ottawa Counties. This resulted, in 1875, in 
the passage of an act* which provides " that any and all 
trees in the counties of Allegan, Van Buren, and Ottawa, 
whether peach, almond, apricot, or nectarine, infected with 
the contagious disease known as the yellows, shall be held to 
be without pecuniary value and their fruit unfit for use as 
food ; and that, as the best known means of preventing the 
spread of such disease, botli tree and fruit so infected shall 
be subject to destruction as public nuisances.' And the 
law makes it the duty of any township board who shall 
receive information from five citizens, of the existence of 
the yellows within the township, to appoint a commissioner, 
whose duty it shall be, upon discovering such infected trees, 
" to affix a distinguishing mark to each tree so affected, and 
immediately notify the owner or occupant of the premises 
on which such trees shall be standing" to destroy the con- 
demned trees within five days from such notice ; also to 
proceed in the same manner in case of the discovery of any 
infected fruit, notifying the owner or person in charge of it 

® Local Acts, 1875, p. 726. 



to withhold it from distribution, shipment, or .sale, and to 
destroy it ; and in case persons so notified refuse or neglect 
to comply with the mandate within the time named, the 
commissioner has power " to immediately enter upon the 
premises, and effectually uproot and destroy such affected or 
diseased trees or fruit," and certain penalties are fixed by the 
law for non-compliance on the part of the owner or person 
in charge. But there is no occasion for the infliction of the 
penalty, for all willingly and eagerly co-operate to extirpate 
the scourge by the only known means, — the prompt destruc- 
tion of all trees bearing the marks of infection. " By the 
earnest employment of this means of eradication, although 
the disease is understood to have appeared as far north as 
Spring Lake, it appears to have gained very little strength, 
and if not fully suppressed, seems likely to be kept within 
very nari'ow limits." This is the opinion expressed in 1878 
by Mr. T. T. Lyon in his " History of Michigan Fruit Cul- 
ture." It seems to have been measurably verified thus far, 
and it is to be hoped that it will prove correct hereafter. 

It is of course impossible to know tihe future of peach 
culture in Southwestern Michigan. Most of those engaged 
in it predict that the blight of the yellows will disappear, 
as it has from regions once ravaged by it in the East, and 
that there will succeed another period of as great prosperity 
as was known here in the days of the " Cincinnati orchard." 
This supposition seems reasonable enough, but as the sub- 
ject is more within the scope of prophecy than of history, 
it seems proper to omit its discussion here. 



BERRIEN COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XX. 

NATURAL FEATURES-EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

Location of Berrien County — Surface, Soil, and Streams — Comuience- 
ment and Progress of Settlement — Improvements made by the 
Early Traders — The Protestant Missionaries — First [mmigrants in 
the several Townships — Population. 

Berrien, the extreme southwestern county of the State 
of Michigan, has nearly the form of a right-angled trian- 
gle, of which the base, its eastern line, joins the counties 
of Cass and Van Buren, and the hypotenuse, or western 
boundary, is the coast-line of Lake Michigan. On the 
north it is bounded by Van Buren County, and on the south 
by the State of Indiana. The superficial area of the 
county is a little more than six hundred square miles, or ' 
about three hundred and eighty-five thousand acres. 

The surface of Berrien County is greatly diversified, 
embracing a large proportion of rolling country, a consid- 
erable area that is level, wet, and swampy, and some that 
is broken into ravines and abrupt elevations of land. 
There is but little prairie land in Berrien. The principal 
one of these tracts is Wolf's Prairie, of about one thousand 
acres, lying in the central part of the county, but smaller 
ones are found in the southeastern part. The lands of the 
county which more than others suffer from insuflBeient 
drainage are those lying within a belt which extends in a 
northeast and southwest direction nearly parallel with the 
lake-shore, through the western townships. Marshes also 
exist along the shores of the St. Joseph Eiver for some 
distance above its mouth. Elevated rolling lands are found 
along the eastern border of the county, while farther 
towards the southwest, in Buchanan and other townships, 
the swells become suSiciently lofty to be termed hills, not 
only in the Michigan acceptation of that term, but even by 
people accustomed to the more rugged surface of the State 
of New York. Sandy bluffs or hills extend along a large 
portion of the lake-shore, and high lands, broken in many 
places into ravines, form the banks of the streams, particu- 
larly those of the principal river. From the higher eleva- 
tions the swell subsides into gentle undulations, which 
extend over a large proportion of the area of the county. 

Nearly every variety of soil is found here, from light and 
drifting sand, and friable loam intermixed with gravel, to 
strong and heavy clay lands, excellent for grazing and the 
production of hay. Much of the soil of Berrien is equal 
to the best in Michigan for wheat-raising, and nearly every 
part of the county is excellently adapted for orcharding 
and fruit culture. 

The principal stream of Berrien County is the St. Jo- 
seph River, which, taking its rise in the counties of Jack- 
sou, Hillsdale. Branch, and Calhoun, passes through St. 



Joseph County to its southwestern corner and into the 
State of Indiana, from which it returns into Michigan on 
the line between Niles and Bertrand townships, in Berrien 
County. From this point it flows nearly north for several 
miles, after which it passes across the county in a general 
northwesterly direction, and enters Lake Michigan at the 
village of St. Joseph. 

The Paw Paw River, after passing through Van Buren 
County in a westerly course, enters Berrien near its north- 
cast corner, flows through the county in a southwest course, 
and enters the St. Jo.seph River within a few hundred yards 
of the point where the latter flows into the lake. Blue 
Creek, a small stream, but one of the principal tributaries 
of the Paw Paw, enters the latter from the southeast. 
The Dowagiac River, flowing southwcstwardly from Cass 
County, enters Berrien across its eastern boundary, and, 
passing only a short distance through this county, enters 
the St. Joseph just below the city of Niles. Hickory 
Creek, taking its rise in the central part of Berrien 
County, flows in a general northerly direction, and enters 
the St. Joseph River (of which it is one of the prin- 
cipal tributaries) through its southern bank. Pipestone 
River, another tributary of the St. Joseph, enters the 
river from the eastward a few miles above its mouth. 

The Gralien River is formed by streams which unite their 
waters in the south part of Berrien County. From the 
point of confluence the river flows past the village of New 
Troy, and then, making an abrupt turn, flows in a general 
southwest course to New Buffilo, where it enters the lake. 

There are a number of small lakes in Berrien County, 
mostly in the eastern and northeastern parts. The largest 
of these is Paw Paw Lake, which is one of the sources of 
the Paw Paw River. Further mention and a more ex- 
tended description of these lakes will be found in the his- 
tories of the townships in which they are situated. 

EARLY SETTLE.ME,\«l'S. 
The first settlers in any region or section of country are 
those who first locate within its boundaries with the ex- 
pectation and intention of making it a place of residence 
for themselves and their families. The first persons of 
European descent who may have come, under these condi- 
tions, to the territory which is now Berrien County were 
the few French Canadians whose dwellings were clustered 
round the military post and mission at the mouth of the 
St. Joseph River in the first part of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Of the subsequent history of this settlement, how- 
ever, nothing is known beyond the fact that it did not 
prove to be a permanent one ; and the people by whom it 
was made (who were perhaps many, if not most, of them 
partly of Indian lineage) must be regarded as having been 

127 



128 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, iMICHlGAN. 



merely transient residents here, rather than settlers, as the 
term is usually applied. y 

But the same is not true of William Burnett, who came 
to the St. Joseph River about the year 1785, nor of Jo- 
seph Bertrand, who at about the same time established 
himself on the upper river, near the southern boundary 
of the present county, for both these men made improve- 
ments, and their settlements were of sufficient permanence 
to continue until white immigrants began to come into this 
region from the older States. They married women of In- 
dian de.scent (Burnett's wife being Kawkema, a sister of 
the chief Topinabe), and the children of both were well 
known residents of Berrien County. The business of Mr. 
Burnett, in particular, was quite extensive, and facts gath- 
ered from his old books of account give to his trading estab- 
lishment more of the character of a settlement than has 
usually been supposed. 

From the two books of his which have been found 
(covering the period from 1792 to 1802), it appears that 
his post on the St. Joseph was the base of extended trading 
operations, not only on that stream, but on the Kankakee, 
Wabash, and Illinois Rivers, as far south as Peoria Lake, 
and also at Chicago and several other points. A large 
number of names are found, apparently those of employees 
who assisted him in his operations, and among these are the 
following : Pierre Chevellier, Pierre Courville, Louis Cote- 
noise, Louis Cliamplin, Louis Chaborliss, Charles Chodonet, 
Joseph Bertrand, Jean B. Boresseau, Francois Brisette, 
Baptiste Barron, Doneau Dequindre, Francois Ducharme, 
Jean Lalime, Joseph Lapleur, Laurent Lefevre, Jean Le 
Clerc (a blacksmith), Joseph Naimenville, and Baptiste 
Poinsable. Among the English names found recorded are 
those of John Cook, John Griffin, Joseph Howard, -James 
Graham, John Kinzie, Benjamin Lyon, David Mitchell, 
and Major Henry Hinfrey. Of these last named, John 
Griffin and John Kinzie are known to have been employed 
in trade as agents of Mr. Burnett, but as to several of the 
others nothing is known in reference to their business with 
the proprietors of the post. 

The entries in the Burnett books show clearly that his 
trade and connections were widely extended; and some are 
very curious in other particulars. Some of them are as 
follows : 

"Aug. 17, 1792. 

" To Sundries, per J. Lalime, at Chicagou. 
" By Peltries, ''" J. Lalime, at Chicagou. 

" May 25, 1795. 

"To Sundry Merchandise, per G. Martin, taken to the 
Wabash. 

"Jan. 9, 1798. 

" To Cash paid an Indian for carrying an express to Mil- 
waky. 

"Sept. 15, ISOO. 

" Jean B'" Pontsable, Dr. 

"To 7 bottles Spirits paid an Indian, Askie, for going Ex- 
press with the Spanish commandant and letters to 
Fort Wayne." 

Other entries found in these books furnish some indica- 
tion of the condition of the people who were then living in 



the neighborhood of St. Joseph River, and show that their 
manner of life and their surroundings were such as to en- 
title them — to some extent at least — to be considered as 
settlers. The following items are of this kind, viz. : 

"March' 12,1792. 

" To Cash paid the Tailor. 

"Aug. 21,1792. 

" To Cash paid the Doctor. 

"Aug. 23, 1800. 

" P. Lesseon, Bought of Wm. Burnett One Cow, 

One Calf, and three large Hogs, for £550 Os.* 

"Aug. 23, 1800. 

"Joseph Naimenville, Dr. 

"To Butter £2 10s. 

"Nov. 4, 1801. 

" Capt. Rough, Dr. 

"To one Cow £100 Os." 

These entries, and many other similar ones which are 
found in the books, show that the community in the 
vicinity of Burnett's post supported a physician and a 
tailor, that some of the people there kept cows and other 
animals, and that they carried on dairying in a small way. 
Another item, as follows — 

"Nov. 2, 1800. 

" J. Naimenville, Cr. 

" By 377 boards, sawing" 

— suggests the probability that a saw-mill was in operation 
on some of the neighboring streams, though it may have 
been the case that these boards were cut in a saw-pit by 
hand-labor. 

Many other items are found similar to those given above, 
and besides these, charges against various persons for 
" Loaves of Bread" occur quite frequently ; from which it 
may be inferred that a bakery was carried on by Mr. Bur- 
nett or by some other peraon in the vicinity. But how- 
ever this may have been, it seems evident that the region 
around the trading-post was not an uninhabited waste, and 
that the people who lived there at that time were sur- 
rounded by some of the improvements and conveniences 
which are commonly found among white settlers. As to 
Mr. Burnett, there can be no doubt that he intended to 
make his settlement here a permanent one, and he furnished 
one of the best possible evidences of this by the planting 
of an apple-orchard, which was quite an extensive one for 
those days, and a part of which is still standing. Improve- 
ments were made (though probably to a less extent) by 
Joseph Bertrand ; and there seems to be no good reason 
why these men should not be regarded as the first two 
white settlers in the present county of Berrien. 

The Protestant missionaries who commenced their labors 
among the Indians of the St. Joseph in the year 1822 
came with no intention of remaining here permanently, and 
could not therefore be regarded as settlers, though they 
made quite extensive improvements in clearing lands, plant- 
ing orchards, raising crops, and erecting buildings. One of 

'» The prices here carried out appear to have reference to Old Tenor, 
or Continental money, or to some other greatly depreciated currency. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



129 



the most important of their improvements was the con- 
struction and putting in operation of a mill for the grinding 
of grain. Their first mill — operated by hand-power — was 
started in 1823. Of tliis rude mill, Mr. McCoy said that 
one strong man by constant labor was able to make Indian 
corn meal, of poor quality, sufficient for bread for the fam- 
ily. " Wheat-flour could not be manufactured." He says 
that at that time the nearest grist-mill was one hundred and 
ninety miles distant from the place where Niles City now 
stands. In 1825 the hand-mill at the mission was replaced 
by one driven by horse-power, which was capable of pro- 
ducing both corn-meal and wheat-flour. In that year the 
mission people harvested three hundred bushels ^f good 
wheat, raised in their own fields. 
^ The first actual settler at Niles (as also the first in Ber- 
rien County, if Burnett and Bertrand are not considered 
as such) was Squire Thompson, who came here from In- 
diana in 1823, and brought his family to his new home on 
the St. Joseph in 1824. In the latter year he had a 
neighbor, in the person of William Kirk, who came there 
in the spring of that year. In 1825 the population of the 
neighborhood was increased by the immigration of Benja- 
min Potter, Nathan Young, John Lybrook, Joel Yard, and 
others. Eli Ford came in 1827, and built the first grist- 
mill which was propelled by water-power, and intended for 
public accommodation. 

The next settlement after that at Niles was made on 
Hickory Creek, in what is now the township of Lincoln, 
by Timothy S. Smith, at whose house was held the annual 
election for the (old) township of St. Joseph, in 1827. 

In that part of the county which is now the township of 
Berrien, settlements were made by John Johnson, Jr., in 
1827, and by George H. Claypool, in the spring of 1828. 
In the following year Calvin Britain and Augustus B. 
Newell pre-empted lands where the village of St. Joseph 
now is, and in 1829 they became settlers at that place. 
Mr. Britain and Mr. Newell were usually mentioned as the 
pioneer settlers at St. Joseph. Daniel T. Wilson, Calvin 
Bartlett, Benjamin Chandler, and Benjamin C. Hoyt came 
there, however, at about the same time. 

In the central part of the county John Pike made the 
first settlement, at Wolf's Prairie (Berrien Springs), in 

1829. In the same year George Kimmel took up three 
hundred acres of land near Mr. Pike, but did not settle on 
it until a year or two later. Francis B. Murdock settled in 
the same township (Oronoko) in 1830. 

In the southern tier of townships the fir.st of the settlers 
was Benjamin Redding, who came to Bertrand township in 

1830, and located at the point now known as Dayton. As 
the greater part of Bertrand was covered by the Indian res- 
ervation, settlements in that township were not numerous 
until after the cession of the reservation, in 1833. 

Royalton received its first settlers in the persons of John 
Pike and his sou William, who had previously located at 
Wolf's Prairie, but who removed down the river to this 
town.ship in 1832. In the same year Jehial Enos entered 
land here, and settled soon after. Some three years later 
he removed from the township. 

In that part of the county which is now Buchanan town- 
ship the first settler was Charles Cowles, who located on the 
17 



site of Buchanan village in 1833. Russell McCoy, John 
Hatfield, and Hiram Wray came in 183-1. 

The settlement of Bainbridge township was commenced 
by Bartholomew Sharrai and a man named Ruleaux, two 
French Canadians, in 1833. Two years later Martin Tiec 
and John P. Davis came in, and the latter located on the 
Territorial road, where he opened a tavern which became 
a somewhat noted stopping-place for travelers by stage and 
otherwise. 

In the northeast corner of the county the first improve- 
ments were made in 1832 by Job Davis, who made prepa- 
rations to build a saw-mill, but soon became discouraged 
and sold out to parties in St. Joseph. These attempted to 
carry out the mill project, but failed. Levi Ballengee went 
there intending to board the men who were expected to 
work in the mills, and after the failure of the project he 
was compelled to remain. He was there engaged in shingle- 
making in 1834; and in that year Stephen R. Gilson be- 
came a settler, near the present village of Coloma, in Water- 
vliet township. Rumsey Christy settled near them in the 
winter of 1834-35, and others were added to the pioneer 
community in the following spring. In Benton the first 
settlement was made by Jehial Enos, who had prospected 
there as early as 1828, and about six years later he became 
the pioneer settler in the township, where he is still living. 

In the southwest corner of the county the first settlers 
were Wessel Whittaker and several associates, who came 
from Western New York to New Buffalo, in 1835, with 
the expectation of founding a city which should be the 
principal lake-port of Western Michigan. The story of 
their operations there is told in the separate history of that 
township and village. In the township adjoining the last- 
named on the east (Three Oaks) the pioneer settler was 
Richard Love, who came there in 1835. Sylvester and 
Erasmus Shead settled there in the following year. The 
first settlers in what is now Galien were Samuel H. Gar- 
wood, John P. Johnson, and James H. Wilson, who came 
there in 1835 or 1836; and about the same time Phineas 
Stratton, Timothy Atkins, and others settled farther down 
the Galien River, in the present township of Weesaw. 

The first settlements in Lake and Chickaming were also 
made in 183G ; that in the latter being made by Luman 
Northrop, and the pioneers in the former being John 
Harner, Horace Godfrey, Thomas Ruggles, and Thomas 
Phillips. In the part of the county which is now the 
township of Sodus, the first improvement was the erection 
of a saw-mill by James B. Larue on Pipestone Creek in 
1835. David S. Rector worked as a sawyer in this mill 
in 1836, and afterwards became a settler in the town. His 
father, David Rector, settled there with his family in the 
fall of 1837, as did also Hiram, a brother of David S. 
Rector. The owner of the mill, Mr. Larue, did not be- 
come a permanent settler in the town.ship until after 1840. 
In Pipestone (originally a part of Bainbridge) the first 
settlers were James Kirk and Dr. Morgan Enos, who came 
there in 1837. In the northwest corner of the county 
(now Hagar township) the first man who made a clearing 
was Henry Hawley, a Canadian, who came in the .spring 
of 1839, but soon became discouraged and left. In the 
same year came Charles Lamb, who was properly regarded 



130 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



as the first permanent settler, and who remained without 
neiglibors in the township for a number of months. Several 
other settlers, however, arrived there in the year 1840. 

The preceding is intended merely as a notice of the very 
earlie.st settlements, and of the dates at which these were 
made in different portions of the county. Detailed accounts 
of settleu)ents and settlers form the most important part of 
the history of townships, and such accounts will be found 
in subsequent pages, and in their proper connection. 

POPULATION OF THE COUNTY AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. 
The population of Berrien County and of its townships, 
at different periods from 1840 to 1874, is shown by the 
several censuses to have been as follows : 



IPS. 



1840. 1845. 1854. ISGO. 1870. 



Baiiibiidgc 2 

Beutoii 

Berrien 6 

Bertraiid .1,21 

Buclmnan 2 

Cliickaiiiiiii; 

Galien 



Kewliiiffiilo 12:! 

Niks 1,420 

Kiles City. 



Ornnciko.. 



335 



1,305 


1,084 


1,540 


630 


1,282 


1,728 
310 


141 


404 


528 




269 


438 




227 


557 


416 


873 


834 


1,935 


3,174 


2,722 


l,0:i0 




2,788 


664 


874 


1,2.52 


277 


875 


1,1152 


284 


452 


964 

674 


628 


703 


1,358 
.539 
545 



Pipestone 

Kojalton 246 

Sodn» ■■ 

St.,Iusfpli 489 

Three Oalis 

Wateniiet 

Weesaw 142 

Totalpop. of county.... 5,111 8,881 12,835 21,801 36,155 35,029 



1,337 
3,116 
1,405 
1,522 
2 973 
993 



1,006 
1,181 
1,389 
1,910 
4,648 
1,617 
1,379 
2,190 
906 
2,994 
1,328 
1,328 
1,243 



1874. 
1,418 
2,624 
1,381 
1,361 
2,880 

947 
1,231 

823 
1,083 
1,122 
1,444 
1,795 
4,692 
1,625 
1,405 

969 

841 
3,288 
1,316 
1,718 
1,270 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF BERBIEN 
COUNTY-COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

The County set off from Lenawee — Election of County Officers — Sub- 
division of the County into Townships — Establishment of Courts in 
Berrien County — The County Courts — The Circuit Court and its 
Judges — Organization and Early Proceedings of the Board of Su- 
pervisors — County Commissioners — County-Sites and County Build- 
ings — First Location of County-Site — The Log Jail at St. Joseph — 
Removal of County-Site to Berrien— The Old Jail at Berrien 
Springs— Erection of the Court-House — The Present Jail — County 
Office Buildings — County Poor-House and Farm. 

It has been mentioned in preceding pages that the part 
of Berrien County which was included in the ce.ssion made 
by the Indians at the Chicago treaty of 1821 (being the 
part lying east and north of the St. Joseph River) was 
attached to Lenawee County by act taking effect Dec. 31, 
182G, and that the part lying south and west of the river 
(ceded by the Carey Mission Treaty of 1828) was also 
attached to Lenawee by an amendatory act, approved Sept. 
22, 1829. Thus, from the date last named, the county 
of Lenawee included all the territory of the present county 
of Berrien, except the tribal reservation, embracing an area 
of nearly fifty square miles lying on the west side of the 
St. Joseph, and extending from a point on the river below 
Niles, southward to the Indiana line. 

The county of Berrien was erected by Legislative act,* 
approved Oct. 29, 1829, which provided " That .so much of 
the county as lies within the following boundaries, viz. : 



* Territorial Laws, vol. ii. p. 737. 



beginning on the boundary line between this Territory and 
the State of Indiana, where the line between ranges sixteen 
and seventeen west of the meridian intersects the said 
boundary line ; thence west along the said boundary line 
to Lake Michigan ; thence along the shore of said lake to 
the intersection of the line between townships two and 
three south of the base line ; thence east on a line between 
said townships to the intersection of the line between ranges 
sixteen and seventeen west of the meridian ; thence south 
on the line between said ranges to the boundary line be- 
tween this Territory and the State of Indiana, be and the 
same is hereby set off into a separate county, and the name 
thereof shall be Berrien. "f The boundaries thus described 
are identical with the present limits of the county. The 
same act which erected Berrien also established the coun- 
ties of Washtenaw, Ingham, Eaton, Barry, Jackson, Cal- 
houn, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Jo- 
seph, and Cass. Six days after the erection of these coun- 
ties the territory included in Berrien was, by legislative act, 
attached to the county of Cass, and on the 5th of Novem- 
ber, 1829, the same territory was erected into the township 
of Niles. 

ORGANIZATION AND SUBDIVLSION OF THE COUNTY. 

By an act of the Legislative Council of Michigan Terri- 
tory, approved March 4, 1831, to take effect Sept. 1, 1831, 
it was provided " That the county of Berrien shall be or- 
ganized from and after the taking effect of this act, and the 
inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to all the lights and 
privileges to which, by law, the other organized counties of 
this Territory are entitled." Under this act a special elec- 
tion was held in September, 1832, resulting in the election 
of Augustus B. Newell as sheriff, Titus B. Willard as county 
clerk, Obed P. Lacey as register of deeds, and Jacob Bee- 
son as county treasurer. Cogswell K. Green was made 
judge of probate by appointment. The second election for 
the choosing of county oSicers was held at Niles, on the 
2d of April, 1 832. The only existing record of this meet- 
ing is a certificate, of which the following is a copy : 

"CERTIFICATE TO COUNTY CLERK. 
"Thomas K. Green, Alamanson Huston, and Eber Griswold, In- 
spectors of Election for Coroner and County Treasurer of the County 
of Berrien held at the 'Council House,' in Niles, April 2, 1832; do 
hereby certify that Solomon E. Mason was elected coroner and Jacob 
Beeson treasurer for said county without one disputing vote. B. E. 
Mason had for coroner 12 votes, and Jacob Beeson 14 votes. 

" Thomas K. Gkeen. 
*' Ebkr Griswold, 
"A. Huston." 

At that time Berrien County was all included in the 
township of Niles, the erection of which, in November, 
1829, has already been mentioned, as also the previous 
erection of the (old) township of St. Joseph, covering all 
of this county except the lands reserved for the use of the 
Indians. 

On the 9th of June, 1832, parts of the territory of Niles 
were taken from it, and erected into the townships of Ber- 
rien and St. Joseph. The latter comprised survey town- 

f So named in honor of John McPherson Berrien, LL.D., a native 
of New Jersey, who removed thence to Georgia, and held the office of 
Attorney-General under President Jackson, 1829-31. 



COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



131 



ships 3 south, in ranges 17 and 18 west, and township 4 
south, in ranges 17, 18, and 19 west, and four tiers of sec- 
tions in township 5, of ranges 17, 18, and 19 west. Tiiis was 
the second township erected under the name of St. Joseph, 
and the same which — though now greatly reduced in di- 
mensions — still bears the name. Berrien township, when 
erected, comprised survey township 6 south, in ranges 17, 
18, 19, and 20 west, and two tiers of sections in township 
5 .south, in ranges 17, 18, and 19 west. 

The township of Paw Paw was erected Mareh 7, 1831, 
and comprised township 3 south, in ranges 17 and 18 west, 
— the same territory wliich is now embraced in the town- 
ships of Watervliet and Hagar. 

Royalton, erected March 17, 1835, embraced all of sur- 
vey township 5 south, in ranges 17, 18, and 19 west. 

Bertrand, taken from Niles March 23, 1836, comprised 
township S south, in ranges 17, 18, and 19 west. 

New Buffalo, erected March 23, 1836, comprised town- 
ships 7 and 8 south, in ranges 20 and 21 west. It was 
taken from Niles, and on March 9, 1843, fractional town- 
ship 8 south, in range 22 west, which had inadvertently 
been left out in the erection of the township, was attached 
to New Buffalo. 

On the 23d day of March, 1837, the townships of Bu- 
chanan, Benton, Bainbridge, and Oronoko were erected. 

Buchanan comprised township 7 south, of range 18 west, 
except that portion lying east of the river St. Joseph. Ben- 
ton comprised township 4 south, in range 18 west. Bain- 
bridge, taken from Berrien, embraced town.ship 4 south, in 
range 17 west, and on the 2d of April, 1838, it was en- 
larged to embrace townships 3 and 5 south, in range 17 
west, the former being that part of Paw Paw township that 
is now Watervliet. Oronoko comprised township 6 south, 
in ranges 18 and 19 west. 

March 20, 1837, Weesaw was erected, comprising town- 
ships 7 and 8, in range 19 west. 

Pipestone was erected, Feb. 16, 1842, from Bainbridge 
and Koyalton, and comprised township 5 south, in range 17, 
and all of township 5 south, in range 18 west, that is 
east of the river. 

March 9, 1843, the land east of the river in township 6 
south, in range 18 west, was attached to Oronoko, and the 
territory west of the river in township 6 south, in range 17 
west, was attached to Berrien township. 

Galien was erected Feb. 29, 1844, and comprised town- 
ship 8 south, in range 19 west. 

Watervliet and Hagar were erected March 25, 1846. 
They composed the original township of Paw Paw, which 
ceased to exist at their erection. Watervliet was attached 
to Bainbridge in 1839, and comprised township 3 south, in 
range 17 west. Hagar comprised township 3 south, in 
range 18 west. 

Lake township was erected March 25, 1846, and com- 
prised township 6 south, in range 19 west, and fractional 
township 6 south, in range 20 west. It was taken from 
Oronoko. 

The following-named towns have been set off by the 
supervisors of Berrien County, at the dates mentioned, viz. : 

Three Oaks, March 10, 1856, to comprise all of town- 
ship 8 south, in range 20 west (except the west range of 



sections), and also sections 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36, in town- 
ship 7, of the same range. 

Chickaming, taken from New Buffalo, March 10, 1856, 
to comprise the fractional township 7 .south, of range 20 
west, except the south tier of sections, and also fractional 
section 25, in township 7 south, in range 21 west. 

The township of Sodus was organized the first Monday 
of April, 18G0, and comprised that portion of territory lying 
east of the river St. Joseph in township 5 south, in range 
18 west. It was taken from Pipestone. 

Lincoln was set off by act of Legislature, March 7, 
1867, and organized the first Monday in April, 1867. It 
comjirised fractional township 5 south, in range 19 west. 
Jan. 6, 1868, by order of the Board of Supervisors, the east 
half of sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36, in township 5 
south, in range 19 west, were taken from Lincoln and added 
to Royalton. 

ESTABLISHMENT OP COURTS IN BERRIEN COUNTY. 

Of the courts of Berrien County, the first one established 
was the Probate Court, of which the first term was held at 
Niles, by the Hon. Cogswell K. Green, Dec. 27, 1831, on 
which occasion it was " ordered by the court that the regu- 
lar terms of the Probate Court for Berrien County shall be 
holden, for the year 1832, at the ofiice of the judge, as fol- 
lows, to wit : On the first Tuesdays of March, July, and 
October, and that the register give notice, according to law, 
of the terms of said court." There being no business before 
the court, it was adjourned. 

At the next term, held at the residence of Judge Green, 
in Niles, in March, 1832, Ebenezer Heed was appointed 
administrator on the estate of Abraham Burnett, and was 
ordered to give the requisite bonds, and to publish notice 
of his appointment in the Free Press, of Detroit, and in the 
NortJiwesterit Pioneer, at South Bend, Ind. This was the 
only business done at that term, and the first transacted by 
the Probate Court of Berrien County. 

The first will'was admitted to probate at a special .session 
held Sept. 24, 1832. This was the will of Ephraim Lacey, 
of which Elijah Lacey and Obed P. Lacey were appointed 
executors. At a term held in October of the same year, 
Pitt Brown and H. B. Hoffman were appointed adminis- 
trators on the estate of Daniel Dingley, deceased. After 
October, 1832, all proceedings of the Probate Court are 
dated at Newburyport (St. Joseph) until 1837- The name 
of T. B. Murdook as judge of probate first appears on tho 
record under date of March 20, 1833. The names of his 
successors in the ofijce will be found in the civil list of the 
county. 

By the act organizing the county it was provided : " Sec- 
tion 2. That there shall be a county court established 
in the said county, which court shall be held on the first 
Tuesday of July and the third Tuesday in December, in the 
year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, and every 
year thereafter. 

" Sec. 3. That a Circuit Court shall also be held in said 
county, and that the several acts concerning the Supreme, 
Circuit, and County Courts of the Territory of Michigan, 
defining their jurisdiction and powers, and directing the 



132 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pleadings and practice therein, in certain cases, be and the 
same are hereby made applicable to the Circuit and County 
Courts in the aforesaid county of Berrien. 

" Sec. 4. That the county of Berrien shall be one cir- 
cuit, and the court of the same shall be held on the first 
Thursday in August, in the year one thousand eight hun- 
dred and thirty-two, and on the same day in each year 
thereafter. 

" Sec. 5. That all suits and prosecutions, and other 
matters now pending before the Circuit or County Courts 
for the county of Cass, or before any justice of the peace 
for said county, shall be prosecuted to final judgment and 
execution, and all taxes heretofore levied, or which may be 
hereafter levied for the year one thousand eight hundred 
and thirty-one, in said county of Cass, shall be collected in 
the same manner as though the said county of Berrien had 
not been organized." 

THE COUNTY COURT. 

The first term of the County Court for Berrien County 
was held at Niles,* in July, 1832, by the Hon. Daniel 
Olds. The following transcript from the court record has 
reference to the proceedings had at that term, viz. : 

" Pleas before the Honorable the Justices of the County 
Court of the County of Berrien, and Territory of Michi- 
gan, on the third day of July, 1832. Present, the Hon- 
orable Daniel Olds, Chief Justice. 

"Notice was given that on the 21st of April, 1832, 
Daniel Wilson, Jr., by his Attorneys, filed in the County 
Clerk's Office the following Precipe, with words and figures 
following, to wit : 

Daniel Wilson, Jr., 

Trespass on the case of words 
spoken of Plaintiff. Dam- 
ages, $800." 



1834, and then dis- 



Garret Shuert 
and 

Elizabeth Shuert. 

The case was continued at court ti 
continued, at plaintiff's cost. 

After October, 1832, all proceedings of the court are 
dated at Newburyport (St. Joseph) until 1837. The list 
of grand jurors for December term, 1832, was as follows: 

A. S. Amsden, N. B. Starkweather, John Wittcnmyer, 
William Huff, Theodore C. Abbe, Barzillai Webb, Calvin 
Bartlett, Jehial Enos, Timothy S. Smith, Benjamin C. 
Hoyt, Amos Farly, 0. P. Lacey, S. Ford, L. Cavanagh, 
Henry Lemon, Garrett Shuert, Pitt Brown, Martin Hoff- 
man. 

The County Court was abolished in April, 1833, the 
Circuit Courts of the Territory of Michigan taking its 
business and jurisdiction. The County Court was re-estab- 

* It has been doubted by many whether the courts were ever held 
at Niles, but it is proved that such was the case by a bill found among 
the records uf the Board of Supervisors, which was presented to, and 
allowed by, the board at its annual meeting in October, 1832. It is 
as follows : 
"County of Bkurien 

To T. B. WiLLAnn Vr. 

" To issuing venire for jurors to attend the County Court 

which sat at Nilcs in the month of .July, 18.32 .?0.25 

" Do. for Circuit Court which should have sat in August, 

1832 25 

$0.50" 



lished in 1847, with one county judge and a second judge, 
who officiated in the absence of the first judge. The first 
term of the re-established court was held by Judge Charles 
Jewett, at the court-house at Berrien Springs, March 1, 
1847. The County Court was again, and finally, abolished 
in 1853. 

THE CIRCUIT COURT AND ITS JUDGES. 

The first term of the Circuit Court for the county of 
Berrien was held in October, 1833. Pre,sent: the Hon. 
William A. Fletcher, President Judge ; Talman Wheeler 
and Amos S. Amsden, Esqs., Associate Judges. The first 
case before the court was that of Calvin Bartlett vs. Benja- 
min Chandler. This was continued to the next term of 
court. The first bill in chancery was filed March 27, 1833, 
the case being that of Job Brookfield vs. Bacon Wheeler. 
The suit was discontinued at the October term next fol- 
lowing. 

Judge Fletcher, who presided at the first term of the 
Circuit Court in Berrien, was a native of Massachusetts, 
and settled in Michigan about the year 1820. He studied 
law in Detroit, and commenced the practice of his profes- 
sion in that city. He was at one time attorney-general of 
the Territory, and was appointed chief justice of the Su- 
preme Court of Michigan after the admission of the State 
into the Union. He continued to preside over the Circuit 
Court in Berrien County until the October term of 1836, 
when he was succeeded by the Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, 
who held his first term in this county in April, 1837, and 
continued on this circuit for eleven years, holding his last 
term here in October, 1847. Judge Ransom was a native 
of Hampshire Co., Mass. He graduated at the Northampton 
Law School in 1825, removed to Michigan about 1833, and 
was admitted to the bar at Kalamazoo in 1834. In 1836 
he was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court, and 
became chief justice in 1843. In 1848 he resigned to 
accept the office of Governor of the State. 

The next circuit judge was the Hon. Charles W. Whipple. 
He presided for the first time in this county at the May 
term in 1848, and his last term here was held in July, 
1855. He died in October of that year. The Hon. War- 
ner Wing presided at the March and June terms of 1856. 

The Hon. Nathaniel Bacon was elected to fill the vacancy 
caused by the death of Judge Whipple, and was also elected 
for the full term nest succeeding. At the close of his full 
term, the Hon. Perrin M. Smith became his successor on 
the bench, but served only about two years, when Judge 
Bacon was elected to fill the unexpired term, and upon its 
expiration was again elected for a full term, and hold the 
office until his death, July 2, 1869. 

The Hon. Worthy Putnam became the successor of 
Judge Bacon, upon the death of the latter. Judge Putnam 
presided at the summer and fall terms of 1869. 

Judge Daniel Blackman succeeded Judge Putnam, in De- 
cember, 1869, and he was, in 1871, succeeded by the Hon. 
Henry H. Coolidge, of Niles, who filled the office during 
the remainder of the term, and was elected to a full term 
in 1876. He, however, resigned in 1878, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Hon. Charles W. Clisby, who was in turn 
succeeded by the Hon. Andrew J. Smith, the present cir- 
cuit judge. 



COURTS^AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



133 



ORGANIZATION AND EARLY PROCEEDINOS OF THE 
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. 

The earliest record of proceedings of the supervisors of 
Berrien County has reference to the annual meeting of the 
board, held at the " Council House," in Niles, on Oct. 2, 
1832 ; the supervisors there pre.sent being Jacob Beeson, 
for Niles township, Pitt Brown, for Berrien, and Amos S. 
Amsden, for St. Joseph. " Tliere being a full board for 
doing county business, the said board appointed C. K. 
Green clerk, and adjourned till to-morrow at ten o'clock 
A.M." At the meeting held pursuant to this adjournment, 
the board allowed the following accounts, viz. : 

Of John Pike and Julius Brown, commissioners of highways... $6.75 

" A. B. Newell, for services as sheritf of Berrien County 26.00 

" T. B. Willard, clerk of court 60 

" A. Huston, for ballot-box 1.50 

Total $3i.75 

It was by the board " ordered that a tax of three and 
one-third mills on the dollar be laid for the purpose of de- 
fraying the county and township charges for 1832 ; one 
mill to be paid into the county treasury, and the balance to 
the several supervisors of town.ships." A small amount 
of business was done at succeeding daily sessions until Oct. 
6, 1832, when the board adjourned sine die. 

A .special meeting of the board was held, Dec. 19, 1832, 
" at the county-seat, recently located at St. Joseph." Pres- 
ent, Pitt Brown and A. S. Amsden, representing the town- 
ships of Berrien and St. Joseph. At this meeting bills 
were audited to the amount of seventy-three dollars and 
eighty-seven cents, including the bill of S. E. Mason, 
Coroner, for "view of the body of Nicholas Gordon,* and 
taking and returning inquisition, three dollars." 

The township of Royalton was first represented in the 
board, Oct. 6, 1835, by David M. Drum ; Bertrand was 
first represented, Oct. 24, 1836, by John Gilsbee ; and New 
Buflfalo, by Alonzo Bennett. 

Oct. 29, 1836, the board allowed : " To Wm. Huff, for 
court room, twelve dollars (this room was in the ' Perkins' 
House') ;" " to Thomas Conger, salary as district attorney, 
one hundred and twenty-five dollars." 

The valuation from the assessment rolls for 1837 was as 
follows : 

Bertrand .^l 49,819 

Niles .319.112 

Berrien 204,438 

Rojalton 188,458 

St. Joseph 560,807 

New Buffalo 148,470 

Total $1571,104 

By the provisions of a law pa.ssed by the Legislature in 
1838 the powers and duties of the Board of Supervisors 
were transferred to aud vested in a Board of County Com- 
missioners. The first commi.ssioners of Berrien County were 
Erasmus Winslow, of Niles, John F. Porter, St. Joseph, 
and Joseph G. Ames, of Bertrand, who were elected in 
November, 1838, and commenced their oflScial terms of 
service Jan. 7, 1839. 

The office of county commissioner was abolished by act 
of Legislature, approved Feb. 10, 1842. The powers 

* Mr. Gordon was drowned while bathing in the St. Joseph River 

off Distillery Ibland, about Nov. 14, 1S32. 



which had been exercised by that board were then resumed 
by the supervisors, whose first meeting as a board, under 
the new law, was held on the 4th of July, 1842. From 
that time until the present the board has continued to exer- 
cise its legitimate powers and functions. 

COUNTY-SITE AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

By the " Act to organize the County of Berrien," ap- 
proved March 4, 1831, it was provided: " Section 6. That 
the circuit and county courts shall be holden at the house 
of Alamanson Huston, in the village of Niles, as the said 
courts shall deem expedient." And " Section 7. That 
whenever the county-seat is permanently established in the 
county of Berrien, and accommodations are provided at 
such place for holding courts, they shall be held at the 
county-seat at such place as shall be provided for that pur- 
pose." 

In accordance with these provisions the first term of the 
Berrien County court was held at the " Council House," in 
the village of Niles, as has already been mentioned. 

During the year 1832 the Governor appointed three 
commissioners, viz , Talman Wheeler, Enoch Jones, and 
Calvin Britain, in accordance with the provisions of an act 
passed by the Legislative Council, and approved July 31, 
1830, to establish county-sites The commissioners located 
the county-site of Berrien at the village of St. Joseph in 
the fall of 1832, and the first county business done at that 
place was on the 18th of December, in the same year, when 
the courts were held in the log school-house located in the 
southeast part of the village. Courts were held there until 
1835, when the spring term of that year was held in the 
store owned by William Hufi'. From that time till the 
removal of the county-site from St. Joseph the courts were 
held in what is now known as the " Old White School- 
House." 

The erection of a county jail soon became necessary, and 
the subject was brought before the Board of Supervisors at 
a meeting held Nov. 2, 1833. The following is the record 
of the opinion of the board as to the necessity of erecting 
a jail, and of the action then and there taken to that end, 
viz. : 

" Through the solicitations of the sheriff and acting 
clerk and numerous other citizens of Berrien County, the 
Board of Supervisors have at their term taken into consid- 
eration the propriety and expediency of building a county 
jail, and, after viewing the subject with care and due reflec- 
tion, they have come to the conclusion that the peace and 
safety of the county renders it highly necessary that a jail 
should be built, and having full confidence in the integrity, 
ability, and sound discretion of Fowler Preston, they have 
concluded to appoint him agent for that purpose. There- 
fore, ordered by the Board of ' Supervisors that the said 
Fowler Preston be and he is hereby appointed county agent 
for said county, with all the power necessary to build or 
contract in behalf of said county for the building of a jail 
as aforesaid, which shall cost not to exceed two hundred and 
fifty dollars, to be of such form and dimensions, and be 
erected on such lot in this village, as he may deem most ex- 
pedient and best calculated for the promotion of the public 
interest. 



134 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



"And it is furtlier ordered tliat the expenses of said 
jail shall be paid nut of the money and labor subscribed for 
the erection of public buildin<^s, to be collected by said 
Preston from said subscribers in such manner tliat each 
shall pay a proportionary part of said sum and property 
such subscribed, or otherwise if he should receive it as 
voluntary paid." 

In accordance with this action, a contract was concluded 
with Mr. Preston on the 5th day of March, 1834, for the 
erection of the jail, by Pitt Brown and Amos S. Amsden. 
The ground on which the jail was erected was a lot belong- 
ing to Mr. Preston, which was leased for one dollar for 
three years from the 1st day of January, 1834, with the 
privilege of extending the time if it became necessary. The 
jail was built of hewed logs, about eighteen by twenty feet 
in size, and one story high. Its location was on the corner 
of Main and Pleasant Streets. The building was com- 
menced Nov. 9, 1833, and completed Feb. 13, 1834, at a 
cost of one hundred and ninety-one dollars and fifty-six 
cents, " which amount was received by Fowler Preston from 
the public subscription donation for the purpose of build- 
ing public buildings, which account was approved by the 
supervisors, and the account entered on file in the oflSce." 

On the 25th of February, 1837, the Governor of Michi- 
gan approved an act containing the following provisions, 
directing the removal of the county-site from St. Joseph to 
the village of Berrien Springs, viz. : 

"That the present seat of justice be and the same is hereby vacated 
from and after the first day of May, in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand eight hundred and thirty-seven. 

" That from and after the said first day of May, in the year afore- 
said, the seat of justice of said county shall be and the same is licreby 
established at the village of Berrien, in said county, as recorded in the 
register's oflfice of Cass County ; and the Board of Supervisors of said 
county are hereby authorized and empowered, from and after the said 
first day of May, to designate and fi.x the site for the erection of 
county buildings for said county, in the village of Berrien aforesaid, 
upon such lots in the said village of Berrien as may be conveyed by 
the proprietors of said village for that purpose to the supervisors of 
said county and their successors in office : Provided, always, That this 
act shall not take effect until after the proprietors of said village of 
Berrien shall have reimbursed to the former and present proprietors 
and inhabitants of the village of St. Joseph such sums as they may 
have expended in the erection of public buildings in said village, and 
all moneys paid to the commissioners for locating the county-seat at 
St. Joseph, to bo ascertained by the said board of supervisors, at a 
meeting of said board to be holden on the third Tuesday of April 
next: And provided further, That the title to said lots, or such other 
lots as a majority of said supervisors shall elect for public purposes, 
shall have been previously vested in said county by proper deeds of 
conveyance. 

"All lots in the village of St. Joseph which, agreeably to tlie origi- 
nal plat of said village, as recorded in the register's oflice in Cass 
County, were donated to the county, to enable the county to erect 
county buildings thereon, shall revert and vest in the persons donat- 
ing the same and their representation, whenever and as soon as the 
county-seat shall be removed from St. Joseph; and all title and claim 
to said lots, either in law or in equity, shall be deemed to be cancelled 
and extinguished, any deed which may have been made to the county 
to tlie contrary notwithstanding." 

Acting under the provisions of this act, the Board of 
Supervisors, at a session held at the county-seat, April 18, 
1837, "ordered that lots numbered 255, 256, 301, and 
302, in the village of Berrien, be and the same are hereby 
accepted by this board from the proprietors of the village 
of Berrien, and that they are declared to be and designated 



as the site for the erection of county buildings for the 
county of Berrien, agreeably to the provisions of the second 
section of an ' act to vacate the present seat of justice of 
the county of Berrien, and to establish the same at the 
village of Berrien in said county.' " 

It was also by the board "ordered that the present jail 
for the county of Berrien, in the village of St. Joseph, 
shall be carried on and used as the common jail for said 
county until otherwise directed by the Board of Super- 
visors." Thomas Fitzgerald, Esq., was appointed agent of 
the board to receive the deed of the designated lots from 
the proprietors of the village of Berrien. At the session of 
the board held on the next day the following claims, pre- 
sented by the proprietors of the village of St. Joseph for 
the erection of a jail in said village for the use of the 
county, were allowed by the board, upon the certificate of 
Fowler Preston that the same had actually been paid and 
expended for that purpose, viz. : 

Talman Wheeler $37.50 

Calvin Britain 

Warner Wing 

Charles Noble 

Wm. McKaleb 

Morain Marsh 

William Hutr 

John Wittenmyer.... 

A. S. Amsden 

S. E. Mason 

James Burnett ... 

Jeremiah Wilson 



«7.50 
15.00 


A. S.Preston 

D. M. Drum 


... $2.50 
60 


15.00 






15.00 
15.00 


Thomas Fitzgerald.... 


2.50 
2 50 


15.00 


L. L. Johnson 


10 00 


10.00 






5.00 
4.00 


B. C. Hoyt 


7.50 
4.00 


T.50 
10.00 
3.00 


Total 


... .$211.50 



The following claims for moneys paid the commissioners 
for locating the seat of justice of the county of Berrien at 
St. Joseph were also allowed, upon the statement of B. C. 
Hoyt, Esq., that they were just and correct, viz. : 



Talmnn Wheeler.. 

Enoch Jones 

Calvin Britain 



$lS7.a8 
At the same time the board resolved " that the conveni- 
ence and welfare of this county require that a jail should 
be erected as soon as practicable ;" and Mr. E. Ballengee 
was appointed agent " to ascertain on what terms a loan of 
a sum of money not exceeding three thousand dollars can 
be eifected for this county ;" and E. Ballengee, William F. 
Noel, and Alonzo Bennett were appointed a committee 
" for the purpo.se of drafting a plan or plans for a jail, to 
be submitted to the Board of Supervisors at their next 
meeting." On the 10th of May, in the same year, the 
board appointed Edward Ballengee and Robert E. Ward 
agents " for the purpo.se of loaning money on the faith of 
the county and erecting a jail." 

The jail was completed and made ready for use June 19, 
1838. Its location was a spot in the rear of the present 
court-house at Berrien Springs. It was a wooden struc- 
ture, twenty-four by thirty-two feet in dimensions, and two 
stones in height, containing the jailor's dwelling and two 
cells on the lower floor, with a number of other cells on the 
second floor. 

" The expediency of building a court-house at Berrien" 
was taken into consideration by the supervisors at a meet- 
ing of the board held June 19, 1838, and it was resolved 
by that body " that Pitt Brown and Robert E. Ward be 
authorized to raise seven thousand dollars, on a term of not 
less than ten years, for the purpose of building a court- 



COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



135 



house, and also to superintend the erection of said court- 
house." 

The board examined and adopted the plans oflFered by 
M. Avery, for a building sixty feet in length by forty feet 
in width, and twenty-four feet in height, " with a belfry 
sixteen feet in heiglit above the edge of the roof" Con- 
tracts for furnishing lumber were awarded to Peter Rug- 
gles, J. E. Munger, and Hiram Gould. A contract (dated 
Aug. 10, 1838) was made with James Lewis to " frame, 
raise, inclose, and in all respects to finish the carpenter and 
joiner work, in accordance with the plans and specifications, 
ready for plastering, on or before the 10th of November, 
and the whole building to be completed on or before the 
first of April, 1839;" the amount of this contract being 
two thousand five hundred dollars. The building was 
completed and occupied in 1839, and has remained in use 
until the present time as the court-house of Berrien County. 

THE PRESENT JAIL. 

The jail, which was completed in 1838, proved inade- 
quate to the requirements of the court. Reports were 
made from time to time by the county buildings committee 
of the Board of Supervisors, representing that the jail was 
insuflScient, unsafe, and constantly out of repair, and urging 
the necessity of erecting a new one ; but no definite action 
was taken in reference to building a new county prison 
until 1868, when it was resolved, at a meeting of the Board 
of Supervisors, that the sum of thirty thousand dollars was 
necessary for the purpose of building a jail and county 
poor-house, and that this sum should be raised upon the 
taxable property of the county. On the 3d of February, 
1869, the board resolved to submit the question of raising 
money by tax for the erection of county buildings to the 
people. The question was so submitted, and the result was 
three thousand and twenty-six votes for and thirteen hun- 
dred and ninety-seven against the tax. In April, 1869, 
the committee on county buildings were empowered to 
purchase part of a lot opposite the court-house fur a sum 
not exceeding three hundred dollars, and to erect a jail 
upon it. This vote was, however, reconsidered by the 
board, and it was then voted to build on laud owned by 
the county. This was carried into eflFeet, and the brick 
building — the present jail and sheriff's residence — was 
erected during the summer and autumn of 1869. On the 
6th of January, 1870, the committee reported a total ex- 
penditure of twenty-six thousand seven hundred and twenty 
dollars and thirty-four cents, of which eight hundred and 
five dollars and fifty-one cents was for labor and material 
not embraced in the original estimate. The report was ac- 
cepted, and the committee was charged with the duty of 
selling the old jail building. 

COUNTY OFFICE BUILDINGS. 

The ofiBces of the county were first kept at Niles, after- 
wards at St. Joseph, and in 1838 they were located at Ber- 
rien Springs, where ofiice rooms for the county clerk, regis- 
ter of deeds, treasurer, and supervisors were fitted up in 
the basement of the court-house, and were kept there until 
1861. 

The first step towards the erection of safe offices for the 



keeping of the public records of the county, was taken in 
January, 1859, when the Board of Supervisors " resolved 
that we deem it expedient that prompt measures be taken 
by this board to erect a place of safe-keeping for the records 
of this county, and for the necessary repairs of the court- 
house and jail." N. W. Thompson, Thomas Love, Jehial 
Bnos, William S. Maynard, and R. L. Dudley were ap- 
pointed a committee to ascertain the probable expense of 
fire-proof offices for the use of the county. 

^he committee reported Jan. 5, 1859, and recommended 
repairs on court-house, and asked for time to perfect speci- 
fications of office buildings. A committee of three was 
then appointed, with authority to advertise for proposals 
and plans in the papers of the county. Thomas Love, 
Jehial Enos, and William S. Maynard were made such 
committee. They reported on March 15th of the same 
year, and on that date the contract for the office build- 
ing was let to George H. Murdock for three thousand 
dollars. The building (which is the brick building now 
occupied by the abstract and treasurer's offices) was erected 
on lots Nos. 299 and 300, at the corner of Kimrael and 
Madison Streets, Berrien Springs village. The offices of 
the county clerk, register of deeds, and treasurer were re- 
moved to this building in 1861, as before mentioned. 

The fire-proof brick building standing on the east side 
of, and attached to, the brick office-building erected in 1860, 
was built in 1873, at a cost (as reported by the building 
committee) of five thousand six hundred and nine dollars 
and fifty-two cents, and has since that time been occupied 
by the county clerk, register of deeds, judge of probate, 
and Board of Supervisors. 

COUNTY POOR-nOUSE AND FARM. 

The first official action of the supervisors of Berrien 
County in reference to the support of paupers is recorded 
under date of Oct. 27, 1837, at which time it was by the 
board " resolved that no accounts presented to the board 
for the support of paupers should be allowed, unless their 
form of presentment is such as is prescribed by law." At 
the same time Mr. Josiah Pidge's bill for support of a 
pauper was presented, and after some discussion disallowed, 
by a vote of seven to two. 

■ The first step towards providing a farm for the county 
poor was taken at a meeting of the supervisors, Oct. 4, 1838, 
when Pitt Brown and Darius Jennings were chosen a com- 
mittee to examine a farm belonging to A. Chapman, with a 
view to its purchase for poor-house purposes. They re- 
ported the title insecure, and advised against purchase. 

At a later meeting of the board, in the same month, it 
was " resolved that in future town paupers should be county 
paupers, and recommended that the proper authorities take 
legal steps to cause such change." John F. Porter, of St. 
Joseph, Frederick Howe, of Bertrand, and Pitt Brown, of 
Berrien, were appointed superintendents of the poor of the 
county, according to the revised laws of the State, and di- 
rected to report to the county commissioners at their meet- 
ing the best mode of taking care of the county paupers. 

On the 19th of November, 1838, the question of the 
purchase of a poor-house farm was agaiu brought up before 
the Board of Supervisors, who then took tiiis action : 



136 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



" Whereas the opinion of the county commissioners, as by 
tiiem expressed, is unfavorable to the purchase of a farm, 
and a largo share of the business attending the purchase of 
said farm would devolve upon said commissioners, as suc- 
cessors to this board, it is resolved that the said question be 
indefinitely postponed." 

AVhile the county commissioners were in power no steps 
were taken towards the purchase of a farm or erection of 
buildings. Later, in 1847, the supervisors passed a resolu- 
tion instructing the superintendents of the poor to pur- 
chase the east half of the northeast quarter of section 17, 
township G south, in range 17 west, of Richard McOmber, 
on the terms oifered by him, viz., nine hundred dollars; 
also the west half of the northwest quarter of section 16, 
township 6 south, in range 17 west, eighty acres, provided 
it could be purchased for four dollars per acre ; to make 
such repairs on the buildings as were necessary for imme- 
diate occupancy and use, and to draft plans and prepare an 
estimate for a suitable building for the use of the county 
poor. Proposals were received for the erection of a house 
on the poor-farm, 18 by 26 feet in dimensions, and a con- 
tract was made with George R. L. Baker to build it for one 
hundred and thirty dollars. On July 11, 1847, W. F. St. 
John and James F. Lord, of the superintendents of the poor, 
examined and accepted the house then just finished. 

It had been the custom prior to 1851 to contract the 
keeping of the poor to some person giving good security 
for its faithful performance. John Tate had this contract 
from May 26, 1847, to April 1, 1848, for the sum of two 
hundred and ninety-five dollars. 

On the first day of February, 1851, the superintendents 
of the poor resolved to change the system of keeping the 
county paupers, and to hire a man and family to take 
charge of the farm and all paupers for whose support the 
county was liable. 

The new .system went into cfi'ect on the first day of April, 
1851, at which time Mr. H. W. Hawley took charge of the 
farm, under supervision of the superintendents of the poor. 

The county poor-house was destroyed by fire in 1867. 
At a meeting of the supervisors held Dec. 31, 1868, it 
was " resolved that the requirements of the poor are so 
urgent that immediate action is demanded ;" and " resolved, 
further, that the sum of two thousand dollars of the gen- 
eral fund and three thousand dollars of the poor-fund be 
set apart and placed at the disposal of the building com- 
mittee for the object above specified." At a meeting held 
on the following day, a committee was appointed '' to ob- 
tain a plan for a poor-house combining the qualities of 
economy, durability, convenience, and future necessity, to- 
gether with the estimated cost of building the same." A 
plan was reported and adopted Feb. 4, 1869, and it was 
resolved by the board " that the sum of three thousand 
dollars, taken from the county poor-house fund, and two 
thousand from the general fund, be replaced from the 
building-fund raised from tax." The superintendents 
of the poor were constituted the building committee 
for building the poor-house by contract, at a cost not to ex- 
ceed ten thousand dollars. The building erected was a fine 
brick structure, two stories in height, and is still in use. 
It occupies a commanding eminence on the poor-house 



farm, which consists of one hundred and sixty acres, lo- 
cated on the northeast quarter of section 17, in Berrien 
township. The estimated value of the farm, with build- 
ings, furniture, stock, and farm implements, is eighteen 
thousand dollars. The farm is in charge of Capt. T. Brad- 
ley as superintendent. 

The amount expended in maintaining the poor-hou.se and 
farm for the year ending Sept. 30, 1879, is three thousand 
three hundred and fifty-eight dollars and twelve cents. 
The number of male persons maintained within the poor- 
house within the year is fifty-nine, and females thirty-eight, 
a total of ninety-seven, and an average for the year of fifty- 
six. Of this number twenty-three were under sixteen years 
of age ; eight insane, six idiotic, two blind, two deaf and 
dumb. Temporary relief has been furnished by the county 
to seven hundred and thirty-one persons during the year. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE PRESS OF BEKKIEN COUNTY. 

The Earliest Journals of the County— The Niles " Gazette and Ad- 
vertiser" — The St. Joseph " Herald'' — Other Early Newspapers at 
Niles and St. Joseph — Journalism at Buchanan, Berrien Springs, 
Benton Harbor, Now Buffalo, and Watervliet — Newspaper Enter- 
prises in the County during the past Forty-five Years. 

NILES G.\ZETTE AND ADVERTISER. 

The first newspaper published in Berrien County was the 
Niks Gazette anil Advertiser, the first number of which 
was issued on the 5th of September, 1835. The proprietor 
was Henry Barns; the price was two dollars per annum; 
and the motto was " For the Public Good." The oflioe 
was at the corner of Second and Main Streets, Niles. An 
almost complete file of the Gazette and Advertiser is to be 
found in the office of the recorder of that city. 

The first number is absent, but the second one, dated 
Sept. 12, 1835, shows the character of the paper. It was 
a four-page, six-column sheet, each page being 18 inches by 
24. The salutatory, which was reprinted from the first 
number, commented on the remarkable prosperity and rapid 
increase of Michigan, and declared that it would sustain the 
principles of Thomas Jefferson, the administration of An- 
drew Jackson, and the nomination of Martin Van Buren. 
We infer that the Gazette and Advertiser was decidedly 
Democratic. The publisher also mentioned that he had 
begun with three hundred subscribers, but that he had sold 
all of the six hundred copies which he had printed. 

Even at this early period in Berrien County journalism 
the proverbial hot water of controversy had begun to rise 
around the editorial chair. The second number of the 
Gazette and Advertiser strenuously denied a report, started 
since the appearance of the first one, that " we" had been 
boiight up and were under the control of certain young 
"aristocrats" of the village. Who would have thought 
there were aristocrats in Berrien County in the good old 
days of 1835? 

Besides the salutatory, this number of the Gazette ami 
Advertiser contained the message of Acting Governor 
Stevens T. Mason to the Territorial Legislature, mostly 



THE PRESS OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 



137 



relating to the far-famed controversy with Ohio, commonly 
known as the " Toledo war ;" also the letter of the Dem- 
ocratic Committee informing Mr. Van Buren of his nomi- 
nation for the Presidency, and his reply, accepting the 
nomination. This, it will be observed, was over a year 
before the election, which occurred in the fall of 1836. 

There were also a few items of distant news, and a goodly 
array of advertisements. Of that which constitutes so prom- 
inent a feature of the newspapers of the present days — local 
news — there was not a vestige. The local itemizer was de- 
veloped some twenty years later. 

On the 6th of July, 1836, William Singer and Chauncey 
C. Britt purchased the office from Mr. Barns, but under- 
took to publish the paper for him until the end of that 
volume. On the 7th of September, Mr. Singer withdrew 
from the firm for causes, as he stated in his valedictory, 
" not precogitated by me" at the time of purchase. J. N. 
Chipman took his place, and on the 28th of September, 
Britt and Chipman began publishing the paper for them- 
selves. They dropped the second name, calling the paper 
the Niks Gazette. 

On the 27th of December, 1836, it was again purchased 
by Mr. Barns, who sold it to Orris Curtis, in February, 
1837. Mr. Curtis conducted the Gazette until the winter 
of 1837-38, when the publication ceased, the accounts 
being transferred to Britt & Brown, the proprietors of the 
paper next named. 

NILES INTELLKJESCER. 

On the 21st of February, 1838, after the collapse of the 
Niles Gazette, and probably on the same press, Henry 
Barns, who had been the founder of that paper, issued 
the first number of a new journal at Niles, called the Ah'/es 
Intelligencer. In two weeks, however, he disposed of his 
venture to Chauncey C. Britt and John A. Brown, and the 
third number, dated March 7, 1838, was published in their 
name. They published it jointly until the 19th of August, 
1840, when John A. Brown became the sole proprietor. 
About 1844 the Intelligencer was discontinued, but it was 
revived in 1845 or 1846 by William P. Abeel. Mr. Abeel 
carried it on four or five years, but it finally ceased to exist 
about 1850. 

NILES REPUBLICAN. 
This paper began its career as an exponent of Whig 
principles, on the 18th of October, 1839, being owned and 
edited by Van Vliet & Miller. It soon became the prop- 
erty of H. B. Miller, who employed Thomas H. Bassett as 
editor. In 1842, D. B. Cook entered into partnership with 
Mr. Miller, and the politics of the paper were changed from 
Whig to Democratic. In 1844, Mr. Cook became the sole 
owner, and continued so for no less than eighteen years,— 
an extraordinarily long period, considering the changeful 
nature of early Michigan journalism. In April, 1862, 3Ir. 
Cook sold the Republican to A. J. Shakespeare, who con- 
tinued its publication by the old name until the spring of 
1868. He then changed the name to iVi7e.s Democrat, — a 
sketch of which is given below. 

NILES DEMOCRAT. 
This paper, the legitimate successor of the Niles Repub- 
lican (established in 1839), was baptized by its new name in 
18 



the spring of 1868. A. J. Shakespeare, who had been for 
six years the proprietor of the Republican, continued the 
publication of the Democrat until the 10th of September, 
1870. He then sold it to 0. P. Horn. The latter gentleman 
enlarged the paper from seven columns per page to eight, 
and it still flourishes under his ownership and direction. 

A LIBERTY PAPER. 

For a short time in 1845 a paper was published which 
advocated the principles of the " Liberty" or " Abolition" 
party, but it received so little support that it expired the 
same year. It is remembered that the editor was Miss Jane 
Van Vliet, but the name of the paper itself has escaped the 
recollection of the surviving citizens of that period. 

NILES COURIER. 

This paper (weekly) was established by Thomas W. Free- 
land on the 1st of January, 1845. In 1846, Mr. Freeland 
sold it to Charles Jewett and E. A. Graves, and went as an 
officer to the Mexican war. In 1847 or 1848 the name 
was changed to the one given below. 

NILES EXPRESS. 
This paper, the successor of the Courier, was published 
a little over a year, when it was sold to Isaiah McCoUum, 
who discontinued it, removing the material to Hillsdale, in 
this State. 

BERRIEN COUNTY FREEMAN. 

This paper was established at Niles, about the beginning 
of 1856, by John M. Farquhar, as an advocate of the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party. It warmly supported the 
election of Fremont and Daytou in the campaign of that 
year, and was subsequently continued as a Republican 
weekly until 1866, when it was absorbed in the Niles 
Times. 

NILES ENQUIRER. 

In 1856 or 1857, Monroe G. Carleton published the 
first number of a weekly paper bearing the above name. It 
was Republican in politics, and for ten years faithfully ad- 
vocated the principles of that party. Mr. Carleton left it 
in 1859. In 1866 it was united with the Berrien Count)/ 
Freeniiin to form the Niles Times: 
\ 
NILES TIMES. 

The first number of the Niles Times was issued on the 
1st of March, 1866, by Duncan & Dana. The Times was 
the result of the consolidation of the Berrien County Free- 
man with the Niles Enquirer. The new journal — which, 
like its predecessors, was decidedly Republican — was pub- 
lished weekly by Messrs. Duncan & Dana, until March, 
1868, when Mr. Dana retired, and the name of the paper 
was changed to Niles Republican. 

NILES REPUBLICAN (Nu. 2). 

This continuation of the Niles Times, when it took its 
new name in March, 1868, was enlarged from seven col- 
umns per page to eight, and during the twelve succeeding 
years has steadfastly and successfully upheld the banner of 
Republicanism. In 1873 it was again enlarged from eight 
to nine columns per page. The Republican is still con- 
ducted by Maj. L. A. Duncan. 



138 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



NILES WEEKLY MIRROR. 
The first number of this paper was issued on the 22d 
day of March, 1876, by T>. B. Cook, who still publishes it. 
It is a Democratic eight-page sheet, and has a good circula- 
tion. Although this is the last paper started in Niles, yet 
Mr. Cook, its editor and proprietor, is the earliest editor 
there, and is said to be the oldest living member of the pro- 
fession who has followed the business continuously in this 
State, he having begun his editorial duties in 1837, on the 
Kdhimiizoo Gazette, and having become connected with the 
XHes RvpiihUcan in 1842. 

ST. JOSEPH HERALD. 

The second paper published in the county, and the first 
one at St. Joseph, began its existence under the above 
name on tjie first day of August, 1836, the editor and pub- 
lisher being A. E. Draper. In a few months Mr. Draper 
sold the Herald to N. W. Fuller, who published it under 
that name until October, 1837. 

The only copy of the Herald which we have been able 
to discover is No. 36, Vol. I., dated April 22, 1837, which 
is now in the possession of M. D. Gragg, Esq., of Niles. 
It is a four-page, six-column sheet, each page being sixteen 
inches by twenty-two. Like the Niles Gazette and Adver- 
tiser, it has the broad-faced print and the numerous "black- 
letter" capitals common at that day, and like it is almost 
devoid of local news. It does mention, however, that the 
steamer " Matilda Barney" has been making regular trips to 
Niles for three or four weeks, and also notices the recent 
organization of Van Buren County. 

In October, 1837, Mr. Fuller gave his journal a new 
name, — 

ST. .JOSEPH DEMOCRAT. 

The first number of this paper, the successor of the 
Herald, was issued on the 14th day of October, 1837, by 
N. W. Fuller, editor and proprietor. The fourteenth num- 
ber, for an examination of which we are also indebted to 
Mr. Gragg, shows it to have been of the same size and gen- 
eral appearance as its predecessor. The depressed condition 
of business was clearly shown by the numerous advertise- 
ments of mortgage sales, which covered a large part of the 
space of the number first mentioned. It contained also an 
essay on slander and a speech delivered by Hon. Vincent 
L. Bradford, of Niles, then State senator from this district, 
which was pronounced by the Detroit Pout to be " unan- 
swerable." The only paragraph with even the semblance 
of a local item about it, was one which gave notice of the 
meeting of the St. Joseph Lyceum. The question for dis- 
cussion was one which had aroused the feelings of Ameri- 
cans on the northern frontier to an extraordinary degree, 
it being expres.sed in the following language : 

" Are the patriots of the Canadas entitled to the sympa- 
thies of the people of the United States in their present 
struggle for constitutional liberty? ' 

It is not known what the decision was, but it is safe to 
presume that the Canadian patriots were awarded a victory 
on the field of debate, if on no other. 

A Democrat of a few weeks' later date contains a report 
of a public meeting of the citizens of Cass County in oppo- 
sition to the location of the Michigan Southern Railroad : 



also a letter from Senator Bradford to the electors of St. 
Joseph County, vindicating himself from the charge of 
being unfriendly to the internal improvements of the State. 
The Democrat continued in existence but a little over six 
months. 

THE WESTERN POST. 

At the time of the suspension of the Democrat, the 
press and type with which it was printed were purchased 
by A. Peabody, and a new paper was issued at St. Joseph 
called the Western Post. The first number was published 
on the 28th day of April, 1838. It was of the same size 
as the Herald and the Democrat, and, like all the other 
papers of that day, had a fine motto at the top of its col- 
umns, viz., " The Rights of the People." 

We have examined the fourth number of the first volume 
of the Post, and there appears to have been no change in 
the character of the journal on account of the change of 
name. Its principal editorial in that number was entitled 
" A Protest against Panic," — a pretty sure indication that 
those were panicky times. There were also several puflTs 
of the " corporation scrip" of St. Joseph, issued to i)ay 
for public improvements, which the Post declared to be 
" better than wild-eat money," a very doubtful compli- 
ment. 

The Post struggled with the " hard times" for a short 
period and then collapsed. 

ST. JOSEPH COMMERCIAL BULLETIN. 
In the latter part of April, 1844, Chauncey C. Britt es- 
tablished a newspaper at St. Joseph, entitled the St. Joseph 
Commercial Bulletin.. It was a staunch Democratic sheet, 
and during the political campaign of that year warmly ad- 
vocated tlie election of James K. Polk and George M. Dal- 
las as President and Vice-President of the United States. It 
was a four-page sheet, of the same size as its predecessors at 
St. Joseph, and probably printed on the same press. Its 
motto was " Principles, not Men." There being then no 
paper published in Van Buren County, the Bulletin was se- 
lected to publish the tax sales of that county. Mr. Britt con- 
tinued the publication of the Bulletin until the spring of 
1845, when the prosperity of St. Joseph was suddenly and 
severely checked by the diversion of the proposed Chicago 
and St. Joseph Railroad to Niles and Chicago. Mr. Briit 
found that he would be unable to continue his paper under 
the changed circumstances, and he accordingly sold it to 
the late Judge Henry Fuller. The latter published the 
Bulletin a short time and then discontinued it, removing 
the press and type to Chicago. 

ST. JOSEPH TRAVELER. 
St. Joseph was then without a newspaper until January, 
1859, when Monroe G. Carlton established the St. Jo.iejjh 
Traveler, a weekly paper, which earnestly supported the 
principles of the Republican party. At the end of about 
three years Mr. Carlton sold the Traveler to Charles R. 
Brown, Esq., now of Port Huron, who published it about 
a year, and then transferred it to Almond L. Aldrich, now 
of Flint. Mr. Aldrich published the paper, always as an 
exponent of the Republican cause, until the summer of 
1868. when he sold it to the late Theodore L. Reynolds. 



THE PRESS OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 



139 



That gentleman conducted it until 187n, when it was con- 
solidated with the ;S/. Joseph Herald. 

ST. JOSEPH HERALD (No. 2). 
In May, 18G6, the St. Joseph Herald was established by 
Albert II. Potter. It was a very decided Democratic paper, 
and for nearly two years made things as warm as it was 
able for its political opponents. In February, 1868, it was 
purchased by Horace W. Guernsey, who conducted it in a 
somewhat more conservative manner, though still as a Dem- 
ocratic sheet. It supported Seymour and Blair for President 
and Vice-President in 1868. In 1872 it supported Greeley 
and Brown. In 1871 it was consolidated with the St. Jo- 
seph Traveler, as before mentioned, and its fortunes have 
since been merged in those of the Traveler and Herald. 

TRAVELER AND HERALD. 
In 1874 the St. Joseph Herald was con.solidated with 
the Traveler, the resulting journal being known as the 
Traveler and Herald. It was owned by Horace W. 
Guernsey, the former proprietor of the Herald, and Charles 
Stewart, who had become the owner of Mr. Reynolds' in- 
terest, under the firm-name of H. W. Guernsey & Co. 
Subsequently, Mr. L J. Merchant purchased Mr. Stewart's 
interest, and the firm became Guernsey & Merchant. In 
June, 1877, the office of the Traveler and Herald was 
entirely destroyed by fire. Mr". Guernsey then disposed of 
his interest to Mr. Merchant, by whom the paper is still 
published under the name last given. Like its predecessor, 
the 'traveler, it is a strong Republican journal, and ably 
advocates the principles of that party. 

ST. JOSEPH PIONEER. 

The St. Joseph I'iuneer was established mainly as a 
Democratic campaign paper, in 1863. It was owned by a 
joint-stock company, and was under the management of a 
board of control. D. A. Winslow, Pinous Herioch, and 
Thomas II. Botham constituted the board during its publi- 
cation. D. A. Winslow was chosen editor by the stock- 
holders, and the board of control selected Wallace H. Per- 
kins as the publisher. The first number was issued Feb. 
14, 1863. 

Mr. Perkins published the Pioneer twenty-seven weeks 
and then withdrew. From Aug. 15 to Oct. 3, 1863, its 
publication was suspended. 

At the urgent solicitation of the stockholders and of his 
associates in the board of control, Mr. Winslow assumed the 
publication of the Pioneer, and performed the duties of 
both publisher and editor from Oct. 3, 1863, until after the 
presidential election of 1864. The last number was issued 
Nov. 19, 1864. 

In his valedictory Mr. Winslow said, " The Union is 
the one great desire of our hearts, and object of our efforts ; 
and if that object can better be attained by the success 
of the opposition party, then we sink party in patriotism, 
and bow a most willing obedience to the will and judg- 
ment of the people." 

LAKE SHORE INDEPENDENT. 

A weekly paper of this name was established at St. 
Joseph, in November, 1873, by Charles M. Winslow. In 



January following he sold his press and type to William 
Ricaby and Thomas H. Botham, who began the publica- 
tion of the paper described below. 

ST. JOSEPH REPUBLICAN. 

This paper was established in January, 1874, by William 
Ricaby and Thomas H. Botham, as an advocate of Repub- 
lican principles, the material being that of the Lake Shore 
Independent. In June of that year Robert Ricaby pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. Botham, and the paper continued 
under the management of William and Robert Ricaby until 
January, 1875, when the firm became William Ricaby &. 
Son, by whom the Republican is still continued. 

It was originally a five-column quarto, but in April, 1876, 
it was changed to an eight-column folio. In November, 
1876, it changed from the advocacy of Republican to that 
of Democratic principles, but still retains its original name. 

ST. JOSEPH DAILY NEWS. 

This little sheet is issued from the office of the Repub- 
lican by K. & W. Ricaby. The first number was dated 
Dec. 4, 1879. 

The Lake Shore Daily News is mentioned among the 
Benton Harbor papers. 

THE VINDICATOR. 

In the year 1857, J. M. Patton established a newspaper 
at New Buffalo, called The Vindicator, published it about 
a year, and stopped. Mr. Patton removed to Buchanan, 
but the press went into the possession of Alonzo Bennett, 
and was used for a time for job-work. 

BUFFALO INDEPENDENT. 

In 1859, Alonzo Bennett started a paper at New Buffalo 
called the Buffalo Independent. The first number contained 
the first account in this section (outside of Chicago) of the 
execution of John Brown. After about a year it was 
discontinued, and the press was removed to Buchanan. 

NEW BUFFALO INDEPENDENT. 

On the 9th day of September, 1875, A. C. & J. R. Hill 
issued the first number of the New Buffalo Independent. 
This paper maintained a feeble existence about a year and 
a half, when it was discontinued. The press and type were 
removed to Three Oaks, where they were employed for the 
publication of the Michigan Independent. 

BUCHANAN VINDICATOR. 
The first paper established in Buchanan was started in 
the early fall of 1858, by J. M. Potter. It was Republican 
in its politics, and was known as the Buchanan Vindicator. 
It was not very prosperous, and was finally absorbed in the 
paper next noticed. 

BUCHANAN WEEKLY UNION. 
This journal was started in 1862, by Lloyd & Turner. 
It flourished under their management until 1866, when it 
was purchased by Daniel A. Wagner. In February, 1867, 
Mr. Wagner changed its name, as stated below. 

BERRIEN COUNTY RECORD. 

On the 28th of February, 1867, Mr. Wagner, in place 
of the Weekly Union, issued the first nuiuber of the Berrien 



140 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



County Record. In 1869 the Record viaa changed from a 
quarto to a folio. On the 29th of December, 1870, Mr. 
Kingery was taken into partnership, the firm-name being 
Wagner & Kingery. Mr. Wagner's connection ceased on 
the 30th of April, 1874, when John C. Marble purchased 
his interest. On the 28th of May, 1874, Mr. Marble sold 
to Mr. Lindley, who also sold, on the 28th of January, 
1875, to John G. Holmes. Upon Mr. Kingery's death, 
Aug. 18, 1876, Mr. Holmes purchased the interest of the 
heirs, and has since published the Record in his own 
name. A new steam-press has just been obtained. The 
Record has a circulation of about one thousand. 

THE INDEPENDENT. 
In 1860, Alonzo Bennett established at Buchanan The 
Independent, a weekly paper, in the interest of the Democ- 
racy. It expired in 1802, aged two years, one month, and 
two days. 

VOICE OF THE VVE.=!T. 

The village of Buchanan had become, in 1864, the head- 
quarters of the denomination of Adventists in the West, 
and in the summer of that year Joshua V. Himes, long a 
publisher and editor in Boston, established the Voice of the 
West (weekly), as the exponent of the views of that class of 
Christians. The circulation soon reached between five and 
six thousand. About a year afterwards a company was 
formed called the " Western Advent Christian Publishing 
Association," which assumed the publication of the Voice, 
and also issued numerous minor documents. Mr. Himes 
was chosen president of the company and editor of the 
paper. Several million pages of tracts were issued by the 
a.=sociation and distributed over the land. 

ADVENT CHRISTIAN TIMES. 

About 1870 the name Voice of the West was changed to 
Advent Christian Times, and in 1871 the paper was i-emoved 
to Norwood Park, a suburb of Chicago. The office was at 
first in the second story of what is now the Dunbar House. 
Later the association purchased the building now used as a 
factory, which then stood on the ground now occupied by 
the Advent church. 

BUCHANAN NATIONAL. 

On the first day of May, 1878, a paper by the above 
name was established at Buchanan, in the interest of the 
Greenback party, by M. R. Scullin. It maintained its 

existence only until the 28tli of February, 1879. 

BUCHANAN REPORTER. 
On the day last named Dr. F. H. Berrick, having pur- 
chased the material of the National, commenced the pub- 
lication of the Buchanan Reporter, of which he is still the 
editor and proprietor. It is independent in politics, and 
has reached a circulation of seven hundred and filty. 

BENTON HARBOR PALLADIUM. 
This paper was first issued on the 9lh day of October, 
1868, by L. G. Merchant, being then a six-column, four- 
page weekly. In December, 1869, it was sold to J. P. 
Thresher, who increased the number of columns on a page 
to seven. In 1872 it became the property of Alvin Stur- 



tevant, who enlarged it to its present size, — four pages, of 
eight columns each. Tha Palladium is Republican in poli- 
tics, and since May, 1874, has been edited and published 
by Charles E. Reeves. 

BENTON HARBOR TIMES. 
The first issue of this paper appeared on the 17th day of 
July, 1875. It was a seven column folio, of which Wil- 
liam and Thomas Hurley were the proprietors. On the 1st 
of October, 1875, A. H. Potter became the proprietor, and 
so continued until the 1st of February, 1877, when he sold 
out to A. C. Webb & Co. These gentlemen continued 
the publication until the 30th of September, 1877, when 
William Hurley, one of the original owners, became tlie 
proprietor, and has remained so till the present time. 
Thomas Hurley has been the editor during the same period. 
The Times is independent in politics. 

LAKE SHORE DAILY NEWS. 
This diminutive but enterprising journal was i.ssued at 
Benton Harbor on the 2d day of May, 1876, by William 
Dudley and Charles E. Reeves. The latter soon sold his 
interest to James Jennings. In May, 1879, Frank L. 
Thresher became one of the proprietors, and the firm-name 
has since been Dudley, Jennings & Thresher. The pre.ss 
was removed to St. Joseph in the autumn of 1878, but an 
editorial office is still maintained at Benton Harbor. 

GOLD AND SILVER. 
The first local newspaper of Berrien Springs was a 
monthly publication called Gold and Silver (a four-page, 
twenty-four-column journal), started in 1873 by Frederick 
McOmber, the printing being done in Niles. It was dis- 
continued at the end of six months. 

BERRIEN COUNTY JOURNAL. 

In May, 1874, Mr. McOmber, the publisher of Gold and 
Silver, together with L. E. Barnard, founded the Berrien 
Counti/ Journal, as a Republican weekly paper. It started 
with twenty-eight columns, but was subsequently enlarged 
to thirty-two. In August, 1874, Mr. McOmber withdrew, 
and Mr. Barnard carried on the Journal alone until his 
death, in April, 1876. It then passed into the hands of 
G. H. Murdock, who has since then been its proprietor and 
editor. It is now independent in politics, with Democratic 
proclivities. It is issued at Berrien Springs every Satur- 
day. 

BERRIEN SPRINGS ERA. 

This is a twenty-eight-column weekly journal, jiublished 
every Wednesday by Frederick McOmber, who founded it 
in January, 1876, as an advocate of Republican principle.*, 
and such it still remains. 

WATERVLIET JOURNAL. 

In 1876 a Mr. Sheffield, of Indiana, was induced by the 
promise of liberal support to begin the publication of a 
weekly newspaper in the village of Watervliet, which he 
called the Watervliet Journal. It was independent in poli- 
tics, and set out with a promising assurance of .success. 
But, although Mr. Sheffield obtained the respectable num- 
ber of five hundred subscribers, he found himself unable to 
make his income equal his expenses; so, after publishing 



THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. 



141 



the Journal a year at a loss, he withdrew himself and his 
paper from that field. 

MICHIGAN INDEPENDENT. 

In April, 1877, J. R. Hill brought from New Buffalo to 
Three Oaks the press and material with which he had been 
publishing the J^ew Buffalo Independent at the former 
place. With them, on the 19th of April, ho began the 
publication of the Michigan Independent at Three Oaks. 
The paper still flourishes under that name. It is independ- 
ent in politics, and has now a circulation of about a thousand. 



CHAPTER XXIIL 

THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PBOFESSIONS. 

Early Physicians of Berrien County — Berrien County Medical Society 
— Eclectic Physicians — Homoeopathic Physicians — The Bar of Ber- 
rien County. 

EARLY PHYSICIANS OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 

In the day-book of Walling & Lacey, headed '' Pog-wa- 
tigue" (now Niles), occurs an entry, June 8, 1829, of the 
sale to Dr. James M. Martin of one saddle blanket and cer- 
tain articles apparently to be used in his practice. No fur- 
ther knowledge of this physician can be obtained. In the 
same book, under date of June 9, 1831, occurs the name 
iif Dr. E. Winslow. He was a native of Vermont, and 
came to practice in Niles in the spring of 1831. In the 
next year he became associated with Dr. William B. Bee- 
son. The latter soon afterwards went into partnership with 
his brother Jacob, in the mercantile business, aud gave up 
practice. Dr. Winslow remained at Niles until 18-10, and 
then removed to Peoria, 111., where he died. 

Dr. James Lewis, a native of Vermont, studied medicine 
and graduated in that State. He practiced twelve years at 
Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., before removing West. lie 
came to Niles in 1835, and opened a drug-store, but did 
not practice his pi'ofession here. With the exception of a 
year or two, he was in the drug busine.ss until 1857, when 
he retired. He is now living in Niles. 

Dr. Talman Wheeler came to Niles in 1832, but did not 
practice in this region. He engaged in commercial pur- 
suits at Niles and St. Joseph, and was prominent in the 
development of navigation on the St. Joseph River. 

Dr. Amos S. Amsden, a native of New York, emigrated 
to St. Joseph in 1832, but did not practice after coming to 
Michigan. He was identified with the progress of St. Jo- 
seph until his death, which occurred at Millburg, in 1849. 

The first physician to locate and practice in St. Joseph 
was Dr. B. Y. Boyd, from Kentucky, who came in 1834, 
remained a few years, and went away, not having met with 
much success. 

Dr. Lowell S. Lillibridge emigrated from Ohio in 1836. 
He commenced practice at St. Joseph, and continued until 
1849, when he removed to California. He was interested 
in town affairs and filled several ofiicial positions. He was 
a successful practitioner, and commanded the respect and 
confidence of the community. 

Dr. J. W. Finley was a physician of considerable emi- 



nence before coming to Niles, having previously practiced 
five years in Chillicothe, Ohio, and filled the chair of chem- 
istry and natural history in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 
from 1828 to 1830. He came to Niles in 1885, and com- 
menced a practice which continued without interruption for 
twenty years. In 1855 he removed to Pittsburgh, and 
served three years as surgeon iu the army during the war 
of the Rebellion. In the year 1864 ho resumed practice 
in Niles, and in 1870 opened a drug-store, in which he is 
still interested. Dr. Finley is now in the city of Niles, 
though he retired from the active practice of his profession 
several years ago. 

Dr. Reuben Pierce came to New Buffalo in 1835, on the 
first vessel that ran into that port. He practiced there 
with much success till 1840, when he removed to Terre 
Coupee, and died in 1858. His son, Dr. Reuben W. 
Pierce, is now a practicing physician in Buchanan. 

Dr. Stillman Richardson studied medicine in the State of 
New York. He came to Michigan in 1830, and located in 
Niles, where he continued in practice during the remainder 
of his life. As a practitioner, ho was quick to discern, 
prompt to act, and excellent in judgment. By these (|ual- 
ities he rose to the first rank in his profession, and by his 
thorough lionesty and sturdy championship of the right on 
all occasions, he endeared himself in a remarkable degree 
to the people among whom he lived. He died at Niles in 
1875. 

Dr. Morgan Enos settled in Pipestone, and commenced 
the practice of medicine in 1837. He was a good physi- 
cian, and for many years the only one in the township. 
He retired from active practice a few years before his 
death, which occurred in 1868. 

Dr. Andrew J. Murray, who came from Pennsylvania 
about 1836, first opened an ofiice at Berrien Springs, 
where lie practiced till about 1839. He then removed to 
St. Joseph, and subsequently, in 1848, to Niles, where he 
died in 1854. He was a man of fine education, good 
ability, and a successful practitioner. He represented his 
district in the Legislature iu 1849. 

Dr. James Bloodgood, a graduate of the New York Col- 
lege, came to Michigan about 1844, and located in practice 
at Niles, where he remained until 1854, when he removed 
to Dowagiac, and practiced there until his death. 

Dr. Hiram B. Wilcox, a native of Ohio, graduated at 
Cleveland. In 1836 he came West, settled in Indiana near 
tlie line of Michigan, and commenced a practice which ex- 
tended into the southern towns of Berrien County. In 
1860 he removed to Three Oaks, where he still resides. 

Dr. Philetus P. Maillard, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., 
came to Niles about 1840. He was an eminent physician, 
and had practiced several years in the West Indies before 
that time, but after his settlement at Niles he did very little 
in the way of his profession, though he was frequently 
called to council in dangerous cases. After residing several 
years at Niles he returned to Philadelphia. 

Dr. Samuel Niles, a physician of the eclectic school, 
graduated at Laporte, Ind. He came to Niles about 1846, 
and commenced the practice of medicine. He was prom- 
inent in educational affairs, and much interested iu the 
public schools of Niles. He died about 1861. 



142 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Dr. Joel Loomis. also an eclectic physician, came to 
Niles about 1848, and practiced there many years. He 
died in 1876. 

Dr. Jabez Barron, an Englishman by birth, came to St. 
Joseph in 1838, and practiced medicine in that place till 
December, 1839, when he removed to Niles and coutinued 
in practice till bis death, which occurred about twenty years 
later. 

Dr. David B. Crane, a native of New Jersey, graduated 
at Fair6eld Medical College, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and 
practiced in that State for several years. In 1832 he came 
to Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich., where he practiced till about 
18.52, when he removed to St. Joseph, where he is still re- 
siding, at ihe age of seventy-seven years. Dr. Crane is a 
fine scholar, an accomplished linguist, and during the many 
years of his practice has been regarded as an excellent phy- 
sician. 

Dr. Thomas C. Sach.se, a German of fine education and 
a good linguist, came to Niles in 1854. He practiced here 
about seven years, and removed to St. Louis, Mo., where 
he now lives. 

Dr. J. H. Crawford came to Watervliet about 1841, and 
settled on a farm a mile south of Coloma, not intending to 
follow his profession, but appeals were often made to him 
for aid, and he finally yielded and practiced for several 
years. On account of sickness he returned to Ohio, his 
former place of residence, and was succeeded in Watervliet 
by Dr. J. H. Wheeler, who came to that place in 1846. 

Dr. Charles C. Wallin came in the spring of 1835 to 
Buchanan, where he lived and followed his profession sev- 
eral years. He removed to Berrien Springs in 1 843, opened 
an office, and practiced until 1849. He is now living in 
Chicago. 

Dr. J. M. Roe, in February, 1851, settled in Buchanan, 
and is .still in practice there. 

Dr. Ansel Winslow came to Millburg in 1851, and prac- 
ticed there till about 18G6, when he removed to near Lan- 
sing, Mich., where he is still in practice. 

Dr. Lyman A. Barnard came to Berrien Springs at the 
time of its first settlement. He studied medicine, was ad- 
mitted to practice in 1847, and became one of the village 
physicians. He is still there, though not in practice. In 
1850, Dr. S. C. Bartholomew came to the same place, and 
practiced till his death in 1858. 

Dr. Corydon Parker, who graduated at Geneva, N. Y., 
came to St. Joseph about 1849, and practiced there until 
his death, which occurred in 1851. He was succeeded by 
Dr. Reuben D. Parker, who came to attend his brother in 
his sickness and remained after his death, taking his practice. 
Dr. Parker retired in 1874, but is still living at St. Joseph. 

Dr. C. H. Bostwick located in the central part of Wee- 
saw township about 1845. He is still in practice, and 
resides in the same township, near the village of New Troy. 

In the above mention of early physicians it has been the 
intention to include those who commenced practice in Ber- 
rien County during the first quarter of a century of its 
existence. Of most of those who came later the names 
will be found in the membership list of the medical asso- 
ciation and the several township histories. 



BERRIEN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

On the 2d day of April, 1874, a number of physicians 
met at New Buflfalo, for the purpose of organizing a medi- 
cal society. A committee was appointed to draft a consti- 
tution and by-laws, and one was also appointed to notify 
and request every physician in the regular practice to unite 
with them at Berrien Spring.s, April 30, 1874, to complete 
the organization of a society. At the adjourned meeting 
an organization was effected, the following being the original 
members: A. H. Scott, John Bell, W. P. Mason, L. H. 
Dunning, J. D. Bowman, W. F. Reiber, Thomas W. An- 
derson, L. A. Barnard. The officers elected were Dr. A. 
H. Scott, President ; Dr. John Bell, Vice-President. Drs. 
Bell, Anderson, and Greenamyer, Executive Committee; 
Drs. Bowman, Mason, and Dunning, Committee on Medical 
Ethics ; Drs. Bell, Bowman, and Barnard, Committee on 
Admission ; Dr. L. H. Dunning, Secretary. 

The names of the present members of the society are 
here given, with the colleges at which they graduated, as far 
as can be ascertained : Alexander H. Scott, B. C. Smith, 
W. A. Neal, H. G. Clippinger, Henry JI. Marvin, Thomas 
W. Anderson, John D. Greenamyer, Wakeman Ryno, J. 
F. Berringer, University of Michigan ; John Bell, William 
P. Mason, University of New York ; L. H. Dunning, Fred. 
F. Sovereign, George H. Riley, Rush IMedical College, 
Chicago; John D. Bowman, Queen's College, Ontario; 
William F. Reiber, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia ; 
Robert P. Stratton, Medical Department Harvard College ; 
James B. Reeves, Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio; 
Lewis W. Baker, Medical College of New York ; R. R. 
Lawrence, E. J. Bonine, Robert Henderson. 

List of phy.sicians not members of the medical society 
who are practicing in the county : Drs. A. K. Webster, 

Lyman Collins, David Crane, • Roberts, St. Joseph ; 

J." W. Egbert, A. J. Mead; 0. P. Horn, J. Simpson, 
J. H. Richardson, Simeon Belknap, Niles ; Moses Clark, 
New Buffalo; C. H. Bostwick, New Troy; H. Wilcox, 
Three Oaks; George Bell, R. Wyman, Benton Harbor; 

■ Warner, Millburg ; Piatt B. Myers, J. M. Roe, R. W. 

Pierce, Van Riper, Buchanan. 

Eclectic Physicians : Dr. Samuel W. Holland, St. 
Joseph ; Dr. E. B. Dodd, Dr. Leroy Dodd, Buchanan. 

HOJICEOPATIIIC PHYSICIANS. 

The physicians of the homoeopathic school have no 
county organization and are comparatively few in number. 

In 1855, Samuel Camp commenced practice in St. Jo- 
seph, and remained two or three years. Dr. L. A. Sexton 
succeeded Dr. Camp, but was there only one year. 

Dr. R. Pengilly came to St. Joseph in 18G1, and was in 
practice for three or four years. Drs. Charles Chamberlain 
and B. M. Pettit came to St. Joseph about 18G7. The 
latter is still in practice there. Dr. Ludwig, a German, 
and a man of considerable ability, was in St. Joseph prior 
to 1865. He afterwards went to Michigan City, and is now 
near Dowagiac. 

The first to settle in Niles was Dr. James E. Westervelt. 
He was a native of Tompkins Co., N. Y., graduated at the 
homccopathic college in New York City, and removed to 
Plymoutli, Ind. About 1856 he came to Niles and com- 



THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. 



143 



menced practice. He remained until 1 SG4, when he re- 
moved. Dr. Craig, a graduate of the same college, came 
in 1864 and succeeded to the practice of Dr. VVestervcIt. 
He remained about ten years, and removed to Grand Rap- 
ids, and from there to Detroit, where he is still in practice. 
The homoeopathic pliysicians at present practicing in 
the county are Dr. B. M. Pettit, St. Joseph ; Dr. L. I. 
McLin, St. Joseph ; Dr. F. W. Derrick, Buchanan ; Dr. 
H. W. Whitworth, Niks ; Dr. E. A. Clark, Benton Har- 
bor ; Dr. Allen, Berrien. 

THE BAR OF BERRIEN COUNTY.S' 
In preparing a history of the Berrien County bar, it is 
impossible to make it as complete as is desirable. The first 
court in the county was held in July, 1832, but the court 
journals prior to 1836, as well as for the fall terra in 1839, 
and for the year 1840, are not to be found in the county, 
rendering it impossible to ascertain what attorneys were ad- 
milted during those years. And as there is no attorneys' 
roll kept, there is no means of ascertaining the names of 
the attorneys except by reference to the court journals, and 
in absence of the journals, to the judgment records. We, 
therefore, give the names of the attorneys known to have 
been residents of the county during the time for which no 
journals are found, yet we trust the record will be very full 
and complete. 

Francis B. Blurdock was the first lawyer in the county. 
He was born in Cumberland, Md., in iMarch, 1804 ; ad- 
mitted to the bar of Pennsylvania at Bedford in 1825 ; 
came to Berrien County and settled at Berrien in 1830. 
He immediately entered into practice, and bis name appears 
as attorney in the first judgment records of the county. 
He was the second probate judge in the county, receiving 
his appointment from the Governor and Council in 1833. 
He left the county in 1835, and after practicing his profes- 
sion three years in Alton, 111., and ten years in St. Louis, 
he went to California in 1852, and now lives at San Jose, 
in that State. He long since abandoned his profession and 
entered the field of journalism ; and although now seventy- 
six years old, he yet retains his physical and mental powers 
in a remarkable degree. 

Thomas Fitzgerald was the second lawyer in the county. 
He wa.s born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in April, 1796 ; 
moved to Indiana in 1819, and was admitted to the bar of 
that State in 1821. In 1828 he was a member of the 
Legislature of Indiana. He afterwards came to this county, 
and settled at St. Joseph in 1832, aud his name appears 
as attorney, with Mr. Murdock's, in the first judgment re- 
cords of the courts of the county. In 1832 he was ap- 
pointed lighthouse-keeper at St. Joseph; in 1834 he was 
appointed, by Governor George B. Porter, clerk of this 
county ; was regent of the State University in 1837, and 
ill 1838 was appointed bank commissioner. In 1848 he 
was appointed United States senator, to fill the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Gen. Cass, and held the posi- 
tion two sessions, and until Gen. Cass was re-elected in 1850. 
Col. Fitzgerald moved to Niles in about 1851. In 1852 
he was elected judge of probate, which office he held at 
the time of his death, in March, 1855. In the war of 

* By Damon A. Winslow. 



1812, at the battle of Lundy's Lane, Col. Fitzgerald was 
wounded by a bullet which shattered his arm. This in a 
measure crippled him for life, aud he always carried the 
bullet in his shoulder. 

As a lawyer Cul. Fitzgerald had considerable ability, but 
soon after he came to this county he abandoned the prac- 
tice of his profession, and entered other fields more con- 
genial to his taste. 

E. Egbert appears as attorney in the judgment records 
of the county as early as 1832, but he was never a resident 
of Michigan. He was at one time a judge of St. Joseph 
Co., Ind. 

William H. Welch commenced practice here in 1832, 
and continued in practice several years. At the fall term 
of the Circuit Court in 1832, and the spring term in 1833, 
he was appointed by the court prosecuting attorney for the 
respective terms. Mr. Welch was never a resident of the 
county. 

N. McGaffy and Marcus Lane appeared as attorneys in 
the judgment records in 1833. They remained in the county 
but a .short time. 

Jerome B. Fitzgerald, son of Col. Thomas Fitzgerald, 
was born at Boonville, Ind., in September, 1822, and came 
to this county with his father in 1832. He was educated 
at Middletown, Conn. ; was admitted to the bar in this 
county in 1844. In 1816 he was elected to the State 
Senate. With the exception of 1850 to 1864, when he 
was in New York, his residence was almost exclusively in 
Berrien County. He died at Niles, June 5, 1878. Mr. 
Fitzgerald had a fine legal mind, was an excellent scholar, 
and was a lawyer of more than ordinary ability. Litigation 
was not to his taste, and he chose the more quiet and less 
exciting parts of law practice, and hence never acquired a 
very widespread reputation as a pleader; but among his 
friends aud intimate acquaintances and the business men, 
who knew him, he possessed their entire confidence as 
counsel and ofiico lawyer. 

Edwin Lawrence was born at Middlcbury, Vt., in 1808, 
and came to Michigan in 1834. He was admitted to the 
bar in this county in October, 1836. Mr. Lawrence was 
lately circuit judge at Ann Arbor, but has now retired from 
the practice of his profession. 

Joseph Y. James lived at St. Joseph at an early day. 
He was admitted to the bar at Berrien, in October, 1837, 
but remained only a short time after his admission. 

Vincent L. Bradford came from Philadelphia, Pa., in 
1835, and settled at Niles, where he immediately entered 
into law practice. Mr. Bradford was a ripe scholar, and a 
lawyer of eminent ability. He immediately took rank 
among the first lawyers in the State, and soon acquired a 
State reputation. The field of labor was at that time too 
limited for him, and in 1843 he returned to Philadelphia. 
There he at once took a high position in the profession, 
and now stands at the head of the bar in that city. In 
1838 and 1839, Mr. Bradford was a member of the State 
Senate from Berrien County. Few men in Michigan, in 
the profession or out of it, would outrank Mr. Bradford in 
learning and ability. 

Nathaniel Bacon was born at Ballston Spa, N. Y., in 
July, 1802 ; graduated at Union College in 1824 ; was ad- 



Ul 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



mitted to the New York bar, at Ballstnn Spa, and practiced 
law several years at Rochester, N. Y. He eanie to this 
county and settled near Niles, in the fall of 1833. Mr. 
Bacon intended when he came to Michigan to turn his at- 
tention to agriculture, and for that purpose purchased four 
lumdred acres of land a little east of the present city of 
Niles. He moved upon the land, and continued to own and 
live on it until his death, in September, 18(39. The con- 
tinued calls upon him for his professional services induced 
him to open an office in Niles, in the fall of 1834, and he 
continued in practice, except when he was on the bench, 
until his death. Mr. Bacon was probate judge in 1837. 
In 1855 he was elected circuit judge, and was ex-officio 
judge of the Supreme Court. He was again elected to the 
judgeship in 1857, and again in 1860 ho was elected to fill 
a vacancy caused by the death of Judge Smith, again in 
the spring of 1869 he was elected for the full term, but 
died tlie following September. 

Judge Bacon had a clear, comprehensive mind, had great 
influence with the court as an advocate, and was remark- 
ably successful before a jury. His appearance before a jury 
seemed to say, " Gentlemen of the jury, I expect, by a calm 
and dispassionate statement of the flicts and the law, to con- 
vince you that I am right in what I may say to you," and 
his calm and cool manner before the jury always told 
in the case. In addressing a jury he seemed to be un- 
conscious that another person than the jury was in the 
room. 

Charles Jewett was born at Weybridge, Vt.. in June, 
1810, graduated at Middlebury College, Vermont, in Au- 
gust, 1834, and read law at Middlebury. He came to 
; Niles in the fall of 1836, and in the same year was ap- 
/ pointed district attorney for the county of Berrien, then 
the thirteenth judicial district. He held this office until 
he resigned, in 1840. He was elected county judge in 
1848, hold the office four years, and was elected judge of 
probate in 1860. Mr. Jewett never claimed eminence as 
a trial lawyer, but for counssel, and as an office lawyer, he 
ranked among the first in the county. 

Joseph N. Chipman was born in Shoreham, Vt., in Sep- 
y tember, 1803. He was descended from a family in which 
were some of the most distinguished lawyers in that State. 
He graduated at Middlebury College with the class of 1828, 
and was admitted to the bar at Middlebury in 1833, and 
was in practice there several years. He came to this 
county and settled at Niles in June, 1836, and continued 
to reside there, in the practice of his profession most of 
the time, until his death, in November, 1870. In 1844 he 
was elected to the Slate Senate. 

John S. Chipman was a practicing attorney in the State 
of New York ; settled in Niles in 1838, and was admitted 
to the bar the same year; was appointed prosecuting attorney 
by the court for the April term of the court in 1839. In 
1844, Mr. Chipman was elected to Congress from this dis- 
trict. He remained at Niles until 1851, when he went to 
California, and died there several years ago. Mr. Chipman 
was a Very positive character, and in ability ranked high in 
the profession. 

To distinguish Mr. John S. from Joseph N. Chipman, 
residing at the same time in Niles, the former was usually 



designated as " Black Chip," and the latter as " White 
Chip." 

Cyrus Dana was born at Owego, N. Y. He was a prac- 
ticing attorney in that State, but came to Niles in 1838, 
and was admitted to the bar in November of that year. He 
continued in practice until his death, at Niles, in 1847. 

James Sullivan was an attorney from New Hampshire. 
He came to Niles in 1838, and in the same year was ad- 
mitted to the Michigan bar at Berrien. He stayed at Niles 
about three years after his admission to the bar, and then 
removed to Cass County, where he continued the practice 
of the profession until his death, in August, 1878. Mr. 
Sullivan was from a family of eminent lawyers ; his father 
was attorney-general of the State of New Hampshire for 
over twenty years, and his grandfiither for a still longer 
period, and the credit and character of the family lost 
nothing in the person of James. He was acknowledged to 
be one of the finest lawyers in the State. He possessed a 
legal mind inferior to none, but an unfortunate deafness 
denied him the honorable positions to which, as a lawyer or 
statesman, his learning, ability, and sterling worth entitled 
him. 

James Brown — born at Saratoga, N. Y., September, 1814 
— graduated at Union College in 1836, settled in Niles 
in 1838, and has ever since resided there. He was ad- 
mitted to the Michigan bar at Berrien in October, 1839. 
Mr. Brown was elected judge of probate in 1844, and again 
in 1848, holding the office eight years. In 1845 he was 
appointed prosecuting attorney to fill a vacancy ; was re- 
appointed in 1849, and elected to the same office in 1852. 
Mr. Brown is a fine scholar ; has a remarkable command 
of language, a fine orator, and always made an efficient 
officer. He has a big heart, that always throbs for the 
unfortunate and the oppressed. 

Cogswell K. Green was an attorney from New Hampshire, 
who came to Niles at an early day, probably about 1833, 
and settled at Niles, where he remained in practice for 
several years. He afterwards returned to New Hamp.shire, 
and now lives at Exeter, in that Slate. He was probate 
judge in Berrien County in 1831, and held the office about 
three years. 

Thomas Conger was born about 1800. He settled at 
St. Joseph in May, 1834, and was elected judge of probate 
in November of the same year. He remained in practice 
at St. Joseph until 1849, when he went to California. He 
is now police judge in the city of Sacramento. 

Cruger Walton, a practicing attorney from New York, 
was admitted to practice in Beriien County in October, 
1837. He resided at St. Joseph, and continued to practice 
law several years in this county. 

James Randies came to St. Joseph about 1834. He had 
but one arm, and for that reason was usually called " one- 
arm Randies," to distinguish him from James I. Randall, 
who lived at St. Joseph at the same time. Mr. Randies 
was a man of fine talents. He died at St. Joseph about 
1840. 

Jabez N. Rogers came to St. Joseph about 1842, and 
was admitted to the bar in April of that year. He prac- 
ticed law several years in this county, and now lives in one 
of the Western States. 



THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. 



145 



Ebenezer Mollvaiue was born in Pennsylvania, and was 
admitted to the bar of that State at Pittsburgh. He came 
to Niles in about 1843, and was admitted to tlie bar at 
Berrien in October of that year. He was county cleric in 
1848, and in 1855 was elected probate judge, to fill the va- 
cancy caused by the death of Col. Fitzgerald. He died in 
Niles several years ago. 

Levi B. Taft was admitted to the bar of Berrien County 
prior to 1850. In that year he was elected prosecuting at- 
torney. He left Niles in 1853, and now resides at Pontiac, 
Oakland Co. He was at one time circuit judge in that 
county. 

Hiram F. Mather, born in Elbridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
came to Niles in 1844. In 1853 he went to Chicago, and 
died there about 1863. Mr. Mather was a member of the 
Senate of New York four years before he came to Michi- 
gan. He was an able lawyer, and very popular as a man. 

Alonzo Bennett, born at Addison, Vt., in September, 
1807, came to Berrien County in September, 1833, and 
settled at Niles. In 1836 he moved to New Buffalo, where 
he has lived most of his time since, and still resides there. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1843, but never made the 
practice of law his business. Soon after his admission he 
turned his attention to other pursuits, principally merchan- 
dising. 

John M. Barbour came from Chautauqua Co., N. Y., set- 
tled at Niles in 1834, and was admitted to the bar here in 
April, 1842. He remained here eight years and then went 
to the city of New York. Mr. Barbour is now judge of 
the superior court of that city. 

Thomas W. Freelan lived at Niles, and was admitted to 
the bar at Berrien in May, 1845. He enlisted in the United 
States army and served in the Mexican war. He went to 
California in 1849 or 1850, and has been a judge of a court 
of record in that State. 

Franklin Muzzy was born in Maine in 1816, and gradu- 
ated at Bowdoin College. He came to Berrien County in 
1842, stayed one year at St. Joseph with the family of Col. 
Fitzgerald, and in 1843 went to Niles, and always lived 
there until his death, in March, 1878. He was admitted 
to the bar in Maine, and was at one time a law-partner of 
Hon. Hannibal Hamlin ; he was admitted to the bar of this 
State at Berrien, in October, 1846, and continued in practice 
to the time of his death. He was elected State senator in 
1 858, and was for many years mayor of the city of Niles. 
In many respects Mr. Muzzy was a remarkable and pecu- 
liar man. He lived and died a bachelor, which fact may 
account for many of his eccentricities. Probably no lawyer 
who over lived in the county had as great influence with 
the court and jury as he; always ready, never showing 
surprise ; an opponent not to be coveted, but in courtesy 
always meeting an opponent half-way. Before a jury his 
appearance seemed to say, '• No use, gentlemen of the jury. 
I am going to compel you, in spite of yourselves, to view 
this case as I do," — and he generally did. He was not 
eloquent as an orator, but his earnestness and apparent 
conviction that he was right gave him great power as an 
advocate. As a neighbor he was ever kind and obliging. 
Though not a professing Christian, yet no man in the 
county gave more liberally to the churches and clergy than 
19 



he. Hundreds of poor, did they know their benefactor, 
would rise up and call him blessed. He never gave to be 
seen of men, but with a basket or package of necessaries 
would often go forth in the dark and, unseen, leave it at 
the door of some poor family, or send a delivery-wagon 
loaded with the comforts of life to be delivered to the needy 
ones, always with the injunction to not name the giver. 
Many a family has been warmed and fed by his kindness 
as an unknown giver. 

John Grove was the first lawyer living at Buchanan. 
He was admitted to the bar in this county in May, 1848 ; 
elected to the House of Representatives of this State in 
1845 and in 1846. He died at Buchanan some twenty 
years ago. 

N. W. Thompson was admitted to the bar in this county 
in May, 1846. He never made the practice of law his ex- 
clusive business, but combined it with agricultural pursuits. 
He now lives in Iowa. 

George II. Jerome was born at Pompey, Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., October, 1819. He gradu.ated at Hamilton College 
in 1842, came to Niles in the fall of 1846, and immediately 
entered upon the practice of law. He soon retired from 
practice, and entered upon other pursuits more congenial to 
his taste. (See biographical sketch elsewhere in this work.) 

John A. Thompson came to Niles in 1848, was admitted 
to the bar in 1849, and appointed prosecuting attorney in 
1850. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was 
killed in the service. 

Ira N. Jerome was born at Pompey, N. Y., in 1822, and 
graduated at Hamilton College in 1844. He came to Niles 
in 1848, and in the same year was admitted to the bar, but 
remained at Niles only about a year. He died at Iowa 
City in 1865. 

Strother M. Beeson — born at Uniontown, Pa., in De- 
cember, 1816 — came to Niles in 1832, but passed much of 
his time for years in South Bend, where he read law. He 
was for many years a practicing attorney in Indiana, where he 
stood high as a lawyer. He was admitted in this county in 
December, 1850. He died at Niles, Dec. 30, 1878. Mr. 
Beeson was not fond of litigation, and confined his practice 
almost entirely to the quieter part of the practice. 

Damon A. Winslow — born in Le Roy, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., in May, 1819 — was educated at Le Roy Academy, 
and at the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, at Gouverneur, 
N. Y., under the instructions of the present Bishop Peek. 
He settled permanently in Michigan in 1844 ; was admitted 
to the law courts at Ann Arbor in June, 1845, and in the 
.same month he was admitted to the Court of Chancery at 
Adrian. After admission to the bar he first settled in 
Eaton County, this State, and in 1847 was appointed by 
the Governor prosecuting attorney for that county, and held 
the olEce about two years. In May, 1851, he settled at 
St. Joseph, where he has since resided, in the practice of 
law. Mr. Winslow never claimed eminence as a trial law- 
yer; in other respects, as a lawyer, we trust his reputation 
is not to his discredit. He is still in practice. 

David Bacon was born at Ballston Spa, N. Y., in Septem- 
ber, 1827 ; graduated at Jefferson College, Pa., in 1852 ; came 
to this county and settled at Niles the same year ; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in October, 1854, and was elected prose- 



146 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



cuting attorney in 1854. He still lives in Niles. Mr. 
Bacon served in the war of the Rebellion, and until he re- 
ceived a wound that well-nigh proved fatal. He received 
a colonel's conimi.'ision for meritorious service. He is now 
in practice at Niles. 

Seneca N. Taylor was for some years a praeticinp; lawyer 
in the county. Several years since he moved to St. Louis, 
where he is now in practice. 

Emory M. Plimpton came from Ohio, and was admitted 
to the bar in September, 1853. He was elected prosecuting 
attorney in 1856, and elected to the Michigan House of 
Representatives in 1868. He is now in practice at Bu- 
chanan. 

Edward Bacon, born at Rochester, N. Y., in April, 1830, 
came to Niles with his fluher, Nathaniel Bacon, in 1833. 
He graduated at the Michigan University in 1850, and was 
admitted in the Supreme Court at Detroit in 1853. He 
still lives at Niles, and is in practice. Mr. Bacon enlisted in 
the late war, and left the .service with a colonel's commission. 

EbenezerE. Cady, born at Auburn, N. Y., in May, 1816, 
came to St. Joseph in 1853. He was admitted at Berrien 
in June the same year. In 1859 he returned to Auburn, 
and is now in practice there. 

Joseph S. Bacon, born at Rochester, N. Y., in March, 
1832, came to Niles with his parents in 1833; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in April, 1855, and is still in practice in 
Niles. 

James M. Albert came to Buchanan about 1851, was 
admitted in December, 1858, and practiced law at Buchanan 
until he enlisted and went into the army, in which he held 
a captain's commission. He is not now a resident of the 
county. 

Samuel B. Spears, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., gradu- 
ated at Yale College ; came to Niles in 1848 ; was admitted 
in April, 1862, and died at Niles in 1863. 

William W. Wheeler, born at Niles about 1831'), was ad- 
mitted at Berrien in September, 1859, and went into prac- 
tice at St. Joseph, where he remained until he entered the 
army, in 1861. He went into the service as lieutenant, and 
held a colonel's commission at the close of the war. He 
died at Chicago about 1875. 

Henry H. Coolidge was born at Leominster, Mass., in 
August, 1811, and educated at Amherst College. He came 
to Cass Co., Mich., in 1836; was admitted to the bar in 
that county in 1844, and elected prosecuting attorney for 
Cass County in 1850. He came to Niles in 1859; was 
elected prosecuting attorney for this county in 1862, and as 
a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1867. In 
1872 he was appointed circuit judge, to fill a vacancy caused 
by the resignation of Judge Blackman, and in 1876 was 
elected to the same office, which he resigned in September, 
1878. He is now in practice at Niles. 

Charles R. Brown, born in Lorain Co., Ohio, was edu- 
cated at Berea, Ohio, and admitted in Ohio in 1856. He 
came to St. Joseph in 1859 ; was admitted here in Septem- 
ber, 1860; elected to the House of Representatives from 
this county in 1866. He moved to Kalamazoo in 1867, 
and was elected circuit judge for that circuit in the spring 
of 1869, and resigned in 1874. Ho now resides at fort 
Huron, Mich. 



Benjamin F. Chubb, born at Ann Arbor, Mich., came to 
Niles in 1856, and was admitted in February, 1860, at Ber- 
rien, but never fully entered the practice of law. lie died 
at Niles in 1867. 

Charles W. Ormsbee, born in Paris, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
in August, 1831, graduated at Hamilton Law School in the 
first graduating class. He came to St. Joseph in 1861, was 
admitted in January, 1862, and in 1872 went to Salt Lake 
City, where he died in November of that year. 

Theodore G. Beaver, born in New Berlin, Union Co., Pa., 
in 1835, received an academic education at New Berlin, 
came to Niles in September, 1858, and was admitted to the 
bar in April, 1862. He is now in practice in Niles. 

Cyrus M. Alward, born at Scipioville, Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
in November, 1825, came to Niles in 1848, was admitted 
in April, 1862, and is now in practice at Niles. 

Frederick 0. Rogers came from Elmira, N. Y., to Niles 
about 1856, and was admitted in July of the same year; 
was elected prosecuting attorney in 1858, and re-elected in 
1860. In 1867 he was appointed United States district 
attorney for the Western District of Michigan. 

George S. Clapp, born at Columbia, Lorain Co., Ohio, in 
June, 1834, was educated at Berea, Ohio, and admitted to 
the bar in that State in 1856. He came to St. Joseph in 
1862, and was admitted to the bar in October of the same 
year. In 1864 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and 
held the office six years. In 1869 he was nominee for cir- 
cuit judge against Judge Blackman. Ho is now in prac- 
tice in St. Joseph. 

William R. Ijyon, born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in May, 
1834, graduated at Williams College, Ma.ss., in 1858 ; at- 
tended law lectures at the Michigan University in 1860-61, 
and was admitted at Berrien in May, 1863. He is now in 
practice at St. Joseph. 

J. E. Chamberlain, born at Sandwich Islands in about 
1830, graduated at Williams College, Mass., in 1852. After 
he graduated ho returned to the Sandwich Islands, and was 
for several years judge of the Recorder's Court, and was 
oflFered a scat on the Supreme Court bench. He returned 
to the United States and settled at St. Joseph about 1860. 
The law was not to his taste, and he soon turned his atten- 
tion to other pursuits. He again returned to the Sand- 
wich Islands in 1873, and is now living there. 

C. D. Hathaway was admitted to the bar in Decembei, 
1860. He remained in practice at Berrien about three 
years, and then went away. His present residence is un- 
known to the writer. 

Nathan G. King w.is born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
in February, 1819, and graduated at Williams College. 
He practiced law several years in Albany, N. Y., but came 
to Michigan and settled in St. Joseph, where he entered 
into practice iu 1861. On the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion he entered the army and obtained a colonel's commis- 
sion. After the war he settled at Brooklyn, Jack.son Co., 
Mich., and in 1872 was elected to the State Senate from 
that county. 

Alexander Walker, from Oneida Co., N. Y., and a grad- 
uate of tlic Albany Law School, came to Berrien County in 
1862, and in July of the same year was admitted to the 
bar, He never entered into law practice in this county, 



THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. 



147 



for soon after his admission he entered the army and served 
during the Rebellion. In 18G3 he was captain of Com- 
pany A, 7th Michigan Cavah-y. Mr. Walker was wounded 
at Gettysburg, but remained in the .service till the end of 
the war, and was mustered out in 18G5. 

Jerome B. Brown, born in the State of New Y^orlc about 
1815, was admitted in Berrien in November, 1863. He 
now resides at Willoughby, Ohio. 

J. J. Van Riper, born at Ilaverstraw, N. Y., in 1838, 
received an academic education in New York City, attended 
law lectures at Michigan University in 1860 and 1861 ; 
was admitted in Cass County, in January, 1863. In 1867 
he was elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention 
from Cass County. He came to Buchanan in 1872; was 
elected prosecuting attorney in 1876, and re-elected in 
1878. He is now in practice at Buchanan. 

Cholwell Knox, born at Rhinebeck, N. Y., in 1839, 
graduated at the law department of Michigan University 
in September, 1863. In 1865 he came to Niles, where he 
is still in practice. 

Worthy Putnam, born iu Madison Co , N. Y., in Octo- 
ber, 1811, was admitted to the New York bar at Buffalo, 
in 1859. He came to this county and settled at Berrien iu 
1864. He was admitted at Berrien in December of the 
same year. In 1869 he was appointed circuit judge, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Bacon, and held 
the office until his successor was elected, in November of 
that year. The practice of law was not to the taste of 
Judge Putnam, and he soon retired from practice, and en- 
tered more congenial fields. 

James H. Fairchild, born at London, Ontario, graduated 
at Ypsilanti High School in March, 1859. He graduated 
at the law department of Michigan University in March, 
1863, and was admitted at Ann Arbor in March of the 
same year. He settled at Niles in April, 1865, but in Feb- 
ruary, 1872, removed to Chicago, where he is now in prac- 
tice. 

Calvin B. Potter was born in Jefferson Co., N. 1'., in 
July, 1837, and graduated at Albany Law School in 1860. 
At the commencement of the war of the Rebellion he en- 
listed in the 18th New York Infantry, and served over four 
years in the Army of the Potomac. He was taken prisoner 
at the first battle of Bull Run, and was an inmate of Lbby 
Prison for five months and seventeen days, then exchanged 
and went back to his regiment. After the close of the war 
he settled at St. Joseph (in June, 1866), and was admitted 
the same year. He was elected to the House of Represen- 
tatives of Michigan in 1874. He is now in practice at St. 
Joseph. 

Albert H. Potter, born in Wisconsin in 1840, came to 
St. Joseph in the spring of 1866, and was admitted in 
1869. He is now in practice at Benton Harbor. 

David E. Hinman was admitted to practice in May, 
1868, and is now in practice at Buchanan, where he has re- 
sided for several years. 

Wm. D. Kingery is now a resident of Buchanan, where 
he has been in practice .several years. He was admitted in 
May, 1868. 

A. B. Riford was born in Orange Co., Vt., in January, 
1840, and graduated at Michigan University, law depart- 



ment, in 1864. He came to Benton Harbor in August, 
1866; was admitted at Rerrien in November, 1865, and 
elected to Michigan House of Representatives in 186S. He 
is now postmaster at Benton Harbor. 

Orville W. Coolidge, born in Cass Co., Mich., in October, 

1839, graduated at Michigan University in 1863, and at 
Cambridge Law School in 1865. He was admitted in Cass 
County in 1865, and elected prosecuting attorney for Ber- 
rien County in 1870. He is now in practice at Niles. 

Samuel M. Finley, born at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1835, 
was admitted at Berrien, April, 1869. He practiced law 
at Niles about six years, but is now out of practice, and en- 
gaged in other business. 

Wilbur F. Rudd, a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y., was 
admitted at Berrien, April, 1869. He died in Missouri in 
1872. 

Frank Dean, a graduate of the law department, Michi- 
gan University, came to St. Joseph in 1868, and was ad- 
mitted in May, 1869. He is now at Hyde Park, 111. 

George F. Edwards, born at Ypsilanti, Mich., came to 
Niles in 1869, was admitted in April, 1873, and is now in 
practice at Niles. 

Theodore J. De Puy, a native of Mercer Co., Pa., and 
educated at Alleghany College, Pennsylvania, was admitted 
to the New York bar in 1867 ; also in Mercer Co., Pa. 
He came to St. Joseph in 1869, and was admitted at 
Berrien in February, 1870. He is now in practice at St. 
Joseph. 

George Miller came to Berrien in 1869, but stayed only 
about two yeais. 

W. J. Gilbert, born at Cavendish, Vt., graduated at 
Middlebury College in 1869, came to Niles in 1870, and 
was admitted the same year. He is now in practice at 
Niles. 

N. A. Hamilton, born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1836, 
was educated at Whitewater Academy, Wisconsin, and ad- 
mitted to the Wisconsin bar in 1859. He came to St. 
Joseph in 1870, was admitted the same year, and elected 
prosecuting attorney in 1872. He was elected to the 
Michigan House of Representatives in 1876 ; was elected 
Speaker pro tern., and was chairman of the judiciary com- 
mittee. He is now in practice at St. Joseph. 

Alonzo Plummer, born in Somerset Co., Me., in 1842, 
graduated at Albany Law School in May, 1866, came to 
Benton Harbor in January, 1870 ; was admitted at Ber- 
rien in November, 1875, and is now in practice at Benton 
Harbor. 

Frederick II. Bacon, a native of Niles, was educated at 
Michigan University, and admitted herein May, 1871. He 
is now in practice at St. Louis, Mo. 

George W. Bridgman came from Massachusetts to Ber- 
rien County, and was admitted here in May, 1871. He is 
now in practice. 

Henry F. Kellogg, born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1823, 
came to Niles in 1871 ; was admitted in the same year, and 
is now in practice in Niles. 

William H. Brcese was born at Edwardsburgh, Mich., in 

1840, graduated at the law department of Michigan Uni- 
versity in March, 1866, and was admitted at Ann Arbor 
in the same month. He came to Buchanan in April, 1866, 



148 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and was elected prosecuting attorney in 1874. He is now 
at Micliigan City, Ind. 

James A. Kellogg, born in Huron Co., Ohio, and edu- 
cated at Hillsdale College, came to Berrien County in 1872, 
and was admitted in September, 1872. He is now prac- 
ticing at Niles. 

George S. Payne, born in Kennebec Co., Me., graduated 
at Colby University, Maine, in 1871, came to St. Joseph 
the same year, and was admitted at Berrien in March, 
1875. He is now at Ottawa, 111. 

James H. Canfield, born in Delaware Co., Ohio, gradu- 
ated at Williams College in June, 1868; was admitted to 
the Michigan bar at Mason, Ingham Co., in June, 1872. 
He came to St. Joseph in September, 1872, and practiced 
there about five years. He is now professor in the Kansas 
State University, at Lawrence, Kan. 

John A. Eastman, born in Franklin Co., Me., came to 
Benton Harbor in 1873, and was admitted at Berrien in 
January, 1879. Mr. Eastman practiced law several years 
in Wisconsin and in Chicago. He is now in practice at 
Benton Harbor. 

Geo. M. Valentine, born at Pulaski, N. Y., graduated at 
the law department of Michigan University in 1875 ; set- 
tled in February, 1877, at Benton Harbor, where he is 
still in practice. 

Worth Landon, born at Niles, graduated at Racine Col- 
lege, Wisconsin, in 1872; was admitted to the bar at Ber- 
rien in March, 1875; and has always resided at Niles, 
where lie is now in practice. 

Frank D. Orcutt was admitted at Berrien in November, 
1875, and has been in practice several years at Benton 
Harbor. 

L. Frederick Copeland was admitted in Berrien County 
in June, 1876, and was in practice several years at Bu- 
chanan. He is now in South Bend. 

Isaac P. Campbell, born in Centre Co., Pa., graduated at 
Michigan University, law department, in 1876; came to 
Berrien the same year, and remained in practice several 
years. 

James W. Orr was admitted in October, 1877, at Berrien. 
He practiced some two years at Buchanan, but is now in 
practice at Niles. 

A. J. Watson, born in Boston, Mass., came to St. Joseph 
in 1876; was admitted in June, 1879, and is now in prac- 
tice in St. Joseph. 

Geo. A. Lambert, born at Niles, was admitted in Au- 
gust, 1879, and is now in practice at Niles. 

Frank Landon, born at Niles, graduated at Racine College, 
Wisconsin, in 1875 ; was admitted at Fort Dodge in 1877, 
and admitted in Berrien County, in November, 1879. He 
is now in practice at Niles. 

Thornton Hale, born in Fairfax Co., Va., was admitted 
in Van Buren County in June, 1878. He soon after set- 
tled in Berrien, and is now in practice there. 

Joscphus Turner, born in Lycoming Co., Pa., graduated 
at Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, in 1865 ; came to Ber- 
rien County in September, 1878; was admitted at Berrien 
in October of the same year, and is now in practice at 
Berrien. 

David S. Devin, born at Ottumwa, Iowa, graduated at 



Marietta College, Ohio; came to Berrien County in 1873, 
and was admitted at Berrien in January, 1880. 

Lawrence C. Fyfe, born at Isle aux Noix, Canada, edu- 
cated in England and Scotland, settled at St. Joseph in 
1874, and was admitted the same year. He is now in 
practice at St. Joseph. 

Albert A. Worthington was admitted at Berrien in July, 
1879, and is now in practice at Buchanan. 

Alson C. Roe graduated at the law department of Michi- 
gan University in March, 1879; was admitted in Juno, 
1879; is now in practice at Buchanan. 

The following names appear among those admitted to 
the bar in this county, but were not residents of the county, 
and were not recognized as members of the bar of Berrien 
County: Edward R. Badger, admitted October, 1837; 
William Savier, admitted April, 1840 ; Joseph L. Jernigan, 
admitted October, 1842 ; Thomas B. Biddle, admitted Oc- 
tober, 1842; Thomas Grove, admitted October, 1843; 
Dexter Straight, admitted May, 1846 ; James Hutchins, 
admitted October, 184G ; Enoch A. Ross, admitted Septem- 
ber, 1857; Abram H.Smith, admitted July, 1862; Na- 
than H. Soule, admitted October, 1862; Henry R. Rob- 
bins, admitted November, 1863 ; Jerome H. Ingersoll, ad- 
mitted August, 1865 ; Rienzi Knox, admitted May, 1869 ; 
Stephen Bacon, admitted May, 1869; Marshal L. Howell, 
admitted April, 1870; Samuel Hayes, admitted April, 
1876 ; Jay S. Bruitt, admitted February, 1878 ; Edwin C. 
Towsley, admitted May, 1878 ; David H. Gray, admitted 
December, 1850. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

CIVIL LIST-COUNTY SOCIETIES. 

Territorial, State, and National Officers from Berrien County — Berrien 
County Officers — Berrien County Agricultural Society — Northern 
Berrien County and Michigan Lake Shore Agricultural Society — 
Berrien County Pomona Grange — Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Association of Berrien County — Pioneer Association of Berrien 
County — Niles Horse-Thief Association — Reserve Horse-Thief De- 
tectives — Lake Side Horse-Thief Association of Berrien County — 
Young People's Picnic Association of Berrien County. 

BERRIEN CIVIL LIST. 

In this li.st the names are given of those citizens of the 
county who have held important positions in or under the 
State or national government, and also of those who have 
held county oflSces in Berrien. 

MEMBEU OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN TERRI- 
TORY. 
Calvin Britain, 1832 to 1835, inclusive. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 
Calvin Britain, 1852-53. 

SECRETARr OF STATE. 
William Graves, 1853-55. 

UNITED STATES SENATOH. 
Thomas Fitzgerald, appointed in 1848, to fill vacancy caused by resig- 
nation of Lewis Cass. 

REPRESENT.\TIVE IN CONGRESS. 
John S. Chipman, elected in 18-14. 



CIVIL LIST. 



149 



STATE SENATOHS. 
Calvin Brilain, term of service, 1835 to 1837, inclusive; Vincent L. 
Bradford, 1838-39; Elijah Lacey, 1840-41 ; Joseph N. Chipnian, 
18-45-46; Jerome B. Fitzgerald, 1847-48; Royal T. Tworably, 
elected in 1852; Rodney 0. Paine, 1854; Alexander H. Morrison,* 
1856; Franklin Muzzy, 1858; Elijah Lacy, 1860; Rufus W. 
Landon, 1862; Warren Chapman, 1864, re-elected in 1866; Evan 
J. Bonine. 1868; Lorenzo P. Alexander, 1870 ; Levi Sparks, 1872 ; 
Francis H. Berrick, 1874; William Chamberlain, 1876, re-elected 
in 1878. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATURE OF MICHIGAN. 

Cogswell K. Green, term of service 1835-36; Robert E. Ward, 1837; 
Elijah Lacey, 1838; Thomas Fitzgerald, 1839 ; James B. La Rue,« 
1840-41 ; Alonzo Bennett, 1842; Obed P. Lacey, Joseph G. Ames, 
1843; John Grove, James Shavp, 1845; John Grove, 1846; 
Richard P. Barker, Calvin Britain, James Shaw, 1847; Jehial 
Enos, Andrew Murray, Albert R. Thompson, 1848; Andrew L. 
Burk, Henry Chamberlain, 1849; Calvin Britain, Samuel Street, 
Ezekiel C.Smith, 1850; Calvin Briain,« John W. Butterfield, 1851 ; 
Harrison W, Griswold, Michael Hand, Benjamin Redding, elected 
in 1852; John D. Ross, James B. Sutherland, 1854; Hale E. 
Crosby, Jehial Enos, 1856 ; William B. Beeson, Dr. Morgan 
Enos, 1858 ; Lorenzo P. Alexander, Alexander H. Morrison,* 
1860; Nathan Fitcb, John C. Miller, Henry C. Morton, 1862; 
Evan J. Bonine, James Graham, Newton R. Woodruff, 1864; 
Evan J. Bonine, Charles R. Brown, John M. Glavin, 1866; 
Emory M. Plimpton, Almond B. Ryford, Julian M. Seward, 
1868; John F. Coulter, William J. Edwards, Almond B. Ryford, 
1870; Evan J. Bonine, Thomas J. West, William Chamberlain, 
1872; Ethan A. Brown, Thomas J. West, Calvin B. Potter, 1874; 
George F. Edwards, Natjianiel A. Hamilton,* Silas Ireland, 1876; 
L. M. Ward, Alonzo Sherwood, Benton R. Stearns, 1878. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

Charles W. Whipple, Nathaniel Bacon, Worthy Putnam, Henry H. 
Coolidge. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 
Talman Wheeler, Amos S. Amsden, Thomas Fitzgerald, John M. 
Baker. 

JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

Cogswell K.Green, 1831-33; Francis B. Murdock, 1833; Thomas 
Conger, 1834-36; Nathaniel Bacon, 1837-39; George Hoffman, 
elected in 1840; James Brown, 1844, re-elected, 1848; Thomas 
Fitzgerald, 1852 ; E. Mcllvaine, to fill vacancy, 1855; B. F. Fish, 
1856; Charles Jewett, 1860; William S. Merrill, 1864; Daniel 
Chapman, 1868, re-elected, 1872; Ale.xander B. Leeds, 1876. 

COUNTY JUDGES. 
Daniel Olds, time of service, 1831-33; Charles Jewett, elected in 1846; 
Thomas Fitzgerald, 1850. 

SHERIFFS. 
Augustus B. Newell, elected in 1831, re-elected in 1832; Fowler 
Preston, 1834; E. S. Chapman, 1836; A. B. Hunger, 1838, re- 
elected in 1840; J. Wittenmyer, 1842, re-elected in 1844; 0. R. 
Willard, 1846, re-elected in 1848; Thomas Comins, 1850, re- 
elected in 1852; Nathan Fitch, 1854, re-elected in 1856; James 
Graham, 1858, re-elected in 1860; Charles D. Nichols, 1862; 
Julius M. Seward, 1864, re-elected in 1866; Linus F. Warner, 
1868, re-elected in 1870; Joseph W. Weimer, 1872, re-elected in 
1874; Richard A. De Mont, 1876, re-elected iu 1878. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 
Titus B. Willard, elected in 1831; B. C. Hoyt, 1832; James Randies, 
1834; Edwin Richardson, 1836; Alonzo Bennett, 1838, re-elected 
in 1840 and in 1842; Thomas Love, 1844, re-elected in 1846; 
E. Mcllvaine, 1848, re-elected in 1850, re-elected in 1852; Wm. S. 
Merrill, 1854, re-elected in 1856, re-elected in 1858; Geo. H. 
iWurdock, 1860; Daniel Terriere, 1862; Geo. H. Murdock, 1864, 
re-elected in 1866; Charles E. Howe, 1868, re-elected in 1870; 
D. E. Hinman, 1872, re-elected in 1874; Edwin D. Cook, 1876, 
re-elected in 1878. 

* Speaker pro tempore. 



REGISTERS OF DEEDS. 

Obed P. Lacey, elected in 1831 ; Solomon E. Mason, 1832, re-elected 
in 1834; A. J. F. Phelan, 1836; Edwin Richardson, 1838, re- 
elected in 1840; Thomas Conger, 1842; F. D. Johnson, 1844; 
Charles F. Howe, 1846, re-elected in 1848, re-elected in 1850, re- 
elected in 1852; Warren Chapman, 1854, re-elected in 1856; 
Alexander B. Leeds, 1858, re-elected in 1862; Roscoe D. Dix,t 
1864, re-elected in 1866, re-elected in 1868, re-elected in 1870, 
re-elected in 1872, re-elected iu 1874; William H. Marston, 1876, 
re-elected, 1878. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Jacob Beeson, elected in 1832; B. C. Iloyt, 1834; R. C. Paine, 1836; 
William Lemon, 1838 ; Thomas Love, 1840 : R. W. Landon, 1842, 
re-elected in 1844, 1846, 1848, 1850 ; Calvin Britain, 1852; Charles 
D. Nichols, 1854, re-elected in 1856; Thomas P. Glenn, 1858: 
B. F. Pennell, 1860, re-elected in 1862, 1864, 1866; Samuel 
Hess, 1868, re-elected in 1870, 1872; John Tate, 1874, re- 
elected in 1876 ; George W. Rough, 1878. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

The prosecuting attorneys were appointed by the Gov- 
ernor until 1850, when the oflBce was made elective. 

Wm. H. Welch,t elected in 1832-33 ; Charles Jewett, 1836; John S. 

Chipman, 1839; James Brown, 1842, re-elected in 1844; J. N. 

Chipman, 1846, re-elected in 1848; Jerome B. Fitzgerald, 1849; 

John A. Thompson, 1850 ; Levi Taft, 1851 ; James Brown, 1852 ; 

David Bacon, 1854; E. M. Plympton, 1856; F. 0. Rogers, 1858, 

re-elected in 1860; H. H. Coolidge, 1862; G. S. Clapp, 1864, 

re-elected in 1866 and 1868; 0. W. Coolidge, 1870 ; N. A. H.amil- 

ton, 1872; Wm. A. Breese, 1874; Jacob J. Van Riper, 1876, 

re-elected in 1878. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 
Erasmus Winslow, John F. Porter, Joseph G. Ames, elected in 1838 ; 

Austin Stocking, 1840; John Weaver, 1841; Timothy S. Smith, 

1842. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 
J. Wittenmyer, elected in 1836, re-elected in 1838; Jehial Enos, 1840, 

re-elected in 1842; A. B. gtaples, 1844, re-elected in 1846; F. R. 

Pennell, 1848; James L. Parent, 1850, re-elected in 1852; Amos 

Grey, 1854; James L. Parent, 1856; Jehial Enos, 1858; Robert 

Eaton, I860; Jubal H. Wheeler, 1862; Joseph S. Miller, 1864; 

0. D. Parsons, 1866; Joseph S. Miller, 1868; A.J. Nowlen, 1870; 

Thomas Love, 1874; John M. Glavin, 1876, re-elected in 1878. 

CORONERS. 
Solomon E. Mason, elected in 1832; Darius Jennings, 1840; William 
Hammond, 1842; Horace Guernsey, 1844; William Bradford, 
1846, re-elected in 1850; Samuel Stratton, 1852; John Enos, 
1854; Geo. H. Scott, 1856; Ferdinand Vogel, 1858; Robert 
Brethschneider, 1860; Cass Chapman, 1862; Wm. H. Tryon, 
1864; Wm. H. Tryon, Thomas F. Glenn, 1866, re-elected in 
1868; Wm. H. Tryon, Joseph W. Brewer, 1870, re-elected in 
1874; Rufus K. Charles, 1876, re-elected in 1878. 

MASTERS IN CHANCERY. 

James Brown, John Grove, Thos. Conger, 1848; Ebenezer Mcllvaine, 

1849. 

CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. 

Hiram F. Matthews, appointed in 1850 ; Damon A. Winslow, elected 
in 1852, re-elected in 1854; Charles Jewett, 1856, re-elected in 
1858; Charles R. Brown, 186U; Damon A. Winslow, 1862; Jo- 
seph N. Chipman, 1364, re-elected in 1866 and 1868; Joseph 
N. Chipman, Charles W. Ormsbee, 1870; B. M. Plimpton, N. A. 
Hamilton, 1872 ; Fred. H. Bacon, Wm. R. Lyon, 1873, re-elected 
in 1874 ; James A. Kellogg, James H. Canfield, 1875, re-elected 

■j" The name of Dexter 0. Dix appears in the record of the election 
returns in the clerk's office, in the record of votes by figures and where 
written out in full. But Roscoe D. Dix was the person voted for and 
to whom the certificate of election was issued. 

\ Evidence that Mr. Welch tilled the office of prosecuting attorney 
at that time is found in the following bill, now on tile iu the otfice of 
the supervisors, viz. : 

" County of Berrien to W. H. Welch, Dr. to services as District At- 
torney for December Term, 1832, and Spring Term, 1833, $15.00." 



150 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



in 1876; James A. Kellogg, Lawrence C. Fyfe, 1877, re-elected 
in 1878; Wm. J. Gilbert, Lawrence C. Fyfe, 1879. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
Ilcnry A. Ford, elected in 1868, re-elected in 1870; E. L. Kingsl.ind, 
1872, re-elected in lS7i. 

COUNTY SOCIETIES. 
BERRIEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Agricultural Society of Berrien County was organ- 
ized in the spring of 1850. The first meeting for the 
purpose was held, pursuant to a call of citizens, at the court- 
house in the village of Berrien, on the 22d day of February 
of that year. A committee was appointed to draft a con- 
stitution and report the same at a meeting to be held on 
the 13th of March, at which meeting the constitution was 
read and adopted. At an adjourned meeting, May 4, 1850, 
officers of the society were elected, as follows: Benjamin C. 
Hoyt, President ; William Smyth Palmer, Recording Sec- 
retary ; Thomas Love, Treasurer ; James L. Glenn, Cor- 
responding Secretary ; Joshua Feather, Peter Ruggles, 
Henry Lardncr, Jehial Enos, and Joseph G. Ames, Ex- 
ecutive Committee. 

It was " resolved that the first county fair be held on the 
19th of September next, at the village of Berrien Springs, 
and that the sum of one hundred dollars be appropriated 
for premiums and expenses." The fair of 1851 was held 
at Berrien Springs, that of 1852 at Niles, and, with the 
exception of the year 1868, the fairs of the society have 
been hold at Niles since that time. 

In 1857, the president and secretary were authorized to 
select a tract of laud, not less than five acres, suitable for a 
fair-ground. In March, 1858, the pre.sident reported a 
piece of ground situated west of the cemetery, belonging 
to R. C. Paine, for the sum of $725, and it was resolved 
to purchase it. A subscription was circulated among the 
citizens of Niles, for the purpose of raising funds, and the 
result is shown by the report for 1858, viz. : 

"Amount on hand Jan. 1, 1858 if.'i67.fi.i 

Received of Berrien County 225.00 

" from citizens of Niles toward purchas- 
ing and fitting up Fair-Grounds 725.00 

" for membership, admission fees, and 

rent of dining saloon during Fair.... 501.86 

Total receipts $1810.51 

In this year (1858) the grounds were fenced, buildings 
erected, a track graded, and other necessary work performed. 
These grounds being found after two or three years to be 
too small, were sold, and no exhibitions were held until 
1868. Afterwards a tract of 25 acres of land, in the south 
part of the town, was purchased of the Staples estate for 
$2500, the deed for which is dated Dec. 31, 18G7. A 
mortgage was afterwards given on the property for tlie pur- 
pose of building the necessary buildings. Exhibitions are 
now held annually. 

The present membership of the society is: life members, 
33; annual members, 138. The receipts of the annual 
fair in 187'J were $1302.43. 

The officers for 1880 arc as follows : W. B. Davis, Pres- 
ident; C. F. Howe, Vice-President; S. C. Thompson, 
Secretary; George S. Iloppin, Burns Helmick, H. A. 
Edwards, J. H. Young, James Badger, Directors. 



NORTHERN BERRIEN COUNTY AND MICHIGAN LAKE-SUORB 
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The organization of this society is due to the exertions 
of Silas G. Autisdale, James F. Higbee, Dr. John Bell, 
and A. B. Chivois. Several meetings were held in the 
fall of 1877 and spring of 1878 before plans were per- 
fected, and on the seventh day of March, 1878, a society 
was organized bearing the abovovnarae. The officers elected 
were: President, James F. Higbee. Vice-Presidents, S. L. 
Van Camp, Benton Harbor; Capt. B. F. Rounds, Benton 
Harbor ; A. F. McK.ee, Watervliet. Secretary, 0. S. Wil- 
ley, Benton Harbor. Treasurer, Dr. John Bell, Benton 
Harbor. Trustees, A. B. Chivois, Benton Harbor ; S. G. 
Antisdale, Benton Harbor ; G. N. Lord, Benton Harbor ; 
Marcus Osgood, Coloma ; J. Caldwell, St. Joseph ; Juan 
Guy, Bainbridge ; J. Fisher, Sodus. Chief Marshal, S. G. 
Antisdale. 

A tract of twenty acres of land on the southeast quarter 
of section 19 was leased of James F. Higbee for a term of 
five years, with the privilege of purchase. The grounds 
were inclosed with a high fence, a half-mile track was laid 
out and graded, and a building twenty by one hundred feet 
was erected foi» a grand stand. A judges' stand, sixteen 
feet square, and thirty-two box and twenty-five open stalls 
were built. These improvements were completed in time 
for a race on the 4th of July, 1878, which yielded to the 
society a profit of two hundred and fifty dollars. 

After the July meeting additions were made of sixty by 
one hundred feet, to the grand stand, for a floral hall, and 
a general exhibition was held on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 
27th days of September, 1878. The receipts lacked but one 
hundred and thirty-seven dollars of paying the indebted- 
ness of the society. 

During the summer of 1879 a floral hall, forty by eighty 
feet, with a gallery extending on all sides of the building, 
was erected, and seventeen box-stalls were built. A suc- 
cessful exhibition was held on the grounds September 
30th and October 1st, 2d, and 3d, 1879. The society is 
now in a vigorous and flourishing condition. 

Officers for 1880: President, James F. Higbee; First 
Vice-President, S. G. Antisdale; Second Vice-President, 
J. F. Fisher ; Third Vice-President, L. W. Pearl ; Secre- 
tary, S. L. Van Camp ; Treasurer, Dr. John Bell ; Trus- 
tees, W. H. Baldwin, William Stewart, Samuel Hannnn, 
Lewis Sutherland, Thomas Evans, R. Winans, and E. W. 
King. 

BERRIEN COUNTY POMONA GRANGE, No. 1. 

This has the honor of being the first county grange in 
the State, having been organized June 11, 1875, with 
thirty-eight charter members. The officers elected were 
William Smyth Farmer, Master ; William B. Davis, Over- 
seer ; W^illiam J. Nott, Lecturer ; Burns Helmick, Steward ; 
Freeman Fratdclin, Assi-stant Steward ; Jacob Helmick, 
Chaplain ; C. F. Howe, Treasurer ; John S. Beers, Secre- 
tary ; J. B. Melzgar, Gate-Keeper ; Maggie Marrs, Pomona ; 
Mary E. Haslett, Ceres; Georgiana Mason, Flora ; Mrs. J. 
E. Lamb, Stewardes.s. 

William Smyth Farmer remained Master from June till 
the followitig January, when Thomas Marrs was elected 
Master, and has since been elected annually to that posi- 



COUNTY SOCIETIES. 



151 



tion until the present time. The grange at present num- 
bers two hundred and seventeen menjbers. 

FAKMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF BERRIEN 
COUNTY. 

This association was formed under act of the Legislature, 
approved Feb. 15, 1859, with the above name, and for the 
purpose of insuring against fire or lightning, farmers' dwel- 
lings, outhouses, and personal property, including hay, 
grain, and live-stock, also country churches and school- 
houses, in the counties of Berrien and Cass. 

The articles of incorporation were signed Dec. 17, 1859, 
by the following-named persons : David P. Gerberich, John 
D. Hart, Michael Swobe, James Badger, Abraham Correll, 
Samuel Mes.«enger, Samuel Thompson, Francis Wells, Mi- 
chael Herkamer, A. P. Knox, Harvey Moore, George S. 
Hoppin, Mahlon B. Gillett, Eeuben Groot, A. C. Mead. 

The losses paid by the company in the year 1878 were, 
from two fires, $2083.6?, ; in 1879, from nine fires, $5154; 
amount paid to officers in 1878, §584.61 ; amount paid to 
officers in 1879, $614. Number of policies in force Dec. 
31, 1879, were 1229, covering $1,867,464. 

The total loss for the year 1879 is four-tenths of one per 
cent, of amount insured. The policies of the association 
are limited and cover a period of five years. 

The officers for 1879 are as follows: James Badger, 
President; William Haslett, Secretary and Treasurer; Di- 
rectors, William R. Rough, Charles F. Howe, Samuel Mes- 
senger, Orr Henderson, Burns Holmick, Samuel C. Thomp- 
son, C. C. Sutton, Thomas Marrs, of Berrien County, and 
James M. Truitt and Alexander Cooper, of Cass County. 

PIONEER ASSOCIATION OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 

On the 22d of September, 1875, pursuant to a published 
call, signed by Dr. L. A. Barnard and many others of the 
old settlers of the county, a meeting was held at Berrien 
Springs, " for the purpose of organizing an old settler.s' asso- 
ciation for Berrien County," to be composed of persons who 
had become residents of Michigan as early as the year 1850. 
The Hon. Levi Sparks was called to the chair, and D. A. 
Winslow and L. A. Barnard were made secretaries of the 
meeting. 

A committee, appointed for the purpose, reported a con- 
stitution and by-laws, which were adopted, with the name 
" The Pioneer Association of Berrien County," and the 
organization was completed by the election of the following- 
named officers, viz. : President, Levi Sparks, of Niles town- 
ship ; Secretary, George H. Jlurdock, Berrien Springs ; 
Treasurer, Lyman A. Barnard, Berrien Springs. Business 
Committee, A. L. Burke, of Berrien ; Michael Hand, Ber- 
rien ; Hale E. Crosby, New Buffalo ; J. B. Sutherland, 
St. Joseph; E. J. Bonine, Niles City. Vice-Presidents, 
Peter Mcrrifield, of Watervliet ; Sprague Bishop, of Hagar ; 
Hiram Brown, of St. Jo.seph ; James H. Higbee, of Bon- 
ton ; Francis Johnson, Bainbridge ; Robert Cassaday, Pipe- 
stone; Josephus Fisher, Sodus; George H. Scott, Royalton; 
A. D. Brown, Lincoln; John H. Nixon, Lake; Joshua 
Feather, Oronoko ; Thomas Marrs, Berrien ; Thomas R. 
Marston, Niles; D. 0. Woodruff, Niles; Charles F. Howe, 
Bertrand ; (^apt. A. C. Bartlett, Buchanan ; Ebenezer P. 
Morley, Weesaw ; Perry Noggle, Galien ; Henry Chamber- 



lain, Three Oaks; George Weimer, New Buffalo ; John C. 
Miller, Chickaming. 

The first annual meeting was held at the court-house at 
Berrien Springs, June 7, 1876. After transacting the 
routine business the meeting adjourned to Dr. L. A. Bar- 
nard's grove, where an address was delivered by D. A. 
Winslow, of St. Joseph ; a poem was read by the Hon. 
Worthy Putnam ; and brief accounts of pioneer life were 
related by Messrs. John Jenkins, Uzziel Putnam, Sr., R. 
T. Twombly. E. M. Plympton, Rev. J. W. Robinson, and 
Albert L. Drew. 

At that time a piece of ground, owned by Dr. L. A. 
Barnard, was offered by him for the use of the as.sociation 
as a place of holding future meetings. The offer was ac- 
cepted, and pioneer meetings have been held upon it until 
the present time. This ground is situated upon the high 
plateau which forms the bank of the St. Joseph River at 
Berrien Springs. It comprises about seven acres, mostly 
covered by a delightful grove, which has been cleared from 
underbrush, and beautified and improved by Dr. Barnard 
for the particular purpo.se to which it is devoted. The 
association has a lease of this ground for a term of eighteen 
years from 1876, and has erected upon it a commodious log 
cabin in the pioneer style, with speaker's stand, scats, and 
other necessary fixtures, and a basin, which is kept filled 
with clear water by means of a hydraulic ram. It is not 
only a beautiful place but a most appropriate one for the 
holding of pioneer reunions, and the meetings held here are 
regarded by those attending them as occasions of great in- 
terest and enjoyment. 

Following is a list of the names and dates of settlement 
of those who have become members of the association from 
its organization until the present time, viz. : 



Andrew L. Burke, 1830. 
Michael Hiind, 1830. 
Geo. H. Murdook, IS.'.O. 
Thomas Marrs, April, 1S30. 
John a. Shuarts, April, 1830. 
Wm. Dougherty, April, 1830. 
John T:ite, April, 1830. 
Thos. K. Clyborne, Nov. 1S28. 
Levi Sparks, Oct. 1S28. 
Maria Sparks, Sept. 1832. 
Jcfse Ilelraick, Sept. 1835. 
Ezra D. Chilson, June, 1835. 
A. Van Patten, Nov. 1844. 
H. S. Helmiek, 183l>. 
A. G. Abbe, June, 1832. 
C. A. Hall, Oct. 1832. 
Alonzo Sherwood, Feb. 1833. 
Kingsley Olds, Dec. 1833. 
C. P. Wray, Feb. 1830. 
Joshua FL'ather, Jr., May, 1836. 
Francis Johnson, April, 1834. 
Chas. H. Boslwick, Sept. 1847. 
Silas Ireland, Oct. 1839. 
W. B. Gilson, Aug. 1844. 
John H. Ni.xon, May, 1836. 
Damon A. Winslow, May, 1838. 
John DefieUl, Dec. 1842. 
Samuel Graham, Nov. 1846. 
N. Hamilton, June, 1834. 
E. P. Morley, Sept. 1845. 
L. A. Barnard, June, 1828. 
C. S. Boughton, May, 1843.* 
Albert L. Drew, July, 1834. 



Thomas Love, 1834. 
Daniel J. Claypool, March, 1832. 
Hiram Brown, July 4, 1834. 
Royal T. Twombly, April, 1836. 
John M. Piatt, March, 1843. 
Otis Stenrns, May, 1848.' 
James F. lligbec, June 7, 1837. 
L. P. Alexander, Oct. 1840. 
Tamour M. Winslow, Oct. 1840. 
Nellie S. Drew, Sept. 1838. 
Asa W. Sherwood, Nov. 1834. 
Reed Ferris, Aug. 1850. 
J. H. Jakeway, Sept. 1S40. 
Matilda Ireland, Oct. 1827. 
John Irwin, March, 1842. 
Newton R. AVoodruiT, Aug. 1837. 
J. S. Weaver, 1838. 
James Badger, June, 1843. 
A. W. Marrs, April, 1830. 
D. C. Higbee, June, 1836. 
Wm. B. Davis, Sept. 1847. 
Wm. Hazlett, June, 1837. 
W. H. Breese, Nov. 1840. 

C. D. Nichols, Sept. 1829. 

D. T.Wilson, May, 1829. 
Wm. H. Rector, July, 1835. 
H. C. Morton, May, 1834. 
R. Babcock, June, 1828. 

Griffin, April, 1828. 

James B. Sutherland, Nov. 1841. 
Samuel Marrs, April, 1831. 
Moses A. Sylvester, Sept. 1844. 
Edwin F. Dickson, Oct. 1828. 



152 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



B. F. Penncll, April. 1S44. 
Augustus Kephart, Philip Kep- 

hiirt, Oct. IS-II. 
James M. Piatt, Oct. 1S46. 

0. W. Rose, Nov. 1842. 
Richard A. Do Mont. May, 1841. 
J. L. Harkins, Jan. 1844. 

Wm. Smyth Farmer, Dec. 1848. 
Joseph Feather, May, 1832. 
Garrett Van Vranken, May, 1837. 
Emily Van Vranken, June, 1836. 
P. W. Guernsey, June, 1838. 
Ann Feather, May, 1832. 
Reuben A. Kibler, April, 1834. 
Susan Irwin, Aug. 1832. 
Rosanna Alexander, Sept. 1836. 
Mary Penncll, Oct. 1832. 
Eliza Brown, Sept. 1831. 
Isabella Piatt, Aug. 1843. 
Rebecca Reynolds, Feb. 1830. 
Orrin D. Snow, 1838. 
Fanny Snow, 1838. 

B. M. Penncll, June, 1843. 
Elizabeth Penncll, Nov. 1834. 
Susie L. Dickson, 1S37. 

Lucy Ann Brownell, Aug. 1829. 
P. J. Pierce, May, 1840. 
E. M. Scott, Nov. 1850. 
H. W. Guernsey, June, 1838. 
J. Cribbs, Feb. 1839. 
J. Mertzlcr, July, 1836. 
N. R. Woodruff, Aug. 1837. 
Wallace Taber, Sept. 1833. 
Julia Tabcr, 1836. 
Nelson Harper, Oct. 1835. 
Henry Chamberlain, Oct. 1843. 
Isaac French, Sept. 1856. 

1. F. Sorell, Oct. 1836. 
Minerva Sorell, Oct. 1836. 
Nathaniel Brant, Oct. 1836. 
Norman Nims, Dec. 1S56. 
Joel Layman, Oct. 1837. 
Martha M. Brant, Oct. 1836. 
Mary Higbee, June, 1837. 
Robert Cassiday, July, 1831. 
James A. Kirk, Oct. 1835. 
Nathan Fitch, Nov. 1836. 

M. W. Jennings, April, 1855. 
Levi Logan, May, 1848. 
Jacob E. Miller, Juno, 1830. 
Sarah Miller, March, 1856. 
George Reynolds, May, 1855. 
John D. Miller, April, 1841. 
Mrs. C. R. Barnard, Feb. 1841. 

Buckman, April, 1855. 

Charles F. Howe, Nov. 1835. 
John Byevs, July, 1836. 
Sarah A. Byers, Dec. 1830. 
M. D. Burk, Sr., June, 1832. 
Michael Hess, Oct. 1855. 
Julia A. Hess, 1840. 
H. P. Kfiglcy, May, 1851. 

C. C. Sutton, Sept. 1836. 
James W. Robinson, Oct. 1833. 
Minerva S. Robinson, 1835. 
Henry Worthington, Sept. 1837. 
Mary Worthington, 1832. 
Cynthia Sutton, March, 1835. 
Hugh Marrs, April, 1830. 
Adam Small, April, 1835. 
George Graham, Oct. 1842. 
W.liiam Chamberlain, Oct. 1843. 
Susan Kophart, May, 1833. 

E. M. Plimpton, Aug. 1848. 
John H. Royce, Dec. 1850. 



Sophronia C. Royce, Nov. 1853. 
George H. Scott, May, 1837. 
Susan Barnard. 
Chauncey Smith, Sept. 1858. 
Mrs. Abigail Smith, Sept. 1858. 
Mrs. Mary Abaley, Sept. 1859. 
Fred. M. Phillips, April, 1833. 
Samuel Van VIear, April, 1833. 
Oliver C. Spaulding, April, 1842. 
Roswell Enos, May, 1846. 
Charles H. Walker, Feb. 1835. 
Orlando Hart, 1831. 
Nancy Fisher, Sept. 1844. 
Joseph Fisher, Sept. 1844. 
Daniel Neidlinger, Oct. 1844. 
Royal J. Tuttle, Nov. 1857. 
Su.'an M. Tuttle, Nov. 1857. 
John C. Miller, Aug. 1835. 
Barbara A. Miller. 
Benjamin Keigley, July, 1834. 
Miles Davis, Oct. 1848. 
Mrs. Helen Saunders, 1837. 
Jerry Painter, 1844. 
John Redden, Oct. 1835. 
Sidney Spencer, 1844. 
Samuel Simmons, 1832. 
Varna Simmons, 1832. 
Henderson Ballengee, Aug. 1833. 
M. C. Barnes, Aug. 1835. 
Mrs. Maggie J. Spaulding, 1854. 
Mary Rigger, 1832. 
Mrs. Harriet Marrs, 1831. 
B. D. Townsend, 1840. 
Darius J. Barber, 1842. 
Franklin Muzzy, 1846. 
James Farrell, 1845. 
James G. Portman, 1863. 
Jennie A. Portman, 1850. 
W. H. Miller, 1849. 
Mrs. Eva Miller, 1841. 
George F. Weidman, 1856. 
Louisa Weidman, 1850. 
Aaron Church, 1856. 
Jesse Gray, 1855. 

Gray, 1842. 

Jacob Helmick, 1836. 
Mollie Helmick, 1860. 
W. L. Hogue, 1854. 
Maria Hogue, 1854. 
Josephus Fisher, 1854. 
Phebe A. Fisher, 1854. 
James Smith, 1832. 
Malvina Smith, 1832. 
Roscoe D. Dix, May, 1852. 
Virginia M. Di.x. 
Henry Asharp, 1854. 
Elizabeth Asharp. 
Julia A. Hamilton, May, 1836. 
F. F. Clark, May, 1840. 
Celinda Clark, 1840. 
William Burns, May, 1836. 
Mary A. Burns, May, 1836. 
Mahala Mansfield, June, 1842. 
Joseph Mansfield, June, 1832. 
Germon C. Gilsou, Sept. 1854. 
Charlotte Gilson, 1854. 
Maria Van Vlear, Oct. 1845. 
George Ewalt, May, 1836. 
Margaret Ewalt, 1836. 
Fleming Boon, Oct. 1848. 
Nicholas Michael, Oct. 1832. 
Samuel Spry, Fob. 1834. 
Elizabeth Michael, 1832. 
Mary R. Small, 1854. 
James Groat, Jan. 1838. 



Lucinda Groat, Aug. 1835. 

Reuben M. Shafer, Aug. 1855. 

Rachel Shafer, Aug. 1835. 

Jacob Weaver, 1832. 

Orpha Weaver, 1848. 

Willie Foster, 1837. 

Caroline J. Hildreth, Sept. 1836. 

Abel Garr, Sept. 1832. 

Harriet Garr, Sept. 1836. 

C. C. Kent, Oct. 1840. 

Charles Evans, Nov. 1838. 

Mary Evans, 1847. 

Jacob F. Hahn, 

Mrs. G. Kirk. 

William Green, 1853. 

Cynthia Green, 1857. 

Isaac Smith, 1830. 

B. W. Sutherland, 1839. 

James Brooks, 1 850. 

Charles A. Spencer, 1846. 

John Gillespie, 1834. 



Isaac Smoke. 

Godfrey Boil. 

George Boil. 

Samuel Messenger, 1844. 

Jacob Bcchtel, 1847. 

Richard McOraber, 1834. 

John Johnson, Jr. 

Moses Feather. 

Joseph Marrs. 

Francis Wells, 1831. 

George Smith, 1840. 

Juda Smith. 

Mrs. Amanda Weaver, 1831. 

Jacob Messenger, 1835. 

Thomas Ford, 1841. 

Eliza Ford. 

Mrs. James Brooks, 1853. 

Julia Ann Bechtel, 1854. 

Nelson H. Terry, 1859. 

Mrs. N. II. Terry, 1859. 



The officers of the society for 1879 are as follows : Presi- 
dent, Wiiliani Ciiaiuberlain ; Vice-Presidents, C. C. Kent, 
Henry Chaiubeilait), Nathaniel Hamilton ; Treasurer, Dr. 
Lyman A. Barnard ; Secretary, Charles D. Nichols ; Execu- 
tive Committee, Thomas Marrs, Ezra O. Wilson, Norman 
Nims, Aaron Van Patten, 0. C. Spaulding. 

TODSG PEOPLE'S PICNIC ASSOCIATION OF BERKIEN COUNTY. 

" The design of this association is to afford the young 
people a more favorable opportunity of becoming generally 
acquainted, and to cultivate a genial feeling towards each 
other, thereby enabling them to know the traits, character, 
and ability of those with whom they must some day act in 
discharging the duties of life and citizenship." 

Pursuant to call (issued through circulars and the county 
press), the young people from all parts of the county met 
at Dr. Barnard's grove, at Berrien Springs, on Tliursday, 
Aug. 9, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a " Young 
People's Association" of the county. George M. Valentine 
was called to the chair, and Gus M. Dudley* was appointed 
secretary. 

The committee, appointed for the purpose, reported a 
constitution, which was adopted. By the terms of the con- 
stitution, " every person under the age of thirty-five years is 
eligible to membership." The committee on permanent 
organization reported, and the following officers were declared 
elected, viz. : President, George M. Valentine, of Benton 
Harbor; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Sischo, Berrien Springs; 
Edward C. Griffin, Niles; Frank Plimpton, Buchanan; 
H. F. Heath, Benton Harbor ; W. B. Plumb, St. Joseph ; 
H. N. Chamberlain, Three Oaks; John A. Crosby, New 
Buffalo; M. D. Osgood, Coloma ; Secretary, Gus M. Dud- 
ley, Berrien Springs; Treasurer, Charles A. Joimson, 
Niles. 

The annual meetings are held on the first Wednesday in 
August in each year, at Dr. Barnard's grove. 

At the meeting in 1878 about sis thousand people were 
present. William Hurly, of Berrien Springs, was elected 
President, and Gus M. Dudley, of Berrien Springs, Sec- 
retary. 



* It is understood that Mr. Dudley was in a great degree the orig- 
inator of the association. 



CITY OF NILES. 



153 



The officers of the association for 1879 are : President, 
Henry N. Chamberlain, of Three Oaks ; Secretary, Fre- 
mont D. Nichols, of Berrien Springs ; Treasurer, Orin L. 
Cliurchill, of Three Oaks ; Vice-Presidents, Gus M. Dud- 
ley, Oronoko ; Charles Harter, Niles ; James Hatfield, 
Three Oaks; C. M. Edick, Benton; George Morrison, 
Lincoln; John Thursby, Chickaming; John Crosby, New 
Buffalo ; Clarence Tibbs, Pipestone ; Joel H. Gillette, 
Bertrand ; Asa Ham, Buchanan ; William Hogue, Sodus ; 
C. H. Wheelock, Lake; M. D. Osgood, Watervliet; C. W. 
Chambers, St. Joseph ; Charles E. French, Oronoko ; C. 
N. Valentine, Hagar ; Asa Danforth, Royalton ; Merritt 
M. Wilson, Galien ; William Henderson, Weesaw ; Isaac 
Murphy, Berrien ; Eugene Cribbs, Bainbridge. 

NILES HOKSE-THIEF ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized on the first Saturday in 
May, 1853, with twenty-three members, and embraced ori- 
ginally the town.ships of Niles and Berrien. It was after- 
wards enlarged to include Bertrand, Buchanan, Pokagon, 
Howard, Jefferson, and Milton. The object of the society is 
the detection and apprehension of horse-thieves. 

The first officers were Daniel Fisher, President ; Daniel 
BlcCIung, Secretary; L. Harter, Treasurer; Joseph Mc- 
Clung, Foreman of Riders. The present officers are John 
H. Young, President ; George Lambert, Vice-President ; 
E. Walter, Secretary ; E. P. Ely, Treasurer. The present 
number of members is 41. 

The mode of proceeding is to use the telegraph and 
post-office instead of riders, as formerly, except by special 
order of the executive committee. Since the organization 
of the society only one animal has been stolen within its 
territory, and that one was recovered. 

THE KESEEVE IIOKSE-TIIIEF DETECTIVES. 

This association was organized in April, 18G5, by the 
election of the following officers : Pre.sident, James Badger; 
Treasurer, Samuel Messenger ; Secretary, Ebenezer Mc- 
Ilvaine. Membership is confined to the city and township 
of Niles and the townships of Bertrand and Buchanan. 
Meetings are held once a year. 

During the existence of the society two horses have been 
stolen in their jurisdiction : one was found, and the thief 
captured, tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary ; 
the other was stolen from the fair-ground, in the evening, 
and was never found. Two-thirds of its value was paid to 
the owner by the association. The present membership is 
eighteen. The officers for 1880 are S. C. Thompson, Presi- 
dent ; Joel N. Gillette, Treasurer ; Samuel Messenger, Sec- 
retary. There are five riders and three appraisers. 

LAKESIDE UOESE-THIEP ASSOCIATION, OF BERRIEN COUNTY. 

This association was organized July 6, 1876, under the 
State law of 1859, at the brick school-house, district No. 1, 
Chickaming township, with twenty-eight charter members. 
The territory included in the range of the association com- 
prises the townships of Chickaming, Galien, Lake, Lincoln, 
New Buffalo, Royalton, St. Joseph, Three Oaks, and Wee- 
saw. Its object is mutual protection, the maintenance of 
law and order, the prevention of thieving, and the detection 
and apprehension of horse-thieves in particular. 
20 



The first officers were John C. Miller, President; Aaron 
K. Clark, Vice-President ; Charles H. Bostwick, Secretary ; 
Richard M. Goodwin, Treasurer. Six riders were elected, 
and invested with the power of constables. 

The following are the officers for 1879 : President, Geo. 
A. Blakeslee ; Vice-President, Alonzo Sherwood ; Secre- 
tary, C. H. Bostwick ; Treasurer, Richard M. Goodwin ; 
Executive Committee, Orr Henderson, A. McDaniels, Wm. 
Chamberlain. The association now numbers two hundred 
and twelve members and twenty-one riders. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

CITY OF WILES.* 

E.irly Settlements— Early Public-Houses — Ferry and Bridges Across 
tlie St. Joseph River — Post-Office and Postmasters — Plats and Ad- 
ditions — Village Incorporation — City Orgiinization — Union School 
— Religious Organizations — Cemeteries — Societies and Orders — 
Water-Works — Fire Department — Railroads — Gas Company — In- 
surance and Banking— Manufacturing Interests — The Niles Nur- 



The cause that led to the selection of the site of the 
village (now the city) of Niles was the excellence of its 
water-power privileges ; but prior to that time settlers had 
been attracted by the Carey Mission, and located near the 
river, east of the mission tract, for purposes of trade with 
the Indians. The route from Fort Wayne, Ind., was the 
only one in this section of country at that time, except the 
Indian trails, and along this rude thoroughfare came the 
advance-guard of the host that in a few years filled this 
part of the Territory. The first one who followed this 
track was Squire Thompson, from Union Co., Ind., who 
came late in the fall of 1822, before the mission buildings 
were completed. He .spent a few days examining the 
country, and returned to Indiana. In the spring of 1823 
he again came to the mission, and, after a few days' survey, 
made choice of a location, and built a cabin on the bank 
of the river. He cleared and planted several acres of land, 
and returned for his family, consisting of his wife and four 
children. They remained at the new home without neighbors 
during the winter, but early in the spring of 1824, William 
Kirk, an old acquaintance of his, emigrated from Indiana, 
and lived for a time in the cabin with Thompson. After- 
wards he erected a cabin on the bank of the river, on section 
26, where John Comley now lives, near the depot. He 
moved West after a few years. Squire Thompson remained 
on his first location until 1826, when he removed to Pokagon 
Prairie, and subsequently to California. His daughter 
Rachel was born in 1825. 

During the summer of 1824, Baldwin Jenkins, from 
Ohio, visited Carey Mission, and selected a home on Poka- 
gon Prairie, now in Cass County. He returned to Ohio, 
and in the following spring Benjamin Potter and Nathan 
Young came with him. They cleared land, planted corn, 
and remained. Benjamin Potter built a cabin and lived for 
a time on the bluff near Lacey's dam. 

* By Austin N. Hungerford. 



154 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



John Lybrook, in the fall of 1824, came and worked at 
the mission, and for Mr. Thompson during the winter, and 
located where William B. Davis lives. He returned to 
Richmond in the spring, and persuaded others to go back 
with him. In company with John Johnson and Joel Yard, 
they sot out on foot, carrying their packs containing clothes 
and provisions. John Johnson settled on section 29, in 
Berrien township, and cleared several acres of land and 
planted it to corn. The family remained at this place, and 
David Johnson, a son, assisted in scoring the timber for 
Mr. Ford's dam in 1827-28. John Johnson was a shoe- 
maker, and was employed as such at the mission. The 
family were also employed to take provisions to the mission 
on Grand River. The sons of Mr. Johnson are living in 
this section of country. Joel Yard settled on La Grange 
Prairie. 

In the fiill of 1824, John Johnson, Sr., came and settled 
on the Berrien road, on section 15, in this township. Dur- 
ing the years 1825-26, emigrants were settling on the Poka- 
gon prairie, attracted thither by the fertility of the soil. 

In the latter part of 1827, Eli Ford emigrated from Ohio, 
and as the only mill in that region of country was the horse- 
power mill used at the mission, he determined to utilize the 
water in the Dowagiac Creek. Finding a suitable location, 
and getting the assistance of the neighbors in money and 
labor, he commenced building a dam upon the Dowagiac 
Creek, at the place now occupied by the " Cascade Mills" of 
Badger & Barnard. 

Garrett Shuerts emigrated in the spring or summer of 
1828, and located on section 25, where M. B. Randall lives, 
add soon after his brothers, Isaac and Samuel, came in and 
lived with him for a time. Isaac lived in a cabin on the 
bank of the river near the gashouse. Samuel lived on the 
east side of the creek from Dodge's machine-shop. 

In the spring of 1828, Eli Bunnell and Abram Tietsort 
emigrated from Ohio, located in what is now Niles, and 
built cabins. They sold soon after to Walling & Lacey. 

During the summer of 1827, Ephraim and Elijah Lacey, 
Samuel B. Walling, Isaac Gray, William Justus, and A. 
Thornberry came on a tour of discovery, to find a location 
affording good water-power and advantages for founding a 
settlement. They followed the St. Joseph River, and on 
arriving at Elkhart found that the water-power at that place 
was occupied, and they kept on down the river until they 
arrived at the Dowagiac Creek. After an examination they 
decided to locate at this place. The land in this region on 
the east side of the river had been ceded to the United States 
at Chicago in 1821, but was not surveyed and ready for 
sale until 1829. In October, 1828, Obod P. Lacey, Samuel 
B. Walling, and William Justus, with the families of the 
latter two, came to Niles. Walling bought the double log 
cabin of Eli P. Bunnell, and moved into it with the stock 
of goods which they had brought with them. William 
Justus built a double log cabin on the north side of Main 
Street, near the river, about where Davis' auction rooms 
now are. Mr. Justus was a carpenter. The first town 
election was held at his house, in 1829. He lived here sev- 
eral years, and finally moved to Rolling Prairie. 

In October, 1828, the books of the first mercantile busi- 
ness in Niles were opened, as follows : 



"St. Jo.sf.ph, Michigan Teuritorv, Oct. 27, 1828. 
" The firm of Walling & Lacey." 

The first entry was 
"S. B. Walling, 

"To 1 pr. of Shoes, $1.75." 

The customers whose names appear on these books during 
the remainder of the year 1828 are as follows: Isaac 
Shuerts, Samuel Shuerts, Garrett Shuerts, Thomas Thomas, 
William Justus, Elias Ilolloway, Cavener Lawrence, Wil- 
liam Emmons, William Kirk, Joseph Cruissman, Abram 
Tietsort, Jr., Wm. Huff,* John Lybrook, Jacob R. Claw- 
son, Francis Barker, William Wright, and Joseph Sinierwell, 
the last named being the person in charge of the Carey 
Mission. 

In the following year the books of the firm commenced 
with the heading, " Pog-wa-tigue, Jan. 1, 1829," and the 
customers to August 1st of that year were Abram Tietsort, 
Abram Lowks, Thomas Burk, Reef Snodgrass, Antoine 
Antille, Chester D. Ball, Jacob Inglcwright, Thomas Ed- 
wards, Joseph Bay, Mr. Adams, Levi Tietsort, Alexis 
Provencilli, James Kavanagh, Jliss Lybrook, Fred Garver, 
John Johnson, Thomas Kirk, Dr. James M. Martin, Joseph 
Bertrand, Ezra Beardsley, Eli Bunnell, James Gardner, 
George Crawford, Sear Adams, John Ritter, Henry Ly- 
brook, Isaac W. Dackett. July 13, 1829, Col. Alamanson 
Huston purchased a stock of goods to the amount of $31.52, 
such as is usually found in a peddler's stock. Alexis 
Coquillard and Daniel AVilson appear July 29, 1829. 
Thomas K. Green's name appears in October, 1829 ; Mor- 
gan Wilson, in May, 1830; Benoni Finch, T. Denniston, 
Titus B. Willard, and Dr. E. Winslow, in June, 1831. 

Isaac Gray, a native of Ireland, emigrated to this coun- 
try and settled iu Virginia, and, with Justus and the La- 
ceys, moved to Richmond, Ind. In the fall of 1828 he 
moved with his family to this place, and lived with Samuel 
Shuerts in his cabin, on the east side of the creek from 
Dodge's machine-shop, until his own dwelling could be fin- 
ished. This was a double house, two stories high, built 
of hewn logs. In one side the family lived, in the other 
the store was kept. The family moved in on Dec. 31, 
1828. The mails were distributed from Walling & Lacey 's 
store, Mr. Obed P. Lacey acting as postmaster. Early in 
1830, Mr. Gray was appointed postmaster. While on a 
trip to Detroit, in October of that year, he contracted an 
illness which resulted in his death. Samuel B. Walling 
died in the same year, and prior to the death of Mr. Gray. 
They were buried in the cemetery in the rear of the Presby- 
terian church, where Ephraim Lacey, the father of Elijah, 
David, and Obed P. Lacey, was buried about 1835. The 
remains of Mr. Gray were afterwards removed to the City 
Cemetery. Mrs. Giay, after the death of her husband, re- 
turned to Richmond, Ind., where .she lived about a year, 
and then the fiimily returned to Niles. Miss Margaret 
Gray, a daughter, afterwards married Rufus W. Landon, 
and William B. Gray is still living at Niles, having served 
the city at different times as supervisor and recorder. 

Ephraim Lacey, and his sons Elijah and David and 
daughter Asenath, removed to this place in April, 1829. 

» Hotel keeper at St. .Joseph. 



CITS' OF NILES. 



155 



They soon built a log house near Dowagiac Creek, a short 
distaace above the bridge. 

The lands in this vicinity were thrown upon the market 
in 1829, the land-office then being at Monroe. 

Samuel B. Walling, as agent of the Laceys, purchased 
190 acres of land, including the water-power now owned 
by Badger & Barnard and the land along the Dowagiac 
Creek, about half a mile above the present dam. He also 
purcha.sed, as agent for Mr. Ju.stus, the land upon which 
the business portion of Niles now stands. Justus deeded 
all that portion of land lying south of Main Street to Elijah 
Lacey, and Aug. 1, 1829, a village plat was laid out by Wil- 
liam Justus, S. B. Walling, and Ephraim and Elijah La- 
cey. The lots of Mr. Justus were on the north side of 
Main Street, and Walling's and Laceys' on the south side. 
Additions were made from time to time to this plat as the 
village increased. Obed P. Lacey was for several years 
town clerk and supervisor, and member of the Legislature 
in 1843. He was active in every movement that tended 
to advance the interest of the community, and died in 
1844. He left a widow and two daughters. Mrs Lacey 
afterwards married Thomas Fitzgerald, and one of the 
daughters married T. G. Wickham. They still live in the 
city. Elijah Lacey was a delegate to the Constitutional 
Convention of 1835, member of the Senate in 1840-41 
and 18G1, and died in 1862. Of his children, Solon and 
Granville are engaged in the coopering business ; David 
and W. K. Lacey are owners of the Volant and Dacota 
Mills, in Niles. 

Eber Griswold and Rowland Clark came from Lockport, 
N. Y., in the fall of 1830. Mr. Clark settled on section 
23, whete Mrs. Brethschneider now lives. Mr. Griswold 
built a log house on Sycamore Street, in rear of the hard- 
ware-store of G. W. Piatt. They sent a team back to 
Detroit after their families, who arrived about the 1st of 
November, having been eight daj's on the road. 

Mr. Griswold started the first bakery, on the west side of 
Front Street next below the Woodruff store. Mrs. Crocker, 
a daughter, and Edward Griswold, a son, are still living in 
Niles. 

In 1829, David and Daniel Wilson, with their father, 
emigrated from Ohio to Niles, and lived first in a log cabin 
on the farm afterwards sold to Rowland Clark. The next 
spring they went up the river and started a tannery that 
was kept up for several years. David married Malvina 
Huston in 1835, and after her death moved to Chicago. 
Daniel soon moved to St. Joseph, and was captain of the 
" JIatilda Barney" on her first trip on the river, in 1833. 
He afterwards removed to Calumet, 111. It is stated by 
Wm. B. Gray, who came in 1829, that when the settlers 
began to cluster about this place, Joseph Bertrand, Jr., and 
Job Brookfield lived .south of where the dam property now 
is, on the east side of the river, in a double log house, with 
several cabins or outhouses, a barn with a thatched r.oof, 
under the hill, and half a dozen old apple-trees about 15 
inches in diameter on the place. These families cultivated 
the flat west of the road. Bertrand was the son of Joseph 
Bertrand, the old Indian trader, and Madeleine (Borasseau), 
a Po/krwaltamie woman, and was born at Pare aux Vaches, 
the old trading-post established by his father. The sup- 



posed site of the old Catholic mission and " Port Oola" 
were near the place where Bertrand, Jr., and Brookfield 
lived, and were said to have been located on the bluff. 
Careful research, however, fails to give any proof of the 
existence of a fort here at any time. 

Morgan Wilson emigrated from North Carolina to Ohio, 
thence to Indiana, and in 1829 still farther West, to Niles, 
accompanied by his wife and five children. He bought a 
lot on the river bank, below Main Street. He was a tanner 
by trade, and in the spring of 1830 erected a tannery, with 
10 or 12 vats, about half a mile below his house. John 
Marks, a colored man, had for a year or two lived here at 
this place, and tanned deer-skins. After Mr. Wilson came 
he worked with him six or eight years, then moved to Val- 
paraiso, Ind. Mr. Wilson continued at this place until about 
1843, when he retired from active business. His daughter, 
who married Charles Bond, is .still living in Niles. A son, 
Joseph M., lives in Buchanan township. 

Thomas Denniston emigrated from Preble Co., Ohio, in 
the fall of 1830, when about twenty-seven years of age, with 
his wife and four children. He bought a lot on which he 
built a board shanty, where he lived for three weeks, until his 
log house was completed. He still lives on the spot he first 
selected forty-nine years ago. He is a carpenter and cabi- 
net-maker by trade, and built a log shop on Front Street, 
where he manufactured furniture. His wife, Mrs. Sarah 
Denniston, was one of the members of the first class formed 
here by the Methodists, in 1832. He joined the church a 
year or two after, having been converted at a camp-meeting. 
He was a trustee of the village at one time. 

Col. Alamanson Huston came from Madison Co., N. Y., 
to this State in 1828. He traded with the Indians, and 
sold goods from Detroit to Chicago. He stopped for a short 
time at Beardsley's Prairie, afterwards Edwardsburg. At 
that time Beardsley kept a tavern there. In May, 1829, 
he came to Niles and bought of William Justus a log house 
that stood on the north side of Main Street, near the river, 
and near the house of Isaac Gray. This log cabin was soon 
fitted up for a tavern, and in the summer following a frame 
addition was erected and used as a bar-room. Here the 
first court was ordered to be held in Berrien County. Mr. 
Huston, the year he came in, commenced running a stage 
to Detroit. He was appointed colonel of militia, and was 
prominent in the Sauk war of 1832. He afterwards re- 
moved to Texas. 

In the fall of 1830, Mr. Huston's father and mother and 
his brothers Thomas and Robert, with five sisters, jour- 
neyed from Madison County to Niles, with a team, covered 
wagon, and household goods, arriving at Col. Huston's 
tavern on Sunday morning, September 30th, having been 
thirty days on the road. Edwin and Angelina, a brother 
and sister, left Madison County soon afterwards, came up 
the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence to Detroit, and from that 
place came through on their brother's stage, arriving a few 
days before the party in the wagon. Two sisters remained 
in Madison County, but they came to Niles in 1832. 

The family lived at the tavern during the winter, and in 
the spring of 1831 built a log hou.se on the site of the brick 
block now occupied as a marble-shop and meat-market. 
There they lived many years. In 1835, Thomas Huston 



156 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



had charge of the ferry across the river, and ran it until 
the new bridge was completed. Malvina Huston, a sister 
of Alamanson and Thomas, taught school in May, 1832, 
and afterwards married David Wilson, who was a tanner, 
and lived above the village. Angelina married Mr. Evarts. 
She is now living in Niles with Mr. David H. Freed. 
Thomas Huston is still living in Niles, on the west side. 

Joshua Comley emigrated with his family from Ohio in 
1832, and lived near the Ford mill, in which he worlced as 
miller. He moved soon after to near Lacey's mill. His 
wife was one of the first members of the Methodist class 
which was formed at their house. Mrs. A. La Pierre is 
his daughter. John Comley, a son, lives in the north part 
of the village. 

John Meek and family emigrated from Indiana in 1832, 
and settled a short distance northeast from Niles. His 
son, Richard E. Meek, became a Methodist minister, and 
preached in this vicinity a number of years. He subse- 
quently removed to Missouri. 

Hiram Chilson came to this place from Ohio, in Decem- 
ber, 1829, and built the house known as the "Council 
House." Col. Daniel Olds, from the same place, and an 
acquaintance of Mr. Chilson, came in 1830, and purchased 
an interest in the tavern. He was for several years con- 
nected with the hotel interests of Niles. Mr. Chilson is 
living near the city with Mr. George Babcock. 

Capt. Thomas K. Green was an active citizen of the 
village in 1829, and in 1832 was a justice of the peace. 
He emigrated from New Hampshire, and built a store and 
atterwards a residence that eventually became the "Old 
Diggins." His son, Cogswell K. Green, was a lawyer, and 
prominent in this section. He was a member of the Legis- 
lature at the first session, in 1836. He married Nancy, 
the daughter of Col. Joshua Howard, of Dearborn. After 
the death of his wife he removed to New Hampshire, where 
he still lives. 

Titus B. Willard came to Niles in 1830, and built a 
double log house where Fowler's store now stands. He 
was one of the tavern-keepers of the early day, was justice 
of the peace in 1834, and member of the Constitutional 
Convention in 1835. 

Benjamin, Moses, and Charles Finch emigrated from the 
East about 1830. Moses built a saw-mill at the mouth of 
Bertrand Creek in 1830, and Benjamin and Moses started 
the ferry in 1831. Charles commenced the " Pavilion" in 
1831. Job Brookfield was here at this time, and was 
interested in the Pavilion and the ferry. 

Jacob Beeson emigrated from Pennsylvania in the winter 
of 1829 to St. Joseph, where he opened a small store, but 
soon afterwards came to Niles, where he moved into a part 
of the tavern of Col. Huston. He sold his goods rapidly, 
and enlarged his stock. His brother Job came in the 
fall of 1830, and in 1833 commenced a forwarding and 
commission business, in a warehouse erected by Jacob and 
William Beeson. He remained in business until his death, 
in 1837. Jacob was engaged in the warehouse, and owned 
large tracts of land. He dealt largely in pork, and in 1858 
erected a large store. In 1859 he sold his interest at this 
place and removed to Detroit, whore he engaged in bank- 
ing. In 1865 he purchased 113 acres on the bank of the 



river at Niles, and built a fine residence. Upon the build- 
ing of the dam the Water-Power Company purchased the 
farm, and he again returned to Detroit. 

William B. Beeson arrived at Niles in 1831, and united 
with Dr. E. Winslow in the practice of medicine. He 
afterwards went into partnership with his brother Jacob, 
in the mercantile business, and remained until 1849, when 
he sold to Jacob and went to California. In 1853 he re- 
turned and bought out the stock of Bacon Wheeler, and 
continued in business at that place until his death, in 1872. 
Strother Beeson, a brother of Jacob and William, came 
here about 1835, and practiced law until his death, in 
December, 1878. 

In the spring of 1831, George W. Hoffman brought a 
stock of goods from New York to St. Joseph, where they 
were landed early in June. He had heard of the business 
advantages of White Pigeon, and that was his destination. 
After reaching St. Joseph he remained there for a time 
studying the advantages of different localities. On the 2d 
of July, 1832, in company with Jacob Beeson and one or 
two others, he came to Niles on foot through the woods, 
following a blazed path. On the 3d of July he took the 
stage and went to White Pigeon, from which place he re- 
turned to St. Joseph, having decided to locate in Niles. 
A few weeks later he was joined by his brother, Henry B. 
Hoffman, who was living in Mackinac, where he had a 
store. They removed their goods to Niles, and bought of 
George Fosdick the corner where Mr. Beeson afterwards 
built the brick store. In the vicinity they purchased prop- 
erty known as Hoffman's addition to Niles. Henry B. 
Hoffman remained in Niles until 1853, when he removed 
to Davenport, Iowa, where he still resides. George W. 
Hoffman removed to Detroit in 1857, having lived in Niics 
twenty five years. He was a volunteer in the Black Hawk 
war, and moved with the troops to Chicago, where they re- 
mained until the arrival of the regulars under Maj. Whistler. 
These were soon followed by troops under Gen. Scott, who 
brought the cholera with them, which was more dreaded 
than the Indians. Mr. Hoffman is still living at Detroit. 

Maj. William Hoffman, father of George W. and Henry 
B., participated in the Florida war as major of the 6th 
United States Infantry. In 1839 he cames to Niles on a 
six months' leave of absence, and his family lived at Niles 
at different times while he was in Florida and in Mexico. 
He died at Corpus Christi. At the time of his death he was 
lieutenant-colonel of the 7th United States Infantry, pre- 
viously commanded by Col. Zachary Taylor. The youngest 
sou, Satterlee, was in the army, and was killed at Churu- 
busco, Mexico, while serving under Gen. Scott. Lieut.- 
Col. William Hoffman, his wife, and Satterlee, the son, 
who was killed in Mexico, arc all buried in the Silver Brook 
Cemetery at Niles. 

John G. Bond, a native of Keene, N. H., commenced 
active life as a merchant at that place, but removed to Roch- 
ester, N. Y., in 1815, and was one of the founders of Lock- 
port. While residing there he was appointed one of the 
judges of Niagara County. In July, 1834, he emigrated 
to Niles, with his family, where his sons, George N. and 
Henry, bought property that is known as Bond's addition 
to Niles. 



CITY OF NILES. 



157 



Rufus W. Landon came to Niles in 1834, and was em- 
ployed as a clerk in the warehouse of Wheeler & Porter, 
who were carrying on an extensive business. In 1838 he 
was appointed postmaster, having previously acted as dep- 
uty. He married Margaret, daughter of Isaac Gray. In 
1 842 he was elected county treasurer of Berrien County, 
and held the position till 1852. He represented this dis- 
trict as senator in 1863, and has served as mayor of the 
city four terms. 

James L. Glenn came from Philadelphia, Pa., to Niles 
in 1835, and bought a farm about three miles north, and 
another on Beardsley Prairie twelve miles southeast. He 
lived at the latter place twelve years. He was sheriff of 
Cass County and member of the Legislature. He was by 
profession a civil engineer, and in 1847 surveyed and laid 
out the city of Lansing, and in 1852 was appointed as- 
sistant superintendent of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. Upon 
the death of the superintendent he succeeded to that po- 
sition, and retained it about three years, at the end of which 
time he returned to Niles. In 1858 he laid out the ceme- 
teries at Ann Arborand Ypsilanti. He built the Episcopal 
church in Niles, and, with Mr. Paine, was vestryman of 
that church for several years. He died in 1875. 

Dr. Erasmus Winslow emigrated to Niles in the spring 
of 1831, and commenced practice. He went into partner- 
ship with William B. Beeson, who soon retired from the 
practice of his profession. He remained here until about 
1840, when he removed to Peoria, 111., and died there. 

Dr. James Lewis emigrated from Vermont to Palmyra, 
N. Y., where he studied medicine. He then practiced 
twelve years at Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., and in 1835, 
at the age of forty-one years, came to Niles and purchased 
of Hiram Chilson, for $800, a lot, occupied at that time by 
a small frame building on the northeast corner. The front 
of this building he used for a drug-store, the rear for his 
residence. A blacksmith-shop, kept by Mr. I. Showdy, 
stood on the corner of Main and Second Streets. The lot 
which he purchased of Chilson is the same on which his 
residence and the Arcade building now stand. In 1839 
the Arcade building was erected, of brick made from the 
Kood Swamp. The next year he sold his drug-store to J. 
C. Larimore, and in 184C again opened a drug-store in the 
Arcacje, and continued until 1857, since which time he has 
retired from active business. He was elected president of 
the village March 28, 1838, and resigned in May of that 
year. 

Eodney C. Paine, born in New Milford, Litchfield Co., 
Conn., in 1806, removed with his parents to Auburn, N. Y. 
When about seventeen years of age he left home and 
passed several years in Auburn, Utica, and Albany, and 
when about thirty years of age removed from the latter 
city to Michigan, and in 1836 came to St. Joseph, where 
he was placed in charge of the branch of the Farmers' and 
Mechanics' Bank. In 1842 he removed to Niles, where 
he established an agency of that bank. He afterwards 
continued a private bank until his death, which occurred 
in 1862. He was interested in the Episcopal Church in 
Niles, and one of its vestrymen. He represented the dis- 
trict as State Senator in 1855. He was treasurer of the 
county in 1836, and was interested in every work that 



tended to build up the city. He was director of the Union 
School when the union building was erected. In 1836 he 
married JMiss INIary Wells, of Utica, sister of Mrs. Profes- 
sor Douglas, of Ann Arbor. He had ten children, but two • 
of whom are living, viz., John W. Paine, who lives at 
Niles, and Frederick W. Paine, cashier of the firm of Sim- 
mons & Fletcher, of Grand Rapids. 

Stilhnan Richardson was born in Nelson, Cheshire Co., 
N. H., in 1805. While yet a lad his parents remced to 
near Bo.ston, in which city liis boyhood was spent. After- 
wards the family removed to Cortland Co., N. Y., where 
he completed his education and studied medicine. In May, 
1835, he married, and in 1836 removed to Niles, where he 
at once conmienceJ practice. " He possessed a solid but by 
no means polished education, with a crisp, brusque form of 
speech, a contemptuous disregard of unmeaning compli- 
ments ; scorning to receive as well as bestow flattery, he 
fought his way steadily onward and upward until ere long 
he had become, by common consent of both the profession 
and the community, the foremost practitioner of this region." 
This is the language of an obituary notice published soon 
after his death, which occurred at Niles, in March, 1875. 
Dr. Richardson was opposed to all shams in society, church, 
or politics. With no political aspirations, he was an earnest 
politician. An ardent friend of temperance, he was some- 
times extreme in his language and measures, denouncing 
friend and foe alike if they opposed a principle of which he 
was the champion. This made him many enemies among 
tho.se who admired his pluck and ability, and prevented his 
taking his place as a leader among men. 

Moses Davis, when about 20 years of age, came from 
Lafayette, Ind., on foot and alone, and reached Niles in 
August, 1834. He stopped a short time with a farmer, 
about a mile north on a cross-road. In the fall of that 
year he came into the village and commenced the manu- 
facture of pumps, which he continued till about 1873. 
The first job he did afier he located in the village was 
boring the columns that were being erected in front of 
Jacob Beeson's residence, now Mr. Reinhart's. Mr. Davis 
has lived in Niles to the present time, and resides on the 
west side of the river. His son, M. E. Davis, is a heavy 
manufacturer of straw goods in Toledo. 

Alfred Johnson emigrated from Vermont in June, 1834. 
He came on foot to Niles, and commenced work with Jacob 
and Job Beeson in their store. He remained here about 
three years, and was elected a trustee in March, 1838. He 
is now living in Niles, where his son, Charles A., is cashier 
of the First National Bank. 

Charles Jewett, with his wife, emigrated from Vermont 
to Niles in 1836. At that time there were but three per- 
sons located on the west side of the river, viz. : David Van- 
derhoof, about four and one-half miles on the Chicago road; 
Samuel Street, one mile and three-quarters west on the 
same road ; and a Mr. Ogden, about three-quarters of a 
mile out from the village. Mr. Jewett was admitted to the 
bar at Cassopolis (having studied law at Middlebury, Vt.), 
and opened an office on Front Street, in a building now 
owned by E. J. Sampson. He afterwards removed to the 
Arcade building, which he occupied for sixteen years. He 
was appoiuted prosecuting attorney in 1837, was elected 



158 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



county judge in ISiS, and was justice of the peace from 
1841 to 18-19. lie is still living. Erwin S., a son, is 
ticket and freight agent of the Missouri Pacific, at Kan- 
sas City. Edward S., another son, is a farmer at Emporia, 
Kansas. 

Nathaniel Bacon, a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and a 
graduate of Union College, New York, emigrated in 1833 
to this place and engaged actively in his profession. In 
1855 he was elected judge of the .second judicial circuit, 
to fill a vacancy ; in 1857 was elected for the full term of 
six years; in 1866 was elected to fill a vacancy; and in 
1869 was elected for the full term of six years. He died 
July 9, 1869, at the age of sixty-seven years. 

Dr. Talman Wheeler, Lucius Hoyt, and Nelson Loudon 
came to Niles in 1832. Dr. Wheeler built the first ware- 
house, at the foot of Sycamore Street, on the bank of the 
river. Mr. B. C. Hoyt was interested in the warehouse and 
commission business, and during the same year Nelson 
Loadon built the first foundry, between Front and Water 
Streets, on Sycamore Street. Mr. Loudon afterwards kept 
the Pavilion. 

James C. Larimore emigrated from Steubenville, Ohio, 
in 1834, with his wife and two children, and bought the 
dry-goods store of Alex. J. McDowell, near the " Old 
Diggins." He soon erected a building on the southwest 
corner of Main and Front Street, where he continued in 
business until 1838, when he purchased the drug-store of 
Dr. James Lewis, and removed the store below his present 
one. In 1840 he purchased the present corner, and the 
store was kept in the old building until 1859. The present 
block was erected in 1860. Mr. Larimore was postmaster 
from 1840-44. He has been connected with the banking 
business in Niles since 1870, when he was chosen vice- 
president of the First National Bank, and in October, 1871, 
was chosen president of the Citizens' National Bank, which 
position he still holds. He was chosen ruling elder of the 
Presbyterian Church in 1855, and has filled that oSice 
to the pre.sent time. 

Vincent L. Bradford emigrated from Philadelphia in 
1835. He was a thorough scholar, and had a profound 
knowledge of the law. He immediately took rank as the 
foremost lawyer in the western part of the State, and prac- 
ticed law in Niles till 1843. He then returned to Phila- 
delphia, where he still lives, and stands at the head of the 
bar in that city. He was a member of the Senate in this 
State at the third session of that body, in 1838-39. 

Maj. William Graves came to Niles from Detroit June 
19, 1835, in charge of two hundred miles of Overton & 
Co.'s stage line. He was Secretary of State of Michigan 
in 1853-54, and was the first general superintendent of 
two thousand miles of the Overland Stage Company, from 
a point on the Missouri Pacific to California, in 1859. He 
was general agent at Chicago of the Michigan Southern 
and Northern Indiana Railroad in 1854, and is now city 
treasurer of Niles. His son. Col. Frank Graves, was in 
command of the 8th Michigan Cavalry, was with Gen. T. 
W. Sherman in the South Carolina expedition, and was 
killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. His 
daughter married Gen. Henry A. Morrow, who is now in 
command of tlx! 21.st United States Infantry, and stationed 



at Fort Vancouver, W. T. He was judge of Recorder's 
Court at Detroit ; he raised the 24th Michigan Volunteers 
in thirty days, and commanded that regiment during its 
term of service. 

Dr. J. W. Finley emigrated to Niles, with his wife and 
two children, in 1835, and commenced the practice of medi- 
cine, having previously practiced five years in Chillicothe 
and filled the chair of chemistry and natural history in 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., from 1828 to 1830. He 
built the house on the corner of Third and Sycamore 
Streets, now occupied by Dr. A. J. Mead, where he lived 
twenty years. In 1855 he removed to Pittsburgh, on 
account of the ill-health of his wife. Under the direction 
of the United States Sanitary Commission, he was in the 
army three years, and in 1864 he returned to Niles and 
resumed practice. He purchased " Oak-Openings," a place 
of about five acres, where he still lives. In 1870 he opened 
a drug-store in this city. He has three children living, 
viz.: S. M. Finley, who is with him in the drug-store; 
Theodore Finley, editor of the Colorado Independent, at 
Alamo, Col. ; and a daughter, living at home. 

Thomas Fitzgerald, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., emi- 
grated to Indiana ; was a member of the Legislature of that 
State in 1828, and in 1832 was appointed keeper of the 
lighthouse at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, where 
he removed with his family in June of that year. He was 
appointed regent of the university in 1837, bank commis- 
sioner in 1838, and was appointed United States senator, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Gen. Ca.ss, in 
1848. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. 
Lucy Laeey, widow of Obed P. Lacey, of Niles. Upon 
his retirement from public life he removed to Niles, and 
lived there until his death, which occurred in 1855, at the 
age of fifty-nine years. He was probate judge of Berrien 
County at the time of his death. He had four children 
by his first wife ; one only survives, — Ilo<lney Fitzgerald, a 
lawyer, living at Muscatine, Iowa. Jerome B. Fitzgerald, 
a son, was a lawyer at Niles for several years. 

William G. Person, a native of Massachu.setts, emigrated to 
Niles in October, 1836. In the spring of 1837 he went to 
New York and purchased goods, which he sold to merchants 
in Niles. In 1838 he went into partnership with Bacon 
Wheeler, on the corner of Slain and Second Streets.^ Mr. 
Person was connected with the business interests of Niles 
until 1870, and is now living in the city. 

EAIILY T.WERNS. 

Col. Alamanson Huston, who came to Niles in 1829, 
bought a log house of Mr. Justus, near where Mr. Gray 
lived, on the north side of Main Street, and this he soon 
fitted up for a tavern. In the spring of 1830 a frame addi- 
tion was built on, and on the 4th of July of that year the 
patriotic citizens gathered in front of the tavern and erected 
a liberty-pole. The Declaration of Independence was read 
by Col. Edwards, of Edwardsburg, and dinner was served 
in the open air near the tavern. This tavern was kept by 
Col. Huston till after the Sauk war, in 1832. The building 
was afterwards bought by Talman Wheeler, and used as a 
store and dwelling. 

Ill I8.'!(l, Hiram Chilson bulh a frame house on the ground 



CITY OF NILES. 



159 



now occupied by George W. Piatt's stores, between Front 
and Second Streets. After its erection Col. Daniel Olds 
bought a half-interest in the building, and it was kept as a 
tavern by Titus B. Willard, in 1833, and afterwards by Col. 
Daniel Olds, and in 1836 was opened as a dry-goods-, 
grocery-, and hardware-store by Symnies & Colton, after- 
wards as a saloon by one Wolcott, and it was then .sold to 
Mr. Piatt, by whom the property is still owned. This was 
the old " Council House," so well known to the old citizens. 

Thomas K. Green, in the spring of 1830, built a small 
house on Main Street below Front, where he lived and 
kept a store. In the fall of 1830 he erected a large frame 
house inclosing the small one, and still kept the store in 
the southwest corner, using the remainder for a dwelling. 
It was at that time the largest hou.se in the village. A 
little later he rented it to Pardon Wilder, who kept it as a 
tavern, and it was known as the "Old Diggins." The old 
store part was used as a bar-room. Here in 1832 wei-e the 
headquarters of the officers that commanded the troops in 
the Sauk war. After Mr. Green's death, his daughter, Mrs. 
Dickson, sold the property to Solomon Waterman, by whom 
it was kept for a time. It was also kept by M. Crofoot 
and others. It was finally torn down in 1864, and replaced 
in 1868 by tlic Reading Hou.se. 

The " Pavilion" was commenced by Charles Finch in 
1831, where Montague's hardware-store now is, and subse- 
quently sold to Job Brookfield. It was unfinished in 1832 
when the troops gathered in at this settlement, and they 
used this building and the house on Main Street, now be- 
longing to A. W. Piatt, for barracks. In 1834 it was kept 
by Col. Daniel Olds, was afterwards enlarged and improved, 
and kept successively by H. Vanderlip in 1844, S. S. Gay- 
lord in 1849-50, J. and H. S. Compton in 1850-51, Henry 
Gebhart in 1856, later by Caleb Sepple and others, and 
finally, in 18G4, was purchased by B. Frankenburg and 
torn down, and stores were built on the site. 

The American Hotel was built by Nathaniel Bacon in 
1835. It was the first brick building in the village, and 
the largest building in Niles at that time. 

The Niles Exchange was built in the summer of 1837, 
and occupied in the following December by Graves & Davis. 
It was destroyed by fire in 1842, and succeeded by the bank- 
ing-house of 11. C. Paine. 



The earliest settlers at Niles had no means of crossing 
the St. Joseph River with teams except by fording. The 
fording-place was at the foot of Blain Street, from Isaac 
Gray's house to where the large cottonwood-tree now stands 
on the west bank of the river, above the Broadway bridge. 
Foot passengers crossed in canoes. On the 2d day of JMarch, 
1831, an act was passed by the Legislative Council to estab- 
lish a ferry across the St. Joseph River, and empowering 
the justices of the court to grant a license to Bcnoni Finch 
and Moses Finch to keep a ferry at the village of Niles not 
less than five nor more than ten years. The justices were to 
determine the hours of crossing and to alter and fix rates. 
No other ferry was allowed to be established within one 
mile. 

In accordance with this act a ferry-boat was built and 



launched in the .summer of 1831. There was great hilarity 
upon this occasion, and whi.sky circulated freely. It was 
sufficiently large for two teams, and was " poled" across the 
stream. The crossing was made from the flat above where 
the Broadway bridge now is. 

The ferry was run by the Finch's as a toll ferry for 
three years, when a subscription was raised by the people 
from far and near to make it a free ferry. A sufficient 
amount was raised to accomplish this result, and Thomas 
Huston was employed to run it, which he did until the 
completion of the Broadway bridge, in December, 1836. 
In the last trip the boat made she was stove by the ice and 
ruined. 

THE BROADWAY BRIDGE. 

On the 26th of March, 1835, a charter was granted to 
Obed P. Lacey, Jacob Beeson, Erasmus Winslow, Elijah 
Lacey, S. White, Cogswell K. Green, Jasper Mason, and 
Job Brookfield, as a company, on whom was conferred the 
power to build and support a toll-bridge across the St. Jo- 
seph River at Niles ; the bridge to be not le.ss than 10 feet 
wide, with stout railings on either side, and to be completed 
on or before July 1, 1837, under penalty of forfeiture of 
charter. 

During the summer and fall of that year (1835) there 
were warm discussions among the people as to the propriety 
of building a toll bridge, and the opinion was generally ex- 
pressed that none other than a free bridge should be built. 
Upon this a subscription paper was circulated to raise funds 
for the purpose, and this resulted in the raising of a sum 
sufficient to construct a bridge which should remain free. 
A committee, composed of Elijah Lacey, Erasmus Winslow, 
Austin Stocking, Zebulon Mason, and Obed P. Lacey, was 
appointed to take charge of the funds raised ($2500), to 
procure a change of charter, so as to allow the building of 
a free bridge, and contrast for the construction of the bridge. 
On the 21st of March, 183G, a free-bridge charter was 
obtained, and under supervision of the gentlemen above 
named the bridge was built during the succeeding summer 
and autumn. It was completed and opened for travel in 
December, 1836, and the first team was driven across it 
by Moses Davis. The wooden bridge at this point is still 
in use, and accommodates a large amount of travel. 

BRIDGE AT MAIN STREET. 

On the 8th of December, 1835 (only three days after a 
similar meeting had been held, and a committee appointed 
to secure the erection of a free bridge across the river 
at Broadway), a public meeting was lield at Col. Olds' 
public-house, — the " Pavilion," at Niles, — by which meeting 
it was ^^ Resolved, That the business, growth, and general 
prosperity of the town requires the immediate construction 
of a free bridge over the St. Joseph River at the foot of 
Main Street." Henry B. Hoffman, Jacob Beeson, J. K. 
Finley, Daniel Olds, Vincent L. Bradford, J. C. Larimore, 
and Nathaniel Bacon were appointed a committee to collect 
subscriptions, advertise for proposals, and let the contract. 
Ten years, however, elapsed before the object in view was 
accomplished ; but on the 24th of May, 1845, the contract 
for building it was let to Henry J. Holmes, and the bridge 
was built and completed in December of that year, at an 



160 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



expense of about $2000. This bridge was partially carried 
away by a flood in tlie year 1850, and was repaired by the 
Messrs. Comley, on contract, the work being completed 
July 12, 1851. 

The second bridge at this place was built in 1854. In 
the Niles Rcpnhlican of August 12th, in that year, is found 
the following mention of the work : " The Central Com- 
pany have commenced the erection of a new bridge across 
the river at this place, a few feet above the old one." The 
bridge was completed soon after, at a cost of about $3000. 

The present iron structure was erected in 18()8. City 
bonds were issued for 332,000, — the cost of the bridge. It 
was completed and accepted by the Board of Aldermen 
Jan. 4, 1869. 

POST-OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS. 

In 1828 the mail was carried from Chicago to Fort 
Wayne by Lieut. David Hunter (a major-general in the war 
of the Rebellion), on horseback, guarded by two soldiers 
with muskets, on foot. 

The first white settlement from Chicago on the road to 
Fort Wayne was the Carey Mission ; the next was Rous- 
seau's trading-post, about four miles southeast from Elkhart. 

In the fall of 1828 several families had settled at what is 
now Niles, and Obed P. Lacey was appointed as acting 
postmaster ; the office was kept in Mr. Walling's house, 
where Mr. Hunstable's boot- and shoe-store now stands. 
The settlement was then called Pog-wa-tigue (running 
water). The mail was carried to Chicago that fall and 
winter by two soldiers, on foot. 

Isaac Gray was appointed postmaster at Niles in the 
spring of 1830, receiving the first regular commission. 
The office was kept in his house, situated on the east bank 
of the St. Jo.seph River. The ground is now occupied by 
the lumber-yard of Mr. Tuttle. The ford started from 
near his house and ran diagonally across the river to the 
cottonwood-tree, as before mentioned. Mr. Gray died 
during the year and Mrs. Gray kept the office until the ap- 
pointment of Obed P. Lacey, in 1831, who kept the office 
at the store. This year Harmon Griswold carried the mail 
from Niles to Chicago, on hoi'seback, once a week. There 
was at that time but one house. The only house on the 
route at that time was near Calumet River, and owned by 
a Frenchman. 

In 1832, during the summer, Thomas Huston carried 
the mail from Niles to St. Joseph (being hired by Mr. 
Britain, of St. Joseph, who had the mail contract), some- 
times on foot and sometimes on horseback. It was carried 
in hat, pocket, or mail-bag, according to circumstances. 
The route from Niles to Berrien was through a road that 
was not passable for a wagon ; from Berrien to St. Joseph 
the route was simply an Indian trail. 

Mr. Lacey held the office of postmaster for two years, 
and was succeeded by Titus B. Wiilard in 1833. Mr. 
Willard lived in a double log house where Fowler's store 
now stands. The office was kept part of the time in the 
" (Jouncil House," of which he was proprietor. This tavern 
was situated on the north side of Main Street between 
Front and Second, on the spot now occupied by Piatt's 
stores. 



In 1835, Cogswell K. Green was appointed postmaster. 
Under his administration the office was kept where is now 
the American block. 

In 1836, Zebulon P. Mason succeeded Mr. Green, and 
removed the office to his store, which is known as Beeson's 
Corner. He was succeeded by Gen. Edwin N. Bridges, 
and the office was kept in a building that stood east of tha 
express-office. Mr. Bridges was a retired merchant from 
Philadelphia. Rufus W. Landon was a deputy, and suc- 
ceeded him in October, 1838. The office was continued 
in the same place for a time, and then removed to a build- 
ing below Peak Hall. He continued in office four years, 
and was succeeded as follows : 1841, J. C. Lariraore ; 1845, 
S. W. B. Chester; 1849, Noah Brookfield ; 1851, George 
Goodman; 1853, William H. McOmber ; 1861, Francis 
Quinn; 1863, Harvey Palmer; 1866, William J. Edwards; 
1867, Harvey Palmer; 1869, Edward S. Jewett; 1873, 
Evan J. Bonine, who is the present postmaster. 

VILLAGE PLAT AND ADDITIONS. 

Before this territory became the township of Niles, a 
plat was laid out where a part of the city now stands and 
recorded as the plat of the village of Niles. The southwest 
fractional quarter of section 26, township 7 south, of range 
17 west, on the northeast bank of St. Joseph River, was 
laid off into lots, streets, and alleys by William Justus, S. 

B. Walling, Ephraim and Elijah Lacey. The lots owned 
by William Justus were on the north side of Main Street. 
All on the south side were owned by Samuel B. Walling, 
Ephraim Lacey, and Elijah Lacey, trading under the name 
of Walling & Lacey. 

The plat and description was signed by William Justus 
and by Samuel B. Walling, on behalf of Walling & Lacey, 
on the first day of August, 1829, before Ezra Beardsley, 
justice of the peace, and was registered in liber A, folios 
134 and 135, records of Lenawee County, Saturday, Aug. 
29, 1829. 

An addition was made by William Justus, Aug. 6, 1831, 
of land adjoining that already platted by him on the south 
side of the street. 

An addition was made by Elijah Lacey on the 19th 
day of April, 1832, in which the .square marked "Grave- 
Yard" was given by the proprietor to the public for that 
special purpose. Also lots Nos. 53, 54, and 72 were ap- 
propriated " to the exclusive use of any denomination of 
Christians that may first erect meeting-houses thereon." 
The grave-yard here mentioned is on the rear of the Pres- 
byterian church, and Mr. Lacey was buried there. The 
lots spoken of are now occupied by the Presbyterian and 
Episcopal churches. 

Later additions to the village have been made as fol- 
lows : By H. B. & G. W. Hoffman, March 19, 1834; 

C. K. Green, H. B. & G. W. Hoffman, April 28, 1834; 
Obed P. Lacey, Nov, 28, 1834; H. B. Hoffman, March 
16, 1836; G. W. Hoffman (subdivision of Justus' addi- 
tion), April 13, 1836; G. W. & Charies Bond, May 30, 
1836; A. J. Dunbar, May 19, 1836; Obed P. Lacey* 

■^ In this addition a public square 16 rods square was laid out, that 
was afterwards given to the railroad company (in 1848), and now oc- 
cupied by the passenger depot. 



■4? ~ =S»^,j^' - is»^ 







1 -iifj^^ 



->r- = "Jfef 



iritJYM -^"^^ 




of ^ 



Property of M/ij. LA . U U N CAN , W / irs , Mi Ch i gau 




CITY OF NILES. 



161 



(Wilson's farm), June 18, 1836; Biowu ("addition 

including Dunbar"), June 28, 1836; Jacob Beesou, Aug. 1, 
1838; J. B. Reddick (subdivision, Justus' addition), pJune 
13, 1840 ; Jacob Bceson (second addition), Aug. 24, 1841 ; 
Obed P. Lacey (West Niles), Nov. 28, 1842 ; J. Brook- 
field and Nathaniel Bacon (West Niles), Dec. 1, 1846; 
11. P. Barker (subdivision of HoflFuian), Feb. 22, 1849 ; 
11. P. Barker, April 28, 1849; G. W. Bond (addition to 
burying-ground), Aug. 20, 1850 ; S. M. Beesou (subdivi- 
sion of O. P. Lacey's, West Niles), Aug. 18, 1857 ; Moore 
& Reddick, Feb. 8, 1858; S. Moore, Feb. 8, 1858; S. 
Moore (second), Dec. 24, 1858 ; J. Beesou (subdivision of 
Justus' addition), May 2, 1859 ; P]. McUvaine (subdivision 
of Green & Hoffman), March 15, 1859 ; D. 0. Woodruff 
(West Niles), Aug. 18, 1864 ; William Bort (West Niles), 
Sept. 8, 1864; Moses Davis (West Niles), Aug. 17, 1865. 

VILLAGE INCORPORATION. 

The act incorporating the village of Niles was approved 
Feb. 12, 1835;''' the territory included in the corporation 
to be as represented in a plat recorded in the register's of- 
fice, which plat bears date Aug. 1, 1829, and to be desig- 
nated as a town corporate, by the name of the " village of 
Niles ;" the first election to be held on the first Monday 
in March, 1835, and annually thereafter on the first Mon- 
day in March in each year ; the ofiBcers of the village to 
be a president, recorder, and six trustees, who were to be 
designated by the name and style of " The Town Council 
of the Town of Niles." 

The records of the village from 1835 to 1838 are not in 
the recorder's oflSce, but in the Niles Gazette and Adver- 
tiser, bearing date Feb. 27, 1836, occurs this oflacial notice : 

" A meeling of the electors of the village of Nile.* will be held at 
the Pavilion on the first Monday in March ne.\t, for the purpose of 
electing corporation officers for the year ensuing. 

** Jasper Mason, Recorder.-' 

No notice of the election or corporation proceedings are 
in the papers of the day from that date until March 29, 
1838, when there is given the result of an election held 
March 28th, of the same year, as follows : 

FOE PRESIDENT. 
Democrat, Whig. 

James Lewis 84 Parmenos Collins 71 

FOE RECOEDER. 
Chauncey 0. Britt 85 William B. Beeson 73 



TRUSTEES. 

Simeon Berrv 91 Timothy Symmes 70 

Obed P. Lacey 88 Theo. II. Nevin 5-4 

Alfred W.Johnson 10.3 Uriel Enos 75 

Zobulon P. Mason S.'J William Dougan 66 

Royal T. Trombly 85 Thomas Denniston 72 

Parker Howlett 78 Jacob Messenger 65 

From some oversight this election was illegal, and in an 
amendment to the charter, adopted April 5th of that year, 
the action of this meeting was legalized, and the acts of the 
ofiicers then elected declared legal. 

A new election was ordered, and was held May 28, 1838, 
at the house of D. Gephart, where the following officers 
were elected : 

President, E. Winslow ; Recorder, Theodore H. Nevin ; 
Treasurer, R. K. Gibson ; Trustees, Uriel Enos, Theodore 



21 



■ Territorial Laws of Michigan, vol. iii. p. 1363. 



N. Warren, Jacob K. Brown, David Kirk, Alfred W. 
Johnson, and Charles Jewett. 

The presidents and recorders of the village from that 
date until the charter of the city was obtained have been 
as follows : 

PEESIDENTS. 
1839, Erasmus Winslow; 1840, Jacob Beeson; 1841, William B. 
Beeson; 1842, George fioodman; 1843, John K. Finley ; 1844, 
Cogswell K. Green ; 1845, William Graves; 184G, Jasper Mason; 

1847, Andrew J. Clark; 1848-54, Rodney C, Paine; 1853, John 
K. Finley: 1856-58, Elijah Lacey. 

RECOEDERS. 
1839-42, George W. Hoffman; 1843-44, James Brown; 1845, Theo- 
dore Fowler; 1846, David Aitken ; 1847, George S, Babcock; 

1848, George W. Hoffman; 1849, Levi B. Taft; 1850, William 
H. Jones: 1851, George W. Hoffman; 1852-53, Thomas Fitz- 
gerald; 1834, Theodore Fowler; 1835, Thomas T. Glenn; 1856 
-58, Rufus W. Landon. 

CITY ORGANIZATION. 

The city charter of Niles was granted Feb. 12, 1859. 
The city at that time was divided into four wards as fol- 
lows : 

First Ward, from Sycamore Street north to the corpora- 
tion line. 

Second Ward, from Sycamore Street to Broadway. 

Third Ward, from Broadway south to the corporation 
line. 

Fourth Ward, " all that portion of land belonging to 
the corporation lying west of the river, and known as West 
Niles." 

Following is a list of the mayors, recorders, and treas- 
urers of Niles, from the organization to the present time, 
viz. : 

MAYOES. 
1859, Elijah Lacey; 1860-62, Rufus W. Landon; 186.3, Henry 
M. Dean; 1864, A. S. Howard; 1863, Rufus W. Landon; 1866, 
Evan J. Bonine; 1867, Jacob Geltmacher; 1868, Evan J. Bonine; 
1869-72, Franklin Muzzy ; 1873, Rodney C. Paine ; 1874, Solomon 
G. Krick; 187,')-76, William Graves; 1877, Royal T. Trombly; 
1878, George W. Piatt; 1879, Solomon G. Krick. 

RECOEDERS. 
1839, William B. Gray; 1860-62, William C. Fish; 1863, Theodore 
Fowler; 1864, Theodore G. Beaver; 1865-68, Jerome B. Fitz- 
gerald; 1869-70, James H. Fairchild; 1871-72, John H.Rich- 
ardson; 1873-74, Edward G. Hoagland; 1875-76, William J. 
Gilbert; 1877-79, John H. Richardson. 

CITY TREASURERS. 
1859-61, David Aitken; 1862, William B. Gray; 1863, James E. 
Cummings; 1864-65, Terrence Dolan ; 1866, Sylvester Keyser; 
1867, William J, Edwards; 1868-69, Terrence Dolan; 1870, 
Warren E, Corey; 1871-72, Thomas A, Bunbury; 1873-74, George 
N, Bond; 1873-76, AVilliam J. Edwards; 1877-79, AVilliam 
Graves. 

NILES UNION SCHOOL. 

The proposition to erect a union school building in Niles 
began to be discussed in 1853. In the following year a 
union had been made of two districts, and a meeting was 
held June 6, 1854, at which it was resolved to build a 
house sufficiently large to accommodate the children of the 
district, and that Hoffman's Scjuare (being lot G4, Justus' 
plat) be the site. The sum of $10,000 was voted for the 
purpose. June 10th of that year the stjuare was purchased 
for $1350. May 5, 1855, work on the building was com- 
menced, and in July the corner-stone was laid. At a 



162 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



special meeting held in March, 1855, the board was au- 
thorized to borrow $10,000, to aid in completing the build- 
ing. Again, in March, 185G, $8000 more was voted. 
These votes, passed at special meetings, were confirmed at 
the annual meetings following. 

The first school in the new building was held Monday, 
Sept. 29, 1856, when 456 scholars were present. Prof. E. 
W. Spaulding was the first principal, and was assisted by 
7 teachers in the difl^erent departments. He was succeeded 
in 1857 by Silas Belts, who remained till September, 1860. 
Albert Markham was principal from September, 18&0, to 
September, 1864 ; William II. Paine, to Sept. 5, 1865 ; C. 
L. Wells, to September, 1867 ; C. B. Thomas, to 1869 ; 
George F. Edwards, to 1871 ; Charles D. Gregory, to 1872 ; 
Cyrus B. Thomas, to 1878 ; B. R. Gass, from 1878 to the 
present time. The number of scholars in attendance in 
1861-62 was 736; in 1862-63, 844; in 1863-64, 901; 
in 1864-65, 995; in 1865-66, 1038; in 1866-67, 1052; 
in 1867-68, 1075; in 1868-69, 1064; in 1869-70,1120; 
in 1870-71, 1057 ; in 1871-72, 987 ; in 1872-73, 1080 ; 
in 1873-74, 1038; in 1874-75, 1050 ; in 1875-76, 1045; 
in 1876-77, 1020; in 1877-78, 1021. 

July 2, 1863, a loan of $10,000 was authorized for the 
purpose of building two primary school-houses, one in the 
First Ward and one in the Fourth. At the annual meeting 
in September the vote was reconsidered, and the board was 
authorized to build three school-houses in the First and 
Fourth Wards, and in Davis' addition. These houses were 
erected in 1864. In the summer of 1867 the union school- 
house was enlarged. At the annual meeting in September, 
1867, the board was authorized to sell the old brick school- 
house, and to build one for colored children on the corner 
of Cass and Fifth Streets. This was completed in January, 
1868. 

The trustees of the union school district from 1854 to 
1878 have been as follows: 

1854.— R. C. Paine, H. Chapiu, G. W. Huffman, William llurd, Samuel 

Niles, and N. Bacon. 
1855.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, J. Bacon, G. W. Hoffman, William 

Hurd, Samuel Niles. 
ISoO.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, H. A. Chajjin, William Htnd, 

N. Bacon, G. W. Hoffman. 
1857.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, H. A. Chajiin, William Hurd, and 

S. M. Beeson. 
1S5S.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, J. B. Reddick, William Hurd, 

R. W. Landon, William G. Ferson. 
1850.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, William G. Ferson, William Bort, 

Charles F. Bentley, Ro^al T. Trombly. 
I860.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. 0. Paine, Charles F. Bentley, William G. 

Ferson, R. T. Trombly, William Bort. 
1861-(i3.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, R. T. Trombly, C. F. Bent- 
ley, William Bort, M. Pcttingill. 
1864-65.— D. 0. Woodruff, K. C. Paine, R. T. Trombly, G. A. Colby, 

M. Pcttingill, A. S. Howard. 
1865-66.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, M. Pcttingill, G. A. Colby, 

A. S. Howard, John K. Finley, M.D. 
JS66-68.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, M. Pcttingill, II. M. Dean, 

J. B. Fitzgerald, John K. Finley. 
1868-70.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, J. B. Fitzgerald, H. M. Dean, 

J. K. Finley, M.D., Thomas Douglas. 
1870-71.— D. 0. Woodruff, R. C. Paine, J. B. Fitzgerald, J. K. Finley, 

U. M. Dean, J. S. Tuttle. 
1871-72.— H. M. Dean, J. S. Tuttle, J. B. Fitzgerald, B. C. Puinc, D. 

Bacon, N. B. Reed. 
1872-74.— Henry M. Dean, Jos. S. Tultic, R. C!. Paine, David Bacon, 

Norman B. Reed. William T. Dougan. 



1874-75.— Henry M. Dean, George F. Edwards, David Bacon, Wm. 

T. Dougan, Joseph S. Tuttle, S. G. Krick. 
1875-77.— David Bacon, George F. Edwards, J. S. Tutllc, H. M. Dean, 

Alexander A. Jacks, S. G. Krick. 

The number of children between the ages of five and 
twenty years in the year 1879 is 1483; enrollment, 1021 ; 
cash value of school building, including grounds, furniture, 
library, and fixtures, $75,000. 

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 

First Presbyterian Church of Niles. — On Saturday, the 
29th day of March, 1834, at the house of Orriii Derby, on 
the corner of Oak and Fifth Streets, in the village of Niles, 
there were gathered together ten persons, who had met there 
for the purpose of church organization. These persons 
were the Rev. Luther Humphrey, stated supply of the 
Presbyterian Church on Beardsley's' Prairie, Orrin Derby, 
and Roxanna, his wife, Bacon Wheeler, and Esther L., 
his wife, Nathaniel Bacon, Eleazer F. Crocker, William 
B. Copuland, and Miss Lydia A. Widner, — all members of 
Presbyterian Churches in other places. After consultation 
it was " Resolved that a Presbyterian -Church be organized 
on the next Lord's day, by the name of the First Presby- 
terian Church of Niles." 

Public services were held at the school-house on the fol- 
lowing day, which was the Sabbath. A sermon was deliv- 
ered by the Rev. Mr. Humphrey, the church was regularly 
organized, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper admin- 
istered. At this meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Derby, Mr. and 
Mrs. Bacon, Thomas K. Green, and Miss Lydia A. Wid- 
ner were received into membership. Orrin K., son of Mr. 
and Mrs. Derby, and Mary Hannah, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Bacon, were baptized at this meeting. Al)out the 
same time a Sunday-school was organized. 

On June, 1834, the Rev. Alexander B. Brown, of Pitts- 
burgh, was sent to the church as stated supply. August 3d 
of the same year, Nathaniel Bacon and Thomas K. Green 
were chosen ruling elders. Dr. John K. Finley, Uriel 
Enos, and Samuel Hunter were soon after admitted to the 
session. 

In the next year (1835), a small, .square, frame meeting- 
hou.se was erected upon the site of the present church, with 
seating capacity for about 250 persons. In August of this 
year Mr. Brown was unanimously called to the pastorate, 
and installed at a meeting of the presbytery held in Niles, 
September 5th. He remained as pastor until February, 
1839, when he resigned and removed to Cannonsburg, Pa. 

The Rev. Mr. Whiting, afterwards a professor in the 
Michigan University, occasionally supplied the church 
until November, 1839, when the Rev. John W. Parsons 
began his labors as stated supply, continuing but for a few 
months, when he removed to Wisconsin, and the church 
was again served at intervals by the Rev. Mr. Whiting. 
In July, 1840, the Rev. Peter Boughton was secured as 
stated supply, and remained until July, 1843, when he re- 
moved to Port Huron. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. 
Hickox, as stated supply, in October following, and re- 
signed in April of the next year. The church soon after 
extended a call to the pastorate to the Rev. Charles E. 
Lord, of South Berwick, Me. The call was accepted, and 
he was installed Nov. 17, 1844, and served the church ac- 



CITY" OF NILES. 



163 



ceptably until Feb. 7, 1847, when he resigned. During 
his admini.stration in March, 1845, James S. Alexander and 
twenty others were granted letters of dismission to form the 
First Congregational Church of Niles. In the winter of 
1845-46, the pastor, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Avery, an 
evangelist, began a series of meetings, and 76 members 
were added to the church in the following May. 

In March, 1847, a call was extended to the Rev. P. S. 
Pratt to occupy the pulpit for one year, at a salary of $500. 
He remained until October, 1848, and resigned. The Rev. 
Alfred Bryant, of Edwardsburg, who preached the sermon 
at the installation of Mr. Lord, in 1844, was next called, 
and he was installed as pastor Nov. 23, 1848. During his 
pastorate in 1849 the present church edifice was erected at 
a cost of about $16,000, and dedicated Jan. 13, 1850.* 
June 5, 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Uriel Enos and seven others 
were dismissed to form the First Presbyterian Church of 
Buchanan. An annual report, made April 1, 1848, gave a 
membership of 180. 

In March, 1855, another revival brought an acces-sion of 
44 persons to the membership of the church. Again in 
April, 1863, large additions were made to the church, 57 
persons joining it on profession of faith, and 3 by letter. 
Mr. Bryant resigned the pastorate in the summer of 1863, 
having served the church faithfully and acceptably for fifteen 
years. The pulpit was again filled by the engagement of 
the Rev. John Lailor as stated supply. He remained until 
the summer of 1865, when the Rev. T. Dwight Hunt, of 
Waterville, N. Y., was installed as pastor. He resigned the 
pastorate May 18, 1871. A call was extended, July 31st of 
the same year, to the Rev. Alfred Eddy, then the pastor of 
the Ninth Presbyterian Church of Chicago. The call was 
accepted, and his ministration began in the following De- 
cember. He was installed April 24, 1872, and is still the 
pastor of the church. 

The church has a present membership of about 360. 
The total number of communicants during the forty-six 
years of its history is 1040. The Sunday-school has a 
membership of 280. The present officers are H. M. Dean, 
Superintendent; S. C. Thompson, Assistant Superintendent; 
W. W. East, Secretary and Treasurer; Miss Emma Ferson, 
Librarian. Number of books in library, 450 volumes. 

The elders who succeeded Messrs. Bacon and Green were 
John Bond, Bacon Wheeler, Allen G. Kellogg, 1841; 
Hiram Mather, Luther Chapin, and Martin Cleland, 1845 ; 
J. C. Larimore, W; G. Ferson, A. G. Chipman, Theodore 
Fowler, George W. Hoffman, and Daniel Pratt, 1855. The 
church had previously been without deacons, but at this 
meeting, Feb. 28, 1855, Dr. James Lewis and Jacob Mes- 
senger were chosen to that office. 

The church adopted the rotary system of eldership Nov. 
11, 1869, and George M. Coan and Robert W. Kay were 
elected elders for the term of six years, and Dr. J. D. Craig 
and H. A. Chapin for three years. Dec. 3, 1869, George 
C. Whitney and James P. Cross were chosen deacons. 
Dee. 17, 1872, George C. Whitney and J. C. Larimore 
were elected ruling elders. Dr. J. D. Craig and H. A. 
Chapin were re-elected. 

•*The church was thoroughly repaired and refitted in 1871, at a cost 
of about SSOOO. 



The present officers of the church are Rev. Alfred Eddy, 
Pastor; J. C. Larimore, George M. Coan, J. E. Harder, 
J. F. Cross, William G. Fenson, H. A. Chapin, and S. C. 
Thompson, Ruling Elders ; George C. Whitney and J. 
Cross, Deacons; H. M. Dean, J. F. Cress, J. S. Bacon, D. 
H. Freed, and William Wares, Trustees. 

The First Baptist Church of Niles. — On the 6th day of 
August, 1841, the following persons, members of regular 
Baptist Churches, met at the school-house in the village of 
Niles for the purpose of forming a Baptist Church, viz. : 
John Reese, S. S. Lewis, Joseph Howell, Lucy Thompson, 
William Cotton, Custena Howell, Susanna Carbury, Bald- 
win Jenkins, J. P. Martin, John Johnson, Sally Bailey, 
Clarissa Nicholson, Sally Burnett, Louis Fellows, Lucy J. 
Fellows, William Mead, Jr. The meeting was opened with 
prayer, and S. S. Lewis was chosen moderator, J. P. Mar- 
tin, secretary. A covenant and articles of faith were read 
and adopted. It was resolved to invite delegates from the 
churches in neighboring townships to meet with them in 
Niles, on the 14th day of August, for the purpo.se of ex- 
amining the covenant and articles of faith, and if approved 
to extend to them the right hand of fellowship. S. S. 
Lewis was appointed on behalf of the society to represent 
them in the council, and John Reese to receive the right 
hand of fellowship. 

The council convened at Niles, in accordance with the 
request of those mentioned above, and there were present 
delegates as follows : Pleasant Lake Church, Rev. Jacob 
Price, Joseph Knapp, and Barah Mead ; Kingsbury Church, 
Rev. Benjamin Sawin and Rev. Elijah Bames ; Rolling 
Prairie Church, Rev. Alexander Hastings, John White- 
head, and Joseph Long; Centreville Church, Rev. William 
Brown. The Rev. Benjamin Sawin was chosen moderator, 
and Barah Mead clerk. On motion, Aaron Whitlock, 
Timothy Jones, and Benjamin Pitman, from the Mission 
Reserve Church, were invited to take seats in the council. 
After reading the covenant and articles, the church was 
recognized as the regular Baptist Church of Niles. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. Benjamin Sawin, and the 
right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. Alexander 
Hastings. 

At a meeting held at the school-house Sept. 18, 1841, 
the church resolved to extend a call to the Rev. Charles G. 
Hatch to become their pastor, and to raise $300 for his 
support. This call was accepted. He commenced his .ser- 
vices about October 3d, of that year, and closed his labors 
March 19, 1842. 

April 29, 1843, the Rev. Gershom B. Day became their 
pastor. May 4, 1844, B. D. Townsend and C. D. Treat 
were elected deacons. June 1, 1844, the trustees presented 
a statement of the purchase of two lots, and a contract for 
building a meeting-house. The records make no mention 
of the time when the church was first occupied, but a busi- 
ness meeting was held in it Jan. 4, 1845. 

A council was called March 28, 1845, to examine George 
V. Ten Broeck for ordination as pastor of the church. Dec. 
7, 1845, the Rev. C. M. Richmond was called to the 
pastoral charge of the church for one year. The Rev. 
N. B. Miller was invited to become the pastor of the 
church Nov. 6, 1847. The Association met with the 



1G4 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



church June 13, 1849. A number of meetings were held 
in December, 1849, and the winter and spring of 1850, in 
which the Rev. Mr. Miller was assisted by the Rev. Morgan 
Edwards, and these resulted in the adraision of 91 persons 
to the church by baptism and about 15 by experience. 

The Rev. John Booth became the pastor in 1851. Rev. 
E. Curtis was called July 1, 1854, and continued as pastor 
eight years. Rev. J. E. Henry became pastor in 1862, and 
remained three years. Rev. S. B. Gregory came in 1865, 
and labored one year. Rev. B. P. Russell assumed the 
pastorate in 1867, and was in charge about two years. Rev. 
T. B. Cressy was the pastor from 1869 to 1871. Rev. J. 
Huntington served the church from 1871 to 1878. The 
Rev. G. S. Bailey, D.D., the present pastor, commenced his 
labors in May, 1878. 

The first house of worship was built in 1843, enlarged 
in 1855, and was used until the erection of the present 
church edifice, in 1878-79, at a cost of about $8000. It is 
a cruciform structure, 64 by 84 feet in size, and has a 
capacity for seating about 600 persons. The church is situ- 
ated on the east side of Fourth Street, corner of that street 
and Broadway. The dedication of the church occurred on 
the 9th day of November, 1879, the dedicatory sermon 
being preached by the Rev. Galusha Anderson, president 
of the Chicago University. 

The present membership of the church is 204. A Sun- 
day-school in connection with the church has 150 pupils. 
B. S. Reed is superintendent, and William H. Sinclair, sec- 
retary. 

Tlie Second Baptist Church of Niles. — The organization 
of this church was perfected at the First Baptist church in 
1851, Avith 10 members, under the Anti-Slavery Baptist 
Association. The Rev. J. W. Hackley and the Rev. D. G. 
Lett assisted in the organization. The original members 
were 10 in number. D. Moss and Thomas Wilson were 
elected deacons. 

The pastors from the first have been Revs. J. W. Hack- 
ley, D. G. Lett, Samuel Shores, E. Burkit, J. Brown, Wil- 
liam H. Waring, J. P. Moss, Edmund Brown, George 
Washington, J. McAllister, Henry Williams, Daniel Rol- 
lins, Jeremiah Phillips, and T. F. Scott, who is the present 
pastor. The church now numbers 53 members. 

The first church edifice was built on the southeast corner 
of Sixth and Ferry Streets. In 1872 the lot was exchanged 
for one on the northeast corner of the same streets, and the 
building was removed to that site, where it now stands. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Kiles. — In the spring 
of 1825 Benjamin Potter came to the valley of the St. Jo- 
seph, and settled for a time on tlie bluff near Lacey's dam, at 
Niles. His wife, Mrs. Mary Potter, was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and the first one of that de- 
nomination in the valley. 

The territory now embraced in the Niles district was 
then under charge of the Ohio Conference; but not until 
after the Detroit district was set off did any preachers visit 
this region of country. In May, 1829, the Rev. Zerah II. 
Coston, who was just closing his term as presiding elder, 
made an extended trip in the western part of Michigan, 
visiting the settlements and preaching. During this journey 
he came to Niles, and preached at the log house of William 



Justus, who then lived on the northwest corner of Front 
and Sycamore Streets. St. Joseph mission was established 
that year, Curtis Goddard being presiding elder of the 
Detroit district. The Rev. Erastus Felton was placed in 
charge of the mission. He preached in Niles once in four 
weeks, at the house of William Justus. 

In 1830, Erastus Felton and Leonard B. Gurley were in 
charge of the mission. Benjamin Cooper and William 
Sprague succeeded them the next year. In 1832, Richard 
S. Robinson and Geo. L. Bestwick were in charge ; James 
Armstrong, presiding elder. During the summer of that 
year a cla.ss was formed by Mr. Robinson at the house of 
Joshua Comley, who lived near what is known as Paine's 
Mill. The first members were Mrs. Elizabeth Comley, Mrs. 
Eber Griswold, Mrs. Sarah Denniston, Mrs. Morgan Wil- 
son, Mrs. Elias Hickman, James Kirk and wife, and Henry 
Slater and wife. Henry Slater was appointed leader. The 
class met at the house of Mr. Comley until the school-house 
was built, late in the fall of that year, when that was occu- 
pied as a place of worship until 1839. 

In 1834 measures were taken to erect a meeting-house. 
The lot now occupied by the Episcopal church was first 
selected, but was abandoned for a site on Fourth Street, 
corner of Sycamore, donated by the Rev. Richard C. Meek, 
and a meeting-house was erected, 40 by 45 feet, with gal- 
leries on the sides and rear, at a cost of about $2500. This 
church was dedicated on Christmas-day, 1839. William 
H. Sampson was pastor, and John Ercanbrack presiding 
elder. 

In 1832 the western part of Michigan was attached to 
the Indiana Conference, and embraced in the Laporte 
district. In 1833, Newell N. Smith was on this charge; 
in 1834, R. S. Robinson; and in 1835, E. Kellogg. In 
1836, Niles appears as a separate charge, under Thomas P. 
McCool. From this time the pastors are as follows : San- 
ford S. Williams, James S. Harrison, W. H. Sampson, 
Richard C. Meek, James V. Watson, and Jonathan Hud- 
son. In 1843, Niles became a regular station, and Ransom 
R. Richards was the first stationed preacher. At the close 
of this year the church numbered one hundred and ten 
members. Mr. Richards was succeeded by F. B. Gage, 
Jonathan Blanchard, F. B. Bangs, S. Steel, A. J. Eldred, 
T, H. Jaeokes, B. Pengilly, J. Boyington, J. K. Gillette, 
A. J. Eldred, R. C. Crawford, H. Law, William Sprague, 
A. J. Eldred, Noah Fassett, B. F. Doughty, L. 11. Pearce, 
George L. Barnes, A. R. Boggs, W. J. Aldrich, II. M. 
Joy, and H. C. Peck, who is the present pastor. 

In 1839 the Michigan district was set off, and embraced 
Niles. lu 1840 the name of the district was changed to 
Kalamazoo, and in 1860 the western part of the district 
was set off, and formed the Niles district. In 1852 the 
Michigan Annual Conference was held at Niles, Bishop 
Scott presiding. 

The church and lot were sold, in 1863, to T. G. Wick- 
ham. A lot was purchased on the corner of Third and 
Cedar Streets, and in 1864 the present church was erected, 
at a cost of about $12,000. 

A Sabbath-school having 228 pupils is under charge of 
J. S. Tuttle as supcrinlcndcut. The library contains 390 
volumes. 



I ^^-^^^mj^/: ^^:i: 




CITY OF NILES. 



165 



The Roman Catholic Church. — After the abandonment 
of the ancient missions on the St. Joseph River, but little 
endeavor was made here on the part of the Catholics to ad- 
vance their religion until the advent of Father Louis De 
Seille, who, about 1832 or 1833, left Belgium and its 
wealth of literature, art, science, and all that the cultivated 
mind holds most dear, to become a missionary in this far- 
off land among the Indians. He was the first resident 
Catholic missionary in this section of country in this cen- 
tury, and his territory embraced Indiana, Michigan, and 
Illinois. The Indians' favorite camping-grounds were in 
the valley of the St. Joseph River, and five Pottawattamie 
villages were but a sbOTt distance from the river, and near 
the Pare aux Vaches, the Bertrand trading-post. 

Father De Seille soon became a favorite with the Indians, 
and labored earnestly with them until his death. Shortly 
after his death the Indians were sent West, and Father Petit 
went with them. 

To him is given the credit of founding Notre Dame set- 
tlement. Services were held first in a log house of two 
rooms, near where the college now is. A log church was 
erected early at Bertrand trading-post, and in 1837 the 
brick church was erected at that place, which was organised 
as St. Jo.seph church, and Nov. 5, 1838^ Joseph Bertrand, 
Edward Atherly, and Benjamin Bertrand were chosen 
trustees. The first record of baptism was on May 13, 1841. 
The University of Notre Dame was regularly founded by 
the Rev. E. Sorin in 18-t2, and chartered by the Legisla- 
ture in 1844. 

The pastoral work devolved mostly upon Father Quointet, 
a Frenchman. The churches or missions in Michigan were 
under the jurisdiction of Detroit, but on account of the 
remoteness from that place, the missions in this section of 
the State were placed under thp charge of Notre Dame 
College. The church at Bertrand was supplied from the 
college. In July, 1846, the house of the Sisters was 
erected and blessed by Father Quointet, Father Alexis 
Granger and Father Shaw, an Englishman, assisting. Nov. 
8, 1847, a chapel in the house of the Sisters was blessed, 
and June 3, 1849, the cemetery adjoining the churcli of 
St. Joseph was blessed. 

In 1850 the St. Mary's Academy was incorporated. 
Aglae de la Cheptain, Mathurin Solon, Theresa Dussaulex, 
and Proserpine Chanson were the corporators. The academy 
remained a few years, and was removed to near the college, 
at South Bend. The services at the academy and church 
of St. Joseph were attended from the college by Anthony 
Kapp, E. Borin, Quointet, Shortis, Schilling, and others. 
The church is now interdicted, and the members worship 
at Niles. 

The early missions wore Niles, Now Buffalo, Laporte, 
Kalamazoo, Michigan City, White Pigeon, Coldwater, Sil- 
ver Creek!|tand St. Joseph. 

About 1847, Father Quointet built a frame church on 
lot 1, block 14, Brookfield's addition in West Niles. This 
building is now used for a school-house. After the death 
of Father Quointet, Father Flynn succeeded in the charge 
for a short time, when the missions belonging to Michigan 
were placed under the care of the Rev. Isadore Lebel, set- 
tled at Kalamazoo. 



In April, 1857, Bishop Le Fevre appointed the Rev. 
John De Nevi pastor of Niles and the missions, and pur- 
chased four lots and a residence for the pastor. This mis- 
sion extended over Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Allegan, 
and Barry Counties. On the 23d day of October the Rev. 
John Cappon was sent as an assistant in the- mission work. 
He assumed entire charge of work Nov. 16, 1859. At the 
end of two years. Father Charles was sent as an assistant, 
and remained as such for two years, when he removed to 
the diocese of Natchez, where he died of yellow fever, in 
September, 1878. 

In February, 1 863, Father Joseph was sent as an assistant, 
and remained till his appointment as pastor of St. Joseph 
parish, in December, 1865. 

On one of the lots purchased by Bishop Le Fevre now 
stands the church, the corner-stone of which was laid by 
Bishop Le Fevre, Aug. 23, 1866. He was assisted by 
Bishop Luers, of Fort Wayne, and a great number of the 
clergy. The name of the church was changed from St. 
Francis of Assissium to St. Mary of the Immaculate Con- 
ception. It was completed in 1870, and blessed on the 11th 
of December of that year by Bishop Borgers, of Detroit, 
assisted by the Rt. Rev. John Luers, bishop of Fort 
Wayne, and a great number of priests, in the presence of 
thousands of people. The number of families connected 
with the Catholic Church of Niles is 230, the number of 
faithful, 1150 ; the number of communicants, 690. 

In the missions attended from there will be found 150 
families; the number of faithful, 750 ; the number of com- 
municants, 450. The mission at present extends over an 
area of seventy miles. The cemetery used by the congre- 
gation, and by most of the missions, is the old cemetery at 
Bertrand. 

Trinity Church (^Episcopal). — The Rev. James Selkrig 
came here as a missionary, and preached in the summer of 
1834, and in November of that year an Episcopal Church 
was organized, with five members,— Mr. and Mrs. Philo San- 
ford Mrs. Anna Dickson, and two others. The first vestry 
was composed of Henry Heath, Jacob Beeson, Cogswell 
K. Green, Ezekiel Redding, James W. Griffin, Erasmus 
Winslow, Jasper Mason, and Addison W. Griswold ; Tal- 
man Wheeler, Senior Warden ; and William B. Beeson, 
Junior Warden. 

The Rev. James Selkrig was called as rector upon the or- 
ganization of the church, and remained until June 27, 1838, 
when he resigned. He was .succeeded by the Rev. Samuel 
R. Crane in 1840 ; Rev. Foster Thayer, in 1841 ; Rev. 
Geor"c B. Engle, in 1843; Rev. Hiram Adams, in 1850 ; 
Rev. Joseph F. Phillips, in 1858 ; Rev. William H. Moffatt, 
in 1866 ; Rev. Stephen W. Frisbie, in 1869 ; Rev. William 
Lusk, in 1870 ; Rev. John Coleman, in 1874 ; Rev. Robert 
McMurdy, in 1876. The latter resigned Sept. 2, 1879. 
An invitation to the rectorship was then extended to the 
Rev. C. C. Tate, of Fort Wayne, Ind., November 24, which 
was accepted Nov. 29, 1879. 

The first church was a frame building, and stood on the 
site of the present church. 

In 1858, during the rectorate of the Rev. Joseph F. 
Phillips, the brick church was erected, at a cost of about 
$7000, and was enlarged to its present capacity in 1873, 



1C6 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



at a cost of about $12,000, including organ and church 
furniture. 

The Congregational Church of JVi/es. — A society of this 
denomination was organized of previous members of tlie 
Presbyterian Church about 1844, and in 1845 a church 
edifice was erected on the rear of the lot now occupied by 
the Episcopal church. It was built of clay, moulded in 
blocks about twelve inches square, dried, and laid in mortar. 
It was opened for worship Jan. 11, 1845, and the first 
sermon was preached by the Rev. Marcus Harrison. James 
I. Alexander was a leading member of the congregation. 

For a time the church flourislied, but afterwards de- 
clined and became almo.st extinct. • In 1857 it was revived 
by Dr. James Lewis, by whose exertions the meeting-house 
was repaired. The Rev. Eleazer Andrus was installed as 
pastor, and remained with the church till 1861. Again a 
spirit of apathy fell upon them, and finally tlie church was 
sold by the trustees and taken down. The bell was sold to 
the Episcopalian Society, and is now used by them. 

German United EoangeKcal St. John's Congregation. — 
This society was founded Feb. 2, 1860, by eight Germans, 
Rev. C. Bofinger, of New Buffalo, assisting. March 10, 
1860, John Hansler, John Schmidt, and Henry Blodgett 
were elected trustees ; Casper Frohlich, Frederick Schorck, 
and Ludwig Krell, as elders. 

The Rev. 6. B. Loefiler, of New Buffalo, was engaged 
to preach to the society every two weeks. June 12, 1862, 
arrangements were made with Rev. E. Werner to preach 
every other week, with a salary of $175 per annum. July 
5, 1862, at a meeting of the society, it was resolved to 
build a church. A lot was purchased on the corner of 
Sixth and Sycamore Streets, and a church edifice erected 
upon it. At this time the society numbered 54 members. 
Aug. 12, 1865, the Rev. Ph. Werheim was called to the 
pastorate, and in 1866, 97 families were reported. In 1871 
the church was enlarged. May 1, 1875, the Rev. J. G. 
Hoch, the present pastor, was called and accepted the pas- 
toral charge, at a salary of $700, with parsonage. The 
society this year purchased the parsonage on Sixth Street, 
at a cost of about $1500 ; and in 1878 repaired the church, 
adding the tower and putting in a bell, at a cost of about 
$700. The church is nearly out of debt. 

The congregation now numbers 125 families, and the 
records of the church from 1862 to 1879 show 720 bap- 
tisms, 172 confirmations, 14.3 marriages, 191 deaths, and a 
total of 3419 communicants. The Sabbath-school contains 
140 pupils, of which the pastor is superintendent. 

THE NILES YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

This association w.as organized February, 1868, with 50 
members, and Henry M. Dean was elected president. At 
the close of the first year the membership had increased to 
71. The society had received from membership fees and 
other sources $567.84. A public reading-room had been 
inaugurated, with three daily and twelve weekly papers on 
file, also most of the prominent monthly m.-igazines. 

At the annual meeting in February, 1869, $600 was 
subscribed by the citizens to continue the work. B. S. 
Reed was elected president. His successors during the 
following four years were Henry E. Glenn in 1870, E. W. 



Post in 1871, S. 0. G.irdner in 1872, and Capt. Henry 
A. Ford in 1873. 

Up to this date and till the year 1874 the association 
had met with entire success. A weekly prayer-meeting 
had been maintained every fall and winter. The reading- 
room was thoroughly equipped with stoves, tables, chairs, 
reading-desks, matting, gas-fixtures, maps, etc. But the 
great financial panic reached Niles ; the lectures failed to 
pay expenses, members neglected their dues, and rather than 
have the organization die a lingering death, the rooms were 
closed, and the effects of the association were turned over 
to other societies. 

During the life of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion they were almost exclusively the almoners of the public 
and private charities of the city. The Chicago fire oc- 
curred Sunday and Monday, Oct. 9 and 10, 1871. On 
Tuesday morning, the 11th, the association's messenger, 
with between 1000 and 2000 loaves of bread and six bar- 
rels of crackers, reached Chicago on an early train, thus 
being almost the first to furnish food to that stricken 
people. This system of supply was kept up until the 
Michigan sufferers by the forest fires demanded help, when 
the charity of the Niles association was as promptly di- 
rected to the alleviation of their distress. 

CEMETERIES. 
In the Elijah Lacey addition to the village of Niles, 
made on the 19th day of April, 1832, a square piece of 
ground was reserved for burial purposes, and was used as a 
place of interment for some years. The remains of Elijah 
Lacey and wife and one or two children, Obed P. Lacey, 
and their father and mother, Ephraim Lacey and wife, and 
S. D. Walling, still lie there. Isaac Gray was buried there, 
but his remains were afterwards removed to the city ceme- 
tery. About 1836 a tract of six acres was purchased of 
George N. Bond for a cemetery, and this has been added to 
by a purchase of eleven acres from Mr. Bond, making a total 
of seventeen acres. By direction of the Common Council 
of the city in 1838, George II. Starr surveyed the ground 
into lots, and the sale of these was commenced. Silver Brook 
passes through a portion of the ground, and it is known as 
'' Silver Brook Cemetery." 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 93, F. and A. M. — Early 
in May, 1842, a petition to the Grand Lodge of New York 
for a dispensation to establish a lodge at Niles was signed 
by Robert E. Ward, John F. Porter, W. H. McOmber, 
F'rederick Howe, Uriel Enos, J. W. Pidge, Jacob Beeson, 
C. J. Ingersoll, E. Redding, A. W. Harrison, Austin Stock- 
ing, and Ephraim Huntley. A dispensation was issued 
dated June 8, 1842, and Robert E. Ward was named as 
Master, Austin Stocking as Senior Warden, angl John F. 
Porter as Junior Warden ; signed James Herring, Grand 
Secretary; William Willis, Deputy Grand blaster Grand 
Lodge of New York. 

This was the first lodge established in the State of Michi- 
gan west of Jackson. A charter was received from the 
Grand Lodge of New York to the St. Jo.seph Valley Lodge, 
No. 93, dated June 10, 1843, naming Robert E. Ward, 



CITY OF NILES. 



167 



Master ; John F. Porter, Senior Warden ; and Wm. H. 
McOmber, Junior Warden. The lodge was instituted and 
officers installed Oct. 2G, 1843. 

After the organization of the Grand Lodge of the State 
of Michigan the charter was surrendered. 

St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 4, F. and A. M. — This 
lodge, the successor of the older St. Joseph Valley Lodge, 
was chartered by the Grand Lodge of the State of Michi- 
gan, in June, 1845. The names mentioned in the charter 
as officers are Jacob Becson, Master; William H. McOm- 
ber, Senior Warden ; Caleb 1. Ingersoll, Junior Warden. , 

The pre.sent officers are Wm. Gilbert, W. M.; Hiram 0. 
Edwards, S. W. ; Enoch Flegal, J. W. ; John Woodruff, 
Treas. ; Maj. Wm. Graves, Sec. ; Cyrus M. Alward, S. D.; 
M. C. Norris, J. D. ; Henry Rounds, Tiler; James S. 
Reeves, Norris, Stewards. 

The present membership is 100. The meetings are held 
in Masonic Hall, in the building owned by J. K. Finley. 

St. Joseph Valley Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M. — A char- 
ter was granted by the General Grand Royal Arch Chap- 
ter of the United States, on a petition from 19 persons 
in this section of country. The charter is dated May 
16, 1844. Jacob Silver is designated High Priest; John 
Knapp, King; and Calvin Britain, Scribe. 

The present officers are Hiram A. Edwards, High Priest; 
James Babcock, King; James S. Reeves, Scribe; Enoch 
Flegal, Captain of the Host; W. J. Babcock, Principal- 
Sojourner ; George W. Timmons, Royal Arch Captain ; 
Eugene Lovell, Master of the Third Veil ; Alonzo Piatt, 
Master of the Second Veil ; Henry Pruyn, Master of the 
First Veil ; William Graves, Treasurer ; J. Crocker Brown, 
Secretary ; Henry Rounds, Tiler. The latter was a con- 
stituent member of the Grand Chapter of the State in 
1847. The chapter has a present membership of 95. 
Meetings are held in Masonic Hall. 

Niks Lodge, No. 97, F. and A. M. — In consequence of 
the large and increasing membership of St. Joseph Valley 
Lodge, No. 4, it was thought best to organize a new lodge, 
and on a petition to the Grand Lodge a dispensation was 
granted, March 18, 1857, to Henry A. Chapin, Erastus 
Spaulding, David Bacon, William D. Sterling, John H. 
Richardson, William J. Edwards, William B. Beeson, Wil- 
liam B. Gray, and A. E. Tuttle, to organize a lodge under 
the above name. 

A charter was granted Jan. 14, 1858, in which Erastus 
Spaulding was named Worshipful Master ; David Bacon, 
Senior Warden ; and Henry A. Chapin, Junior Warden. 
Meetings are held in the Beeson block, corner of Main and 
Front Streets, Niles. 

The lodge has at present a membership of 85. The 
present officers are S. Belknap, Worshipful Master; J. S. 
Bacon, Senior Warden ; A. J. Fox, Junior Warden ; H. 
A. Chapin, Treasurer; William J. Edwards, Secretary; 0. 
McKay, S. D. ; Henry Jordan, J. D. ; John Dunn, Tiler. 

Harrison Lodge, No. 1, F. and A. M. {Colored). — This 
lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of In- 
diana, and worked under it for some time. It was char- 
tered as Harrison Lodge, No. 1, Dec. 5, 1865, with John 
W. Harrison as Master. He was also Grand Master of 
the Grand Lodge. In the spring of 1879 the number was 



changed, and is now known as Harrison Lodge, No. 9. It 
numbers at present 30 members, and meetings are held in 
Coolidge Hall, on Main Street. 

The present officers are William Powers, Worshipful 
Master ; Alexander Ramsey, Senior Warden ; William 
Waterman, Junior Warden; C. F. Wilson, Treasurer; 
Alex. Winborn, Secretary. 

Niles Council of Royal and Select Masters, No. 19. — ■ 
Dispensation was granted to this council as No. 18, Jan. 11, 
180G, and it was instituted June 6, 1866, as No. 19, with 
B. F. Doughty, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master ; A. S. 
Cook, Deputy Thrice Illustrious Grand Master. The pres- 
ent membership of the lodge is 33. The officers for 1879 
are Hiram A. Edwards, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; 
James S. Reeves, Deputy Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; 
Cyrus M. Alward, Principal Conductor of Works ; Wm. J. 
Edwards, Principal Conductor of Council ; John Woodruff, 
Treasurer ; George W. Timmons, Recorder ; Charles W. 
Stowell, Captain of the Guard ; William Graves, Steward ; 
Henry Rounds, Sentinel. 

Niles Commandery, No. 12, K. T. — A dispensation was 
granted by the Grand Commandery April 29, 1864, and a 
charter was granted June 28, 1864. Sir Knight Rufus W. 
Landon, Eminent Commander ; Joshua Feather, General- 
issimo ; and George Kimmel, Captain-General. The pres- 
ent membership is 55. 

The present officers are Edward S. Badger, Eminent 
Commander ; John Woodruff, Generalissimo ; Mills H. Lan- 
don, Captain-General; William Graves, Prelate; George 
W. Timmons, Recorder ; John A. Montague, Treasurer ; 
W. I. Babcock, Senior Warden ; J. Crocker Brown, Junior 
Warden ; Brown K. Jones, Standard-Bearer ; E. D. Lo- 
velle, Sword-Bearer ; Charles W. Stowell, Warden ; Henry 
Rounds, Tiler. 

Scottish Rile. — Rufus W. Landon, Dr. James S.Reeves, 
J. R. Cogswell, and Frank W. Wilder are members of the 
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Rufus W. 
Landon is an active member of the thirty-third degree, 
and J. Eastman Johnson an honorary member. William H. 
McOmber was Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of 
Michigan from 1854 till his death, in 1860. R. W. Lan- 
don succeeded him, and continued until 1878. 

Berrien County Lodge, No. 6, /. 0. of 0. F. — This 
lodge was instituted Nov. 27, 1844, with 10 charter mem- 
bers, namely: John F. Porter, Cogswell K. Green, A. J. 
Clark, J. C. Larimore, T. M. Freeland, John B. Goodman, 
Charles Jewett, Gerard Hoadley, George Goodman, and 
James M. Stuart. It has at present 42 members. The 
officers for 1879 are Robert Chambers, Noble Grand; 
James Kipler, Vice-Grand ; William W. Abbott, Sec. ; 
John Cutting, Permanent Sec. ; James S. Reeves, Treas. 

Niles Lodge, No. 207, /. 0. of 0. F., was instituted 
May 26, 1873. The charter members were John G. 
Hansler, E. Rauft, J. Enkel, F. E. Schmidt, and f! 
Schneewind. The officers for 1879 are George Hegne, 
Noble Grand ; Fred. Zimmerman, Vice-Grand ; Aldrich 
Drenz, See. ; Fred. Durm, Permanent Sec. ; John Hansler, 
Treas. The meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. 

Pah-wah-ting Encampment, No. 3, Z 0. of 0. F. — 
Dispensation was granted to this encampment Jan. 6, 1846, 



168 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and charter Feb. 10, 1846. The officers for 1879 are 
Frederick Dunn, Chief Patriarch ; William Miller, Senior 
Warden; James S. Reeves, High Priest; John Cutting, 
Scribe; Enoch Egbert, Treas. 

This encampment was united with Michigan Encamp- 
ment, No. 1, Lenawee Encampment, No. 4, Wilder En- 
campment, No. 5, and Samaritan Encampment, No. 6, as 
the constituent members of the Grand Encampment of the 
State of Michigan, organized at Kalamazoo, Feb. 4, 1847. 
J. C. Larimore and George \V. Hoffman, Past High Priests, 
were delegates representing this encampment. The present 
membership is 49. Meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' 
Hall. 

Niks Lodge, No. 843, /. 0. of G. T.— This lodge was 
instituted April 13, 1875, with 28 members. Their meet- 
ings are held in Davison Hall. The present officers are 
Edwin H. Palmer, W. C. T. ; Mrs. E. H. Palmer, W. V. 
T. ; Mrs. J. C. Larkin, W. S. ; John DavLson, W. T. ; 
Maggie Park, W. I. G. ; James Cutting, W. M. ; Elenrj 
Jakwith, T. Sec. ; Benjamin F. Park, W. A. S. ; Lizzie 
Dutch, Dep. M. ; A. K. Babeoek, O. G. ; Alma Palmer, 
R. H. S. ; Minnie Palmer, L. H. S. The lodge at present 
contains 30 members. 

Catholic Knights of America, St. Mari/'s Branch, No. 
17. — This society was organized June 8, 1878, with 16 
members, and has at present 37. Their meetings are held 
in Wells' Hall, on Main Street. The present officers are 
F. E. Fenton, President; John Aul, Recording Secretary; 
John C. Knauss, Treasurer ; Paul Skalla, Financial Secre- 
tary. 

Order of Imperial Knights St. Joseph, Valley Lodge, 
No. 10, was organized June 14, 1879, with 11 members. 
The present officers are Lewis Augustine, Director-in-Chief; 
Joseph Greenamyer, Financier ; Charles Henderer, Re- 
corder. The lodge contains at present 18 members, and 
their meetings are held in Davison Hall. 

Knights of Honor, N'o. 831. — This lodge was instituted 
Dec. 3, 1877, having previously organized under a dispen- 
sation, and elected officers, viz., Theodore G. Beaver, Dicta- 
tor ; J. P. Howlett, Vice-Dictator ; Charles J. Sterling, 
Reporter. They hold meetings in their rooms over the 
First National Bank. They have a present membership of 
25, and the present officers are D. Sheehan, Dictator; C. 
N. Smith, Vice-Dictator ; John Glenville, Assistant Dicta- 
tor; F. Schneewind, Reporter; E. B. Leroy, Financial 
Reporter; W. A. Wetherby, Treasurer; C. J. Sterling, 
Chaplain ; W. H. Snyder, Guide ; John Cutting, Guar- 
dian ; Jacob Mayford, Sentinel; H. Whitworth, E.'tamin- 
ing Physician. 

NILES WATER-WORKS. 

Four miles east of the city of Niles, in Howard town- 
sliip, Ca.ss Co., at an elevation of 106 feet above the city, 
lies Barren Lake, a body of the purest water, a mile and 
one-fourth in length by three-fourths of a mile in width, 
fed by springs. For many years past this lovely lake was 
looked to as offering the best possible supply of water for 
fire purposes and for general use of the city. Several at- 
tempts were made to organize a company for its introduc- 
tion, but no organization was perfected until June, 1877. 

In February, 1877, the Common Council of Niles entered 



into an agreement with W. P. Hanchett, for the introduc- 
tion of water from Barren Lake into the city for fire pur- 
poses, and for general uses. Under this agreement a com- 
pany was organized on the 12th day of June, 1877, and 
articles of association were filed in the office of the Secre- 
tary of State, June 14th. During the summer the survey 
was made and the line definitely settled. 

In April, 1878, the work of excavation and laying pipe 
was commenced in earnest, and by July two-thirds of the 
work was completed. At this time, the first company be- 
coming pecuniarily involved, the work pa.ssed into other 
hands ; a new company was organized, and not until the 
summer of 1879 was the work completed. The water is 
brought from the lake through a 12-inch main, five and 
one-hulf miles in length, emptied into a reservoir of 
300,000 gallons capacity, and distributed already through 
about six miles of pipes. No city in the West can be fur- 
nished with such an abundant supply of so pure water 
more easily and economically than Niles. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
In September, 1838, a petition was presented to the 
council of the village of Niles by a number of citizens, ask- 
ing for the organization of a fire company. In accordance 
with a provision in the charter a company was then organ- 
ized called " Niles Engine Company, No. 1," and number- 
ing 31 persons. An engine, hose, ladders, buckets, and 
other equipments were purchased, but no provision was 
made for cisterns, and the only supply of water was from 
the river and from private sources. The consequence has 
been the disbanding of organized companies, an ineffi- 
cient fire department and discouragement of the firemen. 
No companies are in existence at the present time, though 
the city has a chief engineer, Daniel Sheehan, who consti- 
tutes the fire department of Niles. Upon the completion 
of the present system of water distribution, the city will 
organize hose companies, and Niles will, for the first time, 
possess adequate facilities for the extinguishment of fires. 

MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD. 

The route of the Michigan Central Railroad was changed 
to pass through Niles in 1847, and in 1848, on the 7th day 
of October, the first passenger train from Detroit came into 
the village of Niles, at five o'clock p.m., containing about 
130 invited guests. The train was greeted by a great con- 
course of citizens, speeches were made, and great rejoicing 
was the order of the day, for Niles was linked to the me- 
tropolis of Michigan by iron bands. Steamboating busi- 
ness was conducted from this time on the upper river, in 
connection with the railroad, and placed in charge of B. F. 
Fish, August, 1849. A warehouse was constructed at the 
bridge, 100 feet high from the bed of the river, and pro- 
duce was elevated from vessels below. This continued for 
about three years, when the boats were withdrawn. 

A road was constructed by the Bliehigau Air-Line Rail- 
road Company from Jackson to Niles, reaching Niles in 
February, 1871, and continued to South Bend soon after. 

NILES GAS-LIGHT CO.MPANV. 
This company was chartered under the general law in 
the spring of 1868, with a capital of $37,000, and during 




Premises of [vIrs J. B.MILLARD, CirrorNiLES, Mich. 

MICHIGAN WOOD PULP COMPANl'S MILLS, a NlLtS WATER POV.'ER COMPANYi DAM IN BACKGROUND . 



CITY OF NILES. 



169 



the summer of 18(58 works were erected on Front Street 
below Main. The first officers of the company were James 
L. Glenn, President ; J. C. Larimore, Secretary ; R. C. Paine, 
Treasurer. The present officers are R. W. Landon, Presi- 
dent ; Mills H. Landon, Secretary; George W. Piatt, 
Treasurer ; Directors, J. C. Larimore, Thomas L. Stevens, 
and J. S. Tuttle. 

MUTUAL CITY AND VILLAGE FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY 
OF BERRIEN, CASS, AND VAN BUREN COUNTIES. 

This company was incorporated Nov. 13, 1878, with J. 
C. Larimore, President ; J. Eastman Johnson, Secretary. 
The office is at the corner of Main and Third Streets. 
There are issued to Aug. 25, 1879, 179 policies, represent- 
ing $210,000. 

BANKING INTERESTS. 

On the 6th of February, 1836, a meeting of citizens of 
Cass, Berrien, and St. Joseph Counties was held at the 
American Hotel in Niles, and passed resolutions requesting 
the Legislature of the State to grant a charter to a bank to 
be called the " Bank of Niles," with a capital of $250,000, 
with the privilege of increasing it to $500,000. The Bank 
of Niles, having a small capital, was in operation the follow- 
ing year, with Jacob Beeson as President, and George W. 
Hoffman, Cashier. 

The Berrien County Bank also was chartered about the 
same time, Lucius Hoyt being the first President, and J. A. 
Noonan, Cashier. These banks were short-lived and soon 
suspended. 

The Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of Detroit estab- 
lished an agency at St. Joseph as early as 1835, with 
Thomas Fitzgerald in charge as cashier. Rodney C. Paine, 
a brother-in-law of John A. Wells, the cashier of the 
Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of Detroit, came from 
Albany to St. Joseph in March, 1836, and was placed in 
charge of the agency at that place. He remained until 
1841, when he located an agency at Niles, opening an office 
in the building now occupied as a tobacco-store by James 
Trudeau. In 1843, Mr. Paine built a banking-office on 
the northwest corner of Main and Third Streets, where he 
continued business until his death, which occurred on 
March 16, 1855. The business of the Farmers and 
Mechanics' Bank was continued until 1848, when it was 
withdrawn, and from that time Mr. Paine conducted the 
business alone. He was also a director in the First Na- 
tional Bank of Niles. 

The First National Bank of Hiles received its certificate 
of organization Dec. 15, 1870, with the following-named 
persons as directors, viz. : Thomas L. Stevens, David Rough, 
Rodney C. Paine, Joseph C. Larimore, Alonzo Sherman, 
Rufus W. Landon, and George Kimmel. Rufus W. Lan- 
don was chosen President ; Joseph C. Larimore, Vice-Pres- 
ident; and Thomas L. Stevens, Cashier. The capital of 
the bank was $100,000, fully paid up. The banking- 
rooms were established at No. 156 Main Street, where the 
business is still continued. The present officers are Thomas 
L. Stevens, President ; Solomon G. Krick, Vice-President ; 
Charles A. Johnson, Cashier ; Directors, T. L. Stevens, S. 
G. Krick, Silas Ireland, W. K. Lacey, E. S. Badger, Geo. 
22 



H. Rough, William R. Rough. The bank has a present 
surplus of $7500. 

Citizens' National Ranh of Niles. — This bank received 
its authority to transact banking business Oct. 1, 1861, its 
capital being $50,000. The following persons were chcsen 
directors : 0. S. Abbott, J. C. Larimore, G. W. Piatt, J. S. 
Tuttle, F. M. Gray, M. D. Matteson, and E. P. Hill. 
President, J. C. Larimore ; Cashier, 0. S. Abbott. The 
bank was located in the present banking-office, corner of 
Second and Main Streets. The present officers are J. C. 
Larimore, President ; F. M. Gray, Cashier ; Directors, J. 
C. Larimore, F. M. Gray, I. P. Hutton, G. W. Piatt, S. B. 
Shepard, H. F. Kellogg, F. W. Wilder. 

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

Doivagiac Hydraulic Company. — On the 18th day of 
March, 1837, an act was approved incorporating Obed P. 
Lacey, Elijah Lacey, Erasmus Winslow, and Rodney C. 
Paine as the Dowagiac Hydraulic Company, with a capital 
stock of $50,000, and with power " to hold real and personal 
estate necessary for the construction of a canal for the use 
of said company, to be located in the village of Niles, within 
the limits of Lacey's addition to said village." The canal 
to be constructed within two years, connecting the waters 
of the Dowagiac River with the St. Joseph, and to be at 
least 30 feet in width and 4 feet deep. The canal was not 
built by the company, but in 1846, Elijah Lacey and Jasper 
Ma.son built the raceway that connected with the Dowa- 
giac and furnished the water for the Volant and Dacota 
Mills. 

Niles Hydrmdic Company and Niles Maim fact urinq 
Company. — In the year 1842 a company was incorporated 
and organized with the above name, and having for its ob- 
ject the development of the water-power of the St. Jo.seph 
River at Niles. During that year the company commenced 
the construction of a dam across the river, at the foot of 
Main Street, with a lock at the west end, to allow the pas- 
sage of boats. The contract for building was taken by Seth 
Hanchett. Before the completion of this work it was par- 
tially carried away by a sudden flood in the river, in the fall 
of 1843, and was damaged to such an extent as to discourage 
the projectors and to cause a suspension of further opera- 
tions. The cost of the work had been about $4000, which 
was a total loss to the company. 

Effijrts were made from time to time to raise more funds 
and resume operations on the dam and lock, but no results 
followed, though the company at one time proceeded so far 
as to put the work under contract. In the Niles Repub- 
lican of March 8, 1845, there appeared an article under the 
heading of " Dam not Completed," in which it was said 
that " We are credibly informed that Crocker & Mason 
have the contract," but on the 29th of the same month the 
Repuhlican said, " We are now informed that something 
has arisen whereby the whole matter is under the command 
of General Platout, who, in relation to this work, is highly 
distinguished." In this the fate of the dam project was 
truly expressed. 

Nothing more appears to have been done until 1849, 
when (March 31st) an act was passed for the improvement 
of the navigation of the St. Joseph, and incorporating 



170 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



James L. Glenn, R. C. Paine, William H. McOmber, and 
others, as the " Niles Hydraulic and Manufacturing Com- 
pany," with a capital of $30,000. 

By Legislative act of March 21, 1851, the charter of the 
Hydraulic and Manufacturing Company was amended, and 
the name changed to the original one of " The Niles Hy- 
draulic Company." This company remained inactive till 
1865, when the corporators called a meeting, and efforts 
were made to revive the dam project, and to proceed with 
the work of construction. Engineers had been employed 
to examine the river, and their report was made at the 
meeting held at Kellogg Hall, June 10, 1865. The report 
embodied facts and estimates as follows : width of river at 
point selected, 287 feet ; average depth, 4-^ feet ; length of 
dam, 350 feet; height, 11^^^ feet; estimated cost of dam, 
including head-gates, waste-weir, and raceway, $39,085.76. 
The power to be secured by the construction of the dam 
was estimated at 1333 horse-power. The site then in 
contemplation for the dam was at the head of the " Big 
Island." 

Nothing was done at that site, however, and in 1866 
another was decided on, it being the present location of the 
dam. At this place work was commenced in June of the 
year named, but before it was completed a change was made 
in the company and its operations in the manner narrated 
below. 

The hydraulic company had become embarrassed in its 
financial affairs, so that there seemed little probability that 
it could bring the work to a successful issue. When this 
became apparent a number of citizens of Niles associated 
themselves together to take such action as would insure the 
development of the water-power of the river. On the 26th 
of February, 1867, 22 persons, having this object in view, 
held a meeting in Niles, and organized as the " Niles Manu- 
facturing Company," with Rufus W. Landon, Benjamin F. 
Fish, and William Bort as trustees, and Henry H. Coolidge 
as secretary. This company became incorporated June 26, 
1868. 

On the 7th of September, in the same year, the com- 
pany was organized under the incorporation by the elec- 
tion of the following directors, viz. : Joseph C. Larimore, 
Rodney C. Paine, Benjamin F. Fish, Joseph S. Tuttle, 
Rufus W. Landon; Henry H. Coolidge, and James Badger. 
Rufus W. Landon, President ; Benjamin F. Fish, Treas- 
urer ; Jerome B. Fitzgerald, Secretary. 

Before the incorporation the company had purchased the 
farm of Jacob Beeson, consisting of 113 acres of land con- 
tiguous to the eastern end of the dam which had been com- 
menced by the Hydraulic Company. For this farm they 
paid the sum of $22,000, which was the authorized capital 
of the Niles Manufacturing Company. On the 26th of 
September of the same year that company purchased a half- 
interest in " all the rights, titles, and privileges" of the Niles 
Hydraulic Company, known as " The Dam Company." Oct. 
28, 1868, the capital stock of the Manufacturing Company 
was increased to $50,000, and on the 18th of June, 1869, 
that company contracted, for the sum of $17,000, for the 
completion of the raceway, head-gates, and other work on 
the 'dam] which had been commenced by the Niles Hy- 
draulic Company. 



In March, 1870, the capital of the manufacturing com- 
pany was increased to $70,000, and in 1871 that company 
purchased the remaining interest of the Hydraulic Com- 
pany, which latter practically ceased to exist at that time. 
In January, 1872, the Manufacturing Company sold a part 
of their interest in land and water-power, on the west side 
of the river, to French & Millard for about $10,000. A 
site, with power, was also given to Paine & Gitchell for a 
furniture-factory, and in 1872 the Niles Paper-Mill Com- 
pany purchased the site and power now occupied and used 
by their mills. The Niles Manufacturing Company finally 
sold all their interests and privileges on the river to the 
Niles Water-Power Company in 1878. 

JV'iles Water-Power Company. — This company was incor- 
porated Dec. 24, 1877, with a capital stock of $25,000. 
There existed at that time a mortgage of $20,000 on the 
property of the Niles Manufacturing Company, and when 
this property was sold under foreclosure, at Pike's Hotel, 
Niles, on the 15th of January, 1878, the purchasers were 
the Niles Paper-Mill Company, and S. M. Beeson, J. C. 
Larimore, B. F. Pish, Thomas L. Stevens, J. W. French, 
0. W. Coolidge, M. Pettingill, and David Gitchell ; these 
gentlemen representing and purchasing for the Niles Water- 
Power Company. This company is still in existence, and 
owns the property acquired by the purchasers above men- 
tioned. Its present oflicers are : President, J. W. French ; 
Treasurer, B. F. Fish ; Secretary, J. C. Larimore ; Direc- 
tors, A. A. Jacks, M. Pettingill, Thomas L. Stevens, David 
Gitchell. 

AHles Faper-Mill Company. — The company was organ- 
ized Jan. 10, 1872, and the present mill-site purchased of 
the Niles Manufacturing Company, and buildings erected. 
The firm have an average of about 35 employees, and manu- 
facture straw wrapping-paper exclusively, shipping it to the 
Chicago market. The officers are A. A. Jacks, President ; 
B. F. Fish, Treasurer ; John Le Clere, Secretary. 

Michigan Wood-pulp Company. — This company started 
business in June, 1872, as the firm of French & Millard. 
It was organized as a joint-stock company, under the gen- 
eral State law, in August, 1874, name as above, with J. W. 
French, President; J. B. Millard, Treasurer; and W. S. Mil- 
lard, Secretary and Superintendent. The company still re- 
tain the same officers. Their building is 156 feet long by 
52 feet in width, and three stories high. Half this build- 
ing wa.s erected in 1872, and the remainder in 1875. The 
stock manufactured is whitewood pulp, for print, manilla, 
and book papers. Silver-leaved poplar, pine, and basswood 
is used. 

This company owns one-third of the power created by 
the erection of the dam, to be used exclusively on the west 
side of the river. The company employs about 38 men 
and 10 boys, day and night, and furnishes Western paper- 
mills, exclusively. Its shipments in and out over the 
Michigan Central Railroad were 648 cars during fourteen 
months, ending Jan. 31, 1879. 

Lacey^s Barrel- Factory. — About 1849, Me.ssrs. Dare & 
Barrett started a small coopering business upon the prop- 
erty now occupied by S. & G. Lacey. In 1855 the prop- 
erty passed to Jones & Cliapin, by whom it was continued 
until 1862, when Anson & Lambert came into possessiou. 



CITY OF NILES. 



. 171 



In 1SG6, S. & G. Lacey purchased the business, and still 
continue it. They employ 20 men, and have a manufac- 
turing capacity of 400 barrels a day. In 1871 a cider- 
i^^ill was built in connection, and in 1873 a brick building, 
26 by 110 feet, and 3 stories in height, was erected for the 
enlargement of the cider-works. 

The flouring-mills of Niles will be found mentioned in 
the history of early mills and mill-sites. 

Krick's Carriage Manufactory. — In 1872, Messrs. Rice, 
Griffith & Lambert erected the brick building now occupied 
by S. a. Krick, and commenced the manufacture of wagons, 
buggies, etc. The sum of $28,000 was expended in real 
estate, buildings, and machinery. The financial difficulties 
of 1873 caused a discontinuance of the business, and in 
1874, Solomon G. Krick purchased the stock, and the 
First National Bank became owner of the real estate. The 
property was leased to Mr. Krick, who continued the man- 
ufacture of wagons and buggies, and has increased the busi- 
ness to an amount of $40,000 annual sales. The trade is 
largely confined to grangers, to whom he offers special induce- 
ments. The engine has a capacity of 40 horse-power. A 
planing-mill and pill-box-factory in connection with the 
works, are leased to other parties, and supplied with power 
from the engine of the wagon-factory. About 40 men are 
employed in the establishment. 

Fanning-Mill Ma nv factory. — In 1835, Lucius Scales 
emigrated from Ohio, and commenced the manufacture of 
fanning-mills in the village of Niles. After a few years 
the business passed into the hands of Jerome Walton, and 
in 1844 or 1845 it was carried on by Barber & Wells. In 
1856, Martin Cleland and son purchased the business and 
continued till 1862, when A. J. Cleland purchased his 
brother's interest, and since that time he has continued the 
manufacture of fanning-mills and other agricultural imple- 
ments. Sales of these are made throughout the Western 
States. 

Nilex Nurseries. — In 1849, William Bort returned to 
Niles, after an absence of six years, and established a nur- 
sery about one and a half miles up the river on land pur- 
chased of Wm. McOmber. This farm he sold to Mr. Gep- 
hart in 1855, and purchased 40 acres from the Gophart 
farm, about one hundred rods west of the river. On this 
laud he erected a good house, and established a nursery of 
ornamental and fruit trees, but again sold in January, 1866, 
and purchased the Sampson farm, half a mile up the river 
from the upper bridge. Here he started a nursery, erected 
a fine mansion, laid out the grounds, and planted orna- 
mental trees and shrubbery. The nursery was successfully 
conducted by him till his death. May 1, 1879, a half- 
interest was sold to William Sigerson and Susan Van 
Osdol, who have at present 48 acres in nursery stock. 
They have purchased an additional 80 acres on the east 
side of the South Bend Railroad, and east of the Hoppin 
farm. This is to be used as follows : 50 acres to be 
planted with apple-trees, 10 acres with strawberries, 10 
acres of blackberries, and 10 acres of raspberries. The 
business is now conducted under the name of " the Niles 
Nurseries," by Wm. Sigerson & Co. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE H. JEROME* 

was born at Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1819. 
His parents, Ira and Irene (Cass) Jerome, were both of 
American birth and English extraction. The family tree 
spreads wide and high on Pompey Hill, which has now be- 
come classic ground, — an inland Pilgrim Rock, — to which 
statesmen, poets, and merchant-princes are proud to trace 
their genealogy. 

With sinews toughened in this bracing air and a mind 
inspired in the old academy, George went to Hamilton Col- 
lege, where he graduated in 1842. He then entered upon 




L^. H. J 



^/rymv^ 



the study of the law. July 9, 1846, he married Miss Char- 
lotte L. Dana, daughter of Eleazer Dana, of Owego, N. Y., 
and sister of the late Cyrus Dana, of Niles, an accomplished 
lady of a noted family, including among its members 
Charles A. Dana, of New York. Soon after his marriage, 
Mr. Jerome removed to Niles, in the State of Michigan, 
and entered upon the practice of his profession ; but he 
soon accepted a magisterial office, which he found more 
lucrative and pleasant than a practice at Berrien, the re- 
mote county-seat. As a magistrate he soon achieved the 
lasting friendship of his brethren of the bar, and the confi- 
dence and respect of all his fellow-citizens. 

In 1851 the growing greatness of Chicago attracted his 
attention, and he abandoned a profitable business and the 
most agreeable social relations and cast his fortunes in the 
whirl of that city. He remained in Chicago until 1856, 
engaging in real-estate operations with his proverbial suc- 
cess, when, through some accidental circumstances, he re- 



* The late Hon. Jerome B. Fitzgerald, a life-long acquaintance 
and friend of Mr. Jerome, contributed this biographical sketch for 
the recently-published volume entitled " Eminent Men of Michigan." 
As it is believed to convey a just estimate and appreciation of the 
subject of his sketch, it is here inserted without abbreviation or alter- 
ation in any particular. 



172 



HISTORY OF BBKRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



moved to the capital of Iowa, and became the proprietor 
and managing editor of the loma Oity Republican, which 
from the oldest then became the ablest political journal of 
the State. While in this commanding position Mr. Jerome 
was also for several years chairman of the Republican State 
Central Committee, and made himself felt in the affairs of 
the State, and in the policy of his party in the first years of 
the war. As an express recognition of his services in this 
behalf, at the personal instance of President Lincoln, he 
was appointed assessor of internal revenue for a district 
embracing twelve counties, a position which he tilled for 
four years in the most creditable manner, and then volun- 
tarily resigned in favor of a meritorious and disabled colonel 
of the Union army. At this period of his life, feeling a 
desire to withdraw from public employments and engage in 
rural pursuits, he recollected the enchanting valley of the 
St. Joseph, for which, although he had wandered so far, he 
still retained an affection. 

Returning to Niles he selected a home — " Sabine Farm" 
— in the southern suburb, overlooking the city and river 
and the magnificent highlands of the Pottawattamie reser- 
vation. Here, like a Roman patrician, he established his 
villa and tower, and, in great part with his own hands, 
embellished the surroundings with gardens, vineyards, cas- 
cades, and fountains. Reposing from his toils in the 
sljadow of his broad oaks and gorgeous maples, he studied 
philosophy and the arts, and entertained the friends who 
sought him with elegant hospitality. Few men have a 
more extensive personal acquaintance, and none a more 
attractive retinue of personal friends, embracing men of 
almost every political opinion and religious creed, for, 
although firm and positive in his own views and convic- 
tions, he is always considerate and tolerant of opposing 
opinions. Politically, he is a Democratic Republican. He 
was a delegate from Iowa to the National Republican Con- 
vention at Philadelphia in 1856, and has adhered to that 
party ever since. In religious association he seems inclined 
to the Congregational Church, possibly because his wife is 
a member of that body. It is quite probable that he does 
not attach much importance to sectarian distinctions, but 
rather regards honesty and uprightness of life as the essen- 
tial elements of Christianity. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and perhaps of some other civic societies. 
Mr. Jerome is eminently social in his habits and tastes ; 
always affable, animated, and cheerful, he infuses vitality 
wherever he goes. Expert in all games and pastimes, it is 
a positive pleasure to be the victim of his superior skill. 
Indomitable energy, ceaseless activity, and executive ability 
are his distinguishing qualities, adequate to every occasion. 
If by chance he is called upon to address the grangers at a 
county fair, he showers upon them wisdom and wit in glitter- 
ing profusion ; or when a centennial jubilee occurs, and he is 
pushed to the front, he astonishes the assembled thousands 
of his fellow-citizens with a sunburst of magnificent oratory. 

In 1873, Mr. Jerome was, as unexpectedly to his friends 
as to himself, appointed commissioner of State fisheries. 
He seemed reluctant, but his friends urged him to accept, 
not dreaming, however, that he had either knowledge or 
taste in the direction of its duties, but rather regarding the 
office as a sinecure and the commission as a compliment. 



Governor Bagley, however, in urging his acceptance, seems 
to have had a more serious purpose and a better under- 
standing of the fitness of the appointment, for it is as a fish- 
erman that Mr. Jerome is destined to go down to posterity. 
No matter what honors or distinctions he may hereafter 
achieve in other directions, his fate is fixed. The smell of 
the salmonidiB is on his garments. 

Once installed as superintendent of State fisheries, he 
entered upon his duties with his accustomed energy and 
zeal. Throwing aside the pruning-hook, he grasped the 
trident of our inland seas, where, like Neptune, " He 
climbed the chariot-seat and rode upon the waves. The 
whales came forth from their deep haunts and frolicked 
round his way ; they knew their king." 

Addressing himself sedulously to his task, he soon made 
himself not only master of the science of ichthyology but 
an expert in all the details of fish-culture. Abounding in 
fish of the choicest varieties in all her vast waters, Michi- 
gan had hitherto given no care to their culture or preserva- 
tion. The field was an open one, and success or failure 
depended upon him. He had great ends to accomplish 
with limited means. In glancing over his reports one is 
amazed at the magnitude of his labors and the economy of 
his expenditures. 

It is too soon to estimate the exact value of what he has 
accomplished, but it is undeniable that he has placed Michi- 
gan in the front rank of fish-growing States, and reared for 
himself a monument more enduring than brass, — a fame as 
a naturalist not to be forgotten as long as trout, white-fish, 
or grayling swim in the blue waters around the beautiful 
peninsula. 



JOSEPH C. LARIMORE. 

The parents of the subject of this biography were born 
in Central Pennsylvania, and resided for some years in 
Washington County, from whence, in 1802, they removed 
to Steubenville, Ohio. Here the father engaged in the 
sale of general merchandise for a time, but afterwards added 
to his business the manufacture of cotton goods. He also 
held the office of postmaster for about thirty years. In 
this village the son was born, and here he remained until 
early manhood. He attended the village school, and after- 
wards prosecuted the study of the languages, under the 
tuition of Rev. George Buchanan, and completed his studies 
at the academy in his native place. But it was under the 
careful eye of his father and in association with him that he 
acquired the strict business habits which have contributed 
to his success in life. He married a daughter of Judge 
James Wilson (for many years editor of the Western Herald^ 
an able and influential Whig paper), and in 1834, while 
yet but a young man, he removed to Niles, Mich., where 
he engaged in the sale of dry goods until 1838, when he 
disposed of the business and established the drugstore, 
which still continues, and which is recognized as one of the 
oldest and most reliable establishments in the State. In 
1860 he associated with him in the business Henry M. 
Dean (who for ten years had been in his employ as clerk), 
under the present firm-name of Larimore & Dean. 

In disposition Mr. Larimore is conservative rather than 



CITY OP NILES. 



173 



aggressive, but firm and decided in all his opinions. In 
politics he was a Whig until the rise of the Republican 
party, when he attached himself to it, sympathizing with 
that party in all its essential measures. He had no politi- 
cal a.spirations, but accepted the appointment of postmaster 
at Niles under Gen. Harrison, which office he held until 
after the election of President Polk. In religion he is by 



at Niles. In 1877 he was again re-elected treasurer, but 
at his earnest solicitation he was permitted to decline the 
office. In 1872 he aided to organize the First National 
Bank, and was its first vice-president, which office he re- 
signed soon after, to accept the presidency of the Citizens' 
National Bank, to which position he has been reelected 
every year since. In addition to his daily attention to the 




education and conviction a Presbyterian of the strictest 
stamp, and to this church he has ever given his aid and 
influence, while at the same time he has always been ready 
to extend the warm hand of sympathy and to fraternize 
heartily and sincerely with all sister denominations. For 
twenty-five years he has been a ruling elder and for nearly 
thirty years the treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church 



drug business and his duties as president of the bank, he is 
also an officer or director of the Niles Gas-Light Company, 
the Niles Manufacturing Company, the Niles Paper-Mill 
Company, the City and Village Insurance Company, etc. ; 
and he has ever been ready to extend aid and his hearty 
co-operation to any and all enterprises whose object is to 
advance the material interests of the city of his adoption. 



MAJOR L. A. DUNCAN 
was born in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Ind. His father 
was a native of Leesburg, Va., and his mother of Chilli- 
cothe, Ohio. When two years of age his father died, and 
he, with his mother, went to Charlestown, Clarke Co., Ind., 
to live with his grandfather, the late Judge James Scott. 
His grandfather and father being newspaper men and edi- 
tors, he, it may be said, grew up in the profession. 

In 1856 he removed West, stopping in Iowa City, Iowa. 
In 1858, in connection with G. H. Jerome, he assumed the 
editorship of the Iowa City Republican, and in 1861 was 
appointed, by the Governor of the State, one of the swamp- 
land commissioners to settle swamp-land claims of the State 
against the general government. 



While in Iowa he was instrumental in helping that vete- 
ran Abolitionist, John Brown, through the State to Harper's 
Ferry, though ignorant of his destination and full pur- 
pose. 

In 1862 he resigned his commi-ssionorship to enter the 
Union army. He was appointed adjutant of the 40th Iowa 
Infantry upon the formation of that regiment, and took 
part in the siege of Vicksburg and capture of Little Rock, 
Ark. ; in the battles of Prairie D'Ann (where, when on 
staff duty and leading the 50th Indiana Infantry into 
action, he had a horse shot under him), Jenkins' Ferry, 
Little Missouri River, and several minor engagements. 
He was commissioned major March 17, 1865, this being 
the highest vacancy occurring in his regiment during tha 



174 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



war. After the surrender of Lee he served some months 
in the Indian Territory, and was finally mustered out with 
his regiment at Fort Gibson, Aug. 15, 1865. Though he 
was three years in his country's service, he claims only an 
inconspicuous part in the war. 

In February, 1866, he came to Niles, and, in connection 
with E. C. Dana, bought two newspaper establishments, — 
the Niles Enquirer and the Berrien County Freeman, — 
which he consolidated under the njfme of the Niles Times. 
At the expiration of two years Mr. Dana retired, and the 
name of the paper was changed to the Niles Republican, 
since which time Maj. Duncan has been sole editor and 
proprietor. He claims to publish a good, clean, reliable, 
local paper, and his patrons and readers acknowledge the 
justness of this claim. 

In 1872 he was elected presidential elector for the 
Fourth Congressional District, and cast a personal vote for 
U. S. Grant and Henry Wilson. He served four years on 
the Republican State Central Committee, and was one of 
the board of visitors to the State normal school in 1879. 

Maj. Duncan, since the formation of the Republican 
party, has always been a warm supporter of that party and 
its principles. Prior to its organization he was a Whig, 
having been reared in that political faith. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP.* 

Location and Natural Features of the Township — Original Land-En- 
tries — Early Settlements and Settlers — Organization of the Town- 
ship — Early Elections and Census Statistics — Schools — Buchanan 
Village — Incorporation and List of Officers — Population — Manufac- 
turing Interests — Societies and Orders — Banking — Cemeteries — 
Religious History. 

This township is designated on the United States survey 
as town 7 south, range 18 west. It is a fractional township, 
and includes that portion of town 7 lying west of the St. 
Joseph River. It contains an area of 17,813 acres, and 
its eastern boundary is the St. Joseph River, that separates 
it from the township of Niles ; its southern boundary is the 
township of Bertrand ; its western the township of Weesaw ; 
and its northern the township of Oronoko. 

Buchanan contains but little level land, and its surface is 
generally undulating. The highest point is Moccasin 
Bluff, situated about two miles north of the village of 
Buchanan, on the river St. Joseph. The soil is clay loam, 
with an admixture of sand. It is very rich and productive, 
and particularly adapted to the growth of cereals. 

The towu.ship is watered by the St. Jo.seph River on the 
east, and its tributary, McCoy's Creek, that rises in Bertrand 
township, flows northeasterly through the village of Bu- 
chanan and empties into the St. Joseph. On the western 
part of the town.ship, the head-waters of Hickory Creek 
take their rise, and flow northerly into the St. Joseph. 
The north branch of Galien River takes its rise in one of 
the numerous lakes that abound in the township, among 
which are Clear and Round Lakes, on section 29 ; Yellow 

» By Austin N. Hungerford. 



Lake, section 30 ; Wagner Lake, section 19 ; Weaver Lake, 
section 20 ; Madron and Moon Lakes, section 9 ; Coveney's 
Lake, sections 5 and 8 ; Juday Lake, section 7 ; and others 
not named. 

The territory of the township of Buchanan was partly 
included in the tribal reservation on which the Pottawatta- 
mies lived during the later years of their residence in Ber- 
rien County. The banks of the St. Joseph, and the lands 
which extend thence southwestwardly through Buchanan 
and Bertrand townships, were their favorite resorts, and 
they clung to these lands with great tenacity, for here were 
their homes and the graves of their fathers. The forests 
were abundantly supplied with game, the lakes and rivers 
were well stocked with fish, and much frequented by wild 
fowl. Moccasin Blufi', situated a short distance below the 
village of Buchanan, is well known as the site of one of 
the Indian villages, and numerous burial-places along the 
river have been found. f 

The first cession of land that affected this part of Ber- 
rien County was that of Sept. 20, 1828, which embraced 
the lands lying west of St. Joseph River, except the reserva- 
tion which has already been mentioned. 

The greater part of Buchanan township is in the tract 
ceded in 1828, but the village is in the reservation. This 
was ceded in 1833. The best lands in the last cession were 
chosen by the commissioners as seminary land, and lay 
mostly along the sides of McCoy Creek to the village. The 
lands were largely settled upon by those who intended to 
purchase when they were made subject to entry, but the 
price of $20 per acre was placed upon them at first, and 
those who had taken claims were compelled to give them up. 
Later they were reduced in price to $12, and afterwards to 
$6. The other lands were taken at 10s. per acre, under the 
pre-emption act. 

The first land-oflice in Michigan was established at De- 
troit, and the first lands were offered for sale there in 1818. 
In 1822 the Detroit land district was divided, and a second 
office established at Monroe, at which latter office lands 
lying west of the principal meridian were entered until 
1831, when a land-office was established at White Pigeon 
for the sale of lands lying west of the meridian. In 1834 
this office was removed to Kalamazoo. 

The following were the original entries of land in Bu- 
chanan, viz. : 

Seclioii 2.— H. Highburgcr, J. Ingelright, T. J. Griffin. 

Section 3.— P. Poponol, Joseph P. Martin, A. Colvin, S. G. Shuert, 
J. Johnson, J. Ingelwright. 

Seclion 4.— W. Colvin, J. Ingelwright, T. J. P.a trick, J. Harris, A. Col- 
Tin, B. H. Piatt, R. Munger. 

Section 5. — James II. Roe, J. Coveney, J. Gordon, Isaac Broadway. 

Section 6. — Peter Watkins, J. Weaver, George Smith, J. Hickman, 
S. Garr, J. Coveney, A. Trocess. 

Section 7.— -R. Babcock, Jr., Godfried Boil, W. Smith, S. Weaver, Jo- 
seph Coveney, .T. Judd, D. and J. Weaver. 

Section S. — Charles Stone and J. Weaver, M. P. Irvin, J. and H. 
Weaver, H. Weaver, E. .ind W. M. Mason. 

Section 9. — M. P. Irvin, A. Irvin, Isaac Broadway, John B. Mitchell, 
Leonard Madson. 

f Moccasin and Mish-a-qua-ka villages were here when the first 
white settlers came, in 1833 and 1834. Moccasin village was below 
Moccasin Bluff, and Mish-a-qua-ka south of the village, on the farm of 
H. G. Sampson. 



TOWNSHIP OF BUCHANAN. 



175 



Hun- 



Section 10.— Weaver and Hunger, Manger, G. Cai 

ter, Hoffman and Bacon, J. Weaver, 6. Cain. 
Section 11.— J. Ingelwright, Stephen Thomas, S. Thomas and J. Ly- 

brook, Popenol, John Lybrook. 

Section 12. — S. Thomas, J. Lybrook, C. Sparks, William Justus. 
Section 13.— A. Price, W. Garmood, William Justus. Michael Wade, 

S. Babcock, J. Stephens, J. Noel. 
Section 14.— John Lybrook, Seth Sherwood, Jacob Ingelwright, J. 
Lollar, B. Chandler, C. Sparks, E. Brewster, W. Kelley, A. Bron- 
son, L. Cotua. 

Section 15.— J. Lollar, A. Irvin, S. Broadway, Ailwin. William 

Kelly, Sparks. 

Section 16. — School sectir:n. 

Section 17. — H. Weaver, D. Weaver, F. Weaver, E. and W. M. Mason, 

S. Redding. 
Section 18.— D. and J. Weaver, J. Juday. H. B. Hoffman, E. and W. 

M. Mason. 
Section 19.— E. and W. M. Mason, C. Bruyn, D. Dalrymple, J. Henry, 

B. Vaughn. W. Hardmnns, J. Jack, J. Vaughn. 
Section 20.— W. Wagner, S. Redding, D. Wagner, J. Juday, J. Hoover, 

N. Wilson, J. Webster and H. M. Connell. 
Section 21.— J. Weaver, Hoffman and Bacon, A. Gordon, H. Mitchell, 

A. Babcock, D. Dalrymple. 

Section 22. — Samuel Cooper, D. Weaver, J. Ingelwright, J. Weaver, 

Hooper and Ingelwright, R. and J. Martindalc, D. Rolfe, Stevens 

H, Hoffman. 

Section 23. — Arthur Bronson, David Rolfe, J. Jennings, John Hunter. 

Section 24. — B. Likin, D. Brown, W. Broadhunt, Ralph Camp, N. 

Cotton, J. Carberry, B. Chandler, R. Camp, W. Cotton. 
Section 25. — J. Stephens, William Broadhunt; remainder of section 

university lands. 
Section 26. — University land. 
Section 27.— N. Roe, J. R. Brown, T. W. R. Lister, S. Stevens, Daniel 

Roe, S. Weaver, L. Wilson. 
Section 28.— W. Betson, W. B. Allen, E. Lineback, L. Olds, An- 
gel, S. Rinehart. 

Section 29.— J. H. Phillips, Flanigan, J. W. Baldwin, W. D. 

Jones, J. Vaughn. 
Section 30.— Oliver Dalrymple, J. H. Ives, G. W. Gillett, J. A. Stokes, 
E. and W. M. Mason, J. Slater, James S. Tanner. 

Section 31.— J. Needham, William Hall, Egbert, H. Wilson, D. 

Whitlock, J. Vaughn, James S. Tanner. 
Section 32.— William Proud and McNeal, W. C. Fish, E. Egbert, 
James Fallow, H. Brown, J. Vaughn, D. Whitlock, C. Egbert, 
R. W. Landon, J. Ryan, — — Briant. 
Section 33.— J. Egbert, S. S. Russell, H. T. Bacon, A. Smith, J. P. 

Jones, B. Egbert, Mclntire, J. Martindale. 

Section 34.— J. Martindale, Jr., R. Martindale, D. R. Piatt, H. Ben- 
nett, R. Babcock. 
Section 35.— C. Cowles, A. C. Day, C. Smith, S. M. Blake, G. A. De- 

mont. 
Section 36.— D. Sanford, A. Jordan, W. Smith, A. C. Day, 0. Nichols. 

The first person to locate land where the village of Bu- 
chanan now is, and probably the first in the township, was 
Charles Cowles, a native of Vermont, who came to Niles 
in 1832, and in June, 1833, came to this place alone, located 
his claim, cleared a piece of land, built a cabin, and made 
his home here. He was a single man, and hired Leonard 
Madron and his family to take charge of his cabin. In the 
spring of 1834, John Hatfield, from Wayne Co., Ind., with 
his family, came in and located a claim of 80 acres adjoining 
Mr. Cowles'. These two claims were in the southwest 
quarter of section 25. Charles Cowles built a shingle-mill 
on the creek where afterwards was the little grist-mill owned 
by Mr. Wallin, and where Pears' mill now stands, a little 
way up from the mouth of the creek. Hatfield, with a Mr. 
Atkins, built a saw-mill a little later on McCoy Creek, 
where stands the factory now known as " Fort Sumter." 
Mr. Cowles is still living here. Mr. Hatfield was inter- 
ested in the church of the United Brethren and one of the 



constituent members, and afterwards moved to Minnesota. 
Mr. Cowles and Mr. Hatfield sold their claims to Dr. C. C. 
Wallin in 1835. 

Russell McCoy emigrated from Virginia to Pokagon 
Prairie, and boated on the river in the summer season, and 
in winter worked for the Indians. He was at Niles a short 
time, and in the summer of 1833 came to the mouth of 
McCoy Creek, where he cleared a small place, located a 
claim, and returned to Niles. In the spring of 1834, in 
company with Hiram Wray, he built a log cabin. The 
Indians at first did not like it, and tore down the cabin, but 
soon after became satisfied. The cabin was finished, and in 
the fall the family of Hiram Wray moved into it. The next 
year they built a saw-mill at the mouth of the creek. Mr. 
McCoy married, in 1835, Miss Fanny Kingery, of Pokagon 
Prairie, who died in 1837, leaving one son, James I. McCoy, 
who is living West. Soon after her death he sold out, and 
with his father's family (who lived east of Niles) moved to 
Missouri, but did not like the country and soon returned. 
In 1839 he married Esther, daughter of John Weaver. 
They settled between Niles and Pokagon on a farm, and 
lived there a year and a half, when Mrs. McCoy's father, 
John Weaver, having bought a quarter of the school sec- 
tion, they moved upon the farm and remained there four- 
teen years. He then sold the farm, and kept store in 
Buchanan. About 1856, in company with David Weaver 
and his brother, William McCoy, he bought 200 acres on 
the bank of Clear Lake, and built a steam saw-mill. After 
about one year and a half he sold out his interest and bought 
the hotel in Buchanan, which he kept but a short time, 
and moved to Charlottesville. He afterwards returned, and 
lived in Buchanan until his death, which occurred in De- 
cember, 1873. His widow, Mrs. McCoy, still lives in the 
village. 

Andrew C. Day was born in Norwich, Conn., Jan. 11, 
1805 ; he went with his parents when young to Delaware Co., 
N. Y., where he remained until thirty-two years of age. 
He owned a grist-mill in that county, and also learned the 
trade of gang-sawyer, and shipped lumber in large quanti- 
ties to Philadelphia. When nineteen years of age he had 
charge of a mill employing 40 men. He emigrated to this 
township in 1836, and bought the claim of Leonard Mad- 
ron, it being the place where he still lives. Here he worked 
on the saw-mill for a time, and in 1839, in connection with 
John Hamilton, erected a grist-mill about five rods below 
the present mill of Pears & Rough. This mill had two 
run of stones. After three or four years he sold to John 
Hamilton, and became interested in the dry goods and gro- 
cery business in the village. He was engaged for about a 
year with the engineering corps on the preliminary survey 
of the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1875 he was inter- 
ested in the manufiicture of wagons, in the manufactory 
now conducted by the Rough Brothers. He is now en- 
gaged in farming, and owns a valuable farm east of the vil- 
lage. He still lives, with his wife, on the land they first 
settled, when the country was almost a wilderness. 

John Hamilton, a millwright by trade, came from Vir- 
ginia to Michigan, and worked a year or two in a mill on 
the Dowagiac Creek, near Niles. He came to Buchanan 
in 1839, and with iMr. A. C. Day built the grist-mill. He 



176 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



laid out the first village plat, which was recorded in 1842. 
He lived here until his death. 

Edward Ballengee, although not as early a settler in the 
township as some, has heen identified with the earlie.st 
movements of several of the townships. He emigrated from 
Virginia to this county in 1833, and located at Berrien 
Springs when but two houses were there. He erected a 
dwelling-house and store together, his being the third 
dwelling there. He moved his stock of goods from 
Crawfordsville, Ind., in April, and his family came in June. 
He was very instrumental in getting the court-house located 
at that place, and was elected supervisor two terms. In the 
fall of 1843 he moved to Buchanan, and was elected super- 
visor, and justice of the peace in 1844. In 1845 he lived 
in Lake township, where he was foremost in getting that 
town set oflF, and was its first supervisor. In 1850 he re- 
moved to New Buffalo, and was general purchasing agent 
of the Michigan Central Railroad. He went to California 
in 1853, remained until 1865, and was justice of the peace 
two terms in Todd's Valley, Placer Co., Cal. In January, 
1866, he settled in Buchanan, where he still resides, and 
has been justice from that time to the present, except in 
1878. 

L. P. Alexander came from Belfast, Allegany Co., N. Y., 
with Price Cooper and his family. The latter settled 
on section 35, where F. F. Clarke now lives. Mr. Alex- 
ander afterwards married his daughter. They reached here 
Oct. 16, 1841, and Mr. Alexander worked at his trade, 
which was that of a carpenter and joiner, until 1849, when 
he engaged in the boot and shoe business, and soon after in 
merchandising. In 1846 he was elected constable and 
treasurer, and held the position till 1851. In that year he 
was elected supervisor, and was re-elected in 1852. He 
served again from 1861 to 1866, and from 1871 to 1878. 
In 1860 he was elected a member of the Legislature, a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention in 1867, and of the 
Senate in 1870. He was postmaster from 1863 to 1866. 
He was again appointed in 1877, and still holds the posi- 
tion. 

John D. Ross emigrated from Indiana to Niles in the 
spring of 1834, where he worked a short time and went to 
Valparaiso, and in 1847 came to Buchanan. He purchased 
five acres on the south side of Front Street for $9000. The 
north side of Front Street was the village plat. The Day 

& Hamilton mill, a distillery run by Hilton, and the 

dwelling-house now owned by Mr. Terriere wore the only 
buildings south of Front Street, and they were on five acres 
purchased by Mr. Ross. He opened a store in a building 
that stood where Roe's block now stands. In 1864 the 
banking business was commenced by Ross & Fulton, and 
Mr. Ross still continues in the business. 

Garrett Morris emigrated from Ohio with his parents to 
Terre Coupee Prairie in 1833, but returned to Ohio. In 
1837 he went to New Carlisle, Ind., and opened a grocery 
business, and in 1840 was appointed postmaster. Schuyler 
Colfax, then a lad of seventeen years, was deputy under 
him for three years, and at that time Colfax was in the 
habit of noting down, in an ordinary brown-paper journal, 
the doings of Congress, — storing up facts that were of bene- 
fit to him in after years. 



In the spring of 1844, Mr. Morris moved to Buchanan, 
and in 1846 built on Main Street the first hotel in the vil- 
lage. He also conducted a store where the bank building 
now stands. About 1856 he sold the hotel to Russell Mc- 
Coy. He sold the store in 1859 to John C. Button, but 
afterwards repurchased it. He afterwards became agent 
for Call, Lockwood & Co., book publishers, of Hartford, 
Conn. He still lives in Buchanan. 

David Sanford settled, in 1836, on a small farm near the 
village of Buchanan, and died in a few years after coming 
in. His brothers, Philo and Levi, lived in Bertrand. 

Watson Roe came from Henry Co., Ind., about 1836, 
and settled on what is known as the David Gitchell farm, 
in the township of Bertrand, in section 18. He did not 
purchase, but a little later came to Buchanan and purchased 
160 acres in section 27, now owned by A. Broceus. He 
removed to Iowa in 1852. His brother, Eli Roe, came to 
Portage Prairie at the same time, and in 1856 removed to 
the village of Buchanan. His son, Dr. J. M. Roe, re- 
moved to this village in 1851, commenced practice, and is 
still living there. J. H. Roe, E. J. Roe, and J. J. Roe, 
sons, are all living in Buchanan. 

T. J. Hunter came with his father and family in 1831, 
and located on the east bank of St. Joseph River, in Niles 
township, where Mr. Batchelor now owns. Thomas J. 
came to the west side of the river in 1835, and bought 
120 acres on section 10, where Joseph Fuller now lives. 
He was active in the formation of the Methodist Church. 
He lived on the farm until 1876, when he moved into the 
village, and still resides there. 

John Weaver emigrated from Ohio, in 1829, to a place 
about two and a half miles above Bertrand township, on 
the St. Joseph River; and in 1837 he located a claim of 
160 acres, where, his son Samuel now lives, on section 28. 
Jacob Weaver, a son, owns land on sections 7, 8, 17, and 
18. Esther, a daughter, married Russell McCoy, who 
lived for many years in Buchanan. Fanny married Charles 
Clark, of Indiana. Elizabeth married Andrew Inglewright, 
who settled in 1835 or 1836 on section 7. Polly married 
John Juday. David Weaver, another .son, lives in Day- 
ton, Bertrand town.ship. 

Joseph Coveny, a native of Ireland, emigrated to this 
country, and in 1836 located 40 acres, where he now lives, 
on section 5. He now has 600 acres. Of thirteen chil- 
dren, ten are living, — four are on the farm, two are settled 
near. John Gordon came from Portage in 1835, and set- 
tled on the same section. Absalom Colvin and his brother 
Wilkinson came from Ohio in 1838, and located on sections 
3 and 4, where his son George now lives. He was justice 
of the peace, and went to California in 1852, and died 
there. John Inglewright settled near St. Joseph River, 
on section 2. He manufactured wooden bowls and sold 
them through the country. His son Andrew lives south 
of James Coveny. 

Godfrey Boil, in 1834 or 1835, settled on section 6, 
where his descendants still reside. 

John Juday, a tanner by trade, came from Portage in 
1834 or 1835, settled on sections 7 and 18, and married 
Polly, daughter of John Weaver. David and Jacob Weaver, 
sons of John Weaver, came to this part of the town. Jacob 



TOWNSHIP OF BUCHANAN. 



177 



still lives here. David lives in Dayton. Charles JIc- 
Cracken emii^rated in 1837 from Pennsylvania, and located 
IGO acres on section 5, where he still lives. In 1S:>5, Amos 
Irwin took up 160 acres on section Hi, where Alvan Tom- 
linson now lives In 1854 he moved to Dayton, Ohio. 

Jacob Dragoo emigrated from Virginia in 1834, and 
bought a claim of Robert Martindale. He lived here about 
three years when his wife died, and he soon followed. Uel 
Dragoo, a son, emigrated in 18li5, wiiii his wife and son, 

and bought a claim of 80 acres, adjoining his father, of 

Blake. He lived there two years, when, upon the death of 
his father, he with his brothers and sisters returned to Vir- 
ginia. The lands they had located having been selected as 
seminary lands, $20 per acre was the price settled upon, and 
they gave them up. After about two years, or in 1840, 
John F., Peter, and Michael returned to Buchamin. John 
F. settled near Wagner's saw-mill, and in two or three years 
bought on Moccasin Flat on the river, and was boating for 
several years. Michael went to California. Uel came back 
from Virginia in 1844, and bought 47 acres on Moccasin 
Flat of a Frenchman by the name of Louis Cotoway, who 
married an Indian woman, and had lived there many years. 
In 18r!5, Uel went to California, but .soon rcturtied, and is 
now living in the village of Buclianan. 

Hiram Weese emigrated from Ohio to Indiana, and in 
1837 to Niles township, on the east bank of St. Joseph 
lliver, opposite the village of Buchanan, with his wife and 
three children, and in 1840 crossed the river, bought two 
acres of land of Jacob D. Dutton, and built a log house 
and blacksmith-shop where Thomas Long lives. Here ho 
opened the first blacksmith-shop in this section. He after- 
wards built the log house in which school was kept two 
terms in 1841 and 1842 by Angelina Bird. Mr. Weese 
was justice of the peace and postmaster in an early day, and 
is still living here. At that time Jacob Dutton lived under 
the hill at a place near the little mill of Rough & Pears. 
Robert Cathcart lived on the farm where Edward Smith 
now lives; John Hamilton, where John D. Ross resides; A. 
C. Day, where he still lives; Charles Cowlos, where Horace 
Black resides ; John Hatfield, cast of Mr. Day. Dr. C. C. 
Wallin lived near Dutton, but soon afterwards moved to 
Terra Coup6e Prairie, where he practiced medicine. 

Darius Jennings emigrated from the State of New York 
and lived for a time at St. Joseph, during which time he 
was boating on the river. He was a captain of the " Blish- 
awaka" at a later date. In 1835 he located on section 20, 
now owned by Hannah Montague, it being at the foot of 
Moccasin Bluff. He was well educated, was the first town- 
ship clerk, and filled other positions of importance. He 
afterwards removed to Illinois and died there. Seth Sher- 
wood was the first settler on the flats. His son Aloiizo is 
living in Weesaw, and was an early .settler in that township. 
Sebastian Overacker in 1834 settled up the McCoy Creek, 
near what became known as the Martindale settlement, oti 
section 34. He afterwards removed to Bertrand. William 
Mclntyre settled in 1835 on section 33, now owned by S. 
Allen. 

Enos Holmes in 1830 emigrated from Attica, N. Y., 
purchased 135 acres, part of it in the township of Buchanan, 
but the greater part being that part of section 4 in Bertrand 
23 



that was ceded in 1828. He went back to New York State 
and lived there ten years, but in 1840 returned and lived 
here till his death. May 23, 1800. He has three sons 

living Eli, on the homestead, John G., editor of the 

Berrien C"uiiti/ Uncord at Buchanan, and Daniel, who 
lives on section 30, in Weesaw. 

OIKiANl/ATION OF TOWNSIIII'. 
The town derived its name from James Buchanan. At 
the time of its organization there were about 27 families in 
its territory. The act by which it was erected (approved 
March 11, 1837) provided that "all that portion of the 
county of Berrien, being so much of township seven .south, 
of range eighteen west, as lies west of the St. Jo.soph River, 
be, and the same is hereby, set off and organized into a 
separate town.ship, by the name of Buchanan, and the first 
township-meeting shall bo held at the house of 0. C. Wal- 
lin in said township." 

In accordance with this act the first meeting was held at 
the house of Charles C. Wallin, near the mouth of McCoy's 
Creek, on the 3d of April, 1837. C. C. Wallin was cho.sen 
moderator of the meeting, and Darius Jennings clerk. Fif- 
teen votes were cast, and the following officers were declared 
elected: Supervisor, Charles C. Wallin; Township Clerk, 
Darius E. Jennings ; Assessors, S. S. Sherwood, John Hat- 
field, and D.E.Jennings; Highway Commissioners, Charles 
Cowles, Ab.salom Colvin, William Wagner ; Constable, A. 
C. Day ; Collector, A. C. Day ; Justices, Win. Wagiu;r, A. 
Colvin, D. E Jennings, Charles Cowles. 

EARLY ELECTIONS. 

The second election was a special election for members 
of Congress. It was held at the house of John Weaver, 
Aug. 21 and 22, 1837. Twenty-seven votes wore cast, 25 
for Hezekiah G. Wells and 2 for Isaac E. Crary. 

The third election was held Nov. Gth and 7th, and was a 
general election lor Governor, State senators and representa- 
tive, judge of probate, and register of deeds. At the 
election 31 votes were cast, of which Charles C. Trowbridge 
received, for Governor, 24, and Stevens T. Mason 7. 

The first Presidential election after the organization of 
the town was hold Nov. 2 and 3, 1840. Sixty-one votes 
were east; 31 were cast for the Democratic electors and 30 
for the Whig electors, this being the exciting campaign of 
" Tippecanoe and Tyler, too." Every voter was undoubtedly 
out, and from 15 votes the number had increased fourfold. 
At the Presidential election in 1844 it had increased to 

124; in 1848, ; in 1852, 215; in 1856, 260; in 

1800,340; in 1804,410; in 1870, 520; in 1874,483; 
in 1870, 739. 

The first census taken in the township was in 1840, when 
the populati(m was 204; in 1845, 630; in 1854, 1282; 
in 1800, 1728; in 1804, 1974; in 1870, 2973; in 1874, 
2880. 

The report of the last census (1874) showed 15,613 
acres in farms, 179 farm-houses, 2321 acres of wheat grow- 
ing, and 444 acres devoted to orchards. The same census 
shows the following crops raised in 1873: 28,481 bushels 
of wheat, 44,999 bushels of corn, 12,707 bushels of all 



178 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



other grain, 6896 bushels of apples, 1040 bushels of peaches, 
300 bushels of pears. 

The valuation of the township by the first assessment 
(1837) was : real estate, $45,000 ; personal estate, $1:^77 ; 
total, S46,377. Valuation of real estate, 1876, $461,730 ; . 
personal estate, $92,795 ; total, $554,525. Increase in 
thirty-nine years, $508,148. 

The following-named citizens of Buchanan have repre- 
sented their districts in the Senate and House of Represen- 
tatives : Senate, L. P. Alexander, 1870; Levi Sparks, 
1873; Francis H. Berrick, 1875. House of Representa- 
tives, John Grove, 1845-46; John D. Ross, 1854; L. P. 
Alexander, I860; E. M. Plimpton, 1866. 

Member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867, L. P. 
Alexander. 

Below is given a list of persons who have held the offices 
of supervisor, clerk, and justice of the peace in Buchanan, 
from the organization of the town to the present year: 

SUPERVISORS. 
1S37, Charles C. Wallin ; 18;!S-40, Darius Jennings; 1841, Henry 
Vanderhoff; 1842, John Judaj ; 1843, Darius Jennings; 1844, 
Edward Ballengee; 1845-46, John Juday ; 1847, George A. De- 
mont; 1848-51, John Juday ; 1852, Wm. S. Merrill ; 1853, L. P. 
Alexander; 1854, Wm. S. Merrill; 1855, Darius Jennings; 1856, 
John Xewton; 1857-58, L. P. Alexander; 1859-61, Charles 
Clark; 1862, John Newton; 1863, George F. Hemingway; 1864 
-72, Amos H. Clark; 1873, Lorenzo P. Alexander; 1874, Na- 
thaniel B. Collins; 1875-77, L. P. Alexander; 1878, Leander P. 
Fox; 1879, Benjamin F. Fish. 

TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 
1837, Darius Jennings; 1838-40, Aaron Chapman; 1841-43, John 
Martindale, Jr. ; 1844, David Sanford ; 1845, J. H. Service ; 1846, 
G. W.Reynolds; 1847-48, John Grove; 1849-53, Hiram Weese; 
1854-56, Nathaniel B. Collins; 1857-58, Zalmon Lyon; 1859, 
Hiram Weese; 1860-62, Wm. S. Merrill; 1863, Daniel M. K. 
Wilson; 1864, Wm. S. Merrill; 1865-67, Norris H. Merrill; 

1868, Enoch A.Ross; 1869-72, David E. Hinmnn; 1873, Wm. 
H. Epiey; 1874, L. P. Alexander; 1875-77, Willie E. Plimpton; 
1878, Levi Sparks; 1879, Albert A. Worthington. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1837, John Juday, Rohert Cathcart were elected; 1838, Robert Cath- 
cart, Robert Martindale; 1S39, Absalom Colvin, Hezekiah 
Mitchell; 1840, Darius Jennings, John Gordon; 1841, John Mar- 
tindale; 1842, Hiram Weese, John F. Dragoo, John Juday ; 1843, 
Edward Ballengee, Absalom Calvin; 1844, Watson Roe; 1845, 
David Fish; 1846, Hiram Weese ; 1847, Absalom Colvin; 1848, 
David AVagner; 1849, John F. Dragoo; 1850, Hiram Weese; 
1851, Darius E. Jennings; 1852, Nathaniel B. Collins; 1855, 
Amos Clark; 1856, Nathaniel B. Collins, Hiram Weese; 1858, 
Jacob Henry; 1859, Amos H. Clark; 1860, Wm. S. Merrill; 
1861, John Newton; 1862, Peaehy Wray ; 1803, Alonzo Sher- 
wood, Enoch A.Ross; 1866, Edward Ballengee, John T Beck- 
with; 1867, Enoch A. Ross; 1868, Wm. S. Merrill, David Fisk ; 

1869, David Fisk, Jacob E. Miller; 1870, Edward Ballengee, 
Levi W. Spaulding; 1871, David E. Hinman, Levi W. Spaul- 
ding; 1872, Levi W. Spaulding; 1873, Nathaniel B. Collins, 
Lorenzo P. Alexander; 1874, Edward Ballengee; 1875, L. P. 
Alexander, John T. Beckwith; 1876, Levi W. Spaulding; 1877, 
J. T. Beokwith ; 1878, John W. R. Lister, Henry Bradley ; 1879, 
John C. Dick, Edward Ballengee. 

SCHOOLS. 
School District No. 1 in the township was organized 
May 12, 1838, and comprised sections 33, 34, 35, 36, 25, 
26, 27, and 28, being four miles long and two wide. The 
first school inspectors were Aram Chapman and John 
Martindale. 



The first school-house was built of logs, and stood on 
the east side of section 25, on the west bank of McCoy 
Creek. It was burned in 1841. Another was built in its 
place. Angelina Bird was the first teacher in the town- 
ship. She taught in a log house that had been used by 
Mr. Wallin, near the mouth of McCoy Creek. After the 
log house was built in the village she taught there. Jane 
Porter also taught in this house. Eggleston Smith was 
the first to teach in the frame house built in 1843, and 
was succeeded by Theron Bordan, Charles Comstock, W. S. 
Merrill, and others. In 1843 a frame school-hou.se 20 by 
40 was erected on lot No. 23, in the John Hamilton plat, 
at a cost of $170. The district at that time contained 
50 children of school age. 

In 1854 the district reorganized, under the law, into a 
union school district, and erected a two-story brick edifice, 
30 by 40 feet in size, at a cost of about $4800. At this time 
there were in the district 160 children enrolled. In 1871, 
the number of children having increased to 570, between 
the ages of five and twenty years, it was deemed advisable 
to erect a new school building, and the present edifice was 
erected, 78 by 80 feet on the ground and three stories 
high above the basement, containing eight recitation-rooms 
and one lecture-room, and furnished throughout with mod- 
ern furniture. It is located on the south side of Chicago 
Street, on a square containing seven acres, in the southwest 
part of the village. The lot was purcha.sed of N. B. Col- 
lins for $3500, and the building was erected at a cost of 
$36,500, including the furniture and fixtures. 

In 1869, $5000 was raised by tux; in 1870, $2000 ; and 
in 1871 bonds were issued to the amount of $32,000. The 
indebtedness is at present $22,000. 

The report of the director of the district (L. P. Alex- 
ander) for the year 1878 gives the number of children in 
the district between the ages of five and twenty years as 
620 ; school attendance, 360 ; 1 male teacher, 7 female ; 
amount paid teachers, $2845. Receipts for the year : on 
hand, Sept. 1, 1877, $1965.66; 2-mill tax, $601.04; pri- 
mary-school fund, $322 ; tuition of non-resident scholars, 
$39.30 ; district tax, $6207.80. Expenditures: on bonded 
indebtedn&ss, $4662.79; other purposes, $1280.47. 

The records of the union school district for the years 
prior to 1870 are lost. From that year to the present 
time, the list of trustees of the district is as follows : 

1870.— William Osborne, Charles Clark, William Pears, George H. 

Richards, John D. Ross, and William S. Merrill. 
1871.— William Osborne, Charles Clark, William Pears, John D. Ross, 

George H. Richards, and W. W. Wells. 
1872.— William Osborne, George H. Richards, Seth Smith, William 

Pears, John D. Boss, W. W. Wells. 
1873.— Alfred Richards, W. W. Wells, J. J. Van Riper, George H. 

Richards, Seth Smith, William Pears. 
1S71.— Alfred Richards, W. W. Wells, J. J. Van Riper, William Pears, 

J. M. Roe, S. Smith. 
1875.— Alfred Richards, W. W. Wells, J. J. Van Riper, L. P. Fox, 

L. P. Alexander, J. M. Roe. 
1876.- F. H. Berrick, E. M. Plimpton, J. M. Roe, L. P. Alexander, 

L. P. Fox, William Pears. 
1877.— L. P. Alexander, L. P. Fox, F. H. Berrick, E. M. Plimpton, 

J. M. Roe, William Pears. 
1878.— L. P. Alexander, L. P. Fox, J. M. Roe, William Pears, F. H. 

Berrick, E. M. Plimpton. 
1879.— E. M. Plimpton, J. J. Van Riper, L. P. Alexander, L. P. Fox, 

J. M. Roc, W^illiam Pears. 



TOWNSHIP OF BUCHANAN. 



179 



School District No. 2, known as Slierwood District, was 
organized May 12, 1839, to comprise sections 22, 23, 14, 
15, 16, 11, 12, and 13, and the south half of sections 9 and 
10, being nearly three miles square. The first school-house 
in this district was built in 1839. The children in the dis- 
trict at that time between four and eighteen years of age 
were 9 in number. In 1875 there were 50 children from 
five to twenty years of age. A frame school-house was 
erected, at a cost of §100 ; wages of teacher.^, $158 ; total 
expenditure, $204.47. 

William Kelly, director of District No. 2, makes the 
following report for 1878: number of children of school 
age, 48 ; number of children attending school during the 
year, 58; non-resident pupils, 11 ; one frame school-house, 
value, $1000; teachers employed, 2; amount paid teachers, 
$274; total expenditure for the year, $336.51 ; no indebt- 
edness. 

School District No. 3, known as Marshall District, was 
organized April 6, 1839, and formed principally from Dis- 
tricts Nos. 1 and 2. It had at that time 13 children be- 
tween four and eighteen years of age. In 1873 a brick 
school-house was erected, at a cost of $1800. 

R. Morgan, director of District No. 3, reports for 1878: 
55 children of school age, 48 attending school ; 1 brick 
school-house, capacity 60 sittings, value $1800 ; 2 teachers 
employed ; amount paid teachers, $184 ; received of primary- 
school fund, $27 ; total expenditures, $268.86. No indebted- 
ness. 

School District No. 4, known as Coveney District, was 
organized March 1, 1845, to comprise sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 
9, and the northwest quarter of section 18. The first 
school house was built of logs, and was erected in the year 
of the organization of the district. It then had 14 children 
enrolled. The present frame building was erected in 1868, 
at a cost of $1200. 

L. W. Spaulding, director of District No. 3, makes the 
following report for 1878 : 46 children enrolled, 40 attend- 
ing school ; 1 frame school-house, with capacity of 50 sit- 
tings, value $1000; 2 teachers employed; amount paid, 
$155; primary-school fund received, $25.50 ; total expen- 
ditures, $278.07. No indebtedness. 

School District No. 5, known as Wagner District, was 
organized March 1, 1845, and had at that date within its 
territory 16 children of school age enrolled. The first 
building was frame and built in the same year. The pres- 
ent house was built in 1864, at a cost of $1200. 

E. A. Beckwith, director of District No. 5, reports for 
1878 as follows : 90 children enrolled, and 62 attending 
school; 1 frame school-house, capacity of 100 sittings, 
value $800 ; 2 teachers employed ; amount paid teachers, 
$228.75 ; received from primary-school fund, $44.50 ; total 
expenditures, $440.04. 

School District No. 6, known as Inglewright District, 
was organized July 15, 1848, and contained at that time 
17 school-children; a frame school-house was erected that 
year. In 1876 a brick edifice was erected at a cost of 
$1000. 

Frank Bolton, director for this district, reports for 1878: 
38 children enrolled, 30 of whom attend school ; 1 brick 
school-house, with a capacity of 50 sittings, value $1000; 



2 teachers employed ; amount paid teachers, $118 ; primary- 
school fund received, $19.00; total expenditures, $245.18. 
Indebtedne.ss, $500. 

School District No. 7, known as Kelsey District, was 
organized in 1875. A brick school-hou.se was erected in 
the same year, at a cost of $900 ; 35 school-children of 
school age were enrolled. 

In 1878, Erastus Kelsey, director for this district, re- 
ported 40 children enrolled, of whom 31 attended school; 
1 brick school-house, with 52 sittings, value, $1000; 2 
teachers employed ; amount paid them, $80 ; received pri- 
mary-school fund, $19; total expenditures, $809.07. No 
indebtedness. 

Besides the districts above mentioned there are throe 
fractional school districts in Buchanan, with houses in other 
towns. 

The first primary-school money drawn from the State 
funds for this township was in June, 1839, and amounted 
to $32.64. At that time there were three school districts, 
and the apportionment of money was as follows : District 
No. 1, $18.56; District No. 2, $5.76; District No. 3, 
$8.32, — being divided on a basis of 64 cents to each 
scholar. 

The office of school inspector in the township of Bu- 
chanan has been held, since 1837, by the following-named 
persons, viz. : 

1838, A'ram Chapman, John Martindale; 1S39, Robert Cathcart, John 
Martindale; 1840, Darius E. Jennings, Robert Cuthcart, Charles 
C. Wallin ; 1841, John Martindale, Darius Jennings, Hiram Ben- 
nelt; 1842, John Martindale, Robert O.ithcart, Hiram Bennett; 
1S4;S, Aionzo Bennett, A. B. Staples; 1844, John Grove, John 
Martindale, Jr.; 1845, John Martindale, Jr.; 1846, John Grove, 
William C. Harrison; 1847, John Grove, John Martindale; 1S48, 
Daniel B. Mide; 1849, William S. Merrill; 1850, Andrew Foster; 
1.S51, 1853-54, William S. Merrill; 1855, John M. Roe, William 
B. Perrott; 1856, David Fisk, John Newton; 1857, John Newton, 
J. M. Roe; 1858, William M. Roe; 1859, Hezekiah J. Homo: 
1860, William M. Roe; 1861, Elisha B. Sherwood; 1862, William 
M. Roe; 1863, Stephen P. Bassett; 1866, William M. Roe, Emory 
M. Plimpton; 1867, Emory M. Plimpton, David Fisk; 1868, 
David Fisk; 1869, William M. Roe; 1870, Charles II. Parketon ; 
1871, John M. Roe, John Graham; 1872, Emory M. Plimpton; 
1873, John M. Roe; 1874-77, Emory M. Plimpton; 1S78, John 
M. Roe; 1879, George II. Richards. 

The office of superintendent of schools was created in 
1876. The first superintendent was Robert H. Rogers, 
elected in 1876, and again in 1877. His successors were 
Nathan Johnson, in 1878, and Herbert C. Smith, in 1879. 

VILLAGE OF BUCHANAN. 

In the original plat of the township sections 25 and 26 
were reserved for university lands, and were not in the 
market until about 1834. 

Charles Cowles and John Hatfield had settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 25, and in 1834 they sold 
their claims to Dr. C. C. Walliu. In 1842, John Hamil- 
ton pro-emiited the southwest quarter of the same section. 
John Hamilton, Wm. Murphy, David Ralph, Joseph Mc- 
Knight, and Ira Mansfield purchased the southeast quarter 
of section 26. David Sanford purchased the northwest 
quarter of section 30, and Andrew C. Day the northeast 
quarter of section 35. 

On these four quarter-sections and in the valley of Mc- 



180 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Coy's Creek the village is built. The creek that passes 
through it was named from Rev. Isaac MeCoy, of the Carey 
Mission, who, before the permanent settlement of the whites, 
preached to the Indians on a bluff near here, and for whom 
they built a wigwam. An Indian village was located in the 
east part of the present village, and on the small creek that 
passes through section 36. This village was called Mis-a- 
qua-kec, and contained about 25 families. 

The village plat, bearing date July 21, 1812, was laid 
out by John Hamilton, and contained about 10 acres. The 
additions that have been made to its limits are as follows : first 
addition, A. B. Staples, in 1844; second addition, Joseph De- 
ment, in 1845; third addition, , in 1852; fourth 

addition, Andrew C. Day, in 1857 ; fifth addition, Ross and 
Alexander, in 18(j4; sixth addition, J. D. Ross, in 18G5; 
seventh addition, A. B. Clark, in 1865 ; eighth addition, 
Nathaniel B. Collins, in 1868; ninth addition, Mrs. Wm. 
Bainton, in 1868; tenth addition, Lewis Bryant, in 1868. 

The village now has the St. Joseph River for its north- 
ern boundary, and the property of the Michigan Central 
Railroad for its southern. 

At the time the village was laid out John Hamilton 
owned and operated a flour-mill on the stream. His dwell- 
ing was whea-e John D. Ross' residence now is. Andrew C. 
Day lived where he still resides. A store on the site of 
Ross block was occupied by Stanley & Staples. 

The village of Buchanan was incorporated in 1858, and 
the first charter election was held March 3d, in that year. 
The officers elected were James M. Matthews, President ; 
Wm. Rook, C. J. Ingersoll, Dr. J. M. Roe, Alfred Richard, 
Michael Hess, and Daniel Totten, Trustees; George W. 
Begole and John W. R. Lister, Assessors ; B. R. Blanchard, 
Treasurer ; N. B. Collins, Clerk. 

The officers of the village of Buchanan from its incor- 
poration to 1879 have been as follows : 

PRESIDENTS. 
1858, .Tames M.Matthews; 18.59, John D. Ross; IS60, Daniel Per- 
rine; 1861-6.3, John D. Ross; 1864-65, N. B. Collins; 1866, John 
D.Ross; 1867-71, Charles Clark; 1872, William Pears; 1873-76, 
Charles S. Black ; 1877, William Pears; 1878, Francis H. Ber- 
rick; 187!), John D. Ross. 

TEE.1SUREKS. 

1868, B. R. Blanchard; 1859, Nathaniel Hamilton; 1860, George W. 
Begole; 1861, D. E. Terriere; 1862, Garrett Morris; 1864, J. JL 
Roe; 1865, Homer N. Hathaway; 1866, Sanford Smith; 1867, 
L. P. Fox; 1S6S, S. Miller; 1870, L. P. Fox; 1871, S. L. Estcs; 
1872, Willis Rise; 1873-75, Orange W. Rose; 1876, Samuel 
Miller; 1877, A. F. Ross; 1878, Horace H. Kiuyon; 1879, George 
Churchill. 

CLERKS. 

1858-59, Nathaniel B. Collins; I860, H. B. Strong; 1861, J. M. 
Albert; 1862, Alonzo Bennett; 1863-66, Enoch A. Ross; 1S67-70, 
N. H. Merrill; 1871-72, W. D. Kingery. 

KECORDEES. 
1873, Daniel Terriere; 1874, D. A. Wagner ; 1875-79, Benjamin D. 
Harper. 

TRUSTEES, 
1858.— AVilliam Rook, C. J. Ingersoll, John M. Roe, Alfred Richards, 

Michael Hess, Daniel Totten, 
1859.— John D. Miller, Charles Clark, Daniel Totten. J.orcnzo P. Ale.\- 

ander, William F. Molsbury, John M. Roc. 
ISCO.— John D. Miller, Michael Hess, J. M. Russell, John M. Albert, 
William H. Bainton, L. P. Alexander. 



1861. — C. J. Ingersoll, P. M. Weaver, John M. Roe, Andrew C. Day, 
William B. Perrott, Alfred Richards. 

1SG2.— Andrew C. Day, John D. Miller, William B. Perrott, Julius 
M. Russell, Charles Clark, Ilezekiah H. Howe. 

1863.— G. F. Hemingway, L. P. Alexander, T. L. Ross, R. M. Busco, 
M. Hess, J. M. Roe. 

1S64.— Daniel Totten, George R. Treat, William G. Boswell, J. M. 
Roc, M. Hess, h. P. Alexander. 

1865.— Andrew C. Diiy, L. P. Alexander, John D. Miller, George R. 
Treat, David Totten, William Pears. 

1866.— Homer N. Hathaway, John M. Roe, Elijah Beck, L. P. Alex- 
ander, John D. Miller, A. C. Day. 

1867.- Nathaniel B. Collins, William Pears, Charles S. Black, John 
M. Roe, A. C. Day, Elijah Beek^ 

1868. — .\lmcr S. Harrington, John Graham, Isaac C. Elston, William 
Pears, Charles S. Black, N. B. Collins. 

1869.— Benjamin E. Binns, Richard A. De Mont, Theoderick F. C. 
Dodd, John M. Roe, John Graham, Aimer S. Harrington. 

1870.— John M. Roe, H. H. Howe, B. E. Binns, • Richards, Wil- 
liam Pears, R. A. Dc Mont. 

1871.— Benjamin E. Binns, Hezekiah H. Howe, William Osborne, 
AVilliam Pears, John Graham, John D. Ross. 

1S72.— Charles S. Black, Andrew C. Day, John D. Ross, William 
Osborne, B. E. Binns, Osborne. 

MEMBERS OF TUE COMMON COUNCIL. 

1873.— Charles II. Rea, Solomon L. Bcardsley, John D. Ross, John 

Buckles. Benjamin E. Binns, Andrew C. Day. 
1874.- Hiram N. Mowrey, Ezra M. Griffin, B. E. Binns, J. D. Ross, 

John Buckles, C. II. Rea. 
1875. — Ile/.ekiah H. Howe, Richard A. De Mont, Harrison Glover, 

B. E. Binns, E. M. Griffin, H. N. Mowrey. 
1876.— B. E. Binns, George Churchill, Horace F. Strong, R. A. De 

Mont, E. M. Griffin, H. H. Howe. 
1877.- Nathaniel Hamilton, Hiram N. Mowrey, George Richards, B. 

E. Binns. George Churchill, Horace F. Strong. 
1878.— John M. Roe, Nathaniel Johnson, Charles S. Black, Nathaniel 

Hamilton, W. D. Kingery, H. N. Mowery. 
1879.— William Osborne, Orange W. Rose, Charles H. Rea, Nathaniel 

Johnson, Charles S. Black, John M. Roe. 

The population of the village when organized was 860, 
and in 1878 was 2300. It contains 463 private residences 
(11 of them of brick), one hotel (the Dunbar House), six 
churches, one public hall, four three-story brick business 
blocks, with stores, offices, etc., twenty-two store and busi- 
ness frame buildings, two livery-stables, three flouring-mills 
(water-power), four smith-shops, broom-handle factory, one 
eabinet-wareroom,two planing-mills, one machine-shop, three 
steam saw-mills, one saw-mill, one coffin-factory, three bed- 
stead and furniture-manufiicturing establishments, two wagon 
and carriage manufactories, two paint-shops, iron-foundry, 
zinc collar-pad manufactory, two carpet-stretcher factories, 
one cheese-factory, two liarncss-shops, three shoe-shops, 
three millinery-stores, tliree tailor-shops, three dres.sraaking- 
shops, three photographers, three dentists, three barber- 
shops, two bakeries, three markets, one brick manufactory, 
four dry-goods stores, six groceries, three drug-stores, two 
clothing-stores, two boot- and shoe stores, two hardware- 
stores, two jewelry and watchmakers' stores, one newsdealer, 
four physicians, four lawyers, and two newspaper offices.* 
The number of persons employed in the different manufac- 
turing establishments is over 400 ; capital invested, $288,- 
000 ; value of products per annum, $375,000. 



^ The Berrien County liecoi'd tiAd Bnchnnan Reporter are published 
here. The history of these papers, as well as others which have ex- 
isted here, will be found in the general history, with the press of the 
county. 





JOSEPH COVENEY. 



MRS. JOSEPH COVENEY. 



JOSEPH COVENEY. 



Joseph Coveney, whose portrait with that of his wife is 
given upon this page, was born in Cork Co., Ireland, March 
29, 1805. He attended the parish school until thirteen 
years of age, when he went to learn the trade of weaver. 
Wishing to see and know something of America, he, at the 
age of twenty years, without friend or companion, crossed 
the ocean in the ship " William," and landed in New York 
May 26, 1826. Here he learned the carpenter's trade, and 
worked at it four years in that city. He removed to 
Schuylkill Co., Pa., and worked at the same trade there for 
two years. 

In 1833 he moved to Portage, and continued at his trade 
at Egberttown or Portage Point. He built a house there; but 
the project for forming a settlement failing, he removed to the 
edge of the prairie (Portage), remaining one year. In the 
fall of 1837 he married Louisa, eldest daughter of William 
and Polly Roe, and in the spring of the same year settled 
on forty acres of land on section 5, Buchanan township, 
having previously purchased it at the land-office at Bronson. 
Here he decided to stay and make for himself and family a 
home. This land was not improved. He commenced his 
work by erecting a log cabin, in which he and his estimable 
wife commenced life. He has since built a more commodious 
house and improved his farm, adding to the original forty 
acres from time to time until he now owns six hundred acres, 
located northwest of the village of Buchanan. Wheat is 
the principal product of his farm, three thousand bushels 
being raised in 1877. 

In 1849, when the " gold fever" raged in this part of the 
country, Mr. Coveney, with two others in company, started 
for California, going the overland route with an ox-team. 
Arriving there, they went to work in the mines at Weaver- 
ville. Mr. Coveney remained only one year, returning home 
by the way of Panama and the Mississippi River. His 
stay in California, though short, was not an unprofitable 
one financially. 

He has made two trips to Europe, and visited England 
and Ireland, the last trip taking with him his little daughter 



Leila. He has retired from active life, his sons attending 
to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Coveney have had thirteen 
children, of whom ten are living. 

In character Mr. Coveney is industrious, economical, and 
of a genial temperament. By hard work and prudent man- 
agement he has become possessed of a fine farm. He is 
esteemed as a shrewd business man, a good, practical farmer, 
an intelligent citizen, and is respected by his neighbors. 
In his religious belief he is an ardent follower of Thomas 
Paine, and, like Ingersoll, never hesitates to express his 
views at any time or place. He erected a beautiful monu- 
ment in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Buchanan, at a cost of nearly 
three thousand dollars, upon which were inscribed some of his 
peculiar sentiments. We quote his own words concerning 
the same and its defacement: " I was raised in a Catholic 
country, but it remained for a Protestant Christian to try 
to refuse me the right to maintain this monument in a 
public cemetery. I had inscribed thereon some of my 
sentiments on the religious fallacies of the day. These in- 
scriptions, not coinciding with the views of the orthodox 
element, a minister's son, urged on by Christian hate, 
marred and defaced the monument in a barbarous manner. 
His act received the commendation of some of the strictly 
orthodox, though it is but fair to say that all of the most 
prominent citizens of Buchanan condemned the act, and 
used every effort to prevent its repetition." 

The monument is a model of workmanship, and an orna- 
ment to the cemetery, although at a close view the stain of 
the tobacco juice mars its beauty. 

Mrs. Coveney has labored side by side with her husband 
in all the vicissitudes of the new country, where they made 
their early home, and has ever been an industrious and 
faithful wife ; a helpmate, indeed, to her husband, rearing 
a large family of children. The work of a mother in such 
a life is no easy task, but with ever willing heart and hand 
she ministered to all the wants of the family in sickness and 
health. Hers is a labor of love, receiving its reward in the 
love and respect of all her family and friends. 



TOWNSHIP OF BUCHANAN. 



181 



MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 
Wagon-shops of Rongli Brothers. — Before 1845, Jacob 
Luther cominenced the manufacture of wagons where the 
large factory stands to-day. He soon sold to Cronyiniller 
Brothers, who in 1849 sold to Alfred Richards. He soon 
associated with him as partner Nathaniel Collins. John D. 
Miller purchased the interest of Mr. Collins, and soon after 
that of Mr. Richards. In the spring of 1865, E. H. 
Beardsley & Son purchased the Miller works, and increased 
tlieir capacity. The factory was destroyed by fire, and the 
red buildings were then built. In 1872 a stock company 
wjis formed, including the property of the Beardsleys, 
called the Buchanan Manufacturing Company, with a capi- 
tal of $40,000, and afterwards increased to $60,000. The 
stock was taken by all classes in the village, and in the 
same year the present brick building was erected, 40 by 129 
feet and four stories high. In 1875, A. C. Day and Sol- 
omon Rough purchased the entire interest, and in June, 
1 879, the Rough Brothers, consisting of William K. Rough, 
Solomon Rough, and George H. Rough, purchased the 
works. About forty hands are constantly employed here 
in the manufacture of carriages and wagons of all kinds. 
About 1500 wagons are manufactured annually. Sales 
are made mostly in Michigan, but to some extent in all 
parts of the South and West. 

Tlic Buchanan Manvfacturing Company. — In 1872 a 
stock company was organized in Buchanan, with a capital 
of $20,000, for the purpose of manufacturing furniture. 
It consisted of about thirty stockholders. Andrew C. Day 
was President, and William Osborne, Secretary and Mana- 
ger. The buildings now occupied by the company were 
purchased of Smith & Elli.son, who erected them for the 
manufacture of handles. Business was immediately com- 
menced, and about twenty-five or thirty men were em- 
ployed. The capital was afterwards increased to $40,000, 
the number of men employed was increased to seventy, 
and the capacity of the machinery was doubled. 

The factory is located on Oak Street, near the Michigan 
Central Railroad, with warehouses near the track. Bed- 
steads and lounges are a specialty. Goods are shipped to 
all parts of the AVest and South. William Pears is Pres- 
ident, and William Osborne, Secretary and Manager. 

The Furniture- Factory of Black cfc WiUard. — This firm 
was first started in New Bufl^alo in 1855, and removed to 
Buchanan in 1860; commenced work on Oak Street, and 
removed to the building known as " Fort Sumter" in 1872, 
and in 1875 to the building where they now are. In 1865, 
Mr. Willard sold to C. S. Black, and the firm continued till 
1872, when H. S. Black took the entire business and con- 
tinued alone till 1875, when Mr. Willard again became a 
partner, and the business is now carried on by them. They 
manufacture furniture of all kinds, bedsteads principally. 
Goods sold West and South. 

The Furniture-Factory of Spencer & Barnes. — This 
business was commenced in July, 1874, by B. H. Spencer, 
with whom A. Willard was associated for a short time. In 
December, 1875, John E. Barnes became a partner, and 
the business has been continued by them to the present 
time. Their specialties are bedsteads, centre-tables, and hat- 
racks. Their sales are made in Canada, and in the West- 



ern and Southern States. Their factory is on the east side 
of the street leading to the depot. 

The Zinc Collar- Pad Company -was formed in 1870 by 
Dexter Curtis (the patentee), George H. Richards, and 
Henry Oilman. They manufactured first near the depot. 
In 1875 they built the present brick building. Mr. Gil- 
man retired from the firm in 1878. Nearly 2,000,000 
pads of the company's manufacture are in use, and they 
manufacture annually from 7000 to 10,000 dozen. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Buchanan Lodge, No. 68, F. and A. 31., was instituted 
Jan. 13, 1854, with Caleb J. Ingersoll, W. M. ; S. M. Gris- 
wold, S. W. ; Nathaniel Hamilton, J. W. The lodge has 
at present 83^ members. Its meetings are held in their hall 
in Day's block. The present officers are Seth Smith, W. 
M. ; Truman Franklin, S. W. ; John Parrott, J. W. ; Wil- 
bin Smith, Treas. ; L. P. Alexander, Sec. 

Summit Lodge, No. 192, F. and A. M., was instituted 
Jan. 10, 1867, with Nathaniel Hamilton, W. M. ; John D. 
Miller, S. W.; C. C. Bartlett, J. W. The present officers 
are H. N. Mowrey, W. M. ; Frank Munson, S. W. ; J. N. 
Murphy, J. W. ; George Churchill, Treas. ; and B. D. Har- 
per, Sec. Present membership, 79. Meetings are held in 
Burns' block. 

Buchanan Lodge, No. 75, 7. 0. of 0. F., was instituted 
Sept. 5, 1855. The present officers are W. W. Smith, N. 
G. ; Leroy H. Dodd, V. G. ; John C. Dick, Sec. ; W. J. 
Himes, Treas. Present number, 62. Meetings are held 
in Odd-Fellows' Hall, corner of Front and Main Streets. 

Buchanan Lodge, No. 186, 2. 0. of G. T, was instituted 
May 10, 1875, with 49 charter members. The officers 
were J. H. Roe, W. C. T. ; Mrs. A. J. Russell, W. V. T. , 
J. T. Terflinger, W. C. ; Joseph M. Rogers, W. Sec; 
Miss Maria Sampson, Asst. Sec. ; Walter J. Himes, F. 
Sec. ; L. P. Fox, Treas. The lodge has a present mem- 
bership of 65. Its meetings are held in Good Templars' 
Hall, in Roe's block. The present officers are J. H. Roe, 
W. C. T. ; Mrs. A. J. Eykner, W. V. T. ; Walter Osborn, 
Sec. ; H. J. Hall, Treas.; Miss Emma Smith, F. Sec. 

POST-OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS. 

The post-office was first established at the village of Bu- 
chanan in 1848, when John D. Ross was appointed post- 
master. The office was kept in the store of Mr. Ross, and 
the business of the first quarter amounted to $12. In 1852, 
Hiram Woese was appointed. His successors have been 
John D. Ross, Dr. C. J. Ingersoll, William Parrott, L. P. 
Alexander, Howell Strong, William S. Merrill, and L. P. 
Alexander, who is the present incumbent. In the first six 
months of 1876, 19,998 stamps were sold from this office; 
and in the first six months of 1879, 31,063 stamps and 
16,329 postal cards. 

FARMERS AND MANUFACTURERS' BANK. 

In 1852, T. M. Fulton and J. D. Ross started a private 
bank at Buchanan, and in 1869 bought out the banking 
interest of George M. Colby, at Niles. Mr. Ross took 
charge of the business at Buchanan and Mr. Fulton at Niles. 
Later, Mr. Fulton sold the business at Niles and returned 
to Buchanan. In September, 1872, the bank became the 



182 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



First National Bank of Buchanan, with a capital of $50,000; 
T. M. Fulton, President; A. T. Ross, Cashier; J. D. 
Ross, William Pears, Jesse Helmick, George Smith, Charles 
Jewett, Directors. Dec. 31, 1873, the bank apiin became 
a private bank, and is now carried on by J. D. Ross & Son. 
The business was at first conducted in the store of Mr. Ross, 
but in 18G5 the present brick building was erected. 

CEMETERIES. 

In 1844 a few men purciiased of Mr. Mitchell an acre 
of land for a cemetery. The ground was surveyed by Ed- 
ward Ballengee. The first person buried in it was a child of 
David Sanford. 

July 20, 1803, a committee was appointed to examine 
locations and report in reference to the purchase of ground 
for a new cemetery. The committee reported, April 23, 
1864, in favor of purchasing Warner Hamilton's lot at 
$500. The report was accepted, adopted, the lot was pur- 
chased at the price named, and has since been in use as a 
cemetery. 

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS IN BUCHANAN. 

The First Presbyterian Church. — On the 22d day of 
May, 1847, the following-named persons, members of the 
Presbyterian Church, convened at the house of Uriel 
Enos, in the village of Buchanan, for the purpose of mak- 
ing arrangements to organize a Presbyterian Church, viz. : 
J. D. Dutton, Jeremiah Ketchum, Warner Hooker, Uriel 
Enos, Charles Baker, and John Marhoff. Warner Hooker 
was called to the chair, J. Ketchum was chosen clerk, and 
the meeting " Resolved that a Presbyterian Ciiuroh be 
organized on the 19th of June next, and that Messrs. Enos, 
Dutton, and Baker be a committee to procure ministerial 
aid for that purpose." On June 1!), 1847, the meeting 
convened pursuant to adjournment,,and proceeded to organ- 
ize a church, the Rev. Luther Humphrey and Rev. P. S. 
Pratt being present. 

Certificates of membership and dismission from other 
churches were presented by the following persons, who were 
thereupon received as members : J. D. Dutton, Almira 
Dutton, Jeremiah Ketchum, Phoebe Ketchum, Uriel 
Enos, Emily M. Enos, Warner Hooker, Charles Baker, 
Francis Enos, Loretta J. Enos, Benjamin S. Enos, and 
Franklin B. Wallin. The organization was named the First 
Presbyterian Church of Buchanan. Warner Hooker, Jer- 
emiah Ketchum, and Uriel Enos were elected elders, and 
Uriel p]nos clerk. 

October 2d of the same year the Rev. Porter B. Parry 
was engaged as stated supply, and remained until February, 
1853. While the church was under his care the meeting- 
house was built. From this time the church was in a low 
condition until August, 1859, when the Rev. Elisha B. 
Sherwood was appointed by the Presbytery of Kalamazoo 
to examine into its condition, and if pos.sible to build it up. 
It was resolved by the members to resume active and ener- 
getic efforts to that end. Several joined the church by 
letters from other churches. A call was extended to the 
Rev. E. B. Sherwood to become their pastor, Oct. 9, 1859. 
He accepted, and entered upon his duties November 1st in 
the same year, and remained until the latter part of 1861. 

Nov. 8, 18G3, Rev. William Fuller entered upon the 



pastorate for one year, but remained until early in 1870. 
The Rev. Henry Bridges was pastor during the year 1871. 
His successor was the Rev. W. W. Wells, who is still the 
pastor. 

Services were held for seven years in private houses. In 
1849-50 the first church edifice was built where it still 
stands. After the Rev. Mr. Parry discontinued his rela- 
tion as pastor, in 1853, and the church began to languish, 
the house was leased for five years to the Methodist de- 
nomination. In 1859 the church again occupied their 
house of worship, and have continued to do so to the pres- 
ent time. 

During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Parry 30 mem- 
bers were added to the church. During the discontinuance 
of services, and until the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Stod- 
dard, the membership declined, and but 16 remained on the 
church roll at the time of his coming. During his minis- 
try 39 were added to the church. In 1865, 97 members 
had joined the church from the beginning, and at this 
writing it has a membership of 120, with a Sunday-school 
of 100 members, of which R. H. Rogers is superintendent. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — In the summer of 1831, 
John Hunter, his wife Martha, their son Thomas J., and 
their daughter Sarah, presented letters from a church in 
Ohio to the Methodist Church at Niles, then under the 
charge of the Rev. William Sprague. They lived in the 
township of Niles, on the east bank of the St. Joseph 
River. Very soon after their joining the church at Niles 
prayer-meetings were held at the house of John Hunter, 
and these soon developed into the formation of a class. 
The Rev. J. F. Robe, an itinerant minister, was the first 
to preach in that section, and he was succeeded by Thomas 
McCool and Richard Meek. 

A few years later, in 1842 or 1843, the settlement at 
Buchanan had become of some importance, and the remain- 
ing portion of this class, with others, organized a class at 
Buchanan, at the house of David Sanford, who was the first 
class-leader. T. J. Hunter, David Sanford, James Swift 
and wife, James Slater and wife, Mr. Hobart and wife, and 
Mrs. Dr. Harrison were among the first members. Ser- 
vices were held at private houses, and at the old school- 
house, until the new school-house was built, in 1843, when 
they were held there. In 1853 the society leased the 
Presbyterian meeting-house for five years. In 1860 the 
present brick edifice was erected. The ministers succeed- 
ing Mr. Meek were the Revs. Hill, Shaw, Lee, Campbell, 
Osborne, Prouty, Glass, King, R. Pengilly, J. F. Robe, 

J. W. Robinson, V. G. Boynton, L. M. Edmonds, 

Harder, W. G. Iloag, J. Fowler, Jakeway, T. George, 

J. B. Berry, William M. Copeland, N. L. Brockway, 
Levi Tarr, A. J. Rumell, H. Worthington, and A. J. 
White, who is the present pastor. The church contains 
100 members, with a Sunday-school of 150 members, of 
which W. A. Leveson is Superintendent; Miss P]mma 
Smith, Librarian ; Miss G. Michel, Secretary ; B. T. 
Murray, Treasurer. 

Church of the Disciples of Christ. — The people in the 
village of Buchanan who were interested in the views of 
the above denomination met together in the school-house 
on the 17th day of December, 1854, for the purpose of 



TOWNSHIP OF BUCHANAN. 



183 



organizing a church. The following persons gave in their 
names, and were constituted a church under the above 
name, viz. : A. W. McCollum, Elizabeth McCollum, Mar- 
garet McCollum, Cornelius Sparks, Susannah Sparks, New- 
ton Baldwin, Sophia Bates, William P. Birdsall, Adelia 
Birdsall, John M. Roe, Robert M. Roe, Harriet Roe, Jesse 
J. Roe, Ann M. Roe, Levi Sparks, Maria Sparks, and 
James Case. A. W. McCollum and William P. Birdsall 
were chosen elders; Newton Baldwin and Levi Sparks, 
deacons. 

The first pastor was Rev. William M. Roe, who remained 
in charge until about 1802. He was succeeded by the Revs. 

Marsh, Jackson, D. H. Gary, Jesse J. Roe, A. 

J. Wilson, H. T. Morrison, and William P. Birdsall, who 
is the present pastor. Since the organization 530 persons 
have been admitted to the church. Throe hundred names 
are still on the books. About 100 are in actual attendance. 
A Sunday-school containing about 75 members is in con- 
nection with the church, of which Jesse J. Roe is superin- 
tendent. Services were held in the school-house until 1859, 
when the present church was built. 

Chtirch of the United Brethren. — This church was or- 
ganized about 1840, by the Rev. Josiah Terrel and the Rev. 
Mr. Babeock. The Rev. Mr. Terrel had preached at this 
place occasionally prior to the organization of the class. 
The first members were John Hatfield and wife, Mrs. 
Charles Cowles, Mrs. Hess, Mrs. Capt. Ingersoll, and Mrs. 
Maria Button. 

Meetings were first held in John Hatfield's house (that 
stood across the street from where Andrew C. Day lives), 
and part of the time in a carding-mill, across the street 
from where the grist-mill owned by John Kingery now 
stands. In 1849 the present church was erected, being 
the first church built in the village. 

The church was supplied by ministers on the circuit 
until Sept. 15, 1800, when it was detached from Berrien 
circuit, and made a mission station. Rev. George Sicka- 
foose was the first pastor after the change. He was suc- 
ceeded by J. T. Bartmess, W. Terflinger, George Sicka- 
foose, and Robert C. Barton, the present pastor. The 
church nunjbered 57 in 1873, but is now reduced to 
about 25. 

The following are among the ministers who preached 
while the church was under charge of the circuit: Jesse B. 

Sleight, Emsley Lamb, Snip, Johnson, 

Wells, Freeman, and Thomas. 

Advent Christian Church. — In 1851 or 1852 the Rev. D. 
R. Mansfield and Mrs. M. S. Mansfield, his wife, came to the 
village of Buchanan from Union Mills, Ind., and preached 
the views of the Adventists in the church of the United 
Brethren. From that preaching began the movement that 
soon culminated in the organization of a society, by Alfred 
Richard, J. R. Lister, George B. Cottrel, and 12 or 15 
others, mostly members of other denominations. Services 
were held in the church of the United Brethren for a time, 
afterwards in the ball-room of the hotel. J. R. Lister was 
the first pastor. Mr. and Mrs. JMansfield were here quite 
often for a year or two; and in about 1850, Rev. Mr. Mans- 
field and his wife became settled over the church, and re 
mained for some time. They were succeeded by Darius 



Matthewson, Dr. F. H. Berrick, J. S. Blendell, and George 
Cole. 

About 1803 the church membership had increased to 
282, and the society was the largest in the West. About 
this time the Voice of the West was started here. A 
division on doctrinal questions sprang up, and about 100 
went oiF from the main body and organized a society. 
About 1855 their first house was built, west of the Dis- 
ciples' church. In May, 1800, the present building was 
commenced, and was dedicated Nov. 3, 1867. Mrs. M. S. 
Mansfield delivered the dedicatory sermon. 

The church was legally organized April 5, 1860. H. J. 
Howe, Philip Holler, E. M. Griffin, P. M. Weaver, San- 
ford Smith, Alfred Richards, and J. V. Himes were elected 
trustees. In 1875 the membership was 147. 

Baptist Church. — A church of this denomination was 
organized in the spring of 1809, with about 40 members. 
The right hand of fellowship was given by the Rev. Mr. 
Russell. The services were held in the Methodist church. 
The regular meetings were held for several years in the 
hall now known as Kinyon Hall and in the Advent 
church. The pastors who have served the church are 

the Revs. Russell, Maybin, and Smith. 

The church is now without a pastor, and has but few 
members. Covenant meetings are held once a month. 

Dunlcards. — This denomination was numerous through 
the northern part of Indiana at an early day, and upon the 
advent of settlers here some of them held their views. A 
prominent man among them was John Weaver, at who.se 
house they met as early as 1838-39, he being the minister 
who preached to them. The society soon increased to 12 
or 15 members. Meetings were held in the Berks school- 
house, Oronoko, and Wagner school-house, Buchanan, and 
they are still held there, as the society has no meeting-house 
nearer than the Portage Prairie brick church. They now 
number about 80 in the county, and communion and soup 
feast are held once a year at Jacob Weaver's house. The 
name Dunkard is universally applied to this sect, but they 
are otherwise known as " The Brethren." 

Tiie Church of God. — The history of this church is 
contained in the history of the Advent Church until March 
10, 1853, when a division occurred, and from that there 
were two distinct societies. This one contained 13 mem- 
bers, and they retained the church. J. W. R. Lister and 
R. Bronson were elders in the old society, and continued to 
hold the position in this society. J. W. Lister was the 
first pastor after the division, and he was succeeded by the 
Rev. J. W. Stevenson, F. H. Beniek, and J. W. R. Lister, 
who is the present pastor. The society has now 31 mem- 
bers. 

Religious Societies in Buchanan in 1805. — A report 
made by the Rev. William Fuller in 1805 showed the 
numbers and condition of the several religious denomina- 
tions in Buchanan at that time to be as follows: 

United Brethren, about 20 members ; a house, and preach- 
ing once in two weeks. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, about 80 members ; a good 
brick house, and preaching every Sabbath. 

Presbyterian Church, about 50 members ; a comfortable 
house, and preaching every Sabbath. 



184 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Campbellites, or Christians, about 180 members; a good 
house, and preaching every Sabbath. 

Second Adventists, No. 1, about 135 members; a poor 
chapel, and preaching two Sabbaths in a montli. 

Second Adventists, No. 2, about 50 members ; the same 
poor chapel, and preaching every other Sabbath. 

Besides, there were two local Protestant Methodist min- 
isters, with a few brethren of that order, and some Univer- 
sal ists. 

SERVICES OF A BUCHANAN LADY IN THE WAR OF THE 
REBELLION. 

Mrs. Hannah L. Carlisle was born in Phelps, Ontario 
Co., N. Y., in 1823. The family removed to Orleans Co., 
N. Y., when she was four years old. In 1850 she came to 
Cas.sopolis, and in 1852 married Daniel Carlisle, and in 
1854 removed to near Buchanan on a farm. Upon the 
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion she was strongly 
impelled to oifer her ser\ ices as nurse, and upon the or- 
ganization of the 2d Michigan Cavalry she left her home 
and family and went with the regiment, Nov. 14, 1861, to 
St. Louis. After reaching the city she was assigned to the 
regimental hospital, where she remained until the regiment 
was transferred to Fort Donelson, in February, 1862, when 
she returned home. On the night of July 14, 1862, she 
received a telegram from the Sanitary Commission in Chi- 
cago, asking her to report for duty the next day. She did 
so, and was met by a gentleman at the train, and reported 
at the Massasoit House. Orders were soon received to 
report at Post Hospital No. 1, Columbus, Ky., under the 
charge of Dr. Ransom, of Rosooe, 111., and Gen. Quimby, 
in charge of Fort Halleck. Mrs. Carlisle remained at this 
hospital until the close of the war, when she entered the 
Freedmens Department as superintendent and teacher, and 
remained in that connection one year, and returned to the 
duties of home July 3, 1866. Mrs. Carlisle is now living 
in Buchanan. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. LORENZO P. ALEXANDER 

was born in Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y,, Aug. 10, 1820. 
His father, Thomas P. Alexander, was a native of New 
Hampshire; was a soldier in the war of 1812, and a de- 
scendant of the Alexanders of Glasgow, Scotland. His 
mother's maiden name was White ; born and raised in 
Boston, Mass., and was a descendant of the Whites of 
Belfast, Ireland. When he was seven years old, his pa- 
rents moved from Angelica to Belfast, in the same county, 
locating on the Genesee River. His father was postmaster 
in Belfast from 1833 until 1857. In September, 1841, at the 
age of twenty-one, he left home and friends for the West, 
and on the 11th of October following landed in Buchanan, 
Berrien Co., Mich., where he still resides. At that time, 
what is now the village of Buchanan consisted of four 
cabins, a grist-mill, saw-mill, and distillery. Being a car- 
penter and joiner, he went to work at his trade the fol- 
lowing winter, putting up a foot-lathe, and manufacturing 
splint-bottom chairs and rakes, — this being the first enter- 



prise of the kind in that part of the State. In 1824 he 
married Miss Rachel Cooper, daughter of Price Cooper, 
and a school-mate in his school-days in the East. Three 
children were born to them, — two sons and a daughter, — 
viz , Theodore, who was drowned at the age of ten years; 
the youngest, Carlton, died of croup at the age of four years ; 
Emily Kate is the wife of Henry C. French, a hardware 
merchant of Cassopolis, Mich., to whom she was married 
in 1870 ; Mrs. L. P. Alexander, died, 1859, at the age of 
thirty-eight years. He married Miss Helen M., daughter 
of John Burns, of Belfast, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1860. They 
have one son, John Burns, now twelve years of age. 

In 1846, Mr. Alexander erected a frame dwelling-house 
on Main Street, Buchanan, in which he resided until 1864. 
In 1848 he, in company with J. D. Ross, erected a two- 
story stone building on Front Street, Buchanan, engaging 
the same year in the manufacture of boots and shoes in com- 
pany with Dr. C. C. Wallin. In 1850 he engaged in the 
general mercantile business with J. D. & T. S. Ross, under 
the firm-name of J. D. Ross & Co. In 1858, T. S. Ross 
withdrew from the firm, after which the business was con- 
ducted in the firm-name of Ross & Alexander. They did 
a large business, averaging .seventy thousand dollars annu- 
ally for several years. In 1858 they erected the first three- 
story brick block in the place, on the corner of Front and 
Main Streets, and occupied it as a .store-room. In 1862 
they built another brick block, called '• Union Block," on the 
south side of Front Street. During the erection of the second 
block the first one burned down. In 1862 they purchased 
forty acres of land within the corporate limits of the village, 
laying the same out in town lots, being known as Ross & 
Alexander's addition to Buchanan, which is now a central 
part of the residence portion of the village. In 1865, Mr. 
Alexander built a two-story brick dwelling-house on Front 
Street, which he occupied as a residence until 1873, then 
selling it for six thousand five hundred dollars. In 1875 he 
again erected a dwelling on Front Street, in the most central 
part of the town, in which he now resides. Mr. Alexander 
was the contractor and builder of the High School building 
erected in 1871, built of brick, three stories high above 
basement, costing thirty-five thousand dollars ; and person- 
ally superintended the work. 

Politically, he was in early life a Democrat, voting with 
that party until 1852. But when the South, aided by 
Northern Democrats in Congress, repealed the Missouri 
Compromise, thereby extending slavery into free terri- 
tory, he ceased to act with that party, and in 1854 took 
part in the newly-organized Republican party, being one of 
its first and most active supporters in the place. In 1844, at 
the age of twenty-three, he was elected captain of Company 
E, 27th Regiment Michigan militia, to which he was com- 
missioned by Governor Barry ; he was soon promoted and 
commissioned by the Governor, colonel of the 28th Regi- 
ment, 14th Brigade, 17th Division of Michigan militia. 

Mr. Alexander enjoys the respect and confidence of 
those around him, as will be seen by the many ofiices of 
honor and trust he has been called by them to fill, — all of 
which he has filled with honor to himself and satisfaction 
to his friends. From 1847 to 1851 he was constable and 
township treasurer. In 1851, 1853, and 1855 he was elected 



TOWNSHIP OP BUCHANAN. 



185 



supervisor. From 1848 to 1859, director of schools. In 
1860 was elected by the Republicans of the second district 
of Berrien County (comprising Niles City) representative 
in the State Legislature, and was, therefore, a member of 
the House of Representatives during many long and extra 
sessions, on account of the important legislation during that 
time of war. 

From 186.3 to 1866 he was postmaster of Buchanan dur- 
ing Johnson's administration ; was removed by Postmaster- 
General Randall for not complying with a request to sanc- 



Niles, one of the most popular men in the county, and 
the hardest to defeat. In 1873 he was one of the commis- 
sioners appointed by the President to receive proposals and 
locate the site for the government buildings and post-office 
buildings at Grand Rapids, Mich. He was elected super- 
visor of Buchanan in 1872, '73, '74, '75, '76, and 1877 ; 
was assessor of the village and justice of the peace during 
the time ; and, as the records show, was elected each time 
by nearly a unanimous vote. All of these offices he re- 
signed in 1877. He is now a member of the school board 




tion the so-called Philadelphia Convention, he being opposed 
to allowing late rebels to occupy front seats in the councils 
of the nation. In June, 1864, he was chosen one of the 
Michigan delegates to the Republican National Convention 
held at Baltimore, Md., which nominated President Lin- 
coln, and was honored by the convention with a position 
on the committee to wait upon the President and other 
nominees, and formally notify them of the action of the 
convention. 

In 1870 he was elected State senator from Berrien 
County, his competitor being the late Hon. R. C. Paine, of 



I I i<lle>, nuchanan. 



and director of the graded and high school, which position 
he has held for the past five years. 

In 1877 he was commissioned by President Hayes post- 
master of Buchanan, which office he now holds. He was 
for many years one of the village trustees. 

After all these years of labor, Mr. Alexander — now fifty- 
nine years of age — is an active, stirring business man, and 
it is the earnest wish of his many friends that his days may 
be long on the earth, and that when, at last, his sun sinks 
behind the western horizon, it may descend to rise in the 
first resurrection. 



JACOB J. VAN RIPER, 
of Buchanan, Mich., attorney at the Berrien County bar, 
was born at Haverstraw, Rockland Co., N. Y., March 8, 
1838. His parents were John and Leah Van Riper ; his 
father an inventor of some repute, and a manufaeturer of 
woolen goods. Jacob J. went to New York at an early 
day, and continued to reside there and at Brooklyn until 
he was nineteen, then removed to Cass Co., Mich. 
24 



He received a good academic education in New York, 
attending the New York Conference Seminary and Colle- 
giate Institute. After his removal to Michigan he taught 
school, and in 1860 commenced the study of law, attend- 
ing law lectures in the University of Michigan in 1860-61, 
and was admitted to practice in January, 1863, opening an 
office in Dowagiac, Cass Co., where he practiced until Sep- 
tember, 1872, at which time he removed to Buchanan, 



186 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



where he now resides. Some of the most important oases in 
this section of the county have been given him. He has also 
had an extensive practice as a jury advocate, and has in this 
been eminently successfiil. While abhorring political rings 
and trickery, he has been more or less interested in politics. 
During the war he held the office of deputy collector of 



road aid schemes of the State. These arguments were 
highly spoken of by the press of Detroit and other places, 
and he reeeived letters of congratulation from Governor 
Crapo and others. Since that time he has refused all 
offices except in the line of his profession. In the fall of 
1876 and 1878 he was elected by the Republican party 




Plioto. by H. E. Bradley, Buchanan. 
VAN RIPER. 



internal revenue for Cass County, and subsequently that 
of assistant assessor of internal revenue. 

In 1 867 he was elected a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of the State of Michigan, in which he was next 
to the youngest member. While serving on the judiciary 
committee and the committee on bill of rights he gained 
considerable reputation by his arguments against the rail- 



prosecuting attorney for Berrien County, which position he 
now holds. 

In November, 1858, he married Miss Emma E. Bronner, 
an estimable lady of New York Mills. They have one son 
and two daughters. Mr. Van Riper is a hard student and 
worker in his profession. He has a large confidential 
business, and has made his life a success. 



GEORGE H. RICHARDS 
was born in Bristol, England, July 10, 1817. His father, 
Henry Richards, was a native of Bath, England, and his 
mother, Sarah Burge, of Bristol, England. Both were of 
Quaker parentage, his mother still remaining a Quaker, and 
living at this date, 1879. The family moved to this country 
when the subject of this sketch was an infant, settling in 
Delaware, near Wilmington. When he was eight or nine 
years old the family returned to England on account of the 
father's health, remaining there about a year and a half 
During that time he attended a Quaker school, then re- 
turned to New York City. Most of the time during which 
the family remained in the city he attended an academy 
between Harlem and Manhattanville, receiving early a fair 
English education. When he was about thirteen or four- 
teen years of age his father moved to Pennsylvania. Prom 
there he was sent to Wilmington, Del., to attend school. 



While in Wilmington he conceived the idea of learning a 
trade, and served a regular apprenticeship at jobbing black- 
smithing at Brandywine village, Del. Shortly after be- 
coming of age he went to New York City, and worked a 
short time at machine-work. From there he went to 
Bridgeport, Conn., and worked at carriage smithing, re- 
maining until the spring of 1839, when he went to Ma- 
rietta, Ohio, to work at this branch of business, and follow- 
ing it until 1842, when he engaged in engine- and machine- 
work of various kinds, and also did the iron-work for several 
vessels ; ironing two vessels at Marietta, and two at Point 
Pleasant, Va. One of the latter was a double-decked bark, 
loaded at the mouth of the Big Kanawha, W.Va., with corn, 
for Cork, Ireland, during the Irish famine. Feb. 27, 1845, 
he married Lucy Wood Rickard, of Marietta, Ohio. His 
family consists of eight children, — six girls and two boys, — 
Sarah D. Richards, Joseph L., Martha K., Lucy B., Hattie 



TOWNSHIP OP BENTON. 



187 



L., Kitty F., Mary E., and George H., all living. Lucy 
Wood Rickard was born at Marietta, Dec. 11, 1821. 

Having acquired a good knowledge of machinery, and 
being a pi'actical master mechanic, he commenced setting up 
engines on steamboats, and going South on them during 
the winter. He spent several winters in the South at va- 
rious places, — New Orleans, Red River, Ouachita, Yazoo 
River, and many bayous, in the cotton and sugar trade. 
Tiring of this and of being so much away from his family, 
he conceived the thought of moving West. Selecting a 
farm just outside the then small village of Buchanan, 
he very soon found the change from active life in me- 
chanism and steamboating to opening up a new farm too 
great, and, as favorable opportunities oflFered, he again 
engaged in putting up and working machinery, and in 
manufacturing ; the first work of importance being the run- 
ning of a large saw-mill at Charlotteville, and doing its 
general business three summers. Other parts of the years 
when not compelled to be on the farm were spent in put- 
ting machinery in order in mills of different kinds and dis- 
tilleries. Finding that his business was again leading him 
from home, and that farming was not suited to his family, 
he sold his farm and moved to Buchanan, engaging in 
merchandising. Not liking the confinement of the store, 
he again engaged in working upon machinery, and took 
charge of the factory of Smith & Elston, remaining with 
one of the firm until the fall of 1870, when he engaged 
with the patentee of the Zinc Collar Pad to mature the pad 
and introduce it on the market. To speak of their success 
it will not be amiss to state that they were the largest con- 
sumers of zinc in the West for the years 18V1, '72, and '73, 
using in the three years over four hundred thousand pounds 
of zinc made expressly for them. 

During the years of his life spent in Buchanan, he has 
been one of the representative men of the place, liaving 
been early selected in the interests of its schools, occupying 
the position of president of the school board most of the 
time, until he declined being a candidate for re-election. 
He has also identified himself with the prosperity and 
growth of the village, and its now extensive manufacturing 
interests, assisting the latter by freely taking stock, and 
serving the former as one of the members of the board of 
trustees for a number of years with credit to himself In 
January, 1875, he became connected with the First National 
Bank, occupying the position of vice-president, which he 
still holds in the organization known as the Farmers and 
Manufacturers' Bank, which succeeded the First National in 
January, 1879. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

BBKTTON TOWNSHIP.* 

Pioneer Settlers — Civil Organiz.ation and List of Officers — Highways 
— Benton Harbor— Village Incorporation — List of Village Officers — 
Fire Department — Commerce and General Business of Benton 
Harbor — MiUburg — Societies — Schools — Religious History. 

This township was named in honor of Col. Thomas H. 
Benton, of the United States Senate, March 11, 1837. In 

'■'" By John L. Rockey. 



the government surveys it is designated as town 4 south, 
in range 18 west. A small part of the northwestern corner 
of the township is cut off by Lake Michigan, reducing the 
area to about thirty-five and a half full sections. It is 
bounded on the north by Hagar, ea.st by Bainbridge, south 
by Sodus, and west by St. Joseph. Benton partakes of 
the general characteristics of this part of the county, the 
surface being mainly level or slightly undulated by hills of 
moderate height A limited portion is swampy, and not 
susceptible of cultivation without artificial drainage. In 
other parts the land lies high and is well drained. The 
principal stream is the Paw Paw River. It enters the 
township from the north near the centre of section 3, and 
flows in a tortuous course to the centre of the west line of 
section 18, where it passes into St. Joseph township. Its 
banks are low and the contiguous land marshy. Tributary 
to this stream are Blue and Ox Creeks, both having a gen- 
eral northwesterly course. The former flows from Bain- 
bridge, near the centre of the east line, and for several miles 
its course in Benton is marked by high and almost precip- 
itous banks, affording, for its volume, good water-power. 
It derives its name from the bluish tinge of its waters, 
caused by a peculiar earth found in its banks. Ox Creek 
is a smaller stream, and has ifs source in the lowlands of 
the southern part of the township. The surface of the 
township was originally covered with heavy forests of the 
common hard woods, and a considerable portion of pine, 
which made the work of clearing up the ground slow and 
burdensome. The soil is corresponding, varying from a light 
sand to a clayey loam, with small belts of stiff clay and 
alluvium. It is adapted for a wide range of products, and 
the greater portion is especially favorable for fruit culture. 

PIONEER SETTLERS. 
The sturdy pioneer did not rear his humble cabin in 
Benton as early as in some of the adjoining townships 
which offered more favorable conditions for settlement ; and 
for many years after a beginning was made the ratio of the 
increase of population was very small. In 1840 there were 
only 237 souls within the bounds of Benton, and ten years 
later the number had not been doubled. Jehiel Enos first 
came to this part of the county, with a party of seven land- 
seekers, in 1828, but returned to Ann Arbor without 
making a location. In the following year he returned to 
this part of the State, to assist Lucius Ly.on in surveying 
the country between the St. Joseph and the lake, which had 
been but recently ceded to the United States by the In- 
dians. In 1830 he moved to St. Joseph, but soon changed 
his residence to Royal ton, where he resided three years. 
In 1834 he became the first settler of Benton, and since 
1836 has resided on his present homestead, on section 13. 
He is the oldest settler of this part of the county, and one 
of the few remaining pioneers of this part of the State. 
Four of his children attained mature years. One of bis 
sons, Buel, died in the army in 1863 ; another, Rolland, 
is a citizen of Pipestone ; and a daughter is married to 
Simeon Woodruff. Joab Enos, a brother of the above, 
came to Benton in 1835, but after a few years moved to 
Pipestone, and from there to the West. 

In 1836, Henry B. Enos, their father, came from New 



188 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



York, but in a year took up his residence with his son, Dr. 
Morgan Enos, in Pipestone, where he died in 1849. 

James H. Enos came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1835, 
to look at the country, and in the spring of 1836 moved to 
Benton with his family, consisting of his wife and two 
daughters, JuUette and Matilda. The latter has been 
dead many years, and Juliette is the wife of L. W. Pearl, 
of this township. Mrs. Enos died in 1871, but James H. 
Enos is yet living, with Mrs. Pearl, at the advanced age of 
eighty-two years. 

Eleazer Morton came from Medina Co., Ohio, in 1834, 
and settled in Kalamazoo County. The following year he 
moved to St. Joseph, and in the spring of 1836 to the 
Morton homestead, on section 18 in Benton, where he died 
July 4, 1864. His wife died in September, 1856. At the 
time of their settlement in Benton they had ten children, 
one of the daughters being the wife of Thomas Conger, of 
St. Joseph. Of the five sons, Charles A., James M., and 
W. E. are deceased ; George C. is a resident of Chicago, and 
Henry C. of Benton Harbor. He is the second oldest 
living settler in the towniship, and has been very promi- 
nently identified with it from the time when a handful of 
struggling settlers in the forest were its only inhabitants, 
until its present advanced position as one of the leading 
townships of the county. 

When the Mortons settled here the only other pioneers 
in this part of Benton were James Dalton, Joseph Cald- 
well, and John Loudon. Dalton located on 80 acres of 
land, on section 19, in 1835, but removed to Chicago soon 
after. Joseph Caldwell and John Loudon also settled on 
the north side of the Paw Paw in 1835. The family of 
the former still resides there, on the land which was im- 
proved by them, but Loudon soon after removed to another 
part of the country. 

A year or so later James Higbee came from Ohio and 
settled on section 14. It is said that he purchased the first 
wolf-trap in the township, and by its use broke up a very 
troublesome pack of wolves whose depredations had caused 
the settlers considerable alarm. Mr. Higbee brought with 
him a large family, of whom James P., one of the older 
sons, is yet living in Benton, one of its most respected 
citizens. Another son, Uriel, was lost on the ill-fated 
"Hippocampus;" Isaac removed to Missouri; Tyler to 
Iowa ; and Myron to the northern part of the State. Of 
the two daughters, one married George W. Hess, and the 
other Garrett Van Branklin. The former came from Ohio 
in 1839, and has since resided in the Millburg neighbor- 
hood. 

In 1837, Benjamin Johnson, a blacksmith by trade, 
settled on the Territorial road on section 14, and died in 
this locality not many years ago. Here yet live the oldest 
son, J. L. Johnson, and his brothers, Byron and Benjamin. 
Mrs. Johnson still lives in the township with one of her 
daughters, Mrs. T. Walker. North of the Johnsons, Jacob 
Van Horn settled about the same time, but left the town- 
ship some years later. Soon after, John D. Bury, Stephen, 
Richard, and Cornelius Stanley, J. M. Gilbert, and George 
King became pioneers in the northeastern part of the town- 
ship, where most of them yet reside, among the most 
honored citizens of Benton. Jeremiah Wilder, also a New 



Yorker, was a neighbor to the foregoing, but afterwards 
removed to Millburg. 

In the fall of 1840, Phineas Pearl came from the eastern 
part of the State, whither he had emigrated from New York 
in 1836, and located on section 25 on the Jonas Barrett 
place. The house, which yet stands, was built the following 
year, and is the oldest in that neighborhood. Mr. Pearl is 
yet living at Benton Harbor, ninety years of age, but retain- 
ing a remarkable amount of vigor, being as active as most 
men of threescore years. One of his sons, James, lost his 
life while boating on the St. Joseph in 1844. Other sons, 
Lewis W., Warren H., and George N., live in the well- 
known Pearl neighborhood. One of the daughters is the 
widow of Selden Hull, and the other married James H. 
Jakeway, who lived on section 26, and whose family came 
to Benton about the same time as the Pearls. Several of 
the Jakeways became well known as Methodist ministers, 
and the family has always taken a leading part in affairs 
pertaining to the public good. 

In the same period Teddy McCroue settled on section 
27, where in the forest wilds he made a home, which he 
yet occupies. Dennis and Patrick Murphy and Elijah 
Jennings were pioneers on the same section. The latter's 
place was afterwards occupied by David Abbe. 

On section 29, Daniel Olds was an early settler on the 
Samuel McGuigan place, but in 1830 he removed to Cali- 
fornia. On the same section A. J. Lake was a pioneer, and 
the place was afterwards occupied by Judge A. B. Leeds. 

Charles Chauncey, Selden Hull, 0. M. Sykes, Thomas 
Closson, and others came about this period, and took an 
active part in developing the township. 

The assessment-roll of 1843 shows the condition of the 
settlements at that period to have been as follows :* 

Names. Sec. Acres. Names. Sec. Acre8. 

John D. Bury 10 120 Joseph Enoa 24 80 

JehialEnos 13 120 Jonas Inman 2 80 

James F. Higbee 23 80 Ebenezer Jakeway.... 13 80 

" " 14 200 " " ... 24 80 

" " 22 40 " " ... 26 110 

Geor"-e W. Iless 2 120 Benjamin Johnson.... 15 80 

° " 13 40 William P. King 29 80 

Elmer Jakeway 24 80 " " 32 80 

25 240 " " 33 80 

" " 26 60 Barnard Leonard 29 40 

James Jakeway 25 80 E.P.Mann 14 160 

Teddy McCrone 27 80 Eleazer Morton 18 190 

Phineas Pearl 26 160 " " 20 80 

" " 26 811 Dennis Murphy 33 80 

LewisW. Pearl 26 160 D. and A. Olds 28 80 

Warren U. Pearl 26 80 " " 29 SO 

James Wilder 13 66 Francis Pannell 6 60 

George Wilder 13 68 " " 6 40 

Thomas Conger 19 73 " " 8 20 

A. M. Chauncey 19 80 Jacob Van Horn 10 200 

Joseph Caldwell 6 206 Nicholas Weokler 12 80 

Robert Dickinson 5 78 Jeremiah Wilder 13 44 

Joseph Enos 13 65 

During the three succeeding years these settlers were 
joined by the following persons and their families, who set- 
tled in this township on the locations as indicated in the 
following roll : 

Names. Sec. Acres. Niimes. S«c. Acres. 

1844. William P. Shaw 20 80 

Theron Graham 15 80 Hale Wakefield 16 120 

Myron Higbee 14 40 H. W. Crabb 25 80 

Selden Hull 16 120 Elijah Jennings 27 80 

Charles Hull 17 80 A.B.Leeds 28 80 

Richard Stanley 1 124 " " 29 80 

William P. Shaw 17 042 

» E. D. Cooke. 



TOWNSHIP OP BENTON. 



189 



N;imes. Sec. Acres. 
ISlfi. 

Hamilton Carey 35 40 

James Garrett S 80 

Daniel T. Ilurd 28 160 

Marcus 0. Kurd 28 160 

Patrick Murphy 28 80 



Names. Sec. Acres. 
1845. 

Mieajah Chauneey 19 75 

D. O.Woodruff 30 235 

S.Stanley 31 40 

Cornelius Stanley 2 80 

Uriel Higbee 14 120 

Marvin Kent 15 136 

After 1855 the population increased rapidly, the inhab- 
itants, six years later, numbering 1028, and in 1870 there 
were 3116; while the valuation of property had increased 
from $115,893, in 1865, to $492,854, in 1870. 

CIVIL ORGANIZATION. 
On the 11th of March, 1837, the Legislature of the 
State enacted that the township should be organized with 
the name of Benton, and that the first election should be 
held at the public-house in the village of Millburg ; but 
the population was so sparse that the provisions of the act 
were not given effect until four years later, the township 
remaining connected with St. Joseph for civil purposes 
until 1841. In April of that year the first election for 
township officers was held, and 13 votes were cast. Ephraim 
P. Mann was elected supervisor, James F. Higbee trea.s- 
urer, Jehial Enos clerk, Phineas Pearl and Jacob Van 
Horn justices of the peace. At the general election in the 
following November, which was continued two days, 25 
votes were ca.st. The records of Benton from that time 
until 1863 have been lost or destroyed, making it impos- 
sible to produce a complete list of civil oflacers for that 
period. Since 1863 the principal officers have been the 
following : 

SUPERVISORS. 
1863-64, Samuel McGuigan ; 1865-68, Isaac J. Hoag ; 1869-70, 
Samuel Jackson ; 1871-74, W. L. George ; 1875, S. L. Van Camp. 

CLERKS. 
1863, John C. Gates ; 1864, E. N. Hatch; 1865, George II. Hopkins; 
1866-68, M. G. Lamport; 1869-70, J. P. Thresher; 1871, Wm. 
H. Kidd: 1872, E. D. Cooke; 1873, Silas G. Antisdale; 1874, 
Wells Browne; 1875, Frank D. Conger; 1876, A. B. Bisbee; 
1877, Calvin M. Edick ; 1878-79, George M. Valentine. 

TREASURERS. 
1863, George Peters; 1864, L. A. Hall; 1865-69, William T. Durry ; 
1870-72, James L. Winans; 1873-74, E. D. Cooke; 1875, Smith 
M. Wilcox; 1876, A. B. Leeds; 1877, Samuel Stuart; 1878-79, 
A. J. Kidd. 

In 1879 there were 605 votes polled, and there were 
elected, besides the above, Benjamin F. Rounds, Commis- 
sioner of Highways ; John C. Lawrence, Superintendent 
of Schools; George Wright, School Inspector; William 
Randall, Drain Commissioner ; Cushan Burr, George A. 
Slater, John A. Scott, and L. A. Swisher, Constables. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
186.3, Leander A. Hall; 1864, George Peters, John C. Gates; 1865, 
Sterne Bronson, George Parmelee; 1866, J. T. Smith; 1867, L. 
A. Hall; 1868, Josiah Swisher, H. L. Harris; 1869, G. W. Soles, 
D. T. Hurd; 1870, Martin Dodge, Jehial Enos; 1871, David J. 
Morrison, R. E. Hull, Alonzo Plummer ; 1872, Josiah H. Swisher ; 
1873, Wells Browne, Mathias Hunt; 1874, Alonzo Plummer, Allen 
M. Randall; 1875, Josiah H. Swisher; 1876, D. V. Dix, James 
F. Higbee; 1877, Wells Browne; 1878, Alonzo Plummer; 1879, 
i F. Higbee. 



BENTON HIGHWAYS. 
Some of the roads of the township were located and 
built before it was organized. The well-known Territorial 



road was completed in 1835, so as to permit travel. It 
has since been much improved, and is yet one of the prin- 
cipal thoroughfares. The first road from Millburg south, 
Mr. Cooke informs us, was built by Phineas Pearl and the 
Jakeways. In many localities the early roads had to be 
corduroyed, and for many years they were barely passable. 
The later roads, and the highways in general, have been 
improved to an excellent condition, and some of them pre- 
sent the appearance of suburban streets, being lined with 
comfortable and in many instances costly homes. 

The early settlers experienced much difiiculty in market- 
ing their produce, on account of the bad roads across the 
marsh along the St. Joseph, and consequently the town- 
ship has given liberal encouragement to the various projects 
for facilitating communication with distant marts. The 
Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad received aid 
to the amount of $16,000 from Benton, and in 1871 built 
its line through the northwestern part of the township, a 
distance of about three miles, and located a station at Ben- 
ton Harbor. But the greatest improvement the township 
has ever encouraged, and which has done more to develop 
its rich resources than any other measure, was 

THE BENTON HARBOR SHIP CANAL, 
which extends from the highlands in the western part of 
the township across the marsh to the St. Joseph River, a 
distance of nearly a mile. The story of the inception and 
progress of this enterprise was so well told by Edwin D. 
Cooke, in his Centennial address, July 4, 1876, that it is 
here reproduced entire. He said,— 

" The idea of dredging a ship-canal and building a village on the 
present site of Benton Harbor had long been entertained by the early 
settlers of this township, and was discussed as early as 1834, with the 
engineers who in that year surveyed through Benton township the 
route of the Detroit and St. Joseph Railroad. But the discussion had 
waned, and the subject, though not entirely abandoned, lay dormant, 
awaiting a favorable breeze to fan it into life, until 1859, when it was 
revived with increased force by an apparently trivial circumstance. 

" Mr. All)crt James, then residing with the Hon. H. C. Morton, on 
returning from a trip to St. Joseph, ' stuck in the mud' about half- 
way from St. Joseph. Mr. Charles Hull, en route to St. Joseph, as- 
sisted in extricating Mr. James, who, covered with mud and dirt, 
made many discouraging remarks in relation to the future prosperity 
of this township. Mr. Hull, while seeking to revive his drooping 
spirits, gave utterance to this prophecy : ' Mr. James,' said he, * in less 
than five years from now we shall see the waters of the lake extending 
in a ship-canal to the highland east of us, and a prosperous village 
on this flat and those bluffs.' The idea was so ludicrous to Mr. James 
that he related the prophecy, as a funny incident of his accident, on 
his return to Mr. Morton's. Mr. Sterne Bronson, who had recently 
moved into the township from Indiana, was present, and was so im- 
pressed with the feasibility of the idea that he immediately commenced 
the agitation of the subject, and the breeze which he created resulted 
in the appointment, by the citizens, of the Hon. Henry C. Morton, 
Sterne Bronson, and Charles Hull, as an executive committee, to take 
the matter in charge, raise the necessary subscriptions, etc. Mr. Mor- 
ton and Mr. Bronson proceeded to Chicago and negotiated with Mar- 
tin Green for the dredging of the canal. Mr. Green returned with 
them, and after long and careful deliberation, agreed to dig the canal 
on the following terms : Mr. H. C. Morton gave fifty-five acres of land 
lying east of Ox Creek. Mr. Charles Hull gave the undivided one- 
half of forty acres of land lying along the proposed route of the canal. 
Mr. Sterne Bronson gave the undivided one half of a nine-rod strip 
in the village, a building lot on the bluff, afterwards known as the 
Martin Green place, and a forty-acre seminary lot at the mouth of the 
canal. The above-named gentlemen also agreed to keep the dredge 
well supplied with wood, and raise a subscription of $1500, to be paid 
in cash, besides a large quantity of material for docking purposes. 



190 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The public responded promptly and liberally, and the contract, as 
above stated, was faithfully carried out. But the history of all great 
works indicates that the i)rogre88ive road is not a smooth road, and 
the efforts of the dredge seemed to grow feobler day by day (as was 
asserted) for want of supplies. The committee were obliged to donate 
again, which they did, each one liberally, and yet again the work 
la.gged and ceased, and again the committee came to the rescue with 
liberal donations. 

" The people of Benton Harbor and Benton township owe a debt of 
gratitude to these gentlemen which they will ever find it impossible to 
])ay, and it is a peculiarly gratifying fact that each member of that 
committee still lives to see and enjoy with us the fruits of their early 
exertions, and that each one, residing as he does upon a separate 
bluff overlooking the scene of their early labors, may, from day to 
day, as they view the growth of our prosperous village and see the 
daily arrival of steamboats and vessels upon the waters of the canal, 
enjoy the complete fruition of their hopes. Though their visions may 
have been grand, their realization is grander still. 

"The canal was enlarged by Martin Green in 1868, on a contract 
with the township (assisted by voluntary contributions from individ- 
uals), which gave its bonds for §10,000, payable in annual installments, 
with interest. The bonds and interest have since been paid. It was 
deepened again during the summer of 1875, the township paying over 
$4000, and the village of Benton Harbor $10,000, which was assessed 
upon the rolls and raised by ta.x the same year. It is now capable of 
floating vessels of the largest size, in witness of which fact, behold 
the noble steamer, the ' Messenger,' which sails from this port daily." 

The canal was first but 25 feet wide, and was finished in 
1862. The schoooner " J. C. Shank" was the first vessel 
to enter the canal and come up to the village. The canal 
was subsequently widened to more than 50 feet. 

THE VILLAGE OF BENTON HARBOR. 

The founding of this village followed in connection with 
the building of the canal. It was laid out in 1860 by 
Henry C. Morton, Sterne Bronson, M. G. Lamport, B. C. 
Lewis, Martin Green, Charles Hull, and others, and was 
named — after one of the most active promoters of the 
canal — Bronson's Harbor. In 1865 the name was changed 
to the present title as being a more suitable term. The 
original plat of the village has been enlarged by additions 
made by Windsor & Conger, Sorter & Rackliff, J. S. Ken- 
dricks, Boughton & Lewis, and others. The village is 
favorably located for an extensive trade, about a mile from 
St. Joseph, sixty-two miles from Chicago by lake and 
ninety-three by rail. The greater portion of the business 
is transacted on the flats, the adjacent bluflFs being occupied 
by handsome residences and public edifices. The first 
building was put up by Fred. Spallinger in 1860, and was 
occupied as a grocery. It is yet standing near Gates & 
Bell's brick block. Later in that year, Capt. N. Bobbins 
erected what might be called the first good building, and 
which also remains, being used as a public hall. The first 
hall or building for public gatherings was built by the Rus- 
sells, and was destroyed by fire. In 1868-69 the first good 
brick block was put up by Bronson, Johnson & Reynolds. 
It is three stories high, and is generally called the " Rey- 
nolds Block." Soon after other substantial business blocks 
were erected, and from year to year a good class of build- 
ings are taking the places of the wooden structures of the 
early years of Benton Harbor. 

The growth of the village is unprecedented in the history 
of Berrien County. Where in 1850 was a comparative 
waste of land, whose asses.sed valuation was only $893, with 
scarcely any signs of habitation, there is now one of the 



most prosperous places in the State, populated by more than 
a thousand enterprising inhabitants. In 1875 the ground- 
value of Benton Harbor was $95,310, and the State, county, 
and township tax was $6275.83, in comparison with $6.56 
paid in 1850. 

The various interests of the village are noted in the 
following pages. 

In the early part of 1866, Sterne Bronson circulated a 
petition praying the Board of Supervisors to incorporate 
the village under the general law, as it had the required 
number of inhabitants and the general good of the place 
would be promoted by such a measure. At a meeting held 
by the citizens for this purpose, Henry C. Morton, Samuel 
McGuigan, A. B. Riford, and Sterne Bronson were ap- 
pointed a committee to present the petition before the Su- 
pervisors, and although some opposition was manifested 
towards the measure, the prayer was granted and the first 
election for village officers was ordered to be held at the 
white school-house, July 7, 1866, under the inspectorship 
of J. F. Miller, John T. Smith, and N. Bobbins. At the 
appointed time 83 votes were polled, and the following 
persons were elected as the first village ofiicers of Benton 
Harbor : President, Samuel McGuigan ; Trustees, Sterne 
Bronson, O. Hubbard, Martin Green, A. Burridge, N. Rob- 
bins, G. K. Hopkins ; Clerk, N. Babcock ; Treasurer, J. 
C. Gates ; Assessors, J. T. Smith, S. C. Martin ; Marshal, 
James Trimble ; Street Commissioners, J. Van Horn, C. 
Haulin, John Morrison ; Fire- Wardens, Loyal Nutting, 
James Trimble ; Poundmaster, B. C. Lewis. 

In 1867 the president of the village was Samuel Mc- 
Guigan, the clerk N. Babcock, and the treasurer, J. C. 
Gates. In 1868 these ofiicers, in the above order, were 
Joseph Riford, H. S. Harris, and John Bell. 

In this period the village grew rapidly, and as the general 
law was found defective in some of its provisions, it was 
deemed advisable to reincorporate Benton Harbor under a 
special act of the Legislature. Accordingly, the Hon. A. 
B. Riford, of the village, who was at that time a member 
from this district in the Assembly, was requested to draft a 
charter, which, after being approved by the board, received 
the sanction of the State authorities April 3, 1869. By 
the terms of this charter, under which the village is at 
present governed, the limits were fixed to embrace all that 
tract of land situate iu township No. 4 south, of ranges 
18 and 19, described as follows: "Beginning half a mile 
west of the quarter post on the west side of section No. 19, 
running thence north parallel with a line half a mile east 
of the west lines of sections Nos. 8 and 19, to the east and 
west quarter line of section 18, thence west half a mile to 
the quarter post in the Paw Paw River, thence north on 
the section line thirty chains, thence west twenty chains to 
the centre of section 13, thence south one mile to the centre 
of section 24, thence east one mile to the place of beginning, 
shall be known as the village of Benton Harbor." 

It will be seen that half of the above described corpora- 
tion is situated in the township of Benton, and the other 
half iu St. Joseph town.ship. 

The qualified voters were to a.ssemble at " American 
Hall," on the second Monday of April, 1869, to elect a 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



191 



president, clerk, marshal, treasurer, assessor, three trustees 
for one year, and three for two years. The president of the 
village to be a member of the Board of Trustees ex officio, 
and to bo subject to like responsibilities as the other trustees. 
Power is conferred by the charter to appoint fire wardens 
and other necessary officers, and taxation limited not to 
exceed the sum of one-half per cent, on the valuation, ex- 
clusive of moneys needed for highway purposes. Special 
taxes not to exceed two per cent. 

At the election, which was held at the appointed time, 
80 votes were polled, and the officers elected were : Presi- 
dent, Joseph Riford ; Clerk, H. S. Harris ; Treasurer, J. 
L. Winans ; Assessor, William J. Hess ; Marshal, Jesse 
Johnson ; Trustees (one year), H. C. Morton, G. K. Hop- 
kins, Sterne Bronson ; (two years), N. liobbins, M. Dodge, 
W. H. Kirby. 

Since 1869 the principal officers of the village have been 
the following : 

PRESIDENTS. 
1870, Joseph Riford : 1871, J. C. Ingham ; 1872, Ira C. Abbott; 1873, 
Sterne Bronson ; 1874-75, John Thomas; 1876-77, John C. Ing- 
ham; 1878, J. W. Leslie; 1879, H. L. Pitcher. 

CLEEKS. 
1870, A. B. Riford; 1871, H. H. Kidd; 1872, Alonzo Plummer ; 187.S 
-7a, Edwin D. Coolie; 1876-78, Henry L. Pitcher; 1879, George 
M. Valentine. 

TREASURERS. 

1870-73, J. C. Winans; 1874-78, John Morrison : 1870, R. M. Kinney. 

TRUSTEES. 
1870, Samuel McGuigan, J. C. Abbott, Martin Dodge ; 1871, T. A. 
Walker, E. G. Reynolds, C. Colby; 1872, Patrick M. Kinney, 
George Rice, John C. Ingham ; 1873, N. Robbing, J. H. Darsche, 
N. Hounds, C. Colby, J. N. Burridge ; 1874, R. R. Worden, Pat- 
rick M. Kinney, Christopher S. Boyle; 1875, John H. Graham, 
H. W. Williams, J. N. Burridge ; 1876, C. S. Boyle, Henry Wor- 
den, John Morrison; 1877, J. N. Burridge, Henry W. Williams, 
Jackson Russell; 1878, R. M. Worden, B. B. Eldridge, John Al- 
mandinger; 1879, R. D. Carnahan, I. W. Conkey, S. G. Anti.s- 
dale. 

The assessor in 1879 was Joseph W. Weimer; Marshal, 
John McCormick ; Deputy Marshal, George F. Rounds ; 
Health Officer, Dr. John Bell ; Fire- Wardens, Frank 
Nichols and John Gilson. 

The village has taken a decided position in favor of law 
and order, and " one of the first ordinances enacted was for 
the suppression of intemperance within the corporate limits, 
prescribing as a penalty immediate confinement in the jail, 
and, upon conviction, the payment of a fine not to exceed 
$10, and making it the duty of the marshal to immediately 
arrest intoxicated persons." 

Steps were also taken, in the early history of the village, 
to insure protection against fire. On the 10th of June, 
1872, an election was held to vote a special tax of $800, to 
be expended in the purchase of a fire-engine. In due 
time the necessary apparatus was purchased, and the " Ex- 
celsior Engine Company" formed. On the 14th of March, 
1874, it reported a list of 33 men, with D. W. Porter, Fore- 
man; J. M. McCormick, Assistant Foreman; T. S. Gay- 
lord, Secretary ; P. M. Kinney, Treasurer ; and W. D. 
Waters, Steward. 

In the course of a few years the village outgrew the 
hand-engine which first served it, and demanded apparatus 
of larger capacity. Accordingly, on the 20th of June, 1876, 



the corporation secured a fine Silsby steam fire-engine, at a 
cost of $4000. It received the name of" Tom Benton," and 
in July was placed in charge of F. Van Brickel as chief 
engineer. Since that period an excellent fire company has 
been maintained, and at present (1879) the chief engineer 
is J. M. McCormick. A number of good reservoirs and 
hydrants have been provided, and the village enjoys an un- 
usual degree of security against fire. No general confla- 
grations have occurred, but several mills and factories have 
been burned. 

The corporation has greatly promoted the welfare of the 
village, securing good sidewalks, passable streets, and other 
desirable adjuncts of a well-ordered community. 

BENTON HARBOR COMMERCE. 

A commodious harbor has been constructed at the vil- 
lage, with convenient docks and warehouses, at which a 
number of boats are laden daily with the products of the 
township, the chief articles of export being lumber and fruit. 
The fruit shipments in 1871 were 10,376 bushels of straw- 
berries, 5768 bushels of raspberries, 12,046 bushels of 
blackberries, 256,524 packages of peaches, 943 packages of 
pears, 651 packages of grapes, 15,000 barrels of apples. 
In 1877 the shipments were as follows: 285,003 baskets 
and 1274 crates of peaches, 1999 baskets of pears, 31,027 
baskets of grapes, 55,407 crates of strawberries, 3076 crates 
and 275 baskets of cherries, 27,610 crates of raspberries, 
7909 crates of blackberries, 1291 crates of huckleberries, 
53,399 barrels, 1672 sacks, 3399 bushels, and 526 baskets 
of apples, 2032 barrels of cider. 

The shipments of 1879 largely exceeded the foregoing 
except in the item of peaches. For the week ending June 
21st there were shipped by boat 29,942 half-bushel crates 
of berries, and the subsequent weeks show amounts almost 
as large. 

In 1871, Benton Harbor was made a port of entry, and 
A. B. Riford appointed collector of customs, entering 
upon the discharge of his duties in the spring of that year 
and serving till March 14, 1877. Andrew J. Kidd was 
then appointed collector, and still holds that office. 

Some time about 1864, Green, Allen & Co. (Martin 
Green, P. P. Allen, and J. P. Edwards) were actively en- 
gaged in the shipping business from this port, and had an 
interest in a line of good steamers to Chicago, among the 
boats being the " St. Joseph," " Benton," and " Van Raalte." 
In a few years the company retired from business and the 
boats were taken to other points. At present the propellers 
" Messenger" and " Skylark" leave every week-day evening 
for Chicago. Both boats are owned by citizens of the vil- 
lage. The " Messenger" is of 444 tons burden, carries a 
crew of 20 men, is owned by Graham, Morton & Co., and 
commanded by Capt. John Robinson. It was placed on this 
line in 1876. The " Skylark's" tonnage is 261, her crew 
numbers 14 men, her owner is H. W. Williams, and her 
captain John Morrison. The " Shepard" and " Edith," 
small boats, ply between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor 
every half-hour for local accommodation. 

GENERAL BUSINESS INTERESTS. 
A. M. Collins opened the first store, in 1861, in the 
building at present occupied by M. G. Lamport, who soon 



192 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



after engaged in trade and yet continues. The same season 
Hatch & Durry opened a store in the Robbins building. 
Charles J. Smith had a general store, and H. L. Harris 
had a grocery-store. Other early and principal merchants 
were N. Robbins, B. C. Lewis, Stephen Boyle, Foster I. 
Parks, A. Burridge, and Gordon Brothers. 

The different branches of trade are at present represented 
by Pitcher, Jones & Sonner, R. J. David & Co., Ferry & 
Co., and S. B. Van Horn, dry goods ; Clark & Hoag, 0. S. 
Willey, M. J. Vincent, P. M. Kinney, C. S. Boyle, Schaus 
& Burridge, F. G. Rice, S. M. Austin & Co., and W. H. 
Edwards, groceries ; M. G. Lamport and Piatt & Bro., 
hardware ; John Thomas and W. L. George, boots and 
shoes ; John C. Gates, A. J. Kidd, J. R. Price, drugs and 
medicines ; Kolman Brothers, notions ; Judson Russell, pro- 
duce dealer; J. H. Darche, fruit dealer; and eight or ten 
others. Many of these stores are large, and transact a 
heavy trade. 

The first hotel was the present " American House." 
which was built in 1861, by E. B. Whiting, and for some 
time kept by him. The house has repeatedly been enlarged 
and improved, and is at present well kept by Alonzo Vin- 
cent. Other landlords have been John Brown, A. M. Col- 
lins, Martin Dodge, and E. Nichols. 

The " Gartley House" was originally used by the " Ex- 
celsior Packing Company," in 1870, but was reconstructed 
for hotel purposes by Samuel McGuigan, who yet owns it, 
and has been kept by Samuel Stewart. This is also well 
patronized. The third hotel, the " Colfax House," has 
been kept several years by Martin Dodge. 

The village was first supplied with mail matter from the 
St. Joseph ofiice, which was distributed by M. G. Lamport, 
Charles Hulbard, and others. 

In 1865 a government ofiice was established with the 
name of the village, and Henry C. Morton postmaster. 
While he held that position the duties of the ofiice were 
discharged by deputies Jacob Van Horn, John C. Gates, 
J. S. -Morton. In 1873, J. P. Thresher received the ap- 
pointment of postmaster, and served until 1877, when the 
present incumbent, A. B. Ritbrd, succeeded to the position. 
The office has three mails per day by rail, a tri-weekly mail 
to Eiistern points, and a daily mail by stage from Berrien. 
On the 1st of August, 1870, it became a postal money-order 
ofiice. ' 

A private bank was established in the village, in 1875, by 
W. E. Higman, James Baley, and S. F. Heath, which is at 
present continued by the two first-named members of the 
firm. A neat ofiice is occupied, and a flourishing business 
done. 

The first newspaper was the Benton Harbor Palladium, 
issued Oct. 9, 1868, by L. G. Merchant, and which is now 
edited by Charles E. Reeves. The Times was founded 
July 17, 1875, by William and Thomas Hurley, and is yet 
continued by them. The Lake Shore Daily Neim, also 
yet here issued, was established May 1, 1876. A full his- 
tory of the press appears in the general history of the 
county. 

Dr. John Bell was the first physician in the village, and 
is yet an active practitioner. The other physicians are Drs. 
George W. Bell, Richard Winans, I. R. Dunning, E. A. 



Clark, and J. S. Mortlock, the latter two being homoeopa- 
thists. A few other physicians have practiced in the place, 
but removed to other points. 

R. A. Kneeland was the first dentist, and was followed by 
Dr. C. J. Hall. 

The first attorney was A. B. Riford, who located here in 
August, 1866, and yet follows his profession. Alonzo 
Plummer has practiced law since 1874, and since that pe- 
riod F. D. Orcutt, George M. Valentine, John A. Eastman, 
and A. H. Potter have established themselves here in prac- 
tice. Among the lawyers who have removed have been 
E. F. Hyde, L. C. Fyfe, and A. C. Kingman. 

BENTON HARBOR MANUFACTORIES. 

In 1854, H. W. Williams put up a steam saw-mill on 
the northwest quarter of section 18, on the Paw Paw 
River, which had a capacity of 14,000 feet of lumber per 
day. It was destroyed by fire in 1875. 

In the village, J. H. Darche formerly carried on a 
foundry and plow-factory, which has been discontinued. 
A grist-mill, which was put up by James and W. H. Kirby, 
has also passed away. 

The Benton Harbor Custom- and Flouring- Mills, in the 
eastern part of the village, were partly built in 1871. 
Since that time they have been enlarged, and are at present 
operated by W. E. Bradley. The power is furnished by a 
25 horse-power engine, and two runs of stone are in use. 

J. H. Graham & Co.'s Lumber-Mills were built some 
ten or twelve years ago, by Green, Allen & Co., in the west- 
ern part of the village. They are supplied with large 
double engines and good machinery, giving them a capacity 
of 3,500,000 feet per year. Sixteen men are employed, and 
the mills are operated, chiefly on the hard woods, in the 
production of bill-stuff. 

The Benton Harbor Building and Manufacturing Es- 
tablishment wan commenced in 1874, by the erection by the 
citizens of the village of a large factory building, north of 
the depot, supplied with an engine of 25 horse-power, which 
was given to George R. Wright & Brother as a bonus, 
conditioned upon the establishment of a " Washboard and 
Bung Factory," to give employment to 50 men. After a 
short period of work, on a small scale, the firm retired from 
business, and the factory was idle until May, 1879, when 
S. S. Ware occupied it as the proprietor of the above estab- 
lishment. A large amount of general work is done, and 
the lumber-dressing business in all its forms is carried on 
for builders and contractors. Twelve men are given em- 
ployment, under the foremanship of J. B. Winchell. The 
agent of the establishment is George R. Wright. 

The Excelsior Factory, on the west side of the canal, 
was established at St. Joseph in 1875, by H. W. Miller, 
and located at the present site in 1877 by a company formed 
for that purpose, and of which H. W. Miller is the presi- 
dent. A building 32 by 40 feet, two stories high, is occu- 
pied by machinery for the manufacture of " Excelsior," a 
thin, spiral shaving of wood for packing purposes, and for 
the filling of mattresses. About 3-1 cords of basswood logs 
are consumed daily, and 7 men are employed to carry on the 
factory. 

John Thomas Tannery was built in the spring of 1879, 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



193 



and has been in operation a few months. It contains six- 
teen vats, which are employed in tanning upper-leather with 
hemloek bark. SteaiH-power is used, and this tannery is 
said to be the only one in operation in the county. 

The Benton Harbor Furniture- Factory, A. Volsteek, 
proprietor, was established in the fall of 1865. The present 
factory has been occupied since 1873. It is a two-.story 
building, 75 by 80 feet, and is supplied with power from a 
good engine of twenty-five horse-power capacity. The fac- 
tory is operated on general household furniture, and employs 
five or six hands. In the same building is a part of C. Colby 
& Co.'s Fruit-Package and Basket- Factory, which properly 
dates from the year 1866, when C. Colby began the manu- 
facture of fruit-packages in the village, using 100,000 feet 
of veneers that year. The consumption of that article has 
steadily increased, about 300,000 feet per year being used 
at the present time. The factory has been located at various 
points, and at the present place since 1873. The firm 
manufactures all kinds of fruit-packages, baskets, and veneer 
work, employing about 50 hands. Among the products are 
veneer plates, for the use of retail grocers. As many as half 
a million peach-baskets a year have been made at this ftic 
tory, and other work in proportion. 

L. Carpenter ds Go's Fruit- Basket and Package- Manu- 
factory was established about the same time as the above, 
by L. & N. Hall, and has been operated since 1870 by 
the present firm. The appointments of the factory are com- 
plete, excellent machinery is used, and the power is sup- 
plied by a twenty horse-power engine. The Carpenter 
factory produces some work of peculiar construction, which 
is used witii great favor by fruit-growers and dealers, and 
their wares have attained a wide reputation. Employment 
is given to 25 men. 

Ingham, Leslie & Co.'s Fruit-Package Factory, near the 
railroad depot, was established about 1870, by Colby, Ing- 
ham & Co , in tiie southern part of the village. The 
present firm took the factory in 1875, and in February, 
1876, the old factory was burned. The present factory has 
been occupied since March of the same year, and embraces 
several large shops, the main building being 75 by 125 
feet. It is supplied with good machinery, and the lathes 
were constructed after patterns prepared by J. W. Leslie. 
In addition to the ordinary fruit-packages, the firm also 
manufactures cigar-box lumber, head-lining for barrels, and 
veneers for various purposes. The factory employs from 
25 to 75 men, and is operated the entire year. The present 
members of the firm are J. C. Ingham, J. \V. Leslie, and 
E. L. McNitt. 

Samuel Genthe's Cooperage was established in 1872, for 
the manufacture of all kinds of barrels and casks. Ten 
men find steady employment in this factory. The village 
is also well supplied with the ordinary mechanic shops and 
smaller manufacturing interests. 

Benton Harbor Fruit-Packing and Canning Establish- 
ments. — In 1870 the " Excelsior Packing Company" began 
putting up fruit and vegetables in the building which is at 
present used as the Gartley House, putting up 35,000 cans 
that year, and increasing the product to 125,000 cans the 
second year. The company then retired frouj business, and 
two other companies were formed to pack vegetables and 
25 



fruit: the " Phoenix Packing Company" and the " Benton 
Harbor Packing Company." The latter was composed of 
Albert James, 0. E. Mead, W. C. Hunter, and A. Plum- 
mer. They put up 800,000 cans that year. The following 
year the company dissolved. The " Phoeuix Company" 
had as its members E. Nickerson, N. Bobbins, and C. H. 
Tarbell ; but in 1873 the first two members of the firm 
disposed of their interests to A. B. Biford and N. B. Hall, 
and the " Victor Packing Company" was formed. This 
firm put up the large packing establishment in the eastern 
part of the village, which is at present the place of busi- 
ness of the establishment next named. 

The Alden Evaporating and Canning Company was 
formed in 1877. The present officers are Alfred llussell. 
President; W. E. Higman, Secretary ; C. M. Edick, Treas- 
urer ; and N. B. Hall, Superintendent. The establishment 
embraces a number of buildings, — the principal ones being 
38 by 120 feet, 26 by 150 feet, 30 by 80 feet, and 80 by 
100 feet, which are devoted to the various purposes of the 
company, including the manufacture of tin cans. This 
department gives employment to 15 men nine months per 
year. In the canning department 200 persons, chiefly 
women, are employed, working about fifteen hours per day 
during the canning season. 

The principal articles canned are the " Victor ' and 
" Benton" tomatoes, about 500,000 3-pound cans per year; 
string-beans, about 25,000 2-pouud cans ; and apples, 4000 
dozen 1-gallon cans. These goods are sold to the trade by 
C. E. Roe & Co., of Chicago, and large quantities are 
furnished to the government. Most of the vegetables con- 
sumed are grown on contract by parties living in the vicin- 
ity of the village, about 300 acres of tomatoes and 25 acres 
of beans being subject to the demands of the company. 

The present firm also controls the dry-houses and prop- 
erty of the old " Alden Evaporating Company." The 
buildings stand on several acres of ground, aud embrace a 
large four-story structure, with an L wing containing two 
dryers, arranged after the Alden method, whose capacity 
is 600 bushels of apples per day. They were erected in 
1874, by O. E. Moore and Ralph Grove, and subsequently 
used by A. R. Nowlen aud John Thomas & Co., and when 
in operation gave employment to 75 persons. Since 1877 
they have not been in use, the energies of the company 
being directed more to the canning than the evaporating 

process. 

THE FRUIT INTERESTS OF BENTON 

may be appropriately noted iu this connection. Fruit-trees 
were set out, soon alter the settlement of the township, by 
the pioneers to supply their own wants, but fruit was not 
much cultivated for market until after 1850. In 1848, 
George Parmelee set out an orchard of two acres of budded 
peach-trees, of which the fruitage was so satisfactory that 
attention was directed to this business as the probable future 
industry of the people of the township. Larger orchards 
were planted with equally satisfactory results, the trees not 
only growing with remarkable thrift, but their products 
being a source of much revenue to their owners. The 
favorableness of the soil, climate, aud other essential con- 
ditions beiug established, the population of the township 
was augmented with wonderful rapidity by those anxious 



194 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



to eugage in fruit culture. The price of land appreciated 
from a nominal price to fabulous figures, as much as $1000 
per acre being paid ; and the larger lots were subdivided 
into gardens of from three to ten acres, on many of which 
cottages were built, until many parts of the western half of 
the township bear the appearance of a vast straggling vil- 
lage. Others engaged in the business on a scale of greater 
magnitude. In 1857, Smith & Howell planted 60 acres 
of peach-trees, which was known as the Cincinuati orchard, 
and was for several years the largest in the State. The 
Parmelee orchard was increased until it comprised 90 acres. 
In 1873, when fruit-growing was at its best, there were 
2677 orchards in the township. Of the lands devoted to 
this purpose, 214 acres were set to strawberries; 109, to 
raspberries; 134, to blackberries; and there were 32,110 
grape-vines, 5427 cherry-trees, 204.721 peach-trees, 10,935 
pear-trees, 67,092 apple-trees, 1223 plum-trees, and 1453 
quince-trees. In most respects Benton headed the list of 
the fruit townships of the county, the excess of peach-trees 
especially being very large. In a few years after this list 
was prepared the peach-trees were attacked by a disease 
popularly known as " the Yellows," which cau.sed most of 
the orchards to die out, and this fruit at present forms a 
comparatively small amount of the products of the general 
interest, apples and the small fruits being the staples. In 
1873 those who cultivated 15 acres or more of fruit in 
Benton were the following: George W. Antisdale, D. 
Boynton, M. E. Burridge, J. N. Burridge, Jacob Burridge, 
L. Canfield, George Carley, N. Castle, P. A. Chapman, H. 
C. Collins, E. G. Curtis, William Gates, H. H. Garland, 
Gates & Bell, 0. Harmon, S. F. Heath, J. F. Higbee, U. 
Higbee, H. Hilton, G. K. Hopkins, W. C. Hunter, J. C. 
Ingham, Samuel Jackson, A. James, J. L. Johnson, H. H. 
Kidd, A. B. Leeds, 0. Lozier, S. E. Martin, J. McAllister, 
E. A. Clave, George Meech, P. Morley, L. G. Moulton, 
E. Nickerson, A. R. Nowlen, A. J. Nowlen, Alfred Os- 
borne, P. 0. Osborne, C. J. Owen, George Perkins, C. K. 
Pierce, George Powell, R. C. Reed, P. J. Ripley, W. D. 
Sherwood, Ezra Smith, C. C. Sutton, James Vanderveer, 
George Wright, J. W. Rose, S. Perkins, Mary Robinson, 
James Silvers, S. Snyder, T. N. Terry, L. M. Ward, R. 
Winans, P. Yore, W. Rose, W. S. Rowe, George Smith, J. 
M. Sorter, J. P. Thresher, H. P. White, J. Withey, I. J. 
Hoag, B. Fish. 

Since 1873 a number of changes in the ownership of 
the orchards have taken place, which cannot be here given. 
The general fruit products of the township can be seen 
from the shipments as given in the article on the com- 
merce of Benton Harbor. Fruit-growing yet constitutes 
tlie chief industry of the people of Benton. 



This is the oldest village in the township. It was platted 
in 1835, by Jehial Enos, of Benton, and Amos S. Amsden, 
of St. Jo.«eph, and received its name on account of the 
water-power at this place, which was improved about that 
time for milling purposes. It is located on the north bank 
of Blue Creek, in the eastern part of section 13, on the 
Bainbridge line, a part of the village being in that township. 
Originally, about twenty acres were platted for a village. 



and years ago the place promised to become a point of 
greater importance than it is at present. The canal and 
railroad have diverted whatever trade it had to Benton 
Harbor, and it is now simply a hamlet, having a post-ofEce, 
mill, a few shops, about twenty houses, and a Disciples' 
Church. 

The Bainbridge post-office was established here about 
1836, and had as the first postmaster James H. Enos. 
John T. Tabor was the next appointee, keeping it some 
distance from the village. The present post-office, which 
bears the name of the village, was established about 1852, 
with Enos Fenton as postmaster. His successors were 
Mrs. Fenton and the present Mrs. Hill. The office has 
a tri-weekly mail from Benton Harbor. 

The first store was kept by James H. Enos, about 1851. 
He sold to Ansel Winslow, who in turn was succeeded by 
Dix & Wakefield and D. D. Hurd, the latter being the 
last in trade in that building. Another store was opened 
in 1852, by Enos Fenton, who was in trade until about 
1871, when William Randall & Brother engaged here as 
merchants, and continued until a few years ago. Only a 
small grocery-store is carried on at present. 

The first regular tavern was kept by the Winslows, in 
the former store building, which had been remodeled for 
this purpose. Subsequently, William Piersoll, Samuel 
Buchanan, and others entertained the public, but at present 
there is no tavern. 

Dr. Ansel Winslow was the first physician to locate at 
Miilburg to practice his profession, about 1851, and had a 
contemporary soon after in Dr. Enos Fenton. Other prac- 
titioners for short periods were Drs. Cook, Fowler, Ross, 
King, etc. The present in practice is Dr. Bowman. 

At the village, James H. Enos put in operation the first 
saw-mill, about 1836, and eighteen years after, sold the prop- 
erty to Ansel Winslow. In a few years the latter erected a 
grist-mill, which is yet operated by Wm. Randall & Brother. 
The Hall Brothers were intermediate owners, and here also 
had a factory for making staves and bent work. The water- 
power was supplemented by steam, but the engine was .soon 
after removed to Benton Harbor. 

Farther down Blue Creek, Jehial Enos and James Suth- 
erland erected a saw-mill, which afterwards became the 
property of James P. Higbee, who operated it until it was 
discontinued. 

On section 21, Samuel McGuigan had a steam saw-mill, 
which was successfully operated many years, and about 
twenty years ago W. H. Pearl erected a similar mill on 
section 26, which is yet worked to a limited extent. 

A small basket-factory was operated on section 36, by 
James S. Moore, a few years, but has been discontinued. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Repeated application for information concerning " Ben- 
ton Lodge, No. 132, 1. 0. O. P.," has failed to elicit the de- 
sired data. Its meetings are held in a hall over Perry & 
Co.'s store, and P. G. Rice was reported as Noble Grand, 
and J. E. Wright, Secretary. 

Lake Shore Lodge, No. 298, F. and A. M., was in- 
stituted Jan. 10, 1872, with A. B. Leeds, P. D. Mont- 
gomery, C. S. Boyle, John Bell, J. P. Thresher, John Pin- 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



195 



ney, and Edwin D Cooke as original meuibeis. In 1879 
the lodge reported 41 members, and had as principal offi- 
cers John Bell, W. M. ; B. Fotiger, S. W. ; C. J. Hall, J. 
W. ; and F. Morley, Sec. The meetings are held in a com- 
fortable hall at Benton Harbor, and the lodge is in a flourish- 
ing condition. 

Benton Lodge, No. 844, 1. 0. G. T., was instituted April 
15, 1875, with 60 charter members, and 0. S. Willey, 
Worthy Chief Templar. The lodge has pro.spered, having 
at present 95 members and the following principal officers: 
C. E. Reeves, W. C. T. ; Mrs. J. H. Darche, W. V. T. ; 
A. Bonine, R. S. ; W. W. Watson, W. P. S. ; Mrs. E. M. 
Hipp, W. T. ; and S. G. Antisdale, Lodge Deputy. 

Lily of Benton Temple, Juvenile Templars, was organ- 
ized in April, 1879, with 33 members and Harry Hopkins, 
C. T. ; Ed. Heath, R. S. ; Carrie Bryant, F. S. Although 
of recent organization, the Temple has become very flour- 
ishing, and promises to accomplish much good among the 
young people of the township. 

Benton Hdrbor lAhrary Association was formed Dec. 17, 
1877, and has at present (August, 1879) the following 
officers : R. M. Jones, President ; Mrs. 0. S. Willey, Vice- 
President ; S. R. Hughes, Secretary ; James Bailey, Treas- 
urer; Ed. Kolman, Librarian; and A. B. Riford, Mrs. R. 
Winans, R. J. David, C. E. Reeves, J. W. Leslie, and S. 
H. Antisdale, Directors. 

The association maintains a library of several hundred 
well-selected standard and popular books, and is a u.seful 
agent in promoting the general culture of the village. 

Pearl Grange, No. 81, Patrons of Husbandry. — This 
society was organized in the Pearl neighborhood, Sept. 29, 
1873. In the summer of 1874 a small but neat hall, for 
the use of the grange, was built on the east line of section 
26, where the meetings have since been held. The grange 
has prospered, and has a large and active membership. 
The present principal officers are C. A. Spencer, W. M., 
and E. Spencer, Sec. 

The grange has sustained a supply store for a number of 
years, which has been very beneficial to the members. The 
purchasing agents have been R. Morrill, C. A. Spencer, 
and L. Sutherland. 

Benton Harbor Grange, No. 122, P. of H., was insti- 
tuted Nov. 7, 1873, with 30 charter members, and C. C. 
Sutton for the first Master, and H. A. Raeklifi", Sec. At 
present the grange meets in a hall over Clark's grocery, and 
has 52 members, with J. K. Bishop, Master, and Wm. J. 
Holt, See. Both granges have promoted the interests of the 
agricultural portion of the township, and are u.scful bodies. 

SCHOOLS. 
The first school-house in the township of Benton was 
erected at Millburg, and it was some years before school 
buildings were provided in the western part of the town- 
ship. In 1867 a large two-story frame house was erected 
in Fractional District No. 5, in the Heath neighborhood, 
on half an acre of ground, in which excellent schools have 
since been taught ; and in most of the other districts good 
houses have since been provided, and a commendable in- 
terest taken in education. At Benton Harbor the original 
school building — the old white house — has been adapted 



as a place of worship for a Universalist society. In 1868 
the people of that district voted $20,000 to erect a new 
school edifice, and on the 28th of September, 1868, Joseph 
Riford, S. E. Martin, and W. H. Kirby were appointed a 
building committee. The house is 60 by 80 feet, 3 stories 
and basement, of brick trimmed with .sandstone, and pre- 
sents a very attractive appearance. The upper story forms 
a large hall, and the other floors have been divided into 
seven rooms which are large and well furnished. 

On the 6th of September, 1869, the district was organ- 
ized as a union school, with C. K. Parce, Wm. J. Hess, 
Joseph Riford, M. G. Lamport, A. B. Riford, and J. P. 
Thresher as a board of education. As a union school it 
has since been ably conducted, at a yearly expense of about 
$3000. In 1879, R. M. Jones was moderator of the board ; 
M. G. Lamport, director ; C. S. Boyle, J. C. Ingham, Allen 
Bronson, and W. L. George, associate members. The dis- 
trict had 452 children between the ages of five and twenty 
years, from which were enrolled in the high school, 62 
pupils; in the grammar school, 28; in the intermediate, 
56 ; and in the three primary schools, 144 pupils. There 
were, besides, in the township 13 districts whose bounds 
were irregular, and all of them, except Nos. 2, 3, 8, 12, 
and 14, joint districts. The children of school age in each 
district were as follows: No. 1, 135 ; No. 2, 59; No. 3, 
97 ; No. 4, 36 ; No. 5, 123 ; No! 6, 42 ; No. 7, 61 ; No. 
8, 60; No. 11, 35; No. 12, 44; No. 14, 75. 

The entire number of children of school age in the 
township, including Benton Harbor, was 1217. 

.RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Church of Christ of Millburg. — Many years ago 
a Methodist class was formed at Millburg, which prospered 
for a time, then sufi'ered a declining interest, and finally 
became altogether extinct. At a later period the Disciples 
eflFected a temporary organization here, and held meetings 
with good effect, but as there was no suitable place of wor- 
ship they were soon discontinued, and the interest died out. 
But in the fall of 1868, under the preaching of the Rev. 
William R. Roe, a permanent organization of 55 persons 
was made, and this afterwards became known as the Church 
of Christ of Millburg. James Adams and J. W. Rose 
were elected the first elders, and J. K. Bishop and C. C. 
Potes deacons. Mr. Rose has served as deacon contin- 
uously since, and J. K. Bishop was elected to fill the va- 
cancy caused by the removal of Mr. Adams. A. L. Scho- 
field and J. Hess have been elected as additional deacons. 

Under the pastoral labors of the Revs. Hurd, Jackson, 
Reese, Lucas, and the occasional services of the Revs. 
Carpenter, Sias, and others, the church has prospered. Its 
present membership is 100, but the aggregate of members 
has been much larger. The present minister is the Rev. 
Henry Burton. J. W. Rose is the superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, which has at present 75 members. 

The present house of worship at Millburg — a frame 
structure, 36 by 60, with a shapely tower — was commenced 
in 1870, but was not completed until three years later. It 
is a very neat edifice, of which the value is reported at 
$5000. The building was consecrated by the Rev. William 
M. Roe. 



196 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The First Congregational Church of Benton Harbor. — 
This church was organized June 13, 1866, in the old white 
school-house, by a council called for this purpose, and at 
which were present as delegates Rev. P. B. Parry and S. 
Hess, of Three Oaks ; Rev. J. B. Fairbanks and L. Whit- 
ney, of St. Joseph; and A. J. Nowlen, in behalf of the 
society at Benton Harbor. The latter acted as secretary, 
and P. B. Parry served as chairman. The following persons 
assented to the articles of faith and covenant, and became 
the constituent members of the church : Enoch Osborne, 
Ira Nowlen, Ralph Grow, Amos Eastman, Alfred 0.sborne, 
Martin Green, David Hurd, Zistorene Nowlen, Fanny Os- 
borne, Clarinda Nowlen, Sophronia C. Eastman, Sarah A. 
Winans, Mary Ann Grow. 

A. Eastman, Ralph Grow, and E. Osborne were elected 
the first Deacons, and A. J. Nowlen, Clerk. These officers 
in 1879 were H. F. White, R. Grow, and A. R. Nowlen, 
Deacons; and J. H. Darche, Clerk. Other deacons have 
been R. E. Winans, J. H. Darche, S. Devereaux, Charles E. 
Hull, Horace H. Garland, and G. K. Hopkins ; and clerks, 
A. Osborne, George W. Toles, and H. F. Colby. 

In 1868 the society built the church edifice which is 
yet occupied as a place of worship, and which was the first 
meeting-house in the township. It is a plain but inviting 
frame, and is at present controlled by a board of trustees 
composed of J. C. Ingham, V. A. Shankland, George 
Wilson, J. H. Darche, C. J. Hall, and R. Grow. The 
first named is the clerk of the society. 

The church has had the following pastors and supplies : 

1867, Rev. S. Morton; 1868-69, Rev. S. S. Hyde; 1870, Rev. George 
.^i. Dickerman (supply); 1871, Rev. H. P. Welton ; 1872, Rev. 
N. A. Willard; 1873, ouoasional supplies; 1874-75, Rev. S. B. 
Goodenow; 1876-77, E. L. Hurd, D.D. ; 1878, J. C. Thompson. 

Since April, 1879, the Rev. Abel Wood, of St. Joseph, 
has supplied the pulpit, and ministers to the 70 members 
who compose the church. 

As soon as the church building was completed, a Sunday- 
school was opened there, under the superintendency of J. 
P. Thresher, although a union Sunday-school had been 
organized in the village at the school-house two years 
earlier. The present superintendent of the school at the 
church is V. A. Shankland. One hundred and nineteen 
members are enrolled, from which an average attendance of 
80 is secured. A good library is maintained. 

The First Baptist Church of Benton Harbor* — This 
body was organized at Heath's Corners, May 30, 1863, 
under the title of the " St. Joseph Baptist Church." 
There were 28 persons who associated themselves into 
church membership, namely: S. F. Heath, Julia Heath, 
Omi Simms, Sophia Simms, Henry A. Simons, Arthur E. 
Simons, Sarah Simons, Clara Swartwout, Sarah Woodin, 
A. F. Stiles, Lucinda Stiles, Emily Stiles, Caroline Row- 
ley, Ellen Jones, Mrs. McAllister, Thomas Swartwout, 
Nancy Swartwout, John H. Swartwout, Sarah Swartwout, 
Imogene Swartwout, William A. Coats, Maria Coats, Anna 
Coats, Deborah Hayward, William Boughton, Eliza Hop- 
kins, John P. Edwards, and Maria Edwards. 

At the time the church was organized S. F. Heath was 

« From data furnished by S. F. Heath. 



elected clerk, and has since been annually re-elected to per- 
form the duties of that office, being the present clerk. 

The deacons also are elected annually, and the following 
have been ordained to that office : J. P. Edwards, William 
A. Coats, A. P. Stiles, Samuel Rockafellow, E. St. John, 
Henry A. Simons, M. A. Harrington, Hiram Dusenbury, 
Jerome F. Smith, Charles Fisher, E. V. Green, E. S. Fox, 
A. B. Carmichael, Jadutha Withey, E. A. Clark, William 
Edwards, S. F. Heath, Joseph Watkins, James Lason, 
William J. Barrett, and E. H. Bovee. 

The church has had the pastoral services of six clergy- 
men, as follows : Rev. Arthur E. Simons, from August, 
1863, till June, 1866 ; Rev. Stephen Wilkins, from Octo- 
ber, 1866, till October, 1867, when the Rev. Wm. Gates 
acted as a supply for one year, serving very acceptably. 
Rev. Thomas Allen began his ministry October, 1868, but 
at the end of eight months retired, and the pulpit was 
again supplied by Rev. Mr. Gates till January, 1869. In 
January, 1869, the Rev. i-. G. Portman began a pastorate 
whicli was continued until October, 1873, followed by a 
vacancy of tljree months, at the end of which the Rev. 
C. W. Palmer became pastor for eight months. In Sep- 
tember, 1874, the present pastor, the Rev. J. D. Pulis, 
began his labors with the church, and for more than five 
years has served the church worthily and well. 

The church has pro.spered, and at present reports 260 
members. Four houses of worship have been built at as 
many different places. The first was the " Brown Chapel," 
at Heath's Corners, which is still owned by the church, and 
used in summer for a mission Sunday-school. It is a frame 
house, and was erected in 1864, at a cost of $1000, by S. 
F. Heath, J. P. Edwards, and J. H. Swartwout, as a build- 
ing committee. It has accommodations for 150 persons. 

The second was a brick lecture-room, which was built at 
the village of St. Joseph in 1865, by a committee composed 
of the Rev. A. E. Simons, L. F. Chapman, and Thomas 
Swartwout. It cost $2000, and was used by the Baptists 
until 1868, when it was sold to the Evangelical Associa- 
tion, and has since .served that body as a place of worship. 

In order to accommodate some of the members residing 
in Bainbridge, the church united with the Methodists, in 
1866, to build a frame meeting-house in that township for 
mutual occupancy, each incurring an expense of $1000. 
On the part of the Baptists the building committee were A. 
F. Stiles and Riley Merrill. 

The fourth building was erected at Benton Harbor, in 
1869, by S. F. Heath, E. St. John, and J. P. Thresher, as 
a building committee. In February, 1868, it was decided 
by the church, in view of the fact that the larger portion 
of the membership resided on the east side of the St. Joseph 
River, that the property in St. Joseph be sold and the in- 
terest transferred to Benton Harbor. In accordance with 
this determination, the name of the " First Baptist Church 
of Benton Harbor" was assumed, and the present beautiful 
and commodious house begun. It is built of Racine brick, 
in an imposing style of architecture, and cost $16,000. It 
seats 600 worshipers, and its general appearance is seldom 
surpassed in villages of the size of Benton Harbor. The 
trustees are S. F. Heath (chairman), W. E. Higman, E. 
A. Clark, J. P. Thresher, John Ingraham, and A. J. Kidd. 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



197 



The Sunday-school (sustained by the church) was or- 
ganized at Benton Harbor in 1870, and is at present super- 
intended by H. W Miller. It has 245 members. 

Benton Harbor Methodist Episcopal Church* — Pre- 
vious to 1868 there were a few adherents of Metliodism at 
Benton Harbor, who were supplied with occasioQal preach- 
ing by the ministers from St. Joseph, but no organization 
appears to have been effected until September, 1868, when 
a separate charge was here formed, with 46 members. A 
board of trustees was chosen, composed of James F. Miller, 
Aaron H. Smith, Wm. D. Sherwood, J. M. Sorter, and E. G. 
Reynolds, and the work of building a church edifice begun. 
In 1870 it was completed and appropriately consecrated. 
It was a very handsome brick house, 40 by 75 feet, two 
stories high, and cost about $16,500. In this the church 
worshiped and prospered until June 1, 1875, when the 
beautiful edifice was struck by lightning and almost totally 
destroyed. This calamity, added to the depression in busi- 
ness which prevailed in the township in con.sequence of the 
failure of the peach trees, was so heavy a blow to the church 
that it was almost crushed, and for several years was obliged 
to live a struggling existence. The American Insurance 
Company refused to pay the amount of its insurance, ^nd 
obliged the society to compromise at the -Joss of several 
thousand dollars ; some of the members removed, and other 
circumstances prevented the work of rebuilding from going 
on until the summer of 1879. At this time a one-story 
edifice is being reared upon the foundations of the old 
church, which will cost about $5000, and will, when com- 
pleted, be a comfortable place of worship. The trustees in 
1879 were B. F. Rounds, James Bailey, Joseph Richards, 
E. N. Hoe, and W. L. Hague. 

In spite of its financial difficulties the church has been 
measurably prosperous, and at present reports 140 full and 
\o probationary members, who are under the tutelage of 
the Rev. E. A. Whitwam. Other pastors, from the forma- 
tion of the church till Mr. Whitwam's accession, have been 
the Revs. J. P. Force, A. J. Van Wyck, T. H. Jacokes, H. 
Worthington, H. Hall, G. W. Gosling, William Prouty, E. 
H. Sparling, and J. K. Stark. The Rev. John Atkinson 
is a local elder, and Rev. J. R. Oden a supernumerary 
preacher. 

There is an excellent Sunday-school of 150 members 
connected with the church, which is doing a good work, 
under the superintendence of the pastor, the Rev. E. A. 
Whitwam, and the future of the church is rich with prom- 
ise. The struggle for a place among the many churches of 
the land has nearly ended, and ere long this much-afflicted 
people will pa.ss from under the cloud into the full light of 
prosperity, to perform its allotted work with the success that 
attended it before its troubles came on. 

The First Vniversalist Church of Benton Harbor. — 
This society was organized in April, 1870, with 8 mem- 
bers, 6 of them being Sterne Bronson, S. Ogdon, W. T. 
Durry, Allen Bronson, E. Nickerson, and Alonzo Plummer. 
The first meetings were held in Masonic Hall, but in the 
latter part of 1870 the old white school-house was adopted 
as a place of worship and has been the house of the society 

"■'Compiled from a sketch by the Rev. E. A. Whitwam. 



ever since. The church having but a small membership at 
the time of its organization, has been somewhat hampered 
by the expenses nece.ssary to maintain an existence, but has 
lately discharged its debts, and now enters anew upon a 
career of prosperity and usefulness. The number of mem- 
bers is reported' at 30. 

The church has had but one settled minister, the Rev. 
A. H. Laing, who left several years ago, and since then 
there have only been occasional services by visiting clergy- 
men. 

In some of the school-houses of the township religious 
meetings have been held by various denominations, but, so 
far as we have been able to learn, no organizations followed 
the efforts of those who conducted them. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ELEAZER AND HENRY C. MORTON. 

Eleazer Morton, a native of the State of Massachusetts, 
was born Aug. 1, 1786, and when about twenty years of 
age removed to Syracuse, N. Y., purchased a farm, and 
began the raanufiicture of salt. About 1811 he was mar- 
ried to Joanna Cotton, a native of Vermont, who had been 




ELEAZER MORTON. 

engaged in teaching at Syracuse. The wedded couple re- 
moved soon after to Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y., where 
Mr. Morton engaged in farming and the manufacture of 
cloth. In the spring of 1831 he sold out his interests at 
Alexander, and removed to Brockport, Monroe Co., where 
he became interested in matters pertaining to the Erie 
Canal. Excessive competition and the cutting of rates 
rendered the season disastrous, and in the fall of the same 
year Mr. Morton changed his place of residence to Medina, 
Ohio, where he opened a hotel, and carried it on until the 
.spring of 1834, when he finally removed to Michigan, and 
located near Tolaud Prairie, near what is now Galesburg, 



198 



HISTOEY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Kalamazoo Co. He had conceived the idea of founding an 
establishment for the manufacture of sugar from potatoes, 
and for that purpose came to Michigan. In the fall of 
1835 he abandoned the project, and removed with his family 
to St. Joseph, Berrien Co., where they passed the winter. 
During the few succeeding months he purebred, of different 
parties, 160 acres, on sections 18 and 20. In the spring 
of 1836 he built a log tavern on the Territorial road, which 
was the only house for a distance of seven miles eastward 
from the mouth of the river St. Joseph. He cleared bis 
farm, started a nursery, and commenced to raise fruit; bis 
orchard, which was set out in 1840, containing apple, 
peach, pear, plum, nectarine, and apricot trees. The 
principal variety in the peach line was the " Yellow Rare- 
ripe," which was to a great extent superseded by the " Craw- 
ford, ' the latter becoming a general favorite, and still 
enjoying an enviable reputation. The first peaches from 
this market to Chicago were shipped by B. C. Hoyt, and 
the second by Mr. Morton. 

In his political views Mr. Morton was an old-line Whig 
and subsequently a thorough Republican, and was decided 
in his opposition to the principles and encroachments of 
slavery. He was a deep thinker, and was possessed of an 
ardent desire to benefit his fellow-men. He was in corre- 
spondence with Horace Greeley and other philanthropists, 
and furnished articles for the press upon his favorite topics. 
He was also the author and publisher of a volume entitled 
" Morton's Guide to True Happiness." His wife died in 
September, 1856, and Mr. Morton's death occurred July 

4, 1864. 

Mr. and Mrs. Morton were the parents of ten children. 
Sarah M. married Thomas Conger, who practiced law 
from 1834 to 1849 in St. Joseph. He finally removed 
to California for the benefit of his health, and is now police 
judge of Sacramento. His wife died in California in 1850. 
One of their daughters became the wife of Senator Jones, 
of Nevada. Charles A. was in the forwarding business, 
with Britain, Sawyer & Co., at St. Joseph, and died in 
1838. Henry C. Morion, now living on the old home- 
stead at Benton Harbor, was in the Legislature in 1863, 
and was also largely interested in the construction of the 
canal at the Harbor. William E., who was engaged in the 
lumber business at Chicago, died in that city in 1859, and 
his brother, George C, is now engaged in the same business 
at the same place. Jane E. became the wife of William 
Hammell, and lived for some time at St. Joseph and Niles. 
Mr. Hammell was connected with the Michigan Central 
Railroad. He subsequently removed to Morris, Grundy 
Co., 111., and engaged in the lumber business, and bis wife 
died in that place in December, 1859. Joanna D. Morton 
married William Raymond, a merchant of St. Joseph, and 
died in 1849. James M. Morton made an overland journey 
to California, with a party from St. Joseph, in 1849, and 
died in December following, of typhoid fever. Mary A. 
married S. A. Raymond, a merchant of St. Joseph, and 
subsequently removed to Toledo, Ohio, where she was 
president of the Soldiers' Aid Society during the war, and 
is now living at San Francisco, Cal. Caroline D. married 

5. G. D. Howard, a Chicago lumber merchant, and is now 
widowed and living in that city. 



HENRY C. MORTON, 



son of Eleazer and Joanna (Cotton) Morton, was born in 
Genesee Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1817. He attended the dis- 
trict school at home, and in 1834 came to Michigan with 




HENRY C. MORTON. 

his parents. Upon his arrival at manhood he became in- 
terested, with his father, in the development of Benton 
Harbor, with which place he has since been prominently 
identified. His father once remarked, "Henry lived with 
me until I lived with him." One-half the property of the 
father was deeded to the son, the former retaining the re- 
mainder until his death, although the affairs of the farm 
were managed by Henry during the last few years of his 
father's life. Henry C. Morton was married, Feb. 8, 1848, 




JOSEPHINE MORTON. 

to Josephine Stanley, of Bainbridge, a native of Le Roy, 
Genesee Co., N. Y. Four children were born, of whom 
but one, James S., is now living. He is a member of the 
steamboat firm of Graham, Morton & Co. Mrs. Morton 
died Aug. 1, 1859. Mr. Morton still resides on the old 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



199 



homestead, and has been prominent in politics as well as in 
other connections. In 1863 he was the representative 
from this district in the State Legislature. The famous 
" Cincinnati Peach-Orchard" was upon leased land belong- 
ing to Mr. Morton. 



JEHIAL ENOS. 



To this gentleman belongs the distinction of being the 
first settler in the township of Benton ; therefore no one is 
better qualified to relate tales of pioneer life, with its at- 
tendant hardships and struggles to obtain a livelihood and 
build a home in the midst of a wilderness. Mr. Enos was 
born in Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, 1799, and 
is the only one now living of a family of seven children, of 
whom he was the oldest. He worked during summers on 
his father's farm, and in the winter attended district school, 
until he was eighteen yeare of age, when from a pupil he 




JEHIAL ENOS. 

became a teacher, and spent his winters in the endeavor to 
inculcate knowledge into the minds of those less advanced 
than himself. As he grew older, the desire to be more of 
a scholar obtained strong hold upon hira, and, while pursu- 
ing his duties as a teacher, he also took up the study of 
surveying, and applied it practically whenever opportunity 
ofiered until 1825. In that year he came to Michigan, 
and located at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., where he re- 
mained four years. During the time he assisted Lucius 
Lyon in his duties as deputy United States surveyor. In 
the year 1828, before many white persons had settled in 
the State west of Dexter, Mr. Enos, in company with a 
party of explorers, visited what is now Berrien County. In 
1829 he was again here, and assisted Mr. Lyon in survey- 
ing that portion of the county lying south of the river. 
The same year, Major Britain made the first permanent 
settlement in St. Joseph. In 1830, Mr. Enos was married 
to Miss Nancy Kavanaugh, who was born in Ohio. Her 
parents were natives of Ireland. The fruit of this marriage 
was nine children, of whom but two are now living. In 



1844 four of their children died of scarlet fever, within 
the space of three weeks. A son, who had " gone at his 
country's call" to do battle for freedom, fell in the field of 
strife in 1863. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Enos built and occupied a 
house in St. Joseph, where he remained one year. He 
then sold out and purchased a lot of wild land in Royalton 
township, and began the task of hewing out a homestead 
in the midst of the forest. About three years later he 
again disposed of his property, and located in the village of 
Millburg. In 1836 he settled on the place he now occu- 
pies, section 13, Benton township. His wife, who was a 
most kind and amiable lady, died in March, 1855, and in 
December, 1856, he started on a second matrimonial journey 
with Mrs. Wilcox. 

Mr. Enos was originally a Democrat, but has been a Re- 
publican since the formation of the latter party. He has 
twice represented the county in the State Legislature, as a 
Democrat in 1847, and as a Republican in 1856. He was 
one of the organizers of Benton township, and was its su- 
pervisor for several years. He has also been several times 
chosen to the position of county surveyor. He has been a 
member of the Baptist Church since 1823, and has always 
been among the foremost in the advancement of public 
interests. 



STERNE BRUNSON 

was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1806. About 1812 
the family removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they re- 
mained three years, changing their place of residence to 




Photo ti\ 1[ I Iin„liim Iwlamazoo, 
bTERNL URLNbO.N. 

Wayne Co., Ind., where they remained eighteen years. In 
the latter county, on the 27th of April, 1826, Mr. Brunson 
was married to Sarah Shank, with whom he lived for more 
than fifty years, and who survives him. Their children 
were six in number, — five sons and one daughter, — of whom 
all are living except the oldest son, who died May 17, 1835. 



200 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



From Wayne Co., Ind., Mr. Branson moved to Elkhart, in 
the same State, where he remained till 1859. In the latter 
year he came to the site of Benton Harbor, and soon after his 
arrival conceived the idea of building a town on the east side 
of the St. Joseph River, which should be connected with the 
lake by a canal, nearly a mile in length, and of sufficient width 
and depth to admit of the passage of large steamers. Des- 
pite the unconcealed ridicule of many, he, with the aid of 
a few friends, accomplished the enterprise.* The village 
received the name of Brunson Harbor, which was after- 
wards changed by others to Benton Harbor. Mr. Brunson 
lived a sufficient length of time to witness the wonder- 
ful growth of his village and see it ranking among the 
important commercial centres of Western Michigan. He 
was always extremely liberal towards every project tend- 
ing to the public benefit. In his habits he was strictly 
temperate, never tasting intoxicating drinks nor indulging 
in the use of tobacco, which he rightly considered as hardly 
a lesser evil. His health, therefore, was always excellent, 
until his career was suddenly terminated by a stroke of 
paraly.sis. His funeral drew a larger attendance than any 
before held in the village, the ceremonies being held under 
the auspices of the Odd-Fellows, to which he belonged, 
and in which body he was prominent. 

Mr. Brunson's parents were both natives of New York, 
and those of his wife were born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. 
Brunson is living with her daughter, Mrs. Antisdale, whose 
husband causes this brief sketch and the accompanying por- 
trait to be inserted in this work, as a slight token of the es- 
teem in which he held the person for whom this is written. 



LEWIS SUTHERLAND 

is of Scotch descent, the son of Lot Sutherland, and was 
born in Barker, Broome Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1831, being 
the sixth in a family of nine children. His mother died 
when he was but seven years of age. In 1836 he came 
with his father's fjimily to Michigan, and lived with them 
near Kalamazoo. About 1839 his father removed to Bain- 
bridge township, Berrien County, and purchased one hun- 
dred acres of land on section 27, and there the boyhood 
days of the son were passed, without incident save such as 
are common in the lives of farmers' boys. He acquired a 
fair education, enabling him to engage in any ordinary 
business. When nineteen years of age he took up his 
residence at the home of John Morgan, in Bainbridge, and 
remained with him three years. Being desirous of witness- 
ing life in the mining region of California, Mr. Morgan 
went to that State, leaving Mr. Sutherland to care for his 
family, and promising to pay him one-fourth of his net 
earnings in the land of gold. When the time for settle- 
ment arrived the sum amounted to five hundred and sixty- 
two dollars and fifty cents, and with it Mr. Sutherland 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 in 
Benton township. In 1860, when twenty-nine years of 
age, he was married, at Battle Creek, to Miss Matilda 

*lJpon the completion of which those who had assisted said to Mr. 
Brunson, " One thing wo have fuigutten, and that is to name the vil- 
lage." His reply was, "I don't care what, so that you have Harbor 
attached to it." Thereupon it was named Brun.son's Harbor. 



Howard, who was born in Kane Co., 111., March 12, 1843. 
She is the daughter of Joseph and Anna D. Howard, and 
the oldest of seven children. Her parents settled in Bain- 
bridge township, Berrien County, wlien she was but four 
years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland have been the 
parents of six children, of whom but four are living. 

Sterling L. Sutherland was born Feb. 23, 1861 ; Edgar 
B., born April 17, 1864, died Aug. 14, 1866; Grace C, 
born Jan. 1, 1866, died Aug. 18, 1866; Addie E., born 
Aug. 4, 1867; Darwin B., born May 16, 1869; Lot F., 
born May 16, 1871. In 1860, Mr. Sutherland sold his 
farm on section 23 and purchased eighty acres on section 
36, and has since purchased an equal amount adjoining it. 
He also owns real estate in various other localities, and is 
the possessor of three hundred and ten acres in all. At 
the death of his father, in 1866, Mr. Sutherland received 
as his share of the estate two hundred and fifty dollars. 

Mr. Sutherland is, politically, a Democrat; has held the 
position of highway commissioner for three years, and has 
filled other minor ofiSces. On religious subjects his views 
are liberal. He is a man of strictly temperate habits, 
thoroughly upright in his business transactions, and by his 
fellow-townsmen is classed among their most valuable citi- 
zens. He is a most successful farmer, and has triumphed 
over all difficulties since his humble beginning in the battle- 
field of life. 

G. N. LORD. 

This gentleman, who was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 
14, 1826, was the fifth in a family of eight children. His 
father was a native of Vermont, and a farmer and lumber- 
man by occupation. His mother was born in Connecticut. 
When twenty-one years of age Mr. Lord left home, and 
lived two years with his uncle, G. N. Smith, learning the 
carpenter's trade. In the spring of 1850 he emigrated to 
Rockford, 111., arriving there with his chest of carpenter's 
tools and four dollars in money. He remained at Rockford, 
working at his trade, until March, 1859, when he removed 
to St. Joseph, Berrien Co., Mich., but a short time after- 
wards changed his residence to Benton Harbor, the site of 
which was then a wilderne.ss. In the fall of 1859 he, in 
company with his partner, Joseph Bowman, built the first 
frame house in Benton Harbor. Mr. Lord was married, 
July 5, 1852, to Miss Cornelia M. Morrison, whose parents 
were natives of New York, the fruit of the union being six 
children, of whom four are now living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lord were finally divorced, and Mr. Lord married, July 3, 
1874, Mrs. Maria C. Starr, widow of Horace Starr, by 
whom she had two children, both still living. Mr. Starr's 
death had occurred in Ohio, in June, 1854, and his widow 
had remained with her children on the farm, instilling into 
their minds all that was good and noble in herself In 
1865 she removed to Decatur, Mich., where she remained 
until her marriage with Mr. Lord. 

Mr. Lord worked at his trade twenty-three years, subse- 
quently engaging in fruit culture, in which his success has 
been marked. In religious matters he is independent, and 
in politics a Republican. His education was mainly ac- 
quired in the common schools of his boyhood. A view ot 
his home is inserted in this work. 



TOWNSHIP OF BENTON. 



201 





PHINEAS PEAEL. 



MRS. PHINEAS PEARL. 



K 



PHINEAS PEARL. 

This gentleman, a true son of New England, was the 
youngest in a family of five children, and was born in Wind- 
sor Co., Vt., May 12, 1789. At the age of fourteen he 
began to learu the carpenter's trade, and worked at it eight 
years. He then removed to Little Falls, Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., and learned the ti-ade of wagon-making, at which 
he worked about seven years, and removed to Jefferson Co., 
N. Y. During the ten or twelve years spent in the latter, 
his time was occupied in farming and clearing land by con- 
tract, but not being successful at the business, he emigrated 
with his family to Monroe Co., Mich., in 1830, and pur- 
chased a small farm. About 1840, having exchanged his 
place for six lots in Benton township, Berrien Co., he re- 
moved to the latter and settled on section 25. 

Mr. Pearl was married in March, 1813, in Vermont, to 
Mi,ss Fannie Hatch, whose parents were natives of Con- 
necticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Pearl were born nine children, 
of whom but four are now living. Three were buried in 
New York, when small, and two in Benton township, Mich- 
igan, — a son and a daughter, the son meeting his death 
by drowning. Mrs. Pearl died Aug. 23, 18(36. Mr. Pearl 
is now the owner of about one hundred acres of land in 
this town, finely improved. He is now ninety-one years 
of age, and his character is of that rugged type inherent 
in the famed " Green Mountain boys." Those of his chil- 
dren who are living occupy farms near their father. Al- 
though of so great an age, Mr. Pearl attends to all his 
own business with as much ease, apparently, as in his 
younger days. 

Politically, he is a Democrat ; has been twice supervisor 
of his township, and has held minor offices. He is not a 
member of any religious organization. His early advan- 
tages for obtaining an education were those afforded by the 
straggling schools of the time, held in the log school-houses 
or in barns, when, though discipline was strict and the rod 
26 



was never spared, the children Indulged in various char- 
acteristic pastimes, and the " big boys" turned the master 
out if they could, or obeyed him fearfully if they could 
not. Mr. Pearl's father died when the son was about five 
years old, and his mother remained a widow until her death, 
which occurred in 1825. She was a true New England 
mother, and strove for her children's welfare, teaching 
them, by her own example, habits of industry, economy, 
honesty, and sociability, and of them she never had cause 
to complain, for they all became prosperous and respected 
citizens. 

WARREN H. PEARL. 

Warren H., son of Phineas Pearl, was born in Little 
Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was the second in a family 
of seven children. His parents were both natives of Ver- 
mont. His mother died Aug. 23, 1866. His father is 
yet living, at the age of ninety-one years. About 1830, 
Mr. Pearl, Sr., removed to Michigan with his family and 
settled in Monroe County. In 1840 he changed his resi- 
dence to Benton township, Berrien County. 

Warren Pearl spent his time upon his father's farm until 
he had reached his majority, attending the common schools 
of his neighborhood and taking advantage of whatever edu- 
cational advantages they afforded. Nov. 6, 1847, he was 
married to Miss Minerva Randall, daughter of Joseph and 
Lucretia Randall. Mr. and Mrs. Pearl are the parents of 
nine children, as follows: Fannie L., born Sept. 3, 1848; 
Ellen L., born Sept. 24, 1850 ; Gilbert P., born Nov. 6, 
1854 ; James W., born Jan. 25, 1857 ; Josephine, born 
March 26, 1860, died Aug. 5, 1861 ; Jessie W., born Aug. 
26, 1862, died Aug. 12, 1866 ; Addie M., born March 16, 
1865, died Aug. 16, 1865 ; Ervin R., born May 20, 1866 ; 
Nancy B., born July 17, 1867. In 1850, Mr. Pearl went 
to California and sought fortune among the gold mines of 
that region, but in 1852 he returned to Michigan. His 



202 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



original homestead in the town of Benton consisted of one 
hundred and sixty acres, since increased to one hundred and 
ninety. He also owns one hundred and ten acres iu other 
localities. 

Mr. Pearl is a man of generous principles, and his honor 
and integrity are not to be questioned. In politics he is a 
staunch Democrat. He has served twice as highway coni- 
niissioner, but has never sought for oifice. He is a member 
of no church organization, and entertains liberal views on 
religious subjects. From a small beginning in life he has 
amassed a comfortable property, and deserves great credit 
for his persevering efforts towards success. A view of his 
home will be found in this work. 



J. F. HIGBBB. 
Among the worthy pioneers of Berrien County is the 
gentleman above named. He was born May 7, 1818, in 
Ontario Co., N. Y., and was the seventh in a family of 
thirteen children. His father, James Higbee, was also a 
native of the State of New York, but removed to Ohio 
when the son was small, and remained there thirteen years. 
In June, 1837, another removal was made, and the family 
found a home in the wilds of Western Michigan, locating 
in Benton township, Berrien County, on section 14. At the 
age of twenty-one, J. P. Higbee, who had remained at 
home until that time, went to Iowa, and stayed about 
eighteen months, working a breaking-team in the summer 
and teaching school in the winter. He then returned to 
Michigan and remained one summer, spending the time in 
clearing and improving the farm upon which he now re- 
sides. In the fall of 1841 he returned to Iowa, to collect 
his pay for his previous winter's teaching, and while there 
was married to Miss Mary Lewis, daughter of John A. and 
Salome Lewis, natives of Virginia and descendants of Eng- 
lish ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee became the parents 
of nine children, of whom six are now living. After their 
marriage Mr. Higbee and his wife came to Michigan, and 
settled in a log hou.se on the farm which has since been 
their home. The log house and the sturdy forest have dis- 
appeared, and a fine residence and smiling and fertile fields 
have taken their places. Mr. Higbee's first purchase in- 
cluded one hundred and sixty acres, of which twenty acres 
have since been sold. Mr. Higbee is the owner of real 
estate in different localities, amounting in the aggregate to 
four hundred and ninety-one acres, and this has been accu- 
mulated through years of patient toil and economy. Mr. 
Higbee has during his residence here evinced great public 
spirit, and has aided to the extent of his ability in all public 
improvements, interesting himself in the construction of 
railways and harbors, and appreciating the advantages of 
everything calculated to add to the wealth and prosperity 
of his town and county. He is now president of the 
Northern Berrien County Michigan Lake Shore Agricul- 
tural Society, and the owner of the fair-grounds. Pre- 
vious to Fremont's struggle for the executive seat of the 
nation Mr. Higbee was a Democrat, but his fortunes have 
since been cast with the Republican party. He has been 
earnestly interested in local politics, and has held numerous 
offices in the gift of his townsmen. He was the first treas- 



urer of Benton township, and was elected five times, and 
is now serving his third term as justice of the peace. 
His education was acquired in the district schools of his 
early years, except that after coming to Michigan he at- 
tended the high school at Niles for about .six months. 
Mr. and Mrs. Higbee united with the Disciples' Church in 
1859. 



J. D. BURY. 

Prominent among the pioneers of Berrien County is the 
gentleman whose name appears above. He was born in Penn- 
sylvania Aug. 18, 1804, and was the sixth in a famil^f of 
fourteen children. His father was a native of England, 
but was married in Pennsylvania, and when the son was an 
infant his parents went to Canada. The youth grew up 
" after the manner of those days," remaining beneath the 
parental roof until he had attained his majority. In 1830 
he was married to Miss Martha Green, who was born in 
Canada Aug. 24, 1810. This union was blessed with 
eleven children, of whom but one is now living. In 1835, 
Mr. Bury removed to St. Joseph, Mich., and in 1837 lo- 
cated upon the place he now occupies, in Benton township, 
Berrien Co., having purcha.sed one hundred and twenty 
acres from government. He subsequently became a large 
landholder, owning at one time fifteen hundred and twenty- 
one acres. About seven hundred and sixty-one acres are 
still in the hands of different members of the family. Mr. 
Bury has twice entered the matrimonial state, the second 
time with Miss Fannie Beyers, August 18, 1860. Her pa- 
rents were Jacob and Elizabeth Beyers, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. The fruit of this union is three children, — C. 
Beyers Bury, born June 17, 1862 ; J. D. Bury, Jr., born 
May 12, 1864 ; and Elsie J. Bury, born Dec. 23, 1865. 
Mr. Bury's present wife was the oldest in a family of eight 
girls, and came to Michigan in 1857. Her father died in 
1863, and her mother is yet living, in the State of New 
York. Mrs. Bury is a devoted wife and mother, and a true 
woman. Mr. Bury, who has reached an advanced age, has 
been through life devoted to his family, and has striven to 
place them in comfortable circumstances. His farm has 
received the closest attention, and he has labored energet- 
ically, in common with others, to bring the township to its 
present substantial level. In politics he is a Democrat, 
and, aside from minor offices held by him, he has four times 
been elected supervisor of his town. His religious views 
are of a liberal nature. 



LUTHER KINNEY, 
who was born in Erie Co., N. Y., June 29, 1807, is the 
oldest in a family of eleven children, — six sons and five 
daughters— of whom throe sons and one daughter now sur- 
vive. His fiither, Elijah Kinney, was a native of New 
York, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Lu- 
cretia Calvin, and who married the elder Kinney iu 1806. 
Previous to the war of 1812, Mr. Kinney, Sr., had set- 
tled in Huron Co., Ohio, but at some time during the con- 
tinuance of hostilities was driven out by the Indians. In 
1814, however, he returned thither and made a permanent 
settlement. 



TOWNSHIP OF BERRIEN. 



203 



Luther Kinney remained at home, assisting his father, 
until he was twenty-three years of age, when he made an 
independent start in life. On the 2d of December, 1830, 
he was married, in Huron Co., Ohio, to Miss Emily W. 
Adams, daughter of Biidad and Mary Adams, who wei'e — 
as was also their daughter — born among the rugged moun- 
tains of Vermont, and who had emigrated to Huron County 
when the daughter was six years old. Mrs. Kinney was 
the tenth in a family of eleven children, — eight girls and 
three boys. Of these, Mrs. Kinney and one sister, who 
resides in Branch Co., Mich., are all who are living. Their 
mother died in Ohio when Mrs. Kinney was but eleven 
years old, and her father when she was seventeen. In the 
fall of 1835, Mr. Kinney and his father, accompanied by 
their families, migrated to Michigan, and settled in Porter 
township, Van Buren County, where Mr. Kinney purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of government land on section 
24, to which he afterwards added forty more, and improved 
one hundred and fifty acres of the whole. In 1864 he 
sold his farm and removed to Lake City, Minn., where he 
invested in property and remained four years. In 1868 he 
disposed of his interest in Minnesota and returned to Michi- 
gan, and located in Benton town.ship, Berrien County, where 
he now resides. His attention has since been given to fruit 
culture, and with gratifying success. He finally, owing to 
the death of many of his trees, returned to his vocation as 
a farmer, and his premises, a view of which will be found 
in this work, evince the taste and thrift of their owner. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kinney have no children. In their earlier 
years they united with the Baptist Church, and are now 
members, in good standing, of the Congregational Church 
at Benton Harbor. Mr. Kinney's politics are in accordance 
with the principles of the Republican party. While a resi- 
dent of Porter, Van Buren Co., he was its supervisor, and 
has held other offices. His advantages for obtaining an 
education were those afforded by the district schools of the 
early days. Mr. Kinney's father died in 1862, and ha^I 
been preceded to the mystic land by his faithful partner ten 
years, her death occurring in 1852. Tiiey sleep peacefully 
after a rugged experience in life, and after having twice 
been pioneers. 

ELKANAH NICKERSON 

was born Nov. 13, 1806, in Harwich, Barnstable Co., Mass., 
and was one of a family of ten children, of whom five sons 
and one daughter .survive. The parents and the ancestry, 
as far as it can be traced, claim Massachusetts as their 
native land. Mr. Nickerson's parents were married in 
1803. His father, besides being a farmer, was a tanner 
and currier, and a licensed minister of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. When Mr. Nickerson was fourteen years 
of age he left home, and went to sea as cook with his 
uncle, his father holding his earnings until he became of 
age. At the age of twenty-two he had reached the posi- 
tion of captain. He sailed for about thirty-six years, vis- 
iting many of the important seaports of the world. Jan. 
29, 1829, when in his twenty-third year, he married Miss 
Hannah Doan, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah Doan, 
she being one of a family of nine children ; lier parents 



were natives of Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicker- 
son were born six children, as follows: Hannah D., born 
Dec. 4, 1829; Adelia, born Sept. 21, 1833; Zemira D., 
born Nov. 17, 1838; Elkanah, born Feb. 1, 1843; Arthur 
H., born Aug. 2, 1849, drowned from the steamer "St. 
Joseph," Aug. 13, 1867 ; Angeline, died at birth, March 8, 
1858. During the years Mr. Nickerson was sailing, his 
wife remained most of the time ashore, taking a voyage 
with him occasionally, however. In 1856, having aban- 
doned a seafaring life, Mr. Nickerson entered the mercan- 
tile business in New York City. In 1860 he chartered a 
vessel at New York for Chicago, placing his son-in-law, 
Capt. Bobbins, in command. The vessel went ashore in 
a gale, at a place known as Grand Mere. Mr. Nickerson, 
who came out to loolc after it, visited St. Joseph and pur- 
chased twenty acres of wild land in what is now Lincoln 
township, and settled his son upon it. Mr. Nickerson re- 
mained East — visiting this place occasionally, with his wife 
and daughter, and making various purchases of property — 
until 1867, when he sold his home in Massachusetts, closed 
up his business, moved to Michigan, and settled where he 
now re.sides, the locality, even at that date, being in the 
midst of a dense forest. The homestead, finely improved, 
now consists of sixty acres, although Mr. Nickerson is the 
owner of various parcels of land in other localities, — in all 
three hundred acres. He has been greatly interested in 
fruit-raising. His daughter, now Mrs. Wisner, has, with 
her two .sons, taken charge of the place since the death of 
Mrs. Nickerson, which occurred April 20, 1863. Mrs. 
Wisner's first husband, Mr. Kelley, who was also a sea- 
captain, died Aug. 5, 1862, of yellow fever, contracted in 
a voyage to the We.st Indies. Mr. Nickerson's educational 
advantages were limited, consisting only of the facilities 
afforded by the district schools, which he attended until he 
went to sea, — and then voyaging summers and attending 
school winters. Beginning when he was nineteen years 
of age, he taught three winter terms, and steadily increased 
his own fund of knowledge. He was always oppo.sed to 
slavery, and took a stand against it when such a step was 
very unpopular. In 1856 and 1857 he represented his 
town in the Massachusetts Legislature. Politically he is 
a strong Republican, though never taking an active part in 
any political canvass. He is a member of no religious or- 
ganization, but is a believer in the " True Spiritualism." 
He at present occupies the position of director of the First 
National Bank of St. Joseph. 



CHAPTER XXVIIL 

BEBKIEW TOWNSHIP.* 

Early Settlements and Pioneers — Early Roads — Township Organiza- 
tion and List of Township Officers — -Churches — Cemeteries — Schools 
— Societies and Orders. 

Berrien was surveyed in 1826, by Noah Brookfiold, 
and designated as township 6 south, range 17 west. It is 
bounded on the north by Pipestone and Sodus townships, 
on the south by Niles township, on the east by the Cass 
County line, and on the west by Oronoko township. 



' By David Schwartz. 



204 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The surface of the country is undulating, and the soil 
rich and fertile. Less attention is paid to fruit culture 
than in some of the adjoining townships, but in general 
farm products the yield is bountiful, especially of wheat and 
corn. There is much excellent timbered land, and in vari- 
ous portions of the township may be found sheets of water 
designated as lakes, but in reality nothing more than large 
ponds. The largest of these — Smith Lake, on portions of 
sections 12 and 13 — covers about 600 acres. Large and 
small together, there are 18 of these lakes in the township. 
In the west, three small streams discharge their waters into 
the river, but water-power is scarce. 

Berrien is strictly an agricultural town. It boasts of no 
village, has but one store, — that at the post-office at what 
is known as the Centre, — and is limited in its manufactories 
to four saw-mills. The assessed valuation in 1879 was 
$379,000. The population in 1870 was 1405. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Berrien was among the earliest townships in the county 
in point of settlement, and dates the period of its earliest 
permanent settlement back to the year 1827, when John 
Johnson located with his family upon section 29, where he 
still resides. 

In the winter of 1824, John Johnson, John Lybrook, 
Joel Yard, Jacob Johnson (who were all young unmar- 
ried men), and Squire Thompson, left the southern part 
of Indiana, near Richmond, for Michigan, making the 
journey on foot. John Johnson was employed by Lybrook, 
and Jacob Johnson (his brother) by Thompson, to clear land 
near Niles. Yard went to Carey Mission. In the spring 
of 1825 the Johnson boys cleared 12 acres, and then 
Lybrook and Jacob Johnson went back to Indiana, leaving 
John Johnson to look after the crops that had been put in. 
John worked in that way until the summer of 1827, when 
he located 80 acres on section 29, in what is now Berrien 
township. He had married John Lybrook's sister, and 
having come over in the summer and put up a log house, 
brought his wife to it in that fall, and then entered upon 
the hardy experience of a pioneer. The country was of 
course simply a vast forest ; the track of civilization 
stopped far short of their new home, and, besides them- 
selves, no white inhabitants had penetrated those wilds, yet 
this brave and determined pair faced the hardships and 
trials of such an existence, and nobly held to their purpose 
of making a home. They saw that wilderness bloom as a 
garden, and witnessed the populous growth of a region of 
which they were at one time the only Christian tenants. 
With his son, John, Jr., Mr. Johnson still lives on his old 
place, a hearty and active old gentleman of seventy-six, and 
loves to talk of the events of his pioneering days, which, 
although not fraught with serious danger, glowed with 
adventurous incident, and illustrated to the fullest measure 
the struggles, privations, and heroic efforts that marked the 
path of the earliest settlers. 

Late in the fall of the same year (1827), George H. 
Claypool, who was then living in Niles township (where he 
married a sister of John Johnson), went over into Berrien, 
where, on section 27, adjoining Johnson, he had entered 80 
acres of land. He put up a log house, and in the spring 



of 1828 he brought his wife to their new home. Johnson 
and Claypool were, as remarked, near neighbors, and for 
nearly two years the only dwellers in what is now Berrien 
township. Mr. Claypool died in December, 1873, aged 
sixty-seven. His children now living are Noah, of Berrien 
(living on the old farm), Samuel J., of Berrien, Daniel J., 
of Texas, John J., of Buchanan, and Mrs. James P. Dean, 
of Oronoko. 

In the fall of 1829, John Smith, a young man residing 
in Union Co., Ind., journeyed from that section to Cass Co., 
Mich., in company with Samuel Witter, by whom he was 
engaged to assist in the transportation of Witter's family. 
Smith returned without delay to Indiana, and in the spring 
of 1830, entering 96 acres of land near what is now 
Smith's Lake, Berrien township, came out on foot and re- 
mained in the country three months. At the end of that 
time he journeyed on foot again to Indiana, to help his 
brother Isaac and family out from Indiana to Berrien, 
where Isaac had located a tract of 240 acres, on section 24, 
adjoining John's farm. All hands made the trip with an 
ox-team, and without the occurrence of startling incident 
reached their Michigan home. When they settled there 
there was no inhabitant in the region between them and 
the river, on a straight line, and northward their nearest 
neighbor was fifteen miles distant. Indians were plentiful 
but not troublesome, although wolves did annoy them and 
give much concern. The two brothers still live on their 
places of early settlement, — John, aged seventy-two, and 
Isaac, aged seventy-nine. 

In the spring of 1831, Michael Hand and his nephew, 
Thomas Hand, of Butler Co., Ohio, visited Michigan for 
the purpose of locating land. They selected a tract, now 
on section 30 of Berrien township, where a single tree had 
been felled by one Harter, who had previously examined 
the place with a view of locating, but had finally settled 
near Pokagon. Michael and his nephew went back to 
Ohio, and in November of the same year returned to 
Michigan, with the family of the former. Thomas Hand, 
the nephew, located a farm adjoining his uncle, and there 
died in 1844. Besides Thomas, the neighbors of Michael 
Hand were Peter Hickman, Shadrach Ford, Luke Webster, 
George H. Claypool, and John Johnson. As showing the 
density of the wilderness in which they lived, it is related 
that Michael went out one morning to shoot a squirrel for 
breakfast, and, after he had gone but a few rods from his 
house, killed a deer. Undertaking to drag it home, he soon 
found himself bewildered and moving about in a circle, while 
there came upon him the distressing conviction that he was 
lost in the woods, although probably within ear-shot of his 
home. A snow-fall added to his perplexity, and it was not 
until his shouts summoned his wife that he was able to find 
his way home, very near which he had been aimlessly and 
hopelessly wandering for an hour. Mr. Hand died in Jan- 
uary, 1877, upon his old farm, where his widow still 
resides. 

Mrs. Hand relates in graphic detail the stern experi- 
ences of their pioneer life ; how, between the howling of 
wolves, apprehensions touching the near presence of sav- 
ages, and the consciousness that they were far from neigh- 
bors, life was far from pleasant. Days and nights were filled 





MRS. S. IRELAND. 



SILAS IRELAND. 




f^ES.OF SILAS I R£LAND,BF.ffRi£htTp,BERRii:N Co.,Mic». 



TOWNSHIP OF BERRIEN. 



205 



with fears ; privations and hardships attended upon every 
hand ; and only stout hearts and unfaltering determination 
enabled theiu to hold to their purpose. 

Luke Webster was a settler of 1831, in Cass County, but 
did not locate in Berrien until 1833. In September, 1831, 
he started from Franklin Co., Va., with his wife and six 
children, for Michigan, with his family and effects in a 
wagon drawn by six horses. With them came also David 
Sink and family, with a four-horse team. They readied 
Niles township on Christmas Eve, and there Mr. Webster 
remained until 1833, when he moved, with his family, to 
Berrien, and settled on section 32, wliere his son, W. C. 
Webster, now lives. Mr. Webster died in 1841. Four of 
his children — W. C, Ezekiel, Adeline File, and Arbelia 
Wright — live in Berrien township. 

In the autumn of 1830, Adam Michael, of Green Co., 
Ohio, started from that place with a youth named Isaac 
Murphy, and two other men, for Lafayette, Ind., where 
they proposed to locate land. Reaching there they disliked 
the country, and kept on westward. They reached Pokagon 
Prairie, Mich., in October of that year, and there wintered. 
In the spring of 1831, Michael took young Murphy with 
him into Berrien, and concluded to locate a farm upon sec- 
tion 21. Adam Michael brought his family out soon after- 
wards, and set up a blacksmith-shop, in which he was 
assisted by Murphy. Michael died upon that place in 
1835. Two of his daughters — Mrs. Silas Ireland and 
Mrs. John Kibler — live in the township. 

The first preaching in the township wa.s heard at the 
house of Adam Michael, whose friend. Rev. Thomas P. 
McCoole, a Methodist Episcopal preacher of Cass County, 
used to hold services there quite often. 

As before related, Isaac Murphy worked in Adam 
Michael's blacksmith-shop. After passing two years there- 
in he entered a farm upon section 15, where he still resides. 

In 1834, William Michael, father of Adam, moved from 
Ross Co., Ohio, with his family, to Berrien, and took a farm 
on section 21, adjoining Adam's. He was an old man of 
seventy when he came to Michigan, and died a few years 
after reaching his new home. A son, B. H. Michael, 
resides in Berrien, on section 22. 

Eli Ford, a native of Pennsylvania, and a settler in Erie 
Co., Ohio, left the latter place in the summer of 1826, and 
on the 10th of July reached Pokagon Prairie, with his 
wife and four children. Wintering at Pokagon, he re 
paired, in the spring of 1827, to a place near Niles, where 
he passed the summer, returning in the winter to Pokagon. 
In the spring of 1828 he put up a grist-mill on Dowagiac 
Creek. In 1832 he sold his possessions there and moved 
to Berrien, where he had previously located land, on section 
18, near the river. Directly afterwards he put up a saw- 
mill on a creek flowing through section 17, and, after sawing 
sufficient lumber to build a house, rented the mill to Abram 
Puterbaugh, and devoted himself chiefly to farming. He 
engaged occasionally in lumbering, and after taking his rafts 
to Chicago, used to walk back home by way of Niles. He 
built, in 1833, on the bank of the river, near the east end 
of the present bridge, a grain warehouse, in which Lyman 
A. Barnard first, and Thomas L. Stevens afterwards, carried 
on a considerable trade in shipping and receiving supplies 



of all kinds, destined either for transportation down the 
river or into the interior. That point was a favored one 
for river business, and there the agricultural products of the 
neighboring country were taken for .shipment to market, 
and goods brought to the country in exchange were landed 
there. After a brief but busy career, Mr. Ford died on his 
farm in 1839. His children now living in Berrien are 
Ephraim (on the homestead) and a daughter, Harriet. His 
widow married Hugh Marrs, and still resides in Berrien. 

Hugh Marrs, of Virginia, started from that State in 
the fall of 1829, with his family, for Pokagon Prairie. 
He wintered in Preble Co., Ohio, and April 6, 1830, 
reached Pokagon, with just $10 in his pocket. Locating 
80 acres on the St. Joseph, in Berrien, opposite the Shaker • 
farm in Oronoko, he remained there until January, 1832, 
when a flood drove him to the bluff, and .selling out in the 
spring, he entered 80 acres five miles east of Berrien 
Springs, on the Pokagon road. Soon afterwards he entered 
an adjoining 80 acres, and of these 160 acres he managed, 
with the assistance of his sons, to clear 100 during the en- 
suing twelve years. In 1856 he changed his location to 
the old Ford farm, where he passed his days, and died 
Aug. 19, 1878, aged eighty-one. Benjamin F., his son, 
occupies with his father's widow the farm upon which 
Mr. Marrs died. Of his other surviving children, Thomas, 
a son, and two daughters — Mrs. Richard Webster and Mrs. 
T. B. Snow — reside in Berrien. 

Shadrach Ford, of Ohio, located on Pokagon Prairie, in 
1827, and commenced trading with the Indians. In that 
pursuit he continued until 1832, when he settled upon 
section 19, in Berrien township, where he resided until his 
death, in 1874. 

William Lemon, a Virginian, settled in Stark Co., Ohio, 
and in 1831 left there, with his wife and eleven children, for 
Berrien township, where he and his .son Henry, with the 
latter's family, had passed the previous year in clearing land 
and preparing the place for future residence. This was on 
section 19, upon what is known as the B. D. Townsend 
farm. After residing upon the farm a few years, during 
which — in 1832 — he built there the first saw-mill erected 
in the township, Mr. Lemon removed to Oronoko, where 
he died. Henry, who had located 40 acres adjoining his 
father's farm, removed also to Oronoko, and there ended his 
days. The only child of William Lemon residing in Ber- 
rien is Mrs. John Tate. 

In October, 1828, John Burke, of Virginia, moved, with 
his Aimily of six children, to Cass Co., Mich., where he 
settled, and there died in 1838. Andrew L., one of his 
sons, bought a farm on the river, in tlie southwestern part 
of Berrien township, from Lawrence Cavanaugh, and still 
lives there. William, the eldest son, who entered the farm, 
in section 24, upon which his father lived, died there in 
1869. Besides Andrew L.,the surviving children of John 
Burke living in Berrien are Mrs. John Smith and Rebecca 
Burke. 

In 1834, David Riggin, a young man, came from Vir- 
ginia, and located land on section 14, in Berrien, north of 
Biggin Lake, but did not settle upon it until two years later, 
working meanwhile for other settlers. In 1861, David 
moved to the farm now occupied by his widow. He died in 



206 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1873, aged sixty-eight. His father, Thomas, came to Ber- 
rien in 1884, with his family, and for a year or two lived 
with his daughter, the wife of Hugh Marrs. He then 
settled with his family upon section 23, on the Pokagon 
road. He remained there until 1861. and trading his farm 
for one in Cass County, moved to the latter place, where he 
died. 

James Gillespie, of Champaign Co., Ohio, was a young 
man when he moved to Niles township. He worked sub- 
sequently at Carey Mission, and in 1832 entered a farm 
in what is now Berrien township. For the ensuing two 
years, however, he boated on the St. Joseph River, and in 
1834 he went back to Champaign County, to assist in moving 
his father, Mathew M. Gillespie, who, with his wife and 
four children, made the journey to Michigan. Upon his 
arrival Mathew settled, with his family, upon the farm of his 
son James, with whom he remained more than two years. 
At the end of that time John, one of James' brothers, 
located a farm on section 31, and took his father and family 
there to live with him. There the elder Gillespie lived 
until his death, in 1842, and there John still resides. 
James died on his old place in 1851. 

In 1836, John Gillespie made a trip to Champaign Co., 
Ohio, to assist Jonathan Knight and Nathan Fitch in 
moving with their families to Michigan. Knight settled 
in Oronoko. Fitch located land in Berrien, upon section 
31, but worked some time in Berrien Springs, at his trade 
as a plasterer, before finally settling upon his farm, where he 
now lives. 

Hiram Hinchniiin came at about tlio same time with 
Thomas Riggiii, and located on section 24. He removed 
subsequently to Missouri, where he died. 

James Jenkins set out from Virginia in the fall of 1831, 
with his family, for Michigan, and wintering in Ohio, re- 
sumed his journey in the spring of 1832. Reaching sec- 
tion 24, in Berrien township, he found a small clearing, 
and built on it a log shanty, in which his family found tem- 
porary shelter while he looked about in search of land. 
He found such a spot, and entered 120 acres, but did not 
settle there until about a year later. Mr. Jenkins died 
there in 1875. His children now living in Berrien are 
John, Isaac, Mrs. Joel Layman, and Mrs. Solomon Cudde- 
back. 

In the fall of 1832, Andrew Tate and a Mr. Hogshead, 
of Ohio, visited Michigan in company to locate land. Mr. 
Hogshead entered a farm near White Pigeon, and Mr. Tate 
a 200-acre tract in Berrien township, on section 17. Tate 
returned to Ohio, but even after entering his Michigan 
land hesitated to make the venture of a settlement there 
with his family. This indecision kept him in Ohio until 
1834, when he conveyed his wife and three children to the 
Michigan wilderness, and, obtaining a temporary home at 
Adam Michael's house, erected meanwhile a log cabin upon 
his own place, and six weeks after his arrival in the coun- 
try took his family there. Andrew Tate became a man of 
some note, and lived upon the farm until his death, in 1865. 
Before his death he sold the place to his son John, who 
died there in .January, 1879. Mr. John Tate was conspic- 
uous in the administration of local affairs, having served 
his township as supervisor for a period of sixteen years. 



He also filled the ofiice of county treasurer. The only liv- 
ing child of Andrew Tate is Mrs. James Essick, of Berrien 
Springs. 

Julius Brown moved in the autumn of 1829, with his 
wife and two children, in a wagon drawn by one ox-team, 
from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, towards Michigan, and reaching 
Tecumseh when the snow began to fall, tarried there during 
the ensuing winter. In the spring he came to Niles, and 
halting there April 1st, examined the country, but, not find- 
ing it to his liking, constructed a raft, and placing his fam- 
ily and household goods aboard, floated down the river to 
St. Joseph. Dividing his time during the next two years 
between St. Joseph and Niles, working meanwhile at the 
trade of carpentering, without having a fixed purpose as to 
settlement, he finally, in 1832, located in Berrien township 
on section 17. He continued to work at his trade as a car- 
penter for some time after that at Berrien Springs and other 
places, but also managed his farm. He died there in 1860, 
at which time he had increased his landed possessions to 
210 acres. Julius Brown was a man of some consequence 
in the spring of 1832, when, upon the alarm being given 
that the Sauk Indians were approaching Chicago, he was 
placed in command of the militia, although, as it turned 
out, there was no occasion for the mustering. 

Richard, a brother of Julius Brown, and by trade a shoe- 
maker, settled in 1834 in Berrien, on section 21. He 
farmed in the summer and made shoes in the winter sea- 
sons until 1845, when he went to Cass County, and re- 
moved thence after a few years to Royalton township, 
residing in the latter place until his death. 

Philander V. Huston, a brother-in-law to Julius Brown, 
came with the latter to Berrien. He was a carpenter, and 
labored here and there at his trade in the vicinity of Ber- 
rien for ten years or more, when he lemoved to a place 
near Elkhart, Ind., and there died. 

Martin Friley, David Moore, Elias Parker, and Theron, 
his brother, were settlers in Berrien in 1834, but as they 
passed farther west about two years afterwards, they may 
be dismissed, with a brief notice. 

E. W. Walker, from New York State, located about 
1834 on section 9, and lived there until 1855, when he 
moved to Van Buren County and died there. 

Richard McOmbor settled in 1835 upon parts of sections 
16 and 17. In 1847 he sold his place to the county for a 
poor-farm, and moved to Buchanan. 

In June, 1834, Henry Rush, of Greene Co., Ohio, made 
the journey on horseback from that section to Berrien, where 
he located 100 acres, upon section 5. Mr. Rush intended 
to bring his family out as soon as possible, but on the very 
night before he set out (in June) to return to Ohio there 
came a heavy frost that nearly destroyed the growing crops ; 
and looking forward with distrust to the prospect of pioneer 
existence in a country where the crops were blasted by sum- 
mer frosts, he deemed it wiser to defer the transferring of 
his family, and so did not bring them out until the autumn 
of 1835. He domiciled his wife and four children at An- 
drew Tate's house a few weeks, until he could provide a log 
house for them. Upon the creation of the Eau Claire post- 
office, in 1861, Mr. Rush was appointed postmaster, and 
continued in the possession of the office until 1874. He 



TOWNSHIP OP BEKRIEN. 



207 



resided upon the place of his first settlement until 1878, 
when he removed to the village of Berrien Springs, and is 
now living there. 

John Powers moved from Greene Co., Ohio, to Pokagon 
Prairie in 1829, and remained there until the fall of 1834, 
when he settled upon section 15, in Berrien township, on a 
farm which he had entered in 1832. Prior to settling, he 
had come over from Pokagon, -put up a log cabin on his 
place, cleared some land, and set out an orchard, so that 
when he brought his family lie had affairs pretty well ar- 
ranged for their comfort. Among the members of his 
family when he came to Berrien was H. S. Robinson, now 
township clerk, who was Mr. Powers' stepson. Two years 
before he died Mr. Powers became totally blind and help- 
less. He lived on his farm until his death, in August, 
1879. His old place is still owned and occupied by his 
children. 

Francis E. Pinnell, now living in Berrien, at the age of 
ninety-four, came to the township in 1835. With a large 
company of 27 people (including himself, wife, and eight 
children ; Wesley Pinnell, wife, and nine children, and Cyrus 
Hinehman, F. R. Pinnell's son-in-law, with his family), he 
started from Virginia for Indiana, where it was his pur- 
pose to settle. When they reached Indianapolis, and had 
viewed the country, they concluded that Indiana was not a 
place to their liking, but, pending a move farther westward, 
they were detained in Indianapolis by the illness of Wesley 
Pinnell, his wife and child, and Rebecca Linegar, — all of 
whom died there. Nearly all the members of the company 
were more or less fever-stricken at Indianapolis, where they 
remained from July to September. On the 4th of Sep- 
tember the remnant of the little band traveled together in 
wagons towards Michigan. Without further mishaps they 
readied Berrien, where Francis R. Pinnell settled on sec- 
tion 14. He lived there four years, and then moved to a 
place near Morris Chapel, whence, in 1854, he moved to 
his present location, on section 35. 

Ralph Denn, from New York State, came to Berrien, 
with his wife and five children, in 1836, and stopped on the 
place known as the B. D. Townsend farm, where he labored 
a few years, and in 1839 bought 40 acres of land on sec- 
tion 9. He lived there until 1869, when he removed to 
Kansas, where he died in 1877. Four of his children live 
in Berrien, to wit: Mrs. H.S. Robinson, Mrs. Church Cox, 
Mrs. Asher Webster, and William Denn. 

Thomas Ea.ston, a settler in Southern Indiana, and origi- 
nally from Kentucky, left Indiana in the summer of 1838, 
with his wife and ten children, and reached Berrien in the 
fall. Mr. Easton had entered 40 acres on section 11, but 
had to find temporary shelter for his family until he could 
put up a cabin. This home he found with Campbell Mc- 
Coy, who had come from Indiana in 1835 and located upon 
section 11. McCoy, it may be noted, lived upon that farm 
until about 1850, and then removed to Pipestone township, 
where he died. After settling upon his new location, Mr. 
Easton added to it 40 acres, for which he gave a brown 
mare, and subsequently added 40 acres more. Upon the 
120 acres thus acquired his son, A. J. Easton, now lives. 
Thomas Easton died there in 1871. 

Silas Ireland was a young man when he came from Ohio 



to Berrien, in 1839. He worked for farmers in that sec- 
tion until 1843, when, having married and located a farm 
of his own, he moved upon the place now occupied by him. 

Abram Puterbaugh was one of the settlers in Berrien 
in 1836. He moved, with his family, consisting of his 
wife and seven children, from Ohio to Niles, early in 1834, 
and there leased George Boon's mill, which he carried on 
until 1836, when he went to Berrien township and there 
leased Eli Ford's saw-mill, putting up also near the mill a 
log cabin for a family residence. After operating Ford's 
saw-mill two years, Puterbaugh built a saw- and grist-mill 
on the same creek nearer the river, and bought there 200 
acres of land of Robert E. Ward. During the early spring 
of 1841, Mr. Puterbaugh went to Berrien Springs for a 
mill-iron, and upon his return, in attempting to cross the 
frozen river, broke through the ice and was drowned. He 
had made only a partial payment upon his land, and his sons 
not caring to retain it, the property reverted to Mr. Ward. 

Ford's mill, already spoken of, stood at the foot of the 
hill covered by the John Tate place, and traces of it may 
yet be seen near the roadway at the creek crossing. David, 
one of Abram Puterbaugh's sons, moved to Pipestone about 
1838 ; Jacob, another son, lived in Berrien until 1855, 
when he too moved to Pipestone. 

Brief mention may be made of Lawrence Cavanaugh, 
who settled upon section 26 in 1830, and of Peter Hick- 
man, who located on section 30 at an early date. Cava- 
naugh moved farther west shortly after becoming a resi- 
dent of Berrien. Hickman died on his farm in 1840. 

Cyrus Hinehman, who has already been mentioned as 
having come to Berrien, in 1835, with Francis Pinnell, 
located upon section 14, and was the most extreme north- 
ern settler in the township. Hinehman started from Vir- 
ginia without any decided view as to a settlement in Mich- 
igan, but was persuaded that way by his brother Hiram, 
who made his home in Berrien in 1834. Cyrus became 
known afterwards as the man who raised the largest pump- 
kin ever seen in the township. How large it was cannot 
now be said, but it was large enough to be worth a barrel 
of salt, for which Hinehman traded it at Niles. BIrs. J. 
C. Runkle, of Pipestone township, is a daughter of Mr. 
Hinehman, and recollects that when her father reached the 
wilderness of Berrien with his family, all the money he had 
was a five-franc piece. One cold winter day, when the 
ground was covered with snow, Mr. Hinehman began to 
chop a large tree that stood near his cabin, and fearing the 
tree might fall upon the cabin, he conveyed his young chil- 
dren to a safe spot, and sat them upon a freshly-taken deer- 
skin, which he had spread on the snow. There the little 
ones sat while he felled the tree, and well it was too that 
he had taken the precaution, for the tree fell upon the 
cabin and damaged it badly. 

Mr. Hinehman lived in Berrien until 1865, when he 
moved to Montcalm Co., Mich., and is still living there. 

After 1840 settlements began to multiply rapidly. The 
population, which was 543 in 1840, was nearly double that 
in 1854. Among the early settlers of whom special men- 
tion has not already been made were Joel Layman, Israel 
P. Hutton, T. K. Clyburne, William and John Nye, and 
B. D. Townsend. 



208 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



One may yet encounter in a day's drive, many hearty 
old men, who still remain as reminders of the pioneer his- 
tory of Berrien, and who tell the stories of Michigan's 
early days in a way that awakens a deep interest. The 
remembrance of a nearly fifty years' experience upon Mich- 
igan soil is the valuable legacy which time has left to many 
of Berrien's pioneers ; and now, in the enjoyment of com- 
fort and ease, they are pardonably proud to rank themselves 
with the rest of that noble band, whose members were the 
advance-guard in the march to the Western wilds in the 
days when that region was a stranger to the tread of the 
white man. The first birth in Berrien was that of John 
Johnson's son, Isaac, who was born Dec. 20, 1828. The 
first death is supposed to have been Peter, sun of Wm. 
Lemon. He was buried on his father's farm. Mention 
has already been made of Eli Ford's warehouse, which was 
built in 1833, upon the river-bank, near the east end of the 
bridge at Berrien Springs. That point was at one time a 
place of considerable trade. Thomas L. Stevens kept store 
there until his removal to the village opposite, and John 
Defield kept tavern awhile near at hand, but the business 
activity was soon transferred tlience to Berrien Springs. 

EARLY ROADS. 

The first roads of consequence were the ones extending 
from Niles to Berrien Springs, and from the latter point to 
Pokagon, both being laid out in 1832. 

April 24th of that year the township was districted as 
follows : " The public road from Brown's Ferry across the 
St. Joseph River, thence west to the line of said town- 
ship, on the road to Newburyport, to be District No. 1. 
All the land in said township lying south and west of the 
said road and river to be District No. 2. All the land in 
said township lying east of the said river to be one district, 
and numbered three." Then follows a list of the names of 
the persons, April 24, 1832, as liable in April, 1832, to 
work on the highways in the three districts. They were as 
follows; District No. 1, Clark Pennewell, Wm. Williams, 
Daniel Williams, Jacob Shoemaker, William Wilson, 
Stephen Purdee, Martin Hoffman, F. B. Murdock, Michael 
O'Harra, Pitt Brown, Horace Godfrey; District No. 2, Wm. 
Barlow, Wm. C. Webster, Samuel Salee, Hezekiah Hall, 
Wm. T. St. John ; District No. 3, John Johnson, Eli Ford, 
Shadrach Ford, Wm. Lemon, Henry Lemon, Geo. H. 
Claypool, Adam Michael, Michael Hand, Lawrence Cav- 
anagh, Hugh Marrs, Daniel Marrs, James Jenkins, Alex- 
ander Marrs, Elias Parker, John Smith, Isaac Smith, Wm. 
Ferguson. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

In the month of April, 1832, Calvin Britain, represen- 
tative in the Legislature from Berrien County, presented to 
the Legislature the following petition : 

"To THE Honorable the Legislative Council of the TERniTOHY 
OF Michigan : 
" The undersigned, citizens of the County of Berrien, in said Terri- 
tory, residing between the nine-mile post from the mouth of the St. 
Joseph River to the nineteenth-mile post, respectfully represent that 
heretofore the township of Niles has embraced the whole county of 
Berrien ; that that part of the County of Berrien designated is settling 
with remarkable rapidity; that the citizens thereof experience much 
inconvenience in being obliged to resort to Niles, situated near the 



southern line of the County, to exercise the invaluable right of par- 
ticip-ating in the election of township officers; that, independent of 
this consideration, the citizens residing within the boundaries desig- 
nated feel greatly the importance of electing their own township offi- 
cers from among themselves, — men who feel an interest and a pride 
in opening and improving roads within the boundaries aforesaid, and 
of performing all of the other duties that may be required of them 
as township officers. 

" The undersigned, therefore, respectfully pray your honorable body 
to pass a law setting off from 'the township of Niles all that part of 
said County situate North of township seven, and extending as far 
North as to include two tiers of sections in township five, and the east 
and west lines to extend from the west line of Cass County to Lake 
Michigan. 

(Signed) 

"F. B. Mdrdock, John Juhn.sox, 

"Hugh Marrs, Eli Fdru, 

" William C. Webster, Michael Hand, 
"William F. St. Joh.n, Peter Hickman, 

" Hezekiah Hall, Jr., Daniel Johnson, 
"William Barlow, Michael O'Harra, 

" William Lemon, Shadrach Ford, 

" Adam Micuael, William Ferguson, 

"George H. Claypool, Pitt Brown, 
"Henry Lemon, Elias Parker." 

" William Michael, 

Upon the foregoing petition, the township of Berrien was 
erected and organized in 1832, its territory — originally a 
part of Niles township — including what are now the town- 
ships of Berrien, Oronoko, and Lake. In 1837, that por- 
tion of Berrien extending from the river to the lake was 
set off into a separate township, by the name of Oronoko, 
although the river was not made the boundary line until 
1847. (See history of Oronoko.) 

The first election in the new township was held at the 
tavern of Pitt Brown, on the west bank of the St. Joseph 
River, on. the 1st of April, 1833. The persons elected, 
together with the votes cast for each, were as follows : Su- 
pervisor, Pitt Brown, 20 ; Township Clerk, Francis B. 
Murdock, 16 ; Assessors, William P. St. John, 21 ; Heze- 
kiah Hall, Jr., 21 ; Julius Brown, 21 ; Commissioners of 
Highways, William F. St. John, 21 ; Hezekiah Hall, Jr., 
21 ; Julius Brown, 21 ; Constables, Stephen Purdee, 19 ; 
Henry Lemon, 15; Fence-Viewers and Poundmasters, 
John Johnson and William C. Webster, 8 ; Overseers of 
Highways, District No. 1, Stephen Purdee, 4 ; District No. 
2, Hezekiah Hall, Jr., 4 ; District No. 3, William Lemon, 
4 ; District No. 4, Lawrence Cavanaugh, 4 ; District No. 
5, Eli Ford, viva voce, in place of Julius Brown, who de- 
clined to serve; Collector, Stephen Purdee, 19. 

It appears from the records that the residents of Berrien 
township proceeded to an election of ofiicers in April, 1832, 
immediately upon presenting their application for township 
organization, but who the officials were — other than Law- 
rence Cavenaugh, Moderator, and Francis B. Murdock, 
Clerk — cannot be stated, since the record of that election 
has not been preserved. 

Following is a list of the names of those who have served 
the township as supervisors and clerks from 1833 to 1880 : 

1833.— Supervisor, Pitt Brown; Clerk, Francis B. Murdock. 
183-4-35.— Supervisor, Pitt Brown; Clerk, Wm. F. St. John. 
1836.— Supervisor, Pitt Brown; Clerk, Thos. Love. 
1837. — Supervisor, Pitt Brown ; Clerk, Francis D. Johnson. 
1838-39.— Supervisor, Pitt Brown ; Clerk, Thos. Love. 
1840.— Supervisor, Pitt Brown: Clerk, Thos. L. Stevens. 
1841. — Supervisor, Alonzo Bennett; Clerk, Thos. L. Stevens. 





> ■■*- -. 



E. T. DICKSON. 



MRS. E.T. DICKSON. 







RfSIDCNCf OF EDWIN T. DICKSON, SE.C.10,BERRIiNlR,BERRItHC0..MlCH. 



TOWNSHIP OF BERRIEN. 



209 



1842. — Supervisor, Julius Brown; Clerk, Amos Gray. 
1843. — Supervisor, Julius Brown; Olerk, Cyrus Ilinohman. 
1844. — Supervisor, A. L. Burke; Clerk, Cyrus Hinchman. 
184.'). — Supervisor, Geo. Murphy; Clerk, Cyrus Hinchman. 
1846-48. — Supervisor, A. L. Burke; Clerk, George Murphy. 
1849. — Supervisor, Geo. Murphy; Clerk, Silas Ireland. 
ISoO. — Supervisor, Silas Ireland; Clerk, Daniel Boon. 
1851-62.— Supervisor, Silas Ireland; Clerk, Truinan Royce. 
18.53. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins ; Clerk, H. S. Roliinson. 
1854. — Supervisor, Silas Ireland; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1855. — Supervisor, Ralph Denn; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1856. — Supervisor, Silas Ireland ; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1857. — Supervisor, P. G. Cuddeback ; Clerk, J. L. Kessler, 
1858.— Supervisor, Wm. S. Maynard; Clerk, Wm. P. Weed. 
1859.— Supervisor, E. A. Brown; Clerk, P. G. Cuddeback. 
I860.— Supervisor, P. G. Cuddeback; Clerk, H. h. Johnson. 
1861. — Supervisor, P. G. Cuddeback; Clerk, George Cuddeback. 
1862.— Supervisor, P. G. Cuddeback; Clerk, Edward Cudy. 
1S63-65.— Supervisor, John Tate ; Clerk, Edward Cady. 
1866.— Supervisor, H. R. Murphy; Clerk, Edward Cady. 
1867. — Supervisor, John Tate; Clerk, Edward Cady. 
1868-69.— Supervisor, John Tate; Clerk, Erastus Murphy. 
1870. — Supervisor, John F. Peck; Clerk, Erastus Murphy. 
1871. — Supervisor, Joel Layman; Clerk, Isaac Rogers. 
1872.— Supervisor, John Tate; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1873. — Supervisor, J. M. Savage; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1874. — Supervisor, John Tate; Clerk, Almon Keigley. 
1875-76.— Supervisor, I. P. Hutton; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 
1877-79.— Supervisor, D. H. Allery ; Clerk, H. S. Robinson. 

The afiFairs of the township are in charge of a township 
board, consisting of D. H. Allery, Supervisor ; H. S. Rob- 
inson, Clerk; and Norman Ninis, the senior justice of the 



On the 1st of April, 1879, the township was clear of 
debt, and had in the treasury, including school-moneys, 
$336.75. The total taxation in 1878 was $6381.96, of 
which $2335.30 were for school purposes. 

CHURCHES. 

Morris Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church. — A Meth- 
odist Episcopal society was organized in 1843, and wor- 
shiped in the Washington school-house, a log edifice, located 
about eighty rods south of the present church. The early 
church records having been lost, no definite details of the 
early organization can be given. 

In 1845, when Rev. Henry Worthington was preaching 
on the circuit, the church membership included 50 persons. 
Ludwig Robinson was then clas.s-leader. Shortly after- 
wards, Isaac Schnorf was chosen to be class-leader, and re- 
mained as such for a period of thirty-one consecutive years. 

In 1846 the congregation built a church edifice, which, 
in honor of Bishop Morris, they called Morris Chapel, and 
in that year laid out a church-yard. In 1867 a new church 
building replaced the old one, and is .still used. The church 
membership has varied from 40 to 65, and numbers now 
46. The class-leaders now are Samuel Van Vlear and Jo- 
seph Stafford. The stewards are Joseph StaiFord, Charles 
Stafibrd, and Isaac Schnorf. The trustees are Joseph Staf- 
ford, Charles Stafford, Isaac Schnorf, Cyrus B. Groat, Ste- 
phen A. Curtis, Sylvester Schnorf, Henry R. Nye, Benjamin 
N. Nye, and Joseph Walker. The last pastor was Rev. 
T. T. George, who preached at Morris Chapel. The church 
is now awaiting a Conference appointment of a pastor. 
The Sabbath-school, including 45 scholars, is in charge of 
Gustavus Matthews, assisted by 6 teachers. Morris Chapel 
is now on the Pokagon circuit, which includes five stations. 
27 



Pleasant Hill United Brethren Church. — In 1851 the 
members of the United Brethren faith near Plea.sant Hill 
were organized into a congregation by Rev. Samuel Chap- 
man, and attached to the Silver Creek circuit. Among 
the original members were John Martin and wife. Moody 
Willis, James Groat and wife, Joseph Stafford and wife, 
Amos Stafford, F. R. Pinnell and wife, Delilah W. and 
Nancy A. Pinnell, Wesley F. Pinnell and wife, Walker 
Willis. Worship was held in members' houses, in Moody 
Willis' barn, and in Morris chapel, until 1853, when the 
churcli now in use was erected. The first class-leader was 
Wesley Pinnell, whose .successor, James Groat, has been 
the leader from 1853 to the present time (with the excep- 
tion of one year). The first steward was Moody Willis, 
who assisted in the building of the church, and who was 
killed in the United States service during the war of the 
Rebellion. 

Following Mr. Chapman, the early pastors of the church 
were Revs. Forbes, Freeman, Dunn, and France. The 
present pastor, who preaches once every two weeks, is Rev. 
J. H. Pattee, whose immediate predecessors were Revs. 
Light and Bartmouth. Removals and deaths have weak- 
ened the church membership, which includes now but 17 
persons. 

Franldin Chapel ( United Brethren) was organized in 
1854 by Elder Thomas, who held meetings previous to that 
time in the Franklin school-house. In 1855 a meeting- 
house was built. The present pastor is Rev. J. H. Pattee, 
who preaches once every fortnight. The church member- 
ship is but 15. M. D. Curtis is the steward; Thomas 
Brown is the class-leader; and M. D. Curtis and Isaac 
Jenkins, trustees. 

Berrien Centre Free- Will Baptist Church congregation, 
now worshiping at the union church, south of Berrien 
Centre, was organized June 17, 1865, by Rev. James Ash- 
ley. The original members were Zera F. Wright and wife, 
John H., Margaret, Jeremiah, Sarah, William, Lydia, John, 
Cyrus, Adeline, and Elizabeth Shearer ; Lydia and Phillis 
Dickson, Peter File, George and Margaret Foster, James 
Wright, Maria Webster, Laura and Julia Murphy, Robert 
Lemon, Jane and Lavina Marrs, Ralph and Eliza Magill, 
Joseph and Mary Myers, Annette Weed, Mary Rutter, 

George Cuddeback, Elizabeth Cuddeback, Riggin. 

At the first session John H. Shearer was chosen deacon, 
and George Cuddeback clerk. E. T. Dickson is the present 
clerk, and William Shearer, John H. Shearer, and J. S. 
Wright the deacons. The membership in September, 
1879, was 88. Rev. Lewis Jones was then the pastor, and 
held services once in two weeks. 

Maple Grove ( United Brethren) Church was organized 
in 1854 by Rev. Thomas J. Babcock, in a log school-house 
in the northern part of the township, Mr. Babcock having 
held services previously in the house of David Moore. 
Henry Rush was leader of the first class formed, and other 
members were David S. Weaver and wife, Jacob Puter- 
baugh and wife, John Rush, William Tenant and wife, 
Martin Reese and wife, Nicholas Michael and wife, Thomas 
Mountjoy and wife, Caleb Clark and wife. Until 1873, 
when the present house of worship was erected, the church 
met in the Eau Claire school-house. The present member- 



210 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ship is 72. The pastor is Rev. E. F. Light, and the class- 
leader, H. S. Robinson. 

A Methodist Episcopal Society worshiping in the north 
previous to 18G4, joined the United Brethren upon the 
organization of the latter at Maple Grove. A Methodist 
Episcopal Society worshiped near the Centre as early as 
1838, and had in its first class Thomas and Mary Riggin, 
Miss 'Mary Riggin, Hiram Hiuchman and wife, William 
Nye and wife, Maretta Boss, and Ann B. Powers. The 
society met in the union church until 1870, when, being 
U)uch reduced in numbers, it was dissolved. 

The Dunhards formerly met at the union church, and 
early in the history of Berrien a Dunkard society had an 
existence in the eastern part of the township. Members of 
that faith in Berrien still meet occasionally for worship, but 
their number is .small and their meetings infrequent. 

Long Lake Church. — About 1856 a number of citizens, 
living in the vicinity of Long Lake, subscribed towards the 
erection of a union church near Long Lake, to be used for- 
ever as a free church by all religious denominations alike. 
They appointed as trustees Messrs. Michael Hand, George 
H. Claypool, and Andrew L. Burke, and since that time the 
church structure has been similarly in charge of trustees. 
Baptists, Adventists, Lutherans, and United Brethren have 
worshiped there, but the former and the latter are the 
only ones now maintaining at that point a regular organi- 
zation. 

The Baptist Cougretjation — a branch of the Berrien 
Centre Free-Will Baptist Church — was organized March 
8, 1879, by Rev. Lewis Jones. The original members 
were John and Sarah Burke, Margaret Frank, AUie Green, 
William H. and Eva Miller, Maggie Martin, Phoebe and 
Eliza A. Simpson, Jennie Thayer, Frances Snyder. These 
persons yet comprise the church membership. Services are 
held once every fortnight by llev. Lewis Jones. John 
Irwin is the deacon, W. H. Miller the clerk, and W. C. 
Webster the treasurer. 

The United Brethren Congregation was organized in the 
spring of 1877 by Rev. K. H. Sickafoose, who had been 
preaching for a few months previously to the members of 
the faith in that vicinity. The original members were W. 
H. Miller and wife, William Rice, Allie Green, Horatio 
and Hascal Cole, George Edwards, Jane Thayer, Margaret 
Frank, John Rogers, Libbie and Blaggie Irwin. The con- 
gregation has latterly lost in membership and includes now 
but five persons, but the organization is still maintained 
and bids foir to be for some time to come. William Rice 
is the class-leader, and Rev. E. F. Light, the pastor, who 
preaches once in two weeks. 

CEMETERIES. 
One of the first grave-yards was laid out on the Marrs 
farm, where bodies were buried up to about 1867, when 
interments were discontinued there, and a majority of those 
buried were transferred to other places. There was also an 
old cemetery on the .spot now used as the county poor-house 
burial-ground. The burial-grounds in the township now 
number five, viz., the Berrien Centre Union Church, 
Franklin, Long Lake, Morris Chapel, and Maple Grove 
cemeteries. 



SCHOOLS. 

A Mr. Wells was one of the early teachers of Berrien. 
He taught in a log school-house near the Niles road, on sec- 
tion 31, about the year 1830. A Mr. Pike taught in the 
same school-house, — which was the only one in that section 
of the country at the time. John Kessler, a young Vir- 
ginian, taught school in a log school-house on section 23. 
Mr. Kessler is still a resident of Berrien, on section 27. 

April 3, 1837, the township first chose school inspectors, 
who were Andrew Murray, Robert E. Ward, and Ambrose 
E. Murray. The school inspectors in 1879 were Cyrus B. 
Groat (school .superintendent), H. S. Robinson (township 
clerk), and Almon Keigley. 

There arc now in the township seven full, and three frac- 
tional school districts, with ten schools. Of the ten school 
buildings two are handsome brick structures, costing $2100 
and $2200 respectively, and eight are frame. The total 
estimated value of school property is $8825, and the total 
yearly expenditures for support of schools, $2745. Ten 
teachers are employed, to whom are paid, yearly, $2025. 
Out of a total school enumeration of 422 the average at- 
tendance is 406. 

POST-OFFICE. 

The only post-office in Berrien at present is Berrien 
Centre, which has daily mail communication. The oSice 
was established in 1857, when Z. F. Wright was appointed 
postmaster. To him succeeded Isaac Slurphy, Isaac Hess, 
Frank Wood, and George W. Wyman, the latter being the 
present incumbent. Eau Claire post-office was established 
in Berrien in 1861, near the Pipestone line, and Henry 
Rush appointed postmaster. Mr. Rush retired in 1874, 
when the office was removed across the line into Pipestone 
township, and there it has since remained. 

Previous to 1857 the citizens of Berrien township were 
obliged to get their mail at Berrien Springs or Niles, and 
until the date named there was no post-ofiice within the 
territory now occupied by Berrien. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Morris Chapel Grange, No. 13, was organized March 4, 
1873, with 17 members, as follows : James M. Savage, Mrs. 
A. E. Savage, John Nye, Mrs. Ann Clybourn, Joseph 
Walker, Mrs. Susan Curtis, T. K. Clybourn, Mrs. Lottie 
Curtis, John Ulhey, Mrs. L. C. Ullrey, Ira Vangorder, 
Joseph Pinnell, James D. Matthews, S. A. Curtis, Silas 
Ireland, Charles R. Curtis, Joseph Stafford. The Masters 
since the organization have been Silas Ireland, T. K. Cly- 
bourn, Charles R. Curtis, John B. Metzger, David Schnorf. 
The officers for 1879 were David Schnorf, M. ; George 
Snufi', 0. ; T. K. Clybourn, L. ; Ira Vangorder, Steward ; 
Joseph Pinnell, Asst. Steward ; C. R. Curtis, Chaplain ; 
John Schnorf, Treas. ; C. B. Groat, Sec. ; Edward Cady, 
Gate-Keeper; Mrs. T. K. Clybourn, Ceres; Mrs. Ann 
Schnorf, Pomona ; Mrs. George Snuff, Flora ; Mrs. John 
Schnorf, Stewardess. The members numbered 13 on Oct. 
1, 1879. Regular meetings are held at the Oak Grove 
school-house on the Saturday nearest the full moon in each 
month. 

Berrien Centre Grange, N'o. 14, was organized March 
22, 1873. The first Master was Thomas Marrs, and first 



TOWNSHIP OF BERRIEN. 



211 



Secretary J. F. Peck. The successive Masters since then 
have been John F. Peck, Alinon Keigley, and Joseph A. 
Becker. The charter members were Thomas Marrs, John 
F. Peck, A. W. Marrs, J. A. Becker, J. J. Becker, Thomas 
Riggin, W. A. He.ss, Jacob Brenner, Uriah ShaiFer, Mrs. 
Thomas Marrs, Mrs. J. F. Peck, Mrs. A. W. Marrs, Mrs. J. 
A. Becker, Mrs. J. J. Becker, Mrs. Jacob Brenner. In 1876 
a commodious grange hall was built at Berrien Centre, at a 
cost of $1500, and there regular fortnightly meetings arc 
held. The members number now 64, and the officers are 
Joseph A. Becker, M. ; J. J. Murphy, Overseer ; Almon 
Keigley, Lecturer ; Jacob Brenner, Steward ; W. A. Hess, 
Asst. Steward; R. A. Calvin, Chaplain; A. J. Easton, 
Treas. ; Erastus Murphy, Sec. ; T. B. Snow, Gate-Keeper ; 
Mrs. T. B. Snow, Ceres ; Mrs. S. H. Brenner, Pomona ; 
Mrs. W. E. Peck, Flora ; Miss Frank Rutter, Lady Assist- 
ant Steward. 

Berrien supports, with a good deal of vigorous determi- 
nation, an Anti-Horne- T/iiff Assocml ion, known also as the 
Vigilance Committee. Its members are numerous, and in- 
clude many of the leading farmers of the township, who 
are bent upon providing, through the instrumentality of 
the association, against the successful operation of horse- 
thieves, who were at one time exceedingly troublesome. 

An excellent cornet hand is one of the local institutions, 
and includes several skilled performers, whose services are 
frequently called into requisition at merry-makings and other 
public demonstrations. 

The cause of temperance receives hearty support. Not 
only has Berrien always been singularly free from the 
imposition of public traffic in spirituous liquors, but the 
di.ssemination of the temperance doctrine has warmly en- 
gaged the attention of a large number of citizens. The 
township boasts a flourishing Red-Ribbon Club, whose 
labors are, and have been, productive of much good on 
behalf of the cause. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



EDWIN T. DICKSON. 

James Dickson, great-grandfather of the gentleman to 
whom this sketch especially refers, came to America about 
the year 1770 from a place called Old Town, in Ireland, 
and settled in York Valley, Pa., but at the close of the 
Revolutionary war he removed to the southwestern part of 
that State and settled in Washington County, where he 
spent the remainder of his life. His children were .six in 
number, viz., John, Samuel, Andrew, William, and two 
daughters. 

John Dickson, sou of James, was born at Old Town, 
Ireland, about 1767, and came to America with his parents 
when about three years of age. Soon after reaching the 
years of manhood he married a lady named Robinson and 
settled in Westmoreland Co., Pa., where, a few years later, 
his wife died, leaving two sons, Levi and James, of whom 
the first-named and the elder was born in 1792. James 



Dickson, Sr., having married a second wife, emigrated in 
1811 to Huron Co., Ohio, but afterwards removed to Ham- 
ilton Co., Ind., where he died in 1830. 

James Dickson, son of the John Dickson above men- 
tioned, and father of Edwin T. Dickson, was born in 
Pennsylvania, Dec. 5, 1794. He grew to manhood in 
Huron Co., Ohio, and served in the United States army in 
the war of 1812-15. After the close of that .struggle (in 
1819) he removed to Wayne Co., Ind., and in 1820 mar- 
ried Lillis, eldest daughter of Judge Thomas McKenney. 
Of this union there were born five sons and four daughters, 
all of whom are living except one daughter, who was the 
wife of the Hon. G. C. Jones, of Cass Co., Mich. In 1828, 
James Dickson moved to Michigan Territory, and settled 
in La Grange, Cass Co., where he died Sept. 17, 1866. 
Mr. Dickson's business was that of a farmer, which voca- 
tion he followed during all his life, and very successfully. 
He was an extensive reader, and by this means he laid up 
a great store of practical information. He received the 
appointment of justice of the peace from Governor Cass in 
1830, and was afterwards elected to several offices by his 
fellow-townsmen ; but he had no political aspirations, and 
preferred to remain in the quiet of his farm, leaving office 
and politics to the more aspiring. In religious belief he was 
a deist, but a Quaker in precept and example, and he stood 
high in the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. 

Edwin T. Dickson, to whom this biographical sketch 
more particularly refers, was the son of James Dickson, and 
the eldest of a family of nine children. He was born in 
Centre township, Wayne Co., Ind., Aug. 2, 1821. At the 
age of seven years he accompanied his father to Cass Co., 
Mich., where he grew to manhood. In 1845 he married 
Miss Lydia Garwood, and in 1849 removed to his present 
home, on section 10, Berrien township, — a place which was 
at that time covered by dense woods. In 1869, Mrs. Dick- 
son died. She had been the mother of six children, five of 
whom died before her death. One — the eldest daughter — • 
still survives. Mrs. Dickson was a most estimable woman, 
and an excellent wife, whose virtues and sterling traits as 
a wife contributed in no small degree to her husband's suc- 
cess in life. In 1870, Mr. Dickson married the eldest 
sister of his deceased wife. Miss Mary Garwood, with whom 
he lived happily for two years. She died Oct. 20, 1872. 
On the 4th of February, 1873, Mr. Dickson married his 
third and present wife, Miss Susie Layman, of Berrien, a 
teacher by profession. 

Mr. Dickson has from his boyhood been familiar with 
the privations and trials of pioneer life in a new country. 
In his boyhood he attended the first school taught in La 
Grange, Cass Co., and frotn that beginning he progressed 
until he became the po.ssessor of a fair education. He has 
always been a great reader, is thoroughly versed in the 
Bible, and familiar with the Koran and the Vedas. His 
religious belief is in accordance with the views of the Free- 
Communion Baptists, of which church he has been a mem- 
ber for fifteen years. In matters of religion and morality 
he knows no middle ground, and favors no half-way meas- 
ures, but is always zealous in the cause which he believes 
to be right. He is a man of strong convictions and decided 
character ; a strict temperance man, and in favor of pro- 



212 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



hibitory measures for prevention of the sale of intoxicating 
liquors. Politically, he is a Republican. He has filled the 
office of justice of the peace, and many other township 
offices, always, in these elections, receiving the full vote of 
the party to which he belongs. 

Although Mr. Dickson has now nearly completed the 
sixth decade of his life, he carries his age remarkably well, 
especially when the hardships and vicissitudes of his past 
life are considered. He has never been sued at law, and is 
decidedly opposed to litigation in any form. He has been 
something of a traveler, having crossed the territory of the 
United States from ocean to ocean. He is frank, open, and 
upright in all his actions, and positive and decided in his 
opinions. It is not unusual to find that such a man has 
enemies, and such may perhaps be the case with Mr. Dick- 
son, but it is certain that he has the esteem and confidence 
of the community in which he lives. 



NATHAN McCOY 



was among the earliest settlers of Western Michigan ; born 
in Montgomery Co., Va., Nov. 15, 1805. His father, 
V/illiam McCoy, was also a native of the same county, and 
his mother, whose maiden name was Susan Hunter, of Giles 
County, same State. His parents were very poor, and Na- 




NATIIAN M COT. 

than received very little schooling, working on the farm 
and tending carding-machine alternately for a livelihood 
until November, 1833, when he emigrated to Michigan, 
stopping first at Tokagon for a year, with his brother-in-law, 
Henry Sifford, working the following two years near Cass- 
opolis, for Pleasant Norton. He then took a trip to Iowa, 
returning after a two months' stay. He was married to 
Miss Hepeziah Vickars, Dec. 7, 1836. 

In 1834 he bought one hundred and fifty-three acres of 
land in Berrien township, Berrien Co., settling on this early 



in 1837, and, living in a log cabin, endured the usual 
hardships, trials, and pleasures of pioneer life ; for our old 
pioneers tell us that their happiest days were when build- 
ing up their homes in the wood.s. 

Mr. McCoy has been quite a hunter, having killed a 
great many deer both in Michigan and Virginia. By his 
first wife he had the following children : Elizabeth, born 
Dec. 17, 1837; Amanda Jane, March 7, 1839; William, 
Aug. 16, 1843 ; Lewis Perry, Aug. 8, 1851, all of whom 
are living. Mr. McCoy was afflicted by the loss of this 
wife, who died Oct. 11, 1851. The 21st of October, 1852, 
he married Amanda Marquis, by whom he had the follow- 
ing children: Francis Marion, born Oct. 24, 1854; Zorah 
Alice, born Nov. 18, 1858, died Sept. 6, 1861 ; and Su- 
sanna, born Sept. 16, 1862. Dec. 13, 1875, the hand of 
the destroyer was again laid heavily upon Mr. McCoy's 
hoUcSehold, taking his .second partner and companion. Mr. 
McCoy has always been Democratic in politics. He is at 
present possessed of two hundred and forty-seven acres of 
land, and with abundant means, pleasant home, and the 
most of his family around him he bides his time. 



ISRAEL PEMBERTON IIUTTON 

was born in Bedford Co., St. Clair township, Pa., July 10, 
1831. His father, Benjamin Wright Hutton, was a native 
of Adams Co., Pa., as was his grandfather. His mother, 
Beulah R. (Harris) Hutton, was a native of Chester Co., 
Pa. Mr. Button's ancestors were Quakers and English. 
The family removed to Michigan in October. 1846. Israel 
worked at farming until eighteen years of age, when he 
went to Three Rivers to learn the milling trade of Bowman 
& Hoffman, working nearly three years with them, when 
he removed to Summerville, Cass Co. This was in 1851. 
There he took charge of a mill, and in December, 1855, 
purchased it. In 1857 he built a new saw-mill, and in 
1858 a new flouringniill. He also built several houses in 
Summerville. In 1863 he bought one-half interest in a 
mill at Lawton, Van Baren Co., and sold it in 18G5. 

In 1864 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land 
in Berrien township, where he now lives. He sold his 
mill at Summerville in 1873 ; rebought it in 1876 ; resided 
in that place till 1874, when he removed to the .site of his 
present home. He built his handsome residence in 1875. 
He sold one-half of his mill in 1876, and is at present man- 
aging both farm and mill. 

He married Mrs. Anna Maria (Moore) Milliard, who had 
three children by her first husband, viz.: Joseph B., Edward 
P., and Nancy Maria Milliard. 

Mr. Hutton's family consisted of six children ; names and 
ages as follows: Arthur Donaldson, born June 19, 1854, 
died September 29, 1856 ; Robert F., born Sept. 15, 1855 ; 
Wilford M., born Jan. 26, 1857 ; Elizabeth L., March 30, 
1858; Beulah Adelle, Aug. 29, 1859; Parthenia, July 
19, 1861. 

While in Summerville he filled several offices of trust. 
He helped organize the Citizens' National Bank of Niles, 
and has been a director for several years. Was a Whig in 
politics until the formation of the Republican party, since 



TOWNSHIP OF BAINBRIDGE. 



213 



which time he has acted with them. Has been a member 
of the Free-Will Baptist Church for twenty-three years. 

Mr. Hutton's success is not enigmatical, but shows to 
the young men of to-day what can be accomplished by 
energy and industry, though poverty be their lot at the 
beginning of life. 



SILAS IRELAiSfD 



was born in Concord township, Ross Co., Ohio, Nov. 10, 
1818, and was the eldest of twelve children. His father, 
Stephen Ireland, was a native of the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland, and of Scottish descent ; his mother, Elizabeth 
(Carmean) Ireland, a native of the same place, was of 
German descent. They removed to Ross County about the 
year 1808. 

Silas' father being poor and he the oldest son, he had to 
assist in the support of the family, working on his father s 
farm. When about sixteen years of age he commenced 
studying mathematics and surveying, devoting all of his 
leisure time to it, and we may say is a self-educated man, 
having had very little opportunity for schooling. 

In October, 1839, he emigrated to Michigan, having but 
seven dollars in money upon his arrival. He worked at 
whatever came to his hand, doing some jobs of surveying. 
May 3, 1842, he married Miss Matilda Michael, a native of 
Greene Co., Ohio, but at the time of her marriage living 
within three miles of their present home. 

Mr. Ireland, in June of that year, bought eighty acres 
five miles east of Berrien Springs, upon which they settled, 
first living in a log cabin. This was the site of their present 
home. They have resided on this place ever since, except 
two years and a half, in Dowagiac, Cass Co., where they 
moved, to educate their children, returning the day after 
Abraham Lincoln's first election. Mr. Ireland's family 
consists of the following children : Elam M., born July 
5, 1843; Alpheus F., March 3, 1846; Almeda M., Nov. 
28, 1847, died Jan. 5, 1865; Carey H., May 6, 1849, 
died Oct. 19, 1877 ; Martha Alice, May 14, 1851 ; Charley 
A., Nov. 28, 1853; Mary E,, Nov. 21,1855; Frank S.A., 
Oct. 4, 1857 ; Mile S., Dec. 11, 1860 ; Hattie B., Aug. 3, 
1863; Roscoe W., Sept. 28, 1866; George R., July 2, 
1868. 

Mr. Ireland has held every township office except treas- 
urer. He has been superintendent of the county poor twelve 
years ; was supervisor five years. He acted as one of the 
committee to draft and make specifications for county jail, 
sheriff's dwelling, and county poor-house, which he built 
in 1869. Has been engaged as guardian for minors and 
others and settling estates of deceased persons for the past 
thirty years ; was elected representative to the State Legis- 
lature from the first district, Berrien Co., in November, 1876, 
receiving as the Republican candidate sixteen hundred and 
ten votes to his Democratic opponent's thirteen hundred and 
ninety-four. He has continually held some office since the 
age of twenty-two. Has been deputy surveyor of Cass and 
Berrien Counties. Was a Democrat till the opening of the 
Kansas and compromise troubles, when he joined the Re- 
publican party; was a firm supporter of the Union during 



the war. At present he owns some seven hundred acres of 
land, and a flouring-mill at Silver Creek, Cass Co. ; he is a 
director of the First National Bank of Niles, and vice-presi- 
dent and director of the First National Bank of Dowagiac. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

BAINBRIDGE TOMTNSHIP.* 

Settlement of the Township — Stage-Coaching Days — Temperance- 
Mills — Roads — The German Settlement — Post-Office and Postmas- 
ters — Township Organization and List of Officers — Church History 
of Bainbridge — Schools — Patrons of Husbandry. 

BAINBRIDGE is numbered town 4 south, range 17 west, 
and embraces thirty-six sections, covering an area of six 
miles square. Watervliet is on the north, Pipestone on the 
south. Van Buren County on the east, and Benton town- 
ship on the west. 

No township in Berrien County is more completely agri- 
cultural tlian this, as it is entirely given over to that interest, 
which, it maybe ob.served, is both extensive and profitable. 
As an apple-growing region it invites especial notice, and as 
an evidence of its importance in that respect, mention is 
made that one of its apple-orchards, owned by John Byers, 
contains two thou.sand trees, and in 1878, Mr. Byers shipped 
upwards of two thousand barrels of apples as a portion of 
his fruit product in that year. Numberless large apple- 
orchards may be found in the township approximating that 
of Mr. Byers, but his is supposed to be the most extensive, 
and to contain, moreover, the largest trees. 

As to peach culture, disease among the trees has much 
cut down the annual crop latterly, until the peach interest 
is comparatively small. The plan of promptly destroying 
diseased trees is generally approved by the farmers, who re- 
call a similar experience of Delaware peach-growers, some 
years ago, and they say that by abandoning peach culture 
for a time it may be revived at a later date with highly 
profitable results, as has proved to be the case in the history 
of Delaware. 

The nearest approach to a village in Bainbridge is the 
village of Millburg, of which there are eight lots in Bain- 
bridge, the larger portion of the place being across the line 
in Benton township. The village of Benton Harbor is the 
market-town for the major portion of the people, and their 
post-office as well, although there are post-offices at Mill- 
burg, Bainbridge Centre, and at other points. 

A large element of the population of Bainbridge consists 
of Germans, who occupy chiefly a region known as the Ger- 
man settlement, and who exercise an important voice in the 
administration of township affairs. Apart from the Ger- 
mans, the inhabitants are New Yorkers or their descendants, 
a majority of the early settlers having come from Jefferson 
and Livingston Counties in that State. 

Numerous ponds or lakes diversify the surface of the 
country, which is undulating, the largest of these being 
known as Pipestone Lake, which covers perhaps 400 acres. 
Small streams are abundant, but among them there are none 



* By David Schwartz. 



214 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



susceptible of furnishing valuable water-power. Bainbridge 
has manifested a disposition to assist railroad enterprises 
for the construction of roads in the township, but thus far 
no tangible results have followed, although they are likely 
to accrue before long. Railway stations are found at Benton 
Harbor, Coloma, and Watervliet, and afford desirable con- 
veniences. 

Bainbridge's assessed valuation in 1879 was $247,401. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The pioneers of Bainbridge belonged to the class known 
as Canadian Frenchmen, and were represented by a Cana- 
dian family named Sharrai, whose members were Barthol- 
omew, the father, and his wife, five sons, — Peter, Luke, 
Tenos, Louis, and Bartholomew, Jr., — and three daugh- 
ters, — Louise, Catharine, and Mary, — nine persons in all, 
who came in company from Canada about 1833, and settled 
upon an 80-acre tract in .section 8, a portion of the tract 
being now occupied by C. D. Weber. The Sharrais lived 
together and divided their time between clearing their land, 
raising crops, and boating on the St. Joseph. One Ruleaux, 
also a Canadian, came to Bainbridge soon after the Sharrais. 
He built a log shanty on the Sharrai place, stocked it with 
a few bottles of whisky, and called the house a tavern. 
That it was not much of a tavern, and that its business was 
meagre, seems to be conceded by general report ; but the 
presence of Ruleaux's tavern there gave to the locality the 
name of the " Ruleaux Place," by which it continued to be 
known long after the tavern was swept away. Ruleaux 
bought also a village lot in the Bainbridge portion of Mill- 
burg, when that place was laid out. In 1 835 he sold that 
lot to J. H. Enos and moved away. 

The elder Sharrai being taken quite ill not long after his 
settlement, was to be taken to St. Joseph for medical treat- 
ment, but died while on the way there. His sons did not 
remain in the township very long after settlers began to 
come in. Peter, Luke, and Tenos now live in Sodus 
township. 

J. H. Enos, who purcha.sed Ruleaux's village lot in 
Millburg, came from New York to Michigan in the fall of 
1835, with his brother Jo.seph, on a prospecting tour. 
Having bought Ruleaux's land interest, Harvey returned, 
with his brother, to New York, whence in the spring of 
1836 they came again to Michigan, with Harvey's fiimily 
and Raswell, another brother. Harvey moved into a log 
house that Ruleaux had built, and in the same year put up 
a saw-mill on Blue Creek, in the Benton portion of Mill- 
burg. Roswell and Joseph, his brothers, continued for 
a while to live with him and work for him, and then sought 
locations of their own, — Joseph in Benton, and Roswell in 
St. Jo.seph. Mr. Enos was Bainbridge's first postmaster. 
He kept at his house on the Territorial road a tavern-stand, 
where the daily stages between Detroit and St. Joseph 
halted; he operated the Millburg saw-mill some years, and 
for fourteen years was a citizen of considerable prominence 
in that neighborhood. After 1850 his health began to fail, 
and retiring then from active pursuits, he removed to Ben- 
ton township, where he still resides. 

In the fall of 1833, Martin Tice, a young man, then re- 
siding in New Jersey, started, in company with a Mr. 



Griffin, for St. Joseph, Mich., traveling by water to De- 
troit, and thence on foot to Kalamazoo and Watervliet ; 
the only highway they found between the two latter points 
being a well-worn Indian trail. Reaching St. Joseph, they 
worked for Maj. Britain that winter, and the next year for 
various persons in the vicinity of St. Joseph. In 1835, 
Tice concluded to become a settler, and just then being 
employed in the laying out and construction of the Bain- 
bridge portion of the Territorial road between Detroit and 
St. Joseph, he entered a tract on section 17 in Bainbridge, 
on the line of the road named, and after completing his 
work on the road he settled upon his farm, put up a log 
cabin, and kept bachelor's hall until 1838, when he mar- 
ried a daughter of Jonas Ivery, a blacksmith of Water- 
vliet. From 183G to his death, in 1876, he was a resident 
in Bainbridge, and lived all that period on his place of first 
settlement, where his daughter, Mrs. John Mclntyre, now 
resides. She relates that she frequently heard her f\uher 
say that the only house in Bainbridge at the time he came 
into it was that of Peter Sharrai, living " up north." 

Directly upon the opening of the Territorial road through 
Bainbridge, John P. Davis put up a log tavern opposite 
Tice's house, and as travel over the thoroughfare set in 
briskly, Davis' tavern became a regular stopping-place for 
stages on the route as well as for freight carriers. Four- 
and six-horse passenger coaches passed daily, while vehicles 
of various descriptions, laden with merchandise, moved 
over the road in considerable numbers. As already noted, 
Harvey Enos' tavern, opened at Millburg about the time 
Davis opened his, was likewise a popular stopping-place, 
and had a flourishing trade. Davis lived only until the 
fall of 1836, and was the third person to die in the town- 
ship. He was buried in a lot at the rear of his tavern, and 
some time afterwards his body was removed to the Bain- 
bridge burying-ground. Davis' widow carried on the tav- 
ern a while, and then transferred it to Ezra C. King (a 
carpenter living near the tavern), who was succeeded by 
C. C. Sutton, S. R. Gilson, and A. R. Pinney, the latter 
of whom married the Widow Davis (who still retained con- 
trol of the property), and continued to be the landlord 
until the completion of the Michigan Central Railroad 
turned travel from the turnpike. 

Pinney took the tavern in 1841, and replacing it with a 
substantial and commodious frame structure, carried on a 
profitable business for some years. During his time traffic 
was much greater than it had been during the time of 
either of his predecessors. Report says that he frequently 
provided breakfast for one hundred people when the busi- 
ness season was at its best. He went to California, and 
upon his return settled in Kalamazoo. Pinney's tavern — 
quite a famous landmark in those days — still stands, and, 
somewhat remodeled, is now the residence of Mr. T. J. 
West. 

During the winter of 1835, Joseph Matrau, George 
Wilder, and a company of twenty-three others were engaged 
in clearing timber-land in Niagara Co., N. Y., for Smith & 
Merrick, extensive land-owners in New York and Michigan. 
In the spring of 1836 they were ordered to proceed to 
Bainbridge township, in Michigan, where Smith & Merrick 
had made large land purchases. Seventeen of the party, 



TOWNSHIP OF BAINBRIDGE. 



215 



including Matran and Wilder, concluded to go, but the 
others declined to venture so far West. The seventeen 
traveled on foot to Buffalo, sailed via Lake Erie to Detroit, 
and walked from there to Bainbridge, where they halted at 
Davis' tavern, and were presently met by Dr. N. B. Moffatt, 
who had previously been sent out to Bainbridge by Smith 
& Merrick to look after their interests there, and to open 
the country to settlers. Moffatt had prepared for the com- 
ing of the men by the erection of two log houses, and tlie 
engagement of a family to board them. Mr. Matran says 
that when he aud his fellow-travelers reached their desti- 
nation, — a log house then standing near the site of the 
present German Catholic church, — it was nine o'clock at 
night, and all were ravenously hungry. The woman of the 
house, however, refused to prepare supper, but did prepare 
it eventually under continued protest. Her conduct led to 
her dismissal the following day, and the installation in her 
place of the wife of John Nash, one of the seventeen. 

When Matran and his companions reached their field of 
operatious in Bainbridge, they found there Stillman Wood, 
Stephen R. Shepard, James Wilder, and others already 
engaged in clearing land for Smith & Merrick. Peter 
Sharrai was there, and, although considered a settler, spent 
much of his time in boating on the St. Joseph. Dr. Moffatt 
set his men so vigorously at work clearing land and putting 
in wheat that at the end of the twelve months which the 
party had agreed to work a considerable tract of land in the 
northern part of the township had been broken. Their 
land-clearing labors ended in that section, the men passed 
to other Western points, except Wood, Wilder, and Shepard, 
who located farms in Bainbridge, upon the lands they had 
assisted in clearing. Wood remained until 1859, when he 
removed to the village of St. Joseph, where he now lives, 
at the advanced age of ninety-four. George Wilder still 
resides in Bainbridge, upon a farm he bought of Jason 
Knapp. Shepard settled upon section 28, and there died. 
One of his sons, Morton II., lives in Pipestone Moffatt 
went West, and, in 1849, setting out for California, died on 
the way. 

When Matran went westward, iu 1837, after finishing 
for Smith & Merrick in Bainbridge, he had against that 
firm an unpaid claim for labor. After waiting until 1839 
without receiving money on it, he returned to Bainbridge, 
and in settlement took 80 acres on section 28. During the 
ensuing three years he worked on the St. Joseph River, 
and at times doing some labor on his farm, succeeded in 
clearing 15 acres by 1842, when he left the river, settled 
upon his farm, and became a Bainbridge pioneer in earnest. 
In 1843 there arose some question touching Mr. Matran's 
eligibility to vote, and he visited Berrien Springs to satisfy 
himself on that point. While there he bought 12 apple- 
trees of Eli Ford, of Berrien township, and brought them 
home on his back. With them he started his first orchard, 
and it became an excellent one. Mr. Matran lived on sec- 
tion 28 until 1850, when he bought a farm on section 14, 
to which he then removed, and where he has since lived. 

One of Bainbridge's settlers in 1836, and of course one 
of its earliest, was "'Squire" Samuel McKeyes, vho in 
1835 came from Broome Co., N. Y., with his wife and five 
children to Michigan, and stopping at Prairie Roude bought 



a mill-interest there, but not liking the place on account of 
much sickness prevalent there, sold out and moved into 
Berrien County, where he bought of the general govern- 
ment 16 separate tracts of land, each containing 80 acres. 
Six of these tracts were in Bainbridge, and in that town- 
ship he decided to make his home, upon section 11, where 
Jacob Cribbs now lives. Mr. McKeyes died there in 1853. 
The only one of his children now living in Bainbridge is 
Mrs. Jacob Cribbs. 

Peter Sharrai, of whom mention has already been made, 
rented his Bainbridge farm in 1838 to Jabez Knapp, who 
came in that year with his family from Jeffer.son Co., N. Y. 
Knapp occupied Sharrai's farm two years, during which 
time Sharrai boated on the St. Joseph in the summer and 
boarded with Knapp in the winter. In 1840, Knapp re- 
moved to the farm upon which Dr. N. B. Moffatt had lived. 
In 1841, having bought 120 acres of Smith & Merrick, on 
section 7, he went there to live, and was the first settler on 
the north-and-south road running through sections 6 and 7, 
which was surveyed in 1841, on the day Mr. Knapp raised 
his log dwelling-house. Mr. Knapp was by trade a ship- 
carpenter, and until 1846 followed that business at St. 
Joseph, while his sons looked after the farming interests. 
In that year he changed his location to a farm in Water- 
vliet, near Coloma, and lived there until 1875, when he 
went to California, of which State he is still a citizen. The 
only child of Mr. Knapp living in Bainbridge is Mrs. J. 
K. Bishop. 

Levi Woodruff left Broome Co., N. Y., for the far We.st 
in May, 1837, with his wife and ten children, and halt- 
ing in IMichigan, bought 160 acres of land of Smith & 
Merrick, on section 10, in Bainbridge. On the same sec- 
tion Silas Irving had been a settler and lived with his 
family in a log house, but growing tired of his pioneer ex- 
perience had sold out to Samuel McKeyes and gone to 
Kalamazoo. Into Irving's abandoned cabin Woodruff 
moved his family, and lived there until his own dwelling 
was completed. Newton and Philo, two of the sons, located 
near the elder Woodruff. Newton still lives where he first 
settled. Philo moved to Minnesota in 1856, and is now 
there. Levi Woodruff died in Bainbridge in February, 
1862. His children now in Bainbridge are Asa, Simeon, 
Newton, and Mrs. Joseph Matran. Simeon Woodruff, 
Levi's brother, moved to Bainbridge from Ohio not long 
after Levi's settlement, and he, too, lived with his family 
in Irving's old hut during the preparation of a house of his 
own on section 15, but he died before his new home was 
completed. His widow and children occupied the farm 
until 1848, when, selling it to Martin Byers, they moved to 
Ohio. While he lived in Bainbridge, Simeon Woodruff, 
who was an ordained Presbyterian minister, preached occa- 
sionally in the settlement. Levi Woodruff, his brother, 
was instrumental in eflecting a Congregational Church or- 
ganization in Bainbridge, and served as deacon. The 
church existed but a short time before being merged with 
the church at Coloma. 

Returning now to the district bordering the Territorial 
road, the settlement of the Byers families in 1836 invites 
mention as an incident of importance. In June of that 
year, David Byers, his nephew John Byers (a lad of six- 



216 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



teen), and John's mother departed from Livingston Co., 
N. Y., for Michigan, being persuaded thereto by David's 
brother Tobias, who had preceded them to the West 
and located in Van Buren Co., Mich. They visited 
Tobias, and, while there, purchased land in Bainbridge, 
— Mrs. Byers, 160 acres on sections 13 and 24, and David, 
240 acres on the same sections. David Byers lived upon 
his place until his death, in March, 1874, and in August of 
the same year John Byers' mother died upon her Bain- 
bridge home, where John Byers now resides. Of all the 
settlers in Bainbridge when John Byers came, he is the 
only one now living in the township, and is therefore 
to-day the longest resident therein, and may in some sense 
be considered a patriarch. 

Upon his coming the dwellers iu the township included 
John P. Davis, at the Territorial road tavern, Martin Tice, 
at the same point, Harvey Enos, at Millburg, and the Shar- 
rais and McKeyes, in the north. South of the Territorial 
road there was no one. 

John Byers recites the history of the origin of peach 
culture in Berrien County, as follows: In 1840, David 
Byers, his uncle, went back to Livingston Co., N. Y., to 
be married, and upon his return to Michigan brought 100 
peach-trees. Of these, he gave John 40 and kept GO him- 
self In 1843 the trees bore their first fruit, and their 
combined product, amounting to 40 bushels, was taken to 
St. Joseph and sold, for §100, to the steward of Capt. Ward's 
steamer, which ran to Chicago. The purchaser took them 
to Chicago, and, according to Mr. Byers, that was the orig- 
inal shipment of peaches made from Berrien County, and 
from which the county's subsequent important peach trade 
arose. Touching the claim of Mr. George Parmelee to th6 
honor of originating peach culture in tliis section, Mr. 
Byers says that Mr. Parmelee lived in Bainbridge from 
1840 to 1843, when he removed to Benton, and that it was 
not until after he became a resident of the latter township 
that be engaged in the cultivation of the peach. 

Lot Sutherland, of Broome Co., N. Y., migrated west- 
ward in the spring of 1836, with his family of seven 
children, and, locating first near Kalamazoo, remained but 
a short time, and then removed to Bainbridge, where he 
purchased 100 acres of Smith & Merrick, on section 27, 
and lived there until his death. His children now living 
in Bainbridge are Justus, Ebenezer, and Henry Suther- 
land, Mrs. John Morgan, and Mrs. Edwin Youngs. 

Artemas Stickney accompanied Isaac Moffatt to Water- 
vleit in 1836, where he worked for Smith & Merrick. He 
settled, with his family, in Bainbridge, in 1837, on section 
28, but moved to Pipestone some years later and died 
there. His widow now lives with her son, Eliphalet, in 
Bainbridge. 

Wallis and John Tabor purchased land on the Territo- 
rial road as early perhaps as 1835, but did not occupy it 
until some time afterwards. John worked as a blacksmith 
iu Chicago a few years, and then settled upon his Bain- 
bridge farm, where he lived until 1875, when he removed to 
California. He lived near the Pinney tavern, and was the 
successor of Harvey Enos in the Bainbridge post-ofiice. 
Wallis left Bainbridge in 1850 for California. Later he 
settled in Sodus, which township has since been his home. 



Adam Miller, of Livingston Co., N. Y., came West in 
1837, in company with his family and Samuel Fletcher, 
his brother-in-law. The latter settled in Van Buren County, 
while Miller bought of the government 80 acres on section 
24, in Bainbridge, where he now lives. Mr. Miller's 
daughter Fidelia, now living in Kalamazoo, was the first 
white child born in the township, the year of her birth 
being 1838. 

H. H. Selter, who settled in Bainbridge in 1838, enjoyed 
the distinction of being a party to the first marriage cele- 
brated in the township. He was married the year of his 
arrival to Mary, daughter of Isaac Youngs. The ceremony 
was performed by David Byers, then a justice of the peace. 
Selter located at first upon a place north of Pinney's tavern, 
and afterwards changed his location to section 15, a little 
north of the township centre, where he died in 1875. His 
son Isaac married one of David Byers' daughters, and now 
lives on section 13. 

Daniel Pettis, now living on .section 28, started from 
Vermont in 1837 for Van Buren Co., Mich., and afterf 
working there two years at his trade of carpenter, bought 
80 acres on section 28, in Bainbridge, of Smith & Merrick, 
took his family to the place in the spring of 1840, and 
made a clearing. At that time the north-and-south road 
east of this place was only partially open. The east-and- 
west road, on which his farm now lies, he himself assisted 
to construct. On that road, when Mr. Pettis came in, the 
only settler was Artemas Stickney. 

Isaac Youngs was one of the early inhabitants of what 
was known as "Shingle Diggings," in that portion of Bain- 
bridge subsequently set off as Watervliet. In 1837 he left 
the Diggings and located upon a farm near Davis' tavern, 
where also his brother-in-law, Stephen R. Gilson (likewise 
a former resident at the Diggings), settled temporarily. 
Mr. Youngs moved to section 10, where he died. There 
his son Edwin now lives. 

Gilbert Van Vrankcn worked at J. H. Enos' saw-mill in 
Millburg from 1837 to 1841, and then, purchasing 80 acres 
of land on section 28, in Bainbridge, became a pioneer, al- 
though he did not actually .settle upon the place until 1842, 
when he married a daughter of James Higbee, of Benton. 
Mr. Van Vranken died in 1877, leaving a widow, who still 
lives on the old place. 

In 1810, Jacob Cribbs, a house-carpenter, came to Bain- 
bridge. In 1841 he assisted Philo Woodruff in the con- 
struction of Pinney's new tavern, and in payment for his 
services received some land on section 15. In 1842 he 
married a daughter of 'Squire McKeyes, and since that time 
has been a resident of Bainbridge. 

As already remarked. Smith & Merrick were owners of 
great tracts of land in Bainbridge, and in the beginning of 
the year 1876 sent Dr. Isaac Moffatt out to superintend 
the work of clearing and cultivating their broad acres. 
Moffatt brought several men out with him, and from time 
to time his force was increased until he had quite a colony 
about him. Much of the land was in the northwestern 
portion,of the township, and that locality, by reason of the 
extensive land-clearing operations going forward there, came 
to be known by the name of " The Jobs." Stillman Wood, 



TOWNSHIP OP BAINBRIDGE. 



217 



Stephen R. Shepard, J. B. Ransom, Crawford Hazard, 
James Wilder, and one Lamson were among the earliest 
employed upon the " Jobs," their service beginning about 
January, 1836. Ransom and Lamson reinained, however, 
but a short time before returning to New York. Crawford 
Hazard was from Jefferson Co., N. Y., and in the spring of 
183G made the journey from Michigan, with his fiimily and 
the families of Alonzo Gustin and Artemas Stickney, — the 
three being under engagement with Smith & Merrick to 
work upon their Western lands. Gustin went back to New 
York after a short stay ; Hazard worked on the " Jobs" 
about a year, and in 1839 settled in Pipestone, upon a farm 
purchased of Morgan Enos. He left there in 1844 for 
Hagar; located in Bainbridge in 1860; in 1861 returned to 
Pipestone; and in 1865 again took up his residence in Bain- 
bridge, where he died in 1868. One of his daughters 
married Nathaniel Brant, and now lives in Bainbridge. 

Mr. Hazard lived during his service on the " Jobs," in 
the Ruleaux tavern, which, upon his coming, was vacant. 
One day a man drove suddenly up before Hazard's door 
with a loaded lumber-wagon, in whioh was his family and 
household goods. Calling out loudly, he asked, " Is this 
the Ruleaux place?" Hazard, coming to the door at the 
summons, replied that it was. " Then," said the man on 
the wagon, " I'm master here." Hazard, in a spirit of 
badinage, replied, " Well, sir, take oif your coat, and we'll 
try titles." The man on the wagon laughed, introduced him- 
self as Isaac Higbee, shook hands with Hazard, and in- 
formed him that he had bought the Ruleaux place for a 
home. Accordingly he took possession, and Hazard moved 
to the house of Henry Nash, who boarded several of the 
men employed on the " Jobs." Higbee lived on the place 
but three years and then moved West. 

The general impression seems to be that the first death 
in the town.ship was that of John P. Davis, the first land- 
lord of the Territorial road tavern, who died in the fall of 
1836. The impression is a mistaken one. There were two 
deaths in the township before that of Davis. The first was 
that of a surveyor engaged with the corps making the gov- 
ernmental survey. A coffin not being easily obtainable, the 
surveyor's body was encased in bark, and thus was buried 
near the site afterwards chosen by Ruleaux for his tavern. 
That was the first death. The second was that of Mc- 
Donald Carr, a Canadian, engaged on Smith & Merrick's 
" Jobs." Carr was taken ill shortly after he commenced 
work, and was taken care of at Henry Na.sh's boarding- 
house. He was afterwards moved to Crawford Hazard's 
house, where he died five days afterwards. He was buried 
by the side of the surveyor, and there, too, a child was 
buried not long afterwards. The remains of these three 
still lie in the spot where they were buried, although all 
traces of their graves have long since been obliterated. 

Mrs. Nathaniel Brant, a daughter of Crawford Hazard, 
recalls how the limited accommodations of settlers' houses 
during the days of '36 were put to severe tests when new- 
comers began to grow plentiful, and says that generous 
hospitality being the rule, it was nothing strange for four 
or five families, just come into the settlement, to find enter- 
tainment at one cabin, and to sleep promiscuously on the 
floor at night as the best that could be ofiered under the 
28 



circumstances. Mosquitoes were distressingly plentiful, 
and at times during the summer did much towards making 
life a burden. 

Hiram Ormsby came from the Watervliet Shingle Dig- 
gings in 1838, with Stephen R. Gilson, and settled on the 
Territorial road near the tavern, but moved away after a 
brief stay. His home is now in South Haven. William 
Boughton lived on the Territorial road, near Millburg, from 
1837 to 1839, and in the latter year moved to Pipestone. 

THE PENN YAN SETTLEMENT. 

The southwestern portion of Bainbridge is popularly 
known as Penn Yan, a name given to it by Isaac Youngs 
after the Brants located there. The first settlement in this 
part was made by the Brant family, of Wayne Co., N. Y. 
Simeon Brant with his wife and four children — Nathaniel, 
John, Daniel, and Augustus — came to Michigan in 1836, 
and made a settlement upon section 31 in Bainbridge town- 
ship, where the elder Brant had, previous to his coming 
hither, bought 80 acres of land of Darius Clark. At this 
time the southern tier of sections in Bainbridge was an un- 
broken wilderness, into which Brant was the first to venture 
as a settler. With the aid of his boys, he chopped out a 
road to his place, put up a cabin, and made a clearing. 
Nathaniel, the eldest son. worked about upon neighboring 
farms until 1810, when he moved upon a farm in Pipe- 
stone, on section 17, which he had bought in 1838 of 
Morgan Enos, for whom, in Pipestone, he was a farm-hand 
from" 1837 to 1840. In 1844,'Nathaniel bought of Smith 
& Merrick a farm in Bainbridge, and upon that place he 
has since lived. John settled in Pipestone, where he died. 
Daniel became a settler in the southern portion of Bain- 
bridge, and yet lives there. Augustus, the youngest brother, 
who lived with Daniel, was waylaid and killed while making 
a journey to visit some friends in Cass County. 

Francis Johnson followed Simeon Brant into Penn Yan 
in 1837, although he had bought a farm the year before on 
section 31. He was unmarried then and roamed a'bout 
until 1837, when he put up a shanty on his place and soon 
after married. In a little while he tired of a pioneer's life 
and moved into Benton township, where he opened a 
cooper's shop, returning, however, not long afterwards to 
his Bainbridge farm, where he lived until 1879, when he 
moved to Kansas. 

Joseph Griffin settled about the time of Johnson's coming. 
He died many years ago, and of his family none are known 
to be in the township. 

Ethamar Adams and his two sons, Charles and Ethamar, 
Jr., came in perhaps in 1837. The two sons were some 
years afterwards killed in the Mountain Meadow massacre 
in Utah. The elder Adams moved to Niles in 1854, and 
died there. Previous to Adams' occupancy of his Bain- 
bridge farm, Henry Nash, who had been at work for Smith 
& Merrick, lived on it a few months, and then changed his 
residence to St. Joseph. 

David Sutherland, who had settled in Kalamazoo in 
1837, conveyed his family to Bainbridge in 1839, having 
there bought of Israel Kellogg 120 acres on sections 33 
and 34. His experience as a pioneer was, however, brief, 
for he died in August, 1840. His four sons — William, 



218 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Bushrod, John, and George — lived with him until his 
death. Wiilianj now occupies the old homestead. Bush- 
rod bought a farm in Bainbridgo in 1854, and now lives 
there. John lived with his brother William until 1856, 
when he bought a farm in Pipestone, where he has since 
resided. George, who went to Kalamazoo to live when he 
was but eight years old, now resides in Kalamazoo County. 
Charles Barnes, who married one of David Sutherland's 
daughters, was a settler first in Kalamazoo and then in 
Illinois. In 1842 he bought a place in Balnbridge on 
section 34. He entered the military service during the 
war of the Rebellion as chaplain of the I'ith Michigan 
Infantry ; was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and died 
in the hospital at Pittsburg Landing. 

In April, 1844, Joseph and Albert Vincent, with their 
families, and Henry Vincent, their younger brother, — the 
party including eight persons, — landed in Bainbridge, with 
a pair of horses, a lumber-wagon, and their household ef- 
fects. They had come from the town of Clayton, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., for the purpose of locating in Michigan, but 
undecided as to any particular point until they reached the 
State. Joseph worked Daniel Pettis' farm a year, and then 
bought of Israel Kellogg a farm on section 34, where he 
now lives. He did but little work on the place until 1848, 
when he settled upon it permanently. At that time there 
was no traveled road in the vicinity of his farm, and until 
1849 narrow paths through the woods were the best 
thoroughfares available. Albert Vincent worked the old 
Sharrai place two years, and then, buying a farm near 
Millburg, lived upon it a number of years. He then 
moved to Millburg and kept a store. His residence is 
now Benton Harbor. Henry boated on the St. Joseph, and 
died at Millburg. 

Horace Vincent, another brother, became a settler in 
Bainbridge in 1846, when he occupied a farm north of 
Millburg, and after living there seven years moved to 
Benton, where he still resides. Still another brother, John, 
came to Bainbridge at an early day, and becoming subse- 
quently a resident of Watervliet, died in Coloma in 1877. 

Stephen Stanley was among those who worked with 
Stephen R. Shepard, on Smith & Merrick's " Jobs," in 
1838. After completing his services there, he followed 
the business of boating on the St. Joseph River, and in 
1844 settled in Benton township. He now lives in Hagar. 

In 1843, George Wise, with his wife and three children, 
his father and mother, and his brother-in-law, John Lewis 
(whose family likewise accompanied him), started in com- 
pany from Livingston Co., N. Y., via the Erie Canal, for 
the West, without any definite purpose as to where in the 
West they would locate. During the canal journey to Buf- 
falo, George Wise's eldest child — a daughter — was killed 
by contact with a bridge, under which the boat passed be- 
fore the child could heed the danger-warning. Reaching 
Buffalo, the party embarked on board a lake vessel for 
Chicago, where arriving, they did not fancy the country, 
and having been neighbors of David Byers (then settled 
in Bainbridge), they resolved to visit him. Mr. Wise's 
father and John Lewis stopped with David Byers, while 
George Wise and his family were sheltered at the house of 
John Byers' mother. 



Without delay George Wise bought of E. P. Deacon 80 
acres of land on section 24, in Bainbridge, and while pre- 
paring the place for his family, lodged them in a house in 
the adjoining township of Keeler that summer. Upon 
the place he then bought, Mr. Wise has lived until the 
present time. 

John Lewis settled in Keeler within a few days after 
his arrival in Bainbridge. The elder Wise located upon a 
place one mile west of his son, on the Territorial road, 
where George Peters had already erected a cabin. He 
lived afterwards in Keeler, where he died in 1853. When 
the Wises came info Bainbridge, the settlers on the Terri- 
torial road were the Byers, on the east, and on the west, 
James Bragg, the widow Woodruff, David Woodruff, the 
Tabors, Martin Tice, Pinney, the landlord, and the widow 
of John Williams. Williams was an early settler in what 
is now Coloma. 

The year 1844 was fruitful of settlements in Bainbridge. 
Eighteen families came hither from the town of Clayton, 
Jefierson Co., N. Y., including the Bishops, the Spinks, 
the Harris families, the Boyers, Vincents, Spencers, and 
others. Asa Bishop and his three married sons, A. Sprague 
Bishop, Appleton Bishop, and Norris S. Bishop, came iu 
company with their families. They all purchased land of 
Smith & Merrick, on the north-and-south road passing 
through sections 6 and 7, and settled on farms adjoining 
each other. Sprague Bishop remained until 1850, when 
he sold to James Adams and moved to Hagar, where he 
now lives. Asa Bishop lived on a place adjoining Sprague's 
on the south, and afterwards lived with his son, Kellogg 
Bishop, who, upon marrying a daughter of Jason Knapp, 
occupied a residence opposite his father's house. The elder 
Bishop died at Kellogg's house, in 1872. The latter still 
resides in Bainbridge. Appleton lived in Bainbridge a 
few years, and removed to St. Joseph to engage in mercan- 
tile pursuits, and there died. Norris resided in Bainbridge 
until his death, in 1864. When the Bishops came in, 
those living on the north-and-south road spoken of were 
the Boyers, Jabez Knapp, Jason Alden, and Elisha Coon. 
Alden moved to Wisconsin three years later, and returning 
once more to Michigan, settled permanently in Benton. 
Coon soon passed farther West, and now lives in California. 

Orsemus and John Spink visited the West in the fall of 
1843, on a prospecting tour, during which John bought of 
Smith & Merrick 80 acres on section 29, in Bainbridge. 
The brothers returned to New York, and there Orsemus 
exchanged his New York farm, with Smith & Merrick, for 
80 acres on section 32, adjoining John's place. In the 
spring of 1844 both came to Bainbridge with their fam- 
ilies, and spent a few days at Artemas Stickney's house, 
when, having erected a board shanty on John's farm, they 
moved into it. Orsemus Spink relates that when they 
came, roads in their neighborhood were not to be seen. 
Their neighbors were the Brants, one mile south ; no settlers 
were between them and the western line of the town.ship, 
while on the north, nearest them were Stowe and Van Der 
Bogart, and on the east, Stickney, Joseph and Mitchell 
Matran, Daniel Pettis, and Gilbert Van Vranken. Orse- 
mus Spink is still a resident of Bainbridge. John moved 



TOWNSHIP OF BAINBRIDGE. 



219 



to St. Joseph in 1854, and later to Benton, where he died. 
Samuel, a third brother, who started with Orsemus and 
John from New York in 1844, stopped at Toledo, where 
he remained four years, and in 1848 settled in Baiobridge, 
upon section 29. A few years later he changed his resi- 
dence to St. Joseph township, where he now lives. 

Justin, Norman, and Austin Boyer, three brothers, ex- 
changed lands in Jefferson Co., N. Y., for some of Smith 
& Merrick's land in Bainbridge, and, with their families, 
settled there in 1844, — Jusfin on section 6, where he still 
lives, and Austin adjoining him on the south. The latter 
now lives in California. 

Among the comers of 1844 was S. H. Meech, of Oswego 
Co., N. Y., who bought about 300 acres in Bainbridge of 
H. T. Meech & Barnes, Western land speculators living in 
New York. He came out with his wife, and lived at Fin- 
ney's tavern until his own log house was completed. Then 
he joined the pioneer army, locating on section 26, where 
he lived until his death, in 1873, and where his widow 
still survives him. 

J. D Brewster, a Vermonter, came to Bainbridge with 
his family in 1844, and lived a year on a place owned by 
Justus Sutherland, where Brewster put up a cabin, — his 
family remaining meanwhile at the house of Daniel Pettis. 
During the year he bought 80 acres of George Peters, of 
Benton, and building thereon a substantial log house moved 
upon the place in 1845, since which time he has resided 
there. 

A. F. Stiles, of Jefferson Co., N. Y., left there in the 
spring of 1845 with his wife and three children for Michi- 
gan, having bought of Eli Watson 160 acres on section 30 
in Bainbridge. Leaving his family in Lenawee Co., Mich., 
Mr. Stiles went over to Bainbridge to look at his new pur- 
chase, and was pleased with it, — especially upon being in- 
formed that he had got a piece of fine land at a bargain. 
Mr. Stiles brought his family on and occupied temporarily 
a log cabin that had been erected upon a place near there 
by Walter Van De Bogart, who was an early settler in 
Bainbridge, but who in a few years after coming to Michi- 
gan returned to New York, whence he had migrated. Van 
De Bogart's brother-in-law, Cyrus Stowe, settled also in 
Bainbridge at an early date. He sold out in 1855 to Dr. 
Parker and moved to St. Joseph village, where for a while 
he kept a boarding-house, and removing afterwards to Illi- 
nois, died there. In the spring of 1846, Mr. Stiles moved 
to his own farm, and there he now resides. Although the 
road on which he now lives was laid out before he came in, 
it was not until the summer of 1846 that it was opened for 
travel. Mr. Stiles' nearest neighbors were Orsemus Spink, 
three-quarters of a mile east, the Brants, on the south, and 
John Spink, on the north. 

Lsrael P. Lyman, who was an early settler in Bainbridge, 
lived upon section 18, near Millburg, until 1847, when he 
sold his place to Harley B. Harrington and moved away. 
At that time there was no settlement between Harrington's 
and Tice's on the Territorial road. Mr. Harrington died in 
1866. His daughter, Mrs. Morrison, now lives on the 
farm. 

Sydney Spencer moved from Jefferson Co., N. Y., to 
Hillsdale, IMich., in 1844, and in 1846 came to BainbiidKe, 



where he had bought 120 acres of land (previously occu- 
pied by Walter Van De Bogart) of William Angcll, a 
Michigan land-owner, living in New York. Upon that 
place Mr. Spencer has since continued to live. When he 
located there, the only settlers on the road between him 
and Spink's Corners were Cyrus Stowe and John Spink. 
Previous to Sydney Spencer's coming, his brother Jason 
settled near Spink's Corners in 1844. He sold out after a 
brief residence and went East, but settled subsequently in 
Benton township. 

In 1844, Daniel Harris with his two sons, Henry and 
Elkanah, came from Jefferson Co., N. Y., and settled upon 
section 6. They moved away in 1850. Henry now lives 
in Coloma. His father and brother are dead. 

STAGE-COACHING DAYS. 

The early days of the Territorial road and the popularity 
of Finney's tavern have already been briefly alluded to. In 
the old stage-coach times a roadside tavern, where good 
cheer and a brief rest awaited the weary traveler, meant 
something of which contemplation was always a pleasure, 
and the realization of which generally verified anticipations. 
Davis, who built the log tavern upon the opening of the 
road, in 1835, did not, perhaps, offer a perfect house of en- 
tertainment ; nor did his immediate successors, for the reason, 
doubtless, that limited traffic did not warrant it, although 
it is likely that the old log tavern was a welcome and re- 
freshing resting-place to many a tired and hungry wayfarer. 
It was, however, reserved for Finney, in 1841, to set the 
tavern forward upon a career of prosperity to which it had 
hitherto scarcely aspired. He replaced the log cabin with a 
capacious and somewhat pretentious structure, expanded his 
conveniences for business even as business itself continued 
to expand, and for some years thereafter drove a remarkably 
brisk trade. Travel was lively. The merry stage-coaches, 
— sometimes as many as a dozen each day, — drawn by dash- 
ing teams of four and sometimes six horses, carried fu!l 
loads of passengers daily between Detroit and St. Joseph ; 
freight-wagons plied regularly and frequently along the 
route ; and times were, altogether, quite encouraging for 
mine host Finney and his famous tavern-stand. 

With the completion, however, of the Michigan Central 
Railroad to Kalamazoo, the days of stage-coaching on the 
Territorial road and the days of Finney's tavern as a shining 
light were over forever. The six-horse coach was pushed 
aside by the iron horse, the tide of traffic betook itself to 
another and speedier channel, Finney's tavern fell into the 
obscurity of neglect, and Finney himself was known no 
more as a landlord. 

TEMPERANCE— MILL.?— ROADS. 
Although now what may be justly termed a temperance 
township, Bainbridge withheld its frown in the earlier days 
of its settlement from the practice of alcoholic consump- 
tion which prevailed while the taverns were institutions in 
the land. Indeed, the spirit that ruled then permitted the 
dispensation of spirits at not only the taverns, but it was 
considered quite proper for every family to keep a bountiful 
supply of liquor on hand for use in a sudden emergency, or 
to play an important part in the business of providing hos- 



220 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pitable treatment for visitors, — and open-handed hospitality 
was as common then as it was freely called into exercise. 
Now, however, .ill that is changed, — that is, the matter of 
liquor consumption or sale. Popular opinion long since 
declared again.st the traffic in liquor, and Bainbridge has, 
accordingly, enjoyed for many a day a comparative freedom 
from enterprises of that character. 

Mills. — Bainbridge has at no time felt the impetus of 
milling enterprise within its borders, — one rea.son being a 
lack of water-power, and another the want of railway- 
transportation facilities. The only mill the town ever had 
was a saw-mill, which was built by Freeman Ruggles, in 
185(5, on Mill Creek, in the northeastern corner of the 
township. 

As already mentioned, the Territorial road passing through 
the centre of the township from east to west was laid out in 
1835. In 1837 the business of layinjj out township roads 
was carried forward by E. C. King, S. 11. Shepard, and J. 
N. Davis, as highway commissioners, Israel Kellogg being 
the surveyor. In that year the roads laid out were one 
running north and south on the west lines of sections 22, 27, 
and 34; one running east and west through the centre of 
sections 27, 28, and 29 ; one north and south along the west 
lines of sections 20, 29, and 32 ; one along the east lines of 
sections 3, 10, 15, 22, and 27 ; one east and west through the 
centre of sections 33 and 34 ; one north and south through 
sections 5, 8, and 17 ; and one east and west through sec- 
tions 8, 9, and 10. In 1838 the roads laid out were one 
from the east portion of section 8 to Millburg ; one north 
and south along the east lines of sections 29 and 32, thence 
west and south to the south line of section 32. 

THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT. 

Bainbridge is largely occupied by Germans, especially in 
the northern portion, where they are greatly in the majority. 
That locality is generally known as the German Settlement, 
whose members are known also as a thrifty, industrious 
people, comfortably off in nearly every instance, and in 
many even wealthy. They maintain four church organi- 
zations, are liberally supplied with excellent school privi- 
leges, are most worthy citizens, and although taking free 
and active part in daily associations with the world outside 
their own community, confine their social lives in a great 
degree to the "settlement," and fraternize, in short, with 
each other as members of one family. For this there is es- 
pecial reason in the fact that all the members of the settle- 
ment are natives of Germany, or children of Germans, and, 
more than that, many of them were neighbors and friends 
in the Fatherland. 

The German Settlement was founded in 1841, by Mi- 
chael Humphrey, Peter Humphrey, his brother, Jacob 
Kreiger, Peter Schmitberger, Daniel Kreiger, Christian 
Heffner, Jacob Kneibes, and Peter, his son. These eight 
Germans, who left their native land in 1840 for America, 
although not all in company, went to Ohio, and late in that 
year met in the city of Cincinnati. All were actuated by 
a common desire to become farmers in the great West, and 
•so it came about that all being similarly attracted to the 
advertisement of Smith & Merrick, the great Michigan 
land-owners, they resolved to purchase farms in Michigan. 



So, under instructions of Israel Kellogg, agent for Smith & 
Merrick, they set out from Cincinnati for Bainbridge town- 
ship, traveling by teams, and in the summer of 1841 halted 
in Watcrvliet. The journey from Cincinnati was a tedious 
one, but the hearts of the sturdy Germans were cheered 
with the prospect of comfort in their pioneer life, and they 
looked forward with bright hopes and eager anticipations 
to the prosperity which they believed awaited them in the 
new land of their adoption. Sour milk and bread, it is .said, 
formed the chief aiticles of diet during their trip from Cin- 
cinnati to Watcrvliet, — the bread being in their own stores, 
and the milk being obtained as best it could be from dwell- 
ers along the wayfarers' route. Probably they thrived on 
the bread and milk, and hearty and happy they landed in 
Watervliet, ready to bargain with Israel Kellogg for their 
future homes. Of the eight, Michael and Peter Humphrey 
settled in what is now Watervliet; the rest located just south 
of them, in the northern portion of what is now Bainbridge. 
The fir.st of the eight to die was Michael Humphrey, who 
lived in the settlement until 1854, and saw then that the 
little band with which he came in thirteen years before 
had expanded in strength and grown to be a prosperous 
and wealthy community. Since then Peter Schmitberger, 
Daniel Kreiger, and Jacob Kneibes have died. Of the 
other four, Peter Humphrey moved to Weesaw township in 
1846 ; Ja.ob Kreiger, Christian Heffner, and Peter Kreibcs 
are still residents of Bainbridge. 

Upon the farms purchased by the eight friends Smith 
& Merrick had effected some clearings, but the greater 
portion of the tract was a wild, unbroken country, and at it 
the Germans commenced with a will to subdue the forest 
and to make the soil productive. They continued for five 
years, or until 1846, to comprise all the inhabitants in the 
German Settlement, and by that time, having done much 
towards improving the country and their prospects, they 
thought of inducing others of their friends in Germany to 
come out and join them. With that purpose in view, they 
wrote to those whom they desired as accessions to their 
little band, and as a result there were added in 1846 the 
fiimilies of Adam Hofer, Andrew Kaunzman, William 
Dukesher, Charles Knopf, Christopher Reichebach, and 
Michael Humphrey, who journeyed together from Ger- 
many, and made the trip from Buffalo to St. Joseph in the 
steamer " Phoenix." Speedily following them, in the fall 
of 1846 and spring of 1847, came David Scherer, Jacob 
Herman, Adam Pole, Daniel and Lawrence Koob, David 
Friday, Michael Christ, Nicholas Kiblcr, Adam Shrumm, 
and others, of whom Kaunzman, Friday, and the Koobs 
settled in Watervliet, while the others located in Bainbridge. 
Later came the Webers, the Haids, Arnts, Buhlingers, 
Denners, and many who have become conspicuously identi- 
fied with the progress of the settlement. As the German 
settlers came in they settled near each other, and so gradu- 
ally created a community, which has widened, expanded, 
and strengthened into its present proportions. 

POST-OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS. 
J. H. Enos, who settled in Millburg in 1836, was ap- 
pointed postmaster not long afterwards, and at his house, 
therefore, was kept the first office established in Hainbridge. 



TOWNSHIP OP BAINBRIDGE. 



221 



When Mr. Enos resigned the office, in 1844, John Tabor, 
living near Pinney's tavern, was appointed, and retained 
the phiee some time, to be succeeded by Justus Sutherland. 
Samuel Yund and Frank Stewart were the incumbents after 
Sutherland, and after Stewart's time there was a lapse in 
the Bainbridge post-office until the appointment of James 
N. Peters, the present postmaster. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATIOX. 

Originally a part of St. Joseph township, Bainbridge 
was set off, with a separate jurisdiction, in 1837, as a town- 
ship, six miles square. Subsequently its jurisdiction covered 
the territory now embraced within the limits of Pipestone 
and Watervliet, so that Bainbridge reached sis miles in 
width and eighteen in length. Pipestone was created a 
township in 1842 and Watervliet in 1846, when the terri- 
tory of Bainbridge was reduced to the original sis miles 
square, which it still retains. 

The township board for 1879 consisted of Charles C. 
Kent, Menit Matran, J. K. Bi-shop, and Henry Pettis, 
who composed also the board of health. The acting jus- 
tices of the peace in 1879 were J. K. Bishop, Henry Pettis, 
Robert M. Hunter, and William H. Cook. 

The following is a list of the persons elected at the first 
annual township-meeting, April 3, 1837, to .serve as officers 
for the ensuing year : Supervisor, J. B. Ransom ; Clerk, 
J. H. Enos ; Assessors, Samuel McKeycs, David Byers, 
James H. Enos ; Justices of the Peace, Samuel JIcKeyes, 
David Byers, Wallis Tabcr, William Boughton ; Commis- 
sioners of Highways, Stephen R. Shepard, John N. Davis, 
Ezra C. King ; Overseers of the Poor, Samuel McKeyes, 
William Boughton ; Commissioners of Common Schools, 
Samuel McKeyes, Jerome B. Ran.som, James H. Enos; 
Collector, Francis Johnson ; Constables, Francis Johnson, 
John M Enos ; Pathraaster, Martin Tice. Subsequently, 
at a special town-meeting, Samuel McKeyes was chosen 
supervisor. The second annual town-meeting was held at 
the house of Ezra C. King, April 2, 1838, and while the 
" old tavern stand" existed town-meetings were held there. 
The names of the persons annually chosen from 1838 to 
1879, inclusive, to be supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and 
justices of the peace are given, as follows: 

1S3S. — Supei-vi.sor, Samuel McKeyes; Clerk, Philo Woodruff; Treas- 
urer, Wallis Taber; Justices of the Peace, Levi Woodruff, 
James H. Enos. 

18.39. — Supervisor, Samuel McKeyes; Clerk, Philo Woodruff ; Treas- 
urer, Samuel McKeyes; Justices of the Peace, William 
Boughton, Israel Kellogg. 

1840.— Supervisor, Levi Woodruff; Clerk, Simeon G. Woodruff; 
Treasurer, David Byers; Justices of the Peace, Samuel 
McKeyes, Stephen R. Gilson. 

1841.— Supervisor, Adam Prouty : Clerk, Simeon G. AVoodruff ; Tre.ns- 
urer, Levi Woodruff; Justice of the Peace, James II. Enos. 

1842. — Supervisor, Israel Kellogg; Clerk, Alexander P. Pinncy; 
Treasurer, J. H. Enos ; Justice of the Peace, Israel Kel- 
logg- 

1S43. — Supervisor, James IL Enos; Clerk, A. P. Pinney ; Treasurer, 
Walter Van Der Bog,art; Justices of the Peace, Gilson Os- 
good, James Bragg. 

1844.— Supervisor, Israel F.Lyman; Clerk, Cyrus Stow ; Treasurer, 
Waller Van Der Bogart ; Justice of the Peace, Justus Suther- 
land. 

1845.— Supervisor, W. C. George: Clerk, Cyrus Stow; Treasurer, 
James Adams; Justice of the Peace, Israel F. Ljman. 



184G.- 
1847.- 
1848.- 

1849.- 
1850.- 

1851.- 
1852.- 



1855. 
1856. 
1857. 



1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 



1866. 
1S67. 



1869. 

1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 

1874. 
1875. 



-Supervisor, Israel F. Lyman; Clerk, Sprague Bishop: Treas- 
urer, James Adams; Justice of the Peace, W. C. George. 

-Supervisor, W. C. George; Clerk, George Peters; Treasurer, 
William Grossman; Justice of the Peace, Sydney Spencer. 

-Supervisor, Newton R. Woodruff; Clerk, B. D. Thompson ; 
Treasurer, William Grossman; Justice of the Peace, John 
Byers. 

-Supervisor, A. F. Stiles; Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasurer, 
George Peters; Justice of the Peace, Austin Boyer. 

-Supervisor, Samuel McKeyes: Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasu- 
rer, James Bragg; Justices of the Peace, Lemuel Clark, 
James Bragg. 

-Supervisor, N.R.Woodruff; Clerk, George Peters; Treasurer, 
James Bragg; Justice of the Peace, Sydney Spencer. 

-Supervisor, W. C. George; Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasurer, 
H. B. Herrington ; Justices of the Peace, Z. Marsh, W. C. 
George. 

-Supervisor, W. C. George; Clerk, J. T. Taber; Treasurer, Mor- 
gan Woodruff; Justices of the Peace, Francis Johnson, 
Horace Vincent. 

-Supervisor, D. 0. Dix; Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasurer, Jus- 
tus Sutherland; Justices of the Peace, Horace Vincent, Wm. 
L. George. 

-Supervisor, W. L. George; Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasurer, 
Justus Sutherland ; Justice of the Peace, Sydney Spencer. 

-Supervisor, W. L. George ; Clerk, George Peters ; Treasurer, 
John Byers; Justice of the Peace, George Peters. 

-Supervisor, Charles Kent; Clerk, John T. Tal)er: Treasurer, 
H. 11. Seller; Justices of the Peace, James R. Campbell, 
James Adams (2d). 

-Supervisor, W. L. George; Clerk, H. B. Harrington; Treas- 
urer, Orvi lie Jennings; Justioesof the Peace, Wm. W. Green, 
Francis Johnson. 

-Supervisor, W. L. George; Clerk, John T. Tuber; Treasurer, 
Justus Sutherland; Justices of the Peace, Charles Kent, John 
Campbell. 

-Supervisor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, John T. Taber; Treasurer, 
Kayus Haid; Justice of the Peace, D. 0. Di.Y. 

-Supervisor, D. 0. Dix; Clerk, Charle.- Kent; Treasurer, N. S. 
Bishop ; Justice of the Peace, II. H. Setter. 

-Supervisor, W. L. George; Clerk, Charles C. Kent; Treasurer, 
Kayus Haid; Justices of the Peace, N. S. Bishop, A. B. Ives. 

-Supervisor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, H. B. Harrington; Treas- 
urer, Ambler Olds; Justices of the Peace, J. H. Peters, 11. 
M. Hunter. 

-Supervisor, 11. B. Harrington; Clerk, Charles A. Spencer; 
Treasurer, Ambler Olds ; Justices of the Peace, W. L. George, 
Amos Wooden. 

—Supervisor, H. B. Harrington; Clerk, Charles A. Spencer; 
Treasurer, Asaph Woodruff; Justice of the Peace, John 
Byers. 

-Supervisor, John Byers; Clerk, Samuel Barnard; Treasurer, 
Christiiin Kreiger; Justice of the Peace, Ambler Olds. 

-Supervisor, Kayus Haid; Clerk, Samuel J.Barnard; Treas- 
urer, Wendel Elgas; Justices of the Peace, Francis John- 
son, John Campbell. 

-Supervisor, Kayus Haid; Clerk^ Justus Sutherland; Treas- 
urer, Christian Kreiger; Justices of the Peace, Merritt Ma- 
tran, J. K. Bishop. 

-Supervisor, Thomas J. West; Clerk, Samuel J. Barnard; 
Treasurer, Wendel Elgas; Justices of the Peace, John 
Byers, John A. Mays. 

-Supervisor, Thomas J. West; Clerk, Samuel J. Barnard: 
Treasurer, Wendel Elgas; Justice of the Peace, J. A. Mays. 

-Supervisor, Thomas J. West; Clerk, Samuel J. Barnard; Treas- 
urer, Ambler Olds; Justice of the Peace, Orsemus Spink. 

-Supervisor, N. R. Woodruff; Clerk, John A. Mays; Treas- 
urer, Peter G. Kneibes; Justice of the Peace, Ira McGee. 

-Supervisor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, John A. Mays; Treas- 
urer, Charles Weber, Jr.; Justices of the Peace, Merritt 
Matran, Calvin B. Chappeli. 

-Supervisor, Juan M. Guy ; Clerk, Charles C. Kent ; Treasurer, 
Charles Weber, Jr. ; Justice of the Peace, Robert Hunter. 

-Supervisor, Juan M. Guy; Clerk, Merritt Matran; Treasurer, 
Charles Weber; Justice of the Peace, Albert Sutherland. 



222 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1876.— Suporvifor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, Merritt Matron; Treas- 
urer, Charles Weber; Justices of the Peace, J. K. Bishop, 
William H. Cook. 

1S77. — Supervisor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, Merritt Matran; Treas- 
urer, Charles AVeber; Justice of the Peace, Balaam Dodge. 

1878. — Supervisor, Charles C. Kent; Clerk, Merritt Matran; Treas- 
urer, Richard Haid ; Justices of the Peace, Robert M. 
Hunter, Henry Pettis. 

1879. — Supervisor, C. C. Kent; Clerk, Merritt Matran; Treasurer, 
Richard Haid ; Justice of the Peace, William H. Cook ; 
Highway Commissioner, B. AV. Sutherland; Drain Commis- 
sioner, J. K. Bishop. ** 



Bainbridge contains seven church eiiifices and nine church 
organizations, to wit : Disciples, 1 ; Baptist, 2 ; Roman 
Catholic, 1 ; Evangelical Lutheran, 1 ; Evangelical Eccle- 
siastical, 1 ; Methodist Episcopal, 1 ; Protestant Methodist, 
1 ; United Brethren, 1. Besides these, other church or- 
ganizations have existed, but they have passed away with 
the lapse of time, and live only in the meraories of a few. 
Commonly throughout the West in the pioneer days the 
adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church were foremost 
in forming church organizations, and in Bainbridge the 
members of that faith led the way in public worship. 
They weie, however, not far in advance of the inhabitants 
of the German Settlement, who turned their attention with 
becoming speed to public contemplation of religious affairs, 
and beginning with one church, now have four within a 
radius of less than half a mile. 

The Union Church. — In the southwest, at " Spink's 
Corners," is a union church, in which worship is held by 
three distinct denominations, — Baptists, Episcopal Meth- 
odists, and Protestant Methodists. The church property 
is vested in the Baptist and Protestant Methodist Societies, 
who joined in erecting it, although the P]piscopal Meth- 
odists supplied some assistance. 

The First Baptist Church was organized in 1 869, by 
members of the Baptist Church of St. Joseph living in 
Bainbridge and Sodus, as a member of the St. Joseph River 
Baptist Association. The constituting members were Job 
King and wife, F. B. King and wife, John King, Job King, 
Jr., Rufus, Sarah, and Phila King, Melinda Barden, Deli- 
lah Mays, A. F. Stiles and wife, Emma and Ida Stiles, Rip- 
ley Merrill and wife, Harvey Merrill and wife, Esther Merrill, 
Mark and Milton Meech. Elder Job King, of Sodus, was 
the first preacher, and continued to serve the church until 
his health failed, when his place was filled by his son, P]lder 
John King, who is now in charge. The deacons and trus- 
tees first appointed still serve, the former being A. P. Stiles 
and Ripley Merrill, and the latter A. F. Stiles, Ripley Mer- 
rill, and A. P. King. The membership is now 28. Ser- 
vices are held once in two weeks. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church dates its existence back 
to the comparatively early period of 184(5, when Orsemus 
and John Spink, strongly desirous of effecting a church 
organization, volunteered to contribute towards the erection 
of a school-house, conditioned that the church might use it 
for worship. The building was accordingly put up opposite 
where the school at Spink's Corners now stands, and a church 
was at once organized, with 14 members. Orsemus Spink 
was chosen the first class-leader, as well as first steward, 



and as class-leader he has served ever since. The present 
steward is O. H. Dix. From 1846 to 1847 the church 
was attached to the Silver Creek circuit, and after that to 
the St. Joseph circuit. Among the early pastors were 
Revs. McCool, Meek, Kellogg, Robinson, Doughty, and 
others. Worship was held in the old scliool-house (now 
tised on Wm. M. Noble's place as a wagon-house), with 
more or less regularity, until the erection of the union 
church, since when services have been held once in two 
weeks, Rev. A. N. Eldred being now the pastor. The 
church membership is 17. 

Tlie Protestant Methodist Church, occupying also the 
union church edifice at Spink's Corners, was organized 
Nov. 18, 1865, with members as follows: Stephen Sedg- 
wick and wife, William Friend, Mary Doane, Helen Spink, 
Alberto Spink and wife, William J. Cook and wife, George 
Mclntyre and wife. These were members of the Pipe- 
stone class, previously worshiping in Pipestone, but at the 
time above mentioned withdrew and organized the Bain- 
bridge class, in Bainbridge. It was on that date also that 
the Bainbridge circuit was established and held its first 
quarterly meeting. The circuit preachers then appointed 
were Revs. B. Bayne and A. B. Clark. The local preachers 
were W. J. Cook and Allen Johnson. 

The first leader of the Bainbridge class was John Wil- 
liams, the first stewards Elias Devon and H. A. Spink, and 
the secretary H. A. Spink. 

Services were held in the " red school-house" at Spink's 
Corners until 1809, when the union church — begun in 1806 
— was completed. The first church trustees on the part of 
the Protestant Methodist Church were W. J. Cook, Stephen 
Sedgwick, and H. A. Spink. 

The society united with the Baptists in erecting the 
union church, and possess an equal vested right in the 
property. The church trustees are E. S. Spink, James 
Jakeway, and William Noble. The class-leader is William 
Noble, and the steward Murray Spink. The membership 
is 22. Rev. D. Weaver is the present pastor, and preaches 
once in two weeks. 

The United Brethren maintained a brief organization at 
Spink's Corners, from 1850 to 1803, and held occasional 
services in the union church, but rose at no time to posi- 
tive healthful strength. 

A Union Sahhath-school, supported by members of the 
various denominations worshiping there, has sessions every 
Sabbath in the union church. The attendance averages 
about 60. James Noble is the superintendent, and as.sist- 
ing him are six teachers. 

There are in the German Settlement four church organ- 
izations, known respectively as the Evangelical Lutheran, 
the Evangelical Ecclesiastical, Roman Catholic, and Bap- 
tist, each of which has a church edifice and is moderately 
prosperous. 

The oldest in point of organization is the Evangelical 
Lutheran, which was formed about 1851, at which time 
also a house of worship was erected. About 25 persons 
attended the church from the first, and the membership 
aggregates at present about that number. The original 
trustees were Frederick Weber, Daniel Kieiger, and David 



TOWNSHIP OF BAINBRlDaE. 



223 



Scherer. The present trustees are John Schwarz, Peter 
Kreiger, and Charles Moser. The deacons are Adam 
Kreiger and Ferdinand Washko. Rev. Mr. Bernreiter, of 
Mishawaka, Ind., was the first pastor. Rev. Mr. Nusbaum 
occupies the pulpit now, and holds services once every fort- 
night. 

At this time those professing the Roman Catholic faith 
in the " settlement" assembled occasionally for worship in 
private houses and school-houses, and in a little while St. 
Marys Clinrch was organized, with a membership of 15 
families. Priests were supplied from St. Josepli and mat- 
ters prospered fairly, but it was not until 1860 that a church 
building was erected, when Jacob Herman and John Aner 
were chosen trustees. 

In 1868 the church was materially enlarged and much 
improved. The attendance embraces now 29 families, who 
gather for worship once a month, Rev. Joseph Theisen, 
of St. Joseph, being the pastor. The present church 
trustees are Simon Hosbein, Kayus Haid, and Joseph 
Kaiser. 

Ttie Evangelical Ecclesiastical Cliurch. — The most nu- 
merous congregation in the settlement was formed in 1856, 
with but 10 members, and now includes a membership of 
125. The trustees first chosen were Peter Schmitberger, 
Philip Butsbach, and Henry Seel. The trustees now serv- 
ing are Philip Butsbach, Adam Krause, David Friday, and 
Peter Kneibes. Rev. John Mack, the present pastor in 
charge, preaches every Sunday. Attached to this church 
is a flourishing Sabbath-school, in charge of John Krause, 
with an average attendance of 90 pupils. 

A Baptist Church was organized in 1871, with 1-1 mem- 
bers, a house of worship budt, and Henry Dukesherer, 
Frederick Weaver, and Henry Seel chosen as trustees. 
The first pastor was Rev. W. A. Grimm. Removals have 
weakened the church, which has now a membership of 
but 8. Preaching is supplied from St. Joseph once in three 
weeks. 

The Church of Christ, which now has its organization in 
Bainbridge, was formed in Benton township about 1858, 
but the precise date of organization as well as the details of 
that event are unattainable matters, since the early church 
records have been lost. The church was, however, feeble, 
and continued an uncertain existence until 1865, when 
public services, which had been held with more or less 
regularity to that time, were discontinued. This state of 
affairs continued until 1868, when the advent of a few 
energetic spirits lenewed the desire for public worship, and 
the church was accordingly reorganized that year, with 53 
membeis. Meetings were regularly held every Sunday in 
the Millburg school-house, and preaching was enjoyed as it 
could be obtained. At that time, too, a Sunday-school was 
established, and it has been flourishingly maintained ever 
since. The elders of the church upon the i-eorganization 
were James Adams and J. W. Rose ; the deacons, J. K. 
Bishop and C. C. Potes. 

The first preacher who supplied the pulpit regularly after 
the reorganization was Rev. Mr. Hurd, who held services 
once a month for about a year. At this time, 1869, the 
society began the erection of a fine, commodious church 
edifice just over the town line in Bainbridge. This struc- 



ture was four years in process of construction, and cost 
about $5000. Upon its completion the church-meetings, 
which had been previously held in the Millburg school- 
house, were transferred thither, and have since been held 
there once a fortnight. The building has a seating capacity 
of 400, and is surmounted with aspire eighty feet in height. 

The first minister regularly stationed at the Millburg 
church was Elder J. H. Reese, who preached from Octo- 
ber, 1874, to the latter part of 1876. After that. Elder 
J. P. Lucas preached until early in 1879, since which time 
the pulpit has been temporarily supplied by Elder Henry 
Burton. The church membership is now about SO, and 
is made up of residents in Benton and Bainbridge. The 
elders are J. W. Rose and J. K. Bishop; the deacons A. 
L. Schofield, Joan Hess, and C. C. Potes ; and the clerk, 
J. W. Rose. The Sabbath-school, in charge of J. W. Rose, 
superintendent, and 6 teachers, has a membership of 70, 
and has regular sessions every Sunday. The church society 
is entirely clear of debt, and prosperous in every way. 

The United Brethren in Christ have held worship for 
some time in the eastern part of the township at the 
"brown" school-house, although at that place t';ere has 
latterly been no church organization. In 1878 some dis- 
afiection arose among those worshiping there, and as a con- 
sequence 11 of the number efiected an organization among 
themselves, and in the summer of that year built a church 
south of the school-house, where they now have regular ser- 
vices. The membership still remains at 11. The class- 
leader is John Burg, the steward, Jacob Wise, and the 
trustees, Wm. Bridgford, John Burg, M. R. Meech, Na- 
thaniel Tucker, and J. T. Heaton. Meetings are still held 
at the school-house, as before, and there the attendance is 
quite liberal. A church organization was effected there in 
1867, with 9 members, but it failed to prosper, and gave 
up its existence after a few years. 

The Mennunites have worshiped at the houses of Martin 
Byers and David Byers ever since the former came to 
Bainbridge, in 1848. Martin Byers has preached at each 
meeting, except at such odd times as the services of preach- 
ers from elsewhere could be obtained. Although the Men- 
nonites are but few in number in Bainbridge, and have no 
church organization, they hold regular worship once in each 
month. 

SCHOOLS. 

The early township records do not present elaborate re- 
ports of sohool matters, and although the township was or- 
ganized in 1837, nothing is disclosed in the records about 
schools until under date of October, 1 840, when a report sets 
forth that: "fractional school district returned 17 scholars 
between five and seventeen years;" that " District No. 4 
returned 15 scholars;" and that "the school inspectors 
received from the county treasurer $9.12, on the above 
returns, in notes on the Bank of Michigan." Another 
report in the same year notes that school district No. 1 
returned 16 scholars, that No. 4 returned 20, and that 
No. 5 returned 21. 

In 1844, Fractional District No. 1 included sections 17, 
18, 19, 20, and the west half of section 21, in town 4 south, 
range 17 west. District No. 2 included sections 21, 28, 
29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and the east half of section 20, in town 



224 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



5 south ran^e 17 west. District No. 3 included sections 
7, 8, 17, 18, 19, and the west half of section 20, in town 5 
south ran"-e 17 west. District No. 4 included sections 1, 
2 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12, in town 4. District No. 5 com- 
prised sections 27,28, 33, 34, and the south half of section 
22 in town 4. District No. G comprised sections 19, 30, 
31, 20, 29, and 32, in town 3 south, range 17 west. Dis- 
trict No. 7 was formed Dec. 31, 1844, and included sections 
14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, and the east half of section 20. 

The first teachers to whom the records refer were Harriet 
McKeyes, Miss McNett, George Parmelee, and Mehitable 
Love, all of whom taught in 1844. In 1846 the appor- 
tionment for the support of schools was $4.65 to District 
No. 1, $13.95 to District No. 3, and $11.47 to District 
No. 5. In that year the returns from the school districts 
were as follows: 17 from No. 1, 30 from No. 2, 41 from 
No. 3, 23 from No. 4, and 23 from No. 5. 

The condition of Bainbridge's public schools Sept. 1, 
1879, is shown in the table here annexed ; 

Number of districts 8 

Number of schobirs of school age 451 

Average attendance 381 

Number of school-housfS (frame, 6; brick, 2)... 8 

Value of school property S7550 

Paid fur teachers' wages $1291.25 

The school inspectors are C. A. Kent (superintendent), 
Oscar Westcott, and Merritt Matran. 

Bninhrklge Grange, No. 80, was organized Sept. 27, 
1873, at the house of Kayus Haid, with members as fol- 
lows : G. Van Vranken and wife, A. N. Woodruff and 
wife, T. J. West and wife, John Byers and wife, Francis 
Johnson and wife, I. M. See and wife, C. J. Higbee and wife, 
J. F. Skinner and wife, B. F. Hill and wife, J. Matran and 
wife, W. ]\I. Clausen and wife, Kayus Haid, Urius Van 
Vranken, M. Matran, W. Elgas, John Ticber, J. S. Peersall 
and wife, John Slater. John Byers was chosen Master ; 
A. N. Woodruff, Secretary ; and Kayus Haid, Treasurer. 
In 1876 the grange built a fine hall at the centre of the 
township, and dedicated it August 29th of that year. The 
membership in October, 1879, was 62, and the officers as 
follows: Samuel J. Barnard, Master; Homer Olds, Over- 
seer ; A. N. Woodruff, Lecturer ; Henry AVise, Steward ; 
Edward Matran, As.sistant Steward ; N. K. Woodruff, 
Chaplain ; George Campbell, Treas. ; J. Wallace Smith, 
Sec. ; W. H. Cook, Gate-Keeper; Miss Mattie See, Ceres; 
Miss Cora Smith, Pomona; Ella Matran, Flora; Miss 
Laura Collins, Lady Assistant Steward. 

FI.su CULTURE. 

On section 3, Mr. James G. Portman, State Fish Com- 
missioner, has a valuable fish hatchery, which is esteemed 
a feature of much local interest. Mr. Portman devotes es- 
pecial attention to the breeding of trout, and is known all 
over the State as a successful breeder, whose products are 
widely called for. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



NATHANIEL BEANT. 

The subject of this sketch was born March 12, 1815, in 
Wayne Co., N. Y. ; is the eighth in a family of eleven chil- 
dren, of whom only four are living. His father, Simeon 
Brant, was a native of Massachusetts, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation, though sometimes working at the carpenter trade. 
His mother was of Dutch descent, but was born in America, 
her maiden name being Ilerrington. Nathaniel was brought 
up as boys were in those days to assist his father on the farm, 
snatching his book-knowledge from brief periods of rustic 
schooling, but treading more liberally the rugged path of toil. 
He came to Michigan with his father when he was twenty- 
one years of age, and helped him to make his first clearing 
on section 31 of Bainbridge township, which is occupied 
now by his grandson, Dudley Brant, son of Nathaniel Brant. 
At the age of twenty-two Nathaniel left the paternal roof 
and started in life for himself, hiring out by the month to 
Dr. Enos, where he remained two years, taking for his pay 
forty acres of land in Pipestone township ; there he laid 
the foundation of the fine property he now enjoys. At the 
age of twenty-four, on the 29th day of April, 1840, he 
married Miss Martha, daughter of Crawford and Melinda 
Hazzard, in Pipestone, this being the first marriage in that 
town. Mrs. Brant's parents are both natives of the Green 
Mountain State. They were married in New York in the 
year 1822, and came to Michigan in 1836, settling in 
Bainbridge ; Mrs. Brant being the second in a family of 
four, she being now the only one living. This union has 
been blessed with a family of eleven children, of whom eight 
only are now living. The names, ages, and deaths are as 
follows: Wesley C, born Aug. 10, 1841 ; Warren M., born 
March 9, 1843; Laura A., born Dec. 3, 1846, died April 
23, 1870 ; Adaline M., born June 3, 1849, died Nov. 13, 
1850; Emerett P., born May 11, 1853; Emma P., born 
May 11, 1853, died July 15, 1853 (twins); Jasper D., 
born Dec. 20, 1856 ; Newton E., born April 15, 1859 ; 
Oscar D., born Dec. 12, 1863 ; Orville L., born Sept. 7, 
1865; Barney H., born^Sept. 1, 1868. After marriage, 
Mr. and Mrs. Brant commenced their pioneer life in Pipe- 
stone, where he remained three years. In the spring of 
1844 he sold his farm in Pipestone, and purchased his 
present home, which then only consisted of eighty acres, on 
section 32, but has since added at different times until the 
homestead now contains one hundred and ninety-nine acres ; 
has owned at different times a considerable amount of real 
estate, which he has divided among his children. Mr. 
Brant's mother died March 10, 1854, his father making his 
home with him until his death. May 31, 1860. Mrs. 
Brant's father died Nov. 3, 1868, her mother living with 
her until her death, May 21, 1875. Their benevolence is 
unbounded. In politics Mr. Brant is a Democrat, and has 
held minor offices at different times. Both he and his wife 
have been members of the United Brethren since 1851. 
Their parents lived to see them provided with pleasant 
homes, and instilled principles in them which time cannot 
erase. 



TOWNSHIP OF BAINBRIDGB. 



225 




f-ym 




SIDNEY SPENCER. 



MRS. SIDNEY Sl'ENCEE. 



SIDNEY SPENCER. 

Among the earliest settlers of Bainbridge who have en- 
dured the trials, privations, and hardships of pioneer life, the 
subject of this brief sketch is worthy of conspicuous men- 
tion in this history of Berrien County. He was born Dec. 
21, 1802, in Washington Co., N. Y., and is the oldest in 
a family of ten children. His parents were natives of Con- 
necticut, but moved to Jefferson Co., N. Y., when Sidney 
was quite young. Sidney remained at home until he became 
of age, assisting his father on the farm summers, attending 
district schools winters, but by improving his time he ac- 
quired sufficient education to enable him to transact any 
ordinary business. After reaching the age of manhood he 
left the paternal roof, and embarked on life's broad sea to 
earn an honest livelihood. At the age of twenty-five he se- 
cured as a partner and helpmeet to assist him in the rugged 
paths of pioneer life. Miss Aseneth, daughter of Rev. 
Aaron (an early Methodist pioneer preacher) and Marion 
Davis, who were also natives of Connecticut, but emigrated 
from Massachusetts to Utica, N. Y., when there were but 
two log houses there. This union was blessed with six chil- 
dren, of whom only four are living, — Melissa, born Oct. 4, 
1827; Charles A., born May 11, 1830 (took the gold 
fever in 1851, went to California, remained four years, made 
enough to purchase a farm on his return, married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Dexter Dix, and now lives in Benton township) ; 
Romelia, born April 24, 1835 ; William W., born July 3, 
1837 (graduated in the law department of Ann Arbor in 
the spring of 1861, enlisted in the 39th Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, August 13th, was appointed sergeant, served under 
Gillmore in South Carolina one year and a half, thence 
went to Richmond, where he assisted in the siege of that 
place, was wounded in battle, sent to Philadelphia, and died 
in Chestnut Hill hospital, July 4, 1864) ; Mary Augusta, 
born July 2, 1838; Rosamond, born Jan. 10, 1842, 
died March, 1842. After marriage, Mr. Spencer worked 
at farming in Jefferson Co., N. Y., until 1844, when 
he moved to Michigan, renting a farm in Hillsdale County ; 
there he remained two years. He then purchased the 
farm where he now resides, consisting of one hundred 
29 



and twenty acres, on section 19. Wealth has been no 
sudden acquisition to Mr. Spencer, but slowly the work 
has been carried forward year by year, till, in the lapse 
of time, ease and comfort have been reached. He has lived 
to see his family all grown, and each provided with a home. 
One daughter lives in Detroit, one in Ann Arbor, another 
in Boston, Mass, ; the only son living in Benton township. 
In politics he is a Republican ; has been justice of the peace 
twelve years, besides holding other minor offices. Mr. Spen- 
cer is not a member of any church. Mrs. Spencer has been 
a member of the Methodist Church since 1820, and her 
father is a minister in that denomination. 



MARTIN TICE. 



This gentleman, born in New Jersey, in January, 1799, 
was one of a family of six children. His parents were 
natives of Germany, but came to America in an early day. 
Martin's uneventful youth was similar to that of farmers' 
sons in those days. Industry, economy, sociability, and 
honesty were the fundamental principles taught him. At 
the age of twelve he started out in life, hiring out as a 
farm-hand, his only capital a willing heart and contented 
mind. In 1833, when thirty-four years of age, he came to 
Michigan, stopping at St. Joseph. While there he helped 
to survey the Territorial road. While employed at that, 
he saw and took up the land now occupied by his daughter, 
Mrs. Mclntyre, who causes this brief sketch and portraits 
to be inserted in this history, as a slight token of the love 
and gratitude she feels for her parents. In 1839, Mr. Tice 
married Sarah, daughter of John Ivery, who was a native 
of New York. To this marriage were born two children, — 
Harriet, born April 7, 1840; Mulford, born March 4, 1842, 
killed in the late war, March 5, 1863. In politics Mr. Tice 
was a Democrat ; though not radical, yet always speaking and 
voting its principles. He was a member of no church or- 
ganization. Mrs. Tice died Nov. 29, 1875; Mr. Tice, in 
May, 1876, only surviving his faithful companion a few 
months, leaving Mrs. Mclntyre, their only surviving heir, 
to mourn the loss of their society and companionship. 



226 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Photos, by Sesser, St. Joseph. 



JOHN KELLOGG BISHOP. 



MRS. JOHN KELLOGG BISHOP. 



JOHN KELLOGG BISHOP. 

Among the pioneers of Bainbridge in tlie day.s of 1844 
the membere of tlie family of Asa Bishop are entitled to 
conspicuous mention. In that ftimily were Asa Bishop, 
the father, Polly BLshop, the mother, and eleven children. 
Of those children there are living in Bainbridge Mrs. 
Orsemus Spink and Mrs. John Lewis, sisters of John Kel- 
logg Bishop. Of his busy and useful life the following 
article will furnish a brief sketch. 

John K. Bishop was born in Henderson, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., on the 24th of July, 1827. He passed his early life 
at home in the usual manner of farmers' sons in those days, 
enjoying during brief periods the benefits of a rustic educa- 
tion, but being engaged the greater part of his time in the 
labors of the farm. He was but seventeen years old when, 
as already mentioned, he accompanied his parents to the 
West, and became one of the youthful pioneers of Bain- 
bridge. There the elder Bishop located himself upon a 
farm in section 7, and there, as his fiither's assistant, John 
renewed with vigorous ambition the sturdy agricultural 
experience of his New York home. For four years he 
served his father ; marched with unflagging zeal to the 
music of the pioneer's axe towards the goal of independence. 
Having then almost reached the age of manhood he deter- 
mined to assume all of manhood's duties, and on the 2d of 
February, 1848, he was married to Miss Sarah Romelia, 
daughter of Jabez Knapp (a Bainbridge pioneer in 1838). 
He received from his father the deed of a farm on .section 
7, erected a small framed house upon it, and speedily as- 
sumed the position of a citizen, a householder, and the head 
of a family. In 1862 he replaced the humble home of his 
previous married life with the handsome residence in which 
he now resides. 

Early in life Mr. Bishop (then, as now, a Democrat) was 
called to participate in public aifairs, and .since his twenty- 



first year, when he was elected township clerk, he has filled 
numerous local public trusts, in the discharge of which, 
as well as in the field of private citizenship, he has gained 
much deserved popular esteem, the cause of public educa- 
tion in particular having ever found in him a staunch sup- 
porter. He has served for years as justice of the peace, 
and still occupies that position. He was one of the first 
members of the Christian Church at Millburg, organized 
in 1856 ; was a deacon from that time until 1876, and is 
now an elder and a leading .spirit of the same organization. 
Mr. Bishop is also the Master of Benton Harbor Grange, 
Patrons of Husbandry, and a member of Benton Lodge, 
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, with which he has 
been associated since 1868, and in which he has filled 
every ofiice within the gift of his brethren. 

Mrs. Bishop, who was married on her sixteenth birth- 
day, was the daughter of Jabez and Olive Knapp, who 
moved from Jefferson Co., N. Y., and settled in Bainbridge 
in 1838, when Sarah Romelia (afterwards Mrs. Bishop) was 
but six years old. Mr. Knapp was a ship-carpenter, and 
although the owner of a farm in Bainbridge, worked at his 
trade in St. Joseph for several years after his settlement in 
the former township. He subsequently moved to Water- 
vliet, but is now a resident of the State of California. With 
her husband Mrs. Bishop aided to organize the Christian 
Church at Millburg, in 1856, of which she has ever since 
been one of the most faithful and useful members. She is 
also a member of Benton Harbor Grange, and is highly 
esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances in 
Bainbridge and the adjoining towns. Of the twelve chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Bishop ten are living, namely : 
James G. Bishop, who lives in Benton ; Perry S., a resi- 
dent of the State of Iowa; Frank H. and Adelbert D., 
now at Dead wood, Dakota Territory ; Mrs. Juan Hess, of 
Benton ; and Clinton, Fred, John K., Jr., Bird, and Lou, 
who reside with their parents. 



TOWNSHIP OF BERTKAND. 



227 



CHAPTER XXX. 



BERTRAND TOAVNSHIP." 



Situation, Surface, and Water-Courses — Early Settlements — Township 
Organization and List of Principal Officers — Agricultural Statistics 
— Religious Societies and Worship in Bertrand — Dayton Village — 
Schools in Bertrand. 

The township of Bertrand is bounded on the north by 
the townships of Niles and Buchanan ; on the east by that 
portion of Niles that was originally Bertrand, from which 
it is separated by the St. Joseph River ; on the south by 
the State of Indiana, and on the west by Galien. A large 
portion of the town consists of prairie lands, slightly rolling, 
which are particularly well adapted for the production of 
Indian corn and oats, although wheat is raised in great 
abundance. The soil on these prairie lands is a black, veg- 
etable mould intermixed with clay and sand. A portion of 
the town is burr-oak openings. The soil of these openings 
contains more lime than that of the prairies. 

The eastern portion of the town rises into hills, which 
slope to the river, and a line of low hills extends along the 
northern border. Its water-courses are the St. Joseph 
River on the east, McCoy's Creek, the head-waters of which 
rise in the western part of the township, and one of the 
branches of Galien River, also in the western part. There 
are two or three small lakes in the township. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The greater portion of Bertrand township belonged to the 
Indians until the treaty held at Chicago in 1833. The 
northwest portion, comprising sections 6 and 7 and parts 
of sections 4, 5, 8, 18, and 19, are in territory ceded to the 
United States in 1828 at Carey Mission. 

The first to locate a farm on the territory now Bertrand 
was Benjamin M. Redding. He was a native of Mecklen- 
burg Co., Va., where he was born in 1792. He emigrated 
to Ohio with his parents in 1811, was married in 1814, 
and lived in Preble Co., Ohio. In 1830 he removed to 
Hamilton, Ind., a few miles south of the Michigan line. 
At this time he went to the lands then just opening for 
sale in Michigan, and selected a farm on the present site of 
Dayton, it being the northeast quarter of section 7. In 
1831, while his family were living at Hamilton, he built a 
log cabin and saw-mill on the creek, drawing the lum- 
ber used for his house and mill from Lacey's mill at Niles. 
In 1832 the family moved up to their home in Bertrand. 
As other settlers gathered in, the place became known as Red- 
ding's Mill, and when, in after-years, a post-office was estab- 
lished, it assumed that name, and kept it until 1848. When 
the Michigan Central road passed through the place the 
name was changed to Dayton, as several families living 
there were from Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Redding lived at the 
farm until 1837, when he removed to Niles. After living 
there a few years he returned to the mill, but shortly after 
moved to a farm which he owned on Terre Coupee Prairie. 
In 1858 he removed to the city of Niles, where he died in 
December, 1877, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. Mr. 
Redding had a family of twelve children, but one of whom 

* By Austin N. Hungerford. 



survived him, — James H. Redding, of Dayton. The first 
Methodist society west of the St. Joseph River was organ- 
ized at his house in 1833. He was chosen leader, and wor- 
ship was held in his house for two years, until the building 
of a school-house, in which the society afterwards held its 
meetings. 

The next family to come in to the section of country was 
that of William B. Fuson, who located on the northeast 
from Mr. Redding, on the southwest quarter and part of the 
southeast quarter of section 5 ; they also emigrated from 
Ohio about the same time. Peter DeardufF in 1837 lived 
for a short time on the southeast quarter of section 6, and 
moved to Indiana. Eli Shockley and family also lived 
near there for a short time. 

David Vanderhoof emigrated from Painted Pest, Steu- 
ben Co., N. Y., to Edwardsburg, in Cass County, with his 
wife and seven children, in 1833. In the fall of that year 
his wife and one daughter died, and in the spring of 1834, 
in compatiy with Charles Wells, from Ohio (also living at 
Edwardsburg with his wife and seven children), moved into 
Bertrand township. Mr. Vanderhoof located a claim on 
the southwest quarter of section 7, where his widow still 
resides with her youngest son. 

An Indian village named Swoptuck was on the farm ad- 
joining Mr. Vanderhoof's, on land now owned by Peter 
Womer. Mr. Vanderhoof built the first frame house on 
the reservation, and the lumber was drawn from Lacey's 
mill, at Niles, and from Christina Creek. He was com- 
pelled to furnish accommodations for the emigrants who 
came through this region, and for a long time his house 
was a general resort. He put in a stock of goods and kept 
a .store for two or three years. It was at his farm that the 
government teams gathered when the Indians were sent to 
the West. He purchased considerable land, and bought 
and sold to a greater extent than any in that early day. 
He lived on the firm until his death, in 1875. About 
1836 he married Livonia, daughter of Charles Wells, for his 
second wife. His children are, some of them, settled near 
him. Thomas is living on a farm in the west part of the 
township, near Dayton. Henry lived in Buchanan for a 
time, started to California, and died on the route. Abiel 
lived in Buchanan, and died at the house of his sister, Mrs. 
J. W. Post, who is the only daughter living, and who now 
resides at Buchanan. She married John Grove, in No- 
vember, 1844. He was a native of Maine, who came to 
Buchanan from New Albany, Ind., early in 1844, and was 
the finst attorney in that village. He represented the dis- 
trict in the Legislature in 1844-45, and died in June, 
1852. 

Charles Wells and family, consisting of his wife and seven 
children, came with Mr. Vanderhoof, who built on his farm 
a house and blacksmith-shop for him. He remained here 
several years and located land on section 13, where John 
Rough now lives. Joseph and Francis are living near the 
old form ; Lewis lives in Iowa ; Livonia married David Van- 
derhoof, and is living on the Vanderhoof farm ; Eliza mar- 
ried Eber Root; Isaac lives in Cass Co., Mich. 

In the spring of 1835, Samuel Street located on the res- 
ervation, northeast from David Vanderhoof about one and 
a half miles. He built a double log house, lived here many 



228 



HISTOKY OP BEEKIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



years, and died about 1861. He was the first and only 
member of Assembly who represented this township. David 
Gitehell now owns the farm on which he lives. 

Alanson Hamilton emigrated from New York to the 
West, and finally came to Bertrand township in March, 
1835. He located on the northwest quarter of section 17, 
where James Badger now lives. In 1841 he purchased 
the northeast quarter of section 6, where he lived till his 
death, in November, 1874. Three of his children only are 
living: Aseneth, now Mrs. George Clark, lives in Mecosta 
Co., Mich. ; Nathaniel lives in the village of Buchanan ; 
and Alfred, the youngest, lives on the homestead where his 
father lived and died. Mr. Hamilton was the first justice 
of the peace in the township, and held the position four- 
teen years. 

John De Armond emigrated from Butler Co., Ohio, to 
the west side of Terre Couple Prairie, in the township of 
Bertrand, in the fall of 1834, and located land on the south- 
east quarter of section 18. He kept a stock of goods, and 
had quite an extensive trade with the Indians until they 
went West. He was for a time in partnership with J. D. 
Ross, in Hamilton, Ind. In 1858 he moved to Dayton. 
He afterwards married Ruth, the widow of Elisha Egbert, 
and lived on the southwest quarter of section 4, where he 
died. Alexander, a son, is a physician living in Dayton. 
Another son, John, lives in Buchanan. Charles Smith and 
J. D. Ross, of the village of Buchanan, each married a 
daughter of Mr. De Armond. Harvey Buckles, who lives 
about three miles south of Bertrand, married another 
daughter. 

Frederick Howe, a native of Massachusetts, moved with 
his parents in 1812 to Cortland Co., N. Y., and in 1834 
started from there with a horse and buggy on a tour through 
the West. He came through Niles, fording the river at 
that place, and continued on until he reached this township. 
He was satisfied with the country here, and having deter- 
mined to make this his home, he returned to New York, 
and in the spring of 1835 emigrated with his family, con- 
sisting of his wife and eleven children. After his arrival 
he purchased 160 acres of Samuel Cannon, on the northeast 
quarter of section 11, which Cannon had purchased the 
year before. The house was the usual log cabin of those 
times, and was a poor dwelling, the fireplace and chimney 
being built of split logs plastered with clay, and the floor 
of puncheons. He moved to this place in November, 
1835. He soon after purchased more land, and at his 
death the homestead farm consisted of 240 acres. In his 
later years he moved into the village of Buchanan, near the 
depot, where he died Feb. 18, 1864. His wife died Feb. 
17, 1869. Nine of their children are now living, viz.: 
Desire, who married Alfred Johnson, an early settler of 
Niles ; Lucinda, who married Justus Bailey, of Buchanan ; 
Francis W., who lives north of the homestead, and within 
about a mile and a half of Buchanan ; Mary, who married 
James Smith, of Berrien Springs ; H. J., who also lives at 
Berrien Springs; George A., who is a dentist, and lives at 
Niles; Adeline, who married H. G. Sampson, and who 
lives in Buchanan ; Charles F., who lives on the homestead; 
and Mary S., who married James Reynolds, of Hamilton, 
Ind. 



Elijah Egbert came to Bertrand in 1835, and located 
lands in the southwest quarter of section 4, where his heirs 
still live. 

Sebastian Overacker came from McCoy's Creek, near the 
Martindale settlement, the year before, and located the 
northeast quarter of section 4, where David Best now lives, 
in the year 1835. 

Asa Willard in the same year located on section 9, where 
his son Joseph now lives. 

Abiel E. Brooks emigrated to this region early in 1835, 
and located a claim on the northeast quarter of section 7. 
He sold to Kaufman & Chittenden, who sold to Jacob 
Rough in 1849. Mr. Brooks now lives in Madison, Wis. 

Abram Ogden settled in 1836 on a claim which he 
bought of one Jordan, between the claims of David Van- 
derhoof and Samuel Street. He kept a tavern which after- 
wards under his management gained a widespread notoriety. 

Benjamin Franklin, of Allegany Co., N. Y., settled in 
1835 on the southwest quarter of section 2, where he still 
lives. 

Solomon Miller located land on section 17, taking the 
south half. His father-in-law, John Hardman, purchased 
it of him, and it afterwards passed into the po-ssession of 
William R. Rough. 

Philip, son of John Hardman, settled in the same year 
south of Miller on section 20, and afterwards sold to Isaac 
Tripp. The land is now in possession of Mrs. Amos C. 
House. 

John Bointon also settled at the same time on part of 
section 24, and afterwards sold to Mr. Hoag. James Ken- 
nedy, in 1835, located the southeast quarter of section 1. 
It is still known as the Kennedy place, and is owned by 
William R. Rough. 

Abel Robinson, in the summer of 1835, came from Henry 
Co., Ind., with his son-in-law, Grant Main. Robinson located 
the southwest quarter of section 18, where George G. Rough 
now lives. Main located the southeast quarter of the same 
section and sold to Watson Roe, who afterwards removed 
to Buchanan. It is now one of the David Gitchell farms. 
William Batson married a daughter of Mr. Robinson. 

George Harlan emigrated from the South, and lived near 
Vanderhoof and Street, and between them. In 1849 he 
moved to California. 

William Batson came from Indiana in the fall of 1834, 
on a tour of inspection to the reservation, and stopped with 
Samuel Street, who was then living there. He returned to 
Henry Co., Ind., and in April, 1836, with his wife and three 
children, came to the township of Bertrand and purchased 
the 160 acres of George Harlan — it being the southwest 
quarter of section 8 — which he held under the pre-emption 
act. In the fall of 1838 he proved his claim at Kalamazoo 
and received his deed, paying ten shillings per acre. He 
lived there until the fall of 1877, when he removed to the 
village of Buchanan, where he still resides. He has four 
sons and two daughters living, viz. : A. B. Batson, on the 
homestead; John A., a lawyer, living at Reynolds, Ind.; 
Lafayette, a physician, at Wakclee, Ca.ss Co., Mich. ; Wil- 
liam R., living at Niles ; Mrs. Lydia Yorker, in Iowa ; 
Mrs. Miranda Rapp, in Bertrand. 

About 1838, Isaac Ferote located west of where James 



TOWNSHIP OF BERTKAND. 



229 



H. Phillips now resides, but soon removed to Indiana. 
Matthew Redding, a brother of Benjamin, located in 1835, 
on the southwest quarter of section 17, where W. Foster 
now lives. Nathaniel Hamilton, a brother of Alanson, 
located on the north half of section 16, where Keller and 
Shatterlee now own. Joseph Ivans, in 1835, settled on 
the east half of section 22, and soon moved to Indiana. 
Philo Sanford, Peter Wiramer, and George Harlan located 
claims in the same year, — Sanford on the northeast quarter 
of section 6, and Wimmer and Harlan located together the 
west half of section 5. Sanford taught the first school on 
the reservation. 

Samuel Cannon located the northeast quarter of section 
11 in 1834, but sold his claim in November of the next 
year. John Lashbaugh purchased a claim of John Comp- 
tou in 1835 on the southeast quarter of section 9. His 
son Henry lives on the farm. Widow Decker, with her 
sons James, John, and Henry, located on the same section 
about the same time. Henry lived and died on the farm; 
James went to California and died ; John was a blacksmith, 
and moved to Cass County, where he died. Archibald 
Dunbar came into the township about 1837 from Indiana, 
and located on the northeast quarter of section 21, where he 
afterwards owned about 600 acres. He moved into Bu- 
chanan, where he built the Dunbar Hotel, and died there a 
few years ago. Frederick White located on section 20 in 
the township in 1835. He is now in the drug business in 
Buchanan village. John Krum located on section 17 in 
1836. 

Within two or three years after 1835 the land on the 
reservation was all taken up. Many took claims, built 
cabins on them, made improvements, and sold them to 
others coming in. Those who were so unfortunate as to 
be on the seminary lands were driven away from their im- 
provements by the high price put upon the land by the 
commissioners. 

In the years 1837-38 the chills and fever prevailed to 
such an alarming extent that many became discouraged, 
packed up their goods, and, leaving the work of years be- 
hind them, went to their former homes. Those who re- 
mained passed through great suffering, and many died from 
want of care, there not being well ones enough to nurse the 
sick. 

David Rough, a native of Juniata Co., Pa., emigrated to 
Michigan when thirty-two years old, and arrived in the 
township of Bertrand, May 27, 1849. He located on sec- 
tions 12 and 13, purchasing of Jacob Egbert and Abram 
Ogden. He soon began the purchase of land, and at his 
death, in 1876, had owned 1153 acres. He had five chil- 
dren : Wm. R., Solomon, Geo. H., Sarah, now Mrs. Peter 
Womer, and Eliza, now Mrs. Amos C. House. 

Wm. R. first settled on the John Hardman farm, on sec- 
tion 17, in 1854. In 1853 he married Mary A., a daugh- 
ter of Jacob Rough. In 1858 he purchased, on section 1, 
the Kennedy place, where he still lives. He continued 
farming, buying and raising stock, and in 1879, with his 
brothers, became engaged in the manufacture of wagons at 
the village of Buchanan. He has now 547 acres of land 
in Bertrand. 

Solomon Rough settled on the south part of section 13, 



and married the daughter of David Bre.'^sler, an early set- 
tler on section 16. He owns 953 acres in Bertrand, and is 
engaged in business with his brothers at Buchanan. 

Geo. H., the youngest, lives on the northwest quarter of 
section 8, and owns 273 acres. 

Sarah married Peter Womer, who purchased land in 
section 1, on the Niles branch of the Chicago road; the 
place was known as the Hoag place. 

Eliza married Amos C. House, and lives on .section 20, a 
little south of the Chicago road, on the Tripp form. They 
now own between 300 and 400 acres of land. 

Jacob Rough, a brother of David Rough, emigrated 
about the same time, and located 160 acres on the northeast 
quarter of section 7, where he still lives. His son George 
lives on the homestead and is treasurer of the county. He 
married a daughter of A. Broceus, of Buchanan. Mary 
A. married Wm. R. Rough. Susan married Isaac Long, 
and lives on section 7, the northwest quarter. Elizabeth 
married John Miller, who lives on the southwest quarter of 
section 5. Catharine married Henry Vite, on the south- 
west quarter of section 1 1 . 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

Bertrand town.ship was erected and organized under an 
act of the Legislature of Michigan, approved March 23, 
1836, which provides that " All that portion of the county 
of Berrien designated by the United States Survey as frac- 
tional townships 8, south of ranges 17, 18, and 19 west, 
be and the same is hereby set off and organized as a separate 
township, by the name of Bertrand, and the first township- 
meeting shall be held at the dwelIing-hou.se of Michael 
Segdell." 

The limits so named in the act were reduced by the 
operation of an act passed March 20, 1837, setting off sur- 
vey township 8 south, of range 19 west, to Weesaw town- 
ship ;* and they were further reduced, March 9, 1850, by 
the annexation to the township of Niles of all that portion 
of Bertrand lying east of the centre of the St. Joseph 
River. 

The first election of the township was held in April, 
1836, at Union Hall, in the village of Bertrand. Fred- 
erick Howe was elected Supervisor ; James H. Montgomery, 
Township Clerk ; Joshua Howell, John De Armond, Alan- 
son Hamilton, Justices of the Peace ; Michael Seligson and 
Jacob A. Dutton, Overseers of the Poor. At this meeting 
a tax of 125 was voted for the support of the poor. 

The following is as complete a list as can be obtained of 
persons who have filled the offices of supervisor, clerk, 
treasurer, and justice of the peace in Bertrand since the 
year of its organization as a township, viz. : 

1837. — Frederick A. Howe, Supervisor; James A. Montgomery, Clerk; 

Henry Hapgood, Treasurer; Joshua Howell, Alexander 

Blake, John Demond, .Justices. 
1838. — Frederick A. Howe, Supervisor ; Joshua Howell, Clerk ; Henry 

Hapgood, Treasurer; Burham Gilbert, Justice. 
1839.— Frederick A. Howe, Supervisor; David M. Howell, Clerk; 

John 0. Underhill, Treasurer; Alanson Hamilton, Justice. 
1840. — John Barbour, Supervisor; David M. Howell, Clerk; Burham 

Gilbert, Treasurer; Ale.xander Blake, Justice. 

« The same territory was erected into the township of Galien, Feb. 
19, 184i. 



230 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1841. — John De Armond, Supervisor; Hugh Vonderhip, Clerk; Bur- 
hiim Gilbert, Treasurer ; Joseph Q. Ames, Justice. 

1842. — Joseph G. Ames, Supervisor; David Whitlock, Clerk ; Samuel 
Street, Treasurer; C. H. Nickolson, Justice. 

1843. — Lewis Bryant, Supervisor; Ilirnm Ward, Clerk; Ale.\andcr 
Blake, Treasurer ; Samuel Street, Justice. 

1844. — Samuel Street, Supervisor; S. R. Bradbury, Clerk; Benjamin 
Redding, Treasurer; Ale.\ander Blake, Justice. 

1845. — Abram Ogden, Supervisor; Simeon R. Bradbury, Clerk; Alex- 
ander Blake, Treasurer; Alanson Uamilton, .Justice. 

1S46.— Frederick A. Howe, Supervisor; L. A. Palmer, Clerk; N. W. 
Summers, Treasurer; Alvah Higbee, Justice. 

The records from 184(5 to 1873 are not found, and the 
list (being necessarily omitted for that period) is continued, 
commencing at the latter year : 

1873. — Freeman Franklin, Supervisor; William D. Badger, Town 
Clerk; Solomon Rough, Treasurer; Michael Swobe, Enos 
Holmes, Justices of the Peace; Charles F. Howe, School 
Inspector. 

1874.— Charles F. Howe, Supervisor; Peter Womer, Town Clerk; 
Levi L. Redden, Treasurer; William R. Rough, Justice of 
the Peace; Cyrus E. Gillette, School Inspector. 

1875. — William D. Badger, Supervisor; Peter Womer, Town Clerk; 
Samuel Messenger, Treasurer; Sylvester K. AVilson, .Justice 
of the Peace; Joel H. Gillette, School Inspector. 

1876.— W. I). Badger, Supervisor; P. Womer, Town Clerk; William 
I'^oster, Treasurer. 

1877. — P. Womer, Supervisor; Enos Holmes, Town Clerk; William 
Foster, Treasurer; Joel H. Gillette, Superintendent of 
Schools; Chester Badger, School Inspector; John G. Dye, 
Justice of the Peace. 

1878. — John H. Young, Supervisor ; J. H. Gillette, Town Clerk ; John 
Redden, Treasurer ; William R. Rough, Justice of the 
Peace; Joel H. Gillette, Superintendent of Schools; Chester 
Badger, School Inspector. 

1879.— Charles F. Howe, Supervisor; William D. Badger, Town 
Clerk; John Redden, Treasurer; John (Joglc, Justice of 
the Peace; Enos Holmes, Superintendent of Schools; George 
Hess, School Inspector. 

The town of Bertrand is taking rank among the best in 
the State for the production of wheat. By the statistics of 
the State for 1877,90,000 bushels of wheat were raised, 
this being 2300 bushels more than was raised in any town- 
ship in the State. The statistics of the year 1878 show 
an increase to 125,000 bushels. Below are given the agri- 
cultural statistics of the township for that year, viz. : Acres 
improved lands, 16,573; of unimproved lands, 3473; of 
wheat raised in 1878, 6677 ; of corn, 2868; of oats, 622; 
of clover-seed, 63 ; of potatoes, 100 ; of hay, 1451 ; bush- 
els of wheat, 125,711 ; of corn, 107,185 ; of oats, 20,239 ; 
of clover-seed, 54 ; of potatoes, 6605 ; tons of hay, 2063 ; 
pounds of wool, 12,478 ; sheep sheared, 2605 ; number of 
milch cows on hand, 529 ; cattle, other than milch cows, 
549 ; sheep, 2731 ; horses, 665 ; hogs, 1927 ; acres in or- 
chard, 459; bushels of apples sold, 10,192; of peaches, 
24; pounds of grapes, 1000; gallons of wine made from 
grapes, 2700. 

Of wheat, Mr. Isaac Long raised 2100 bushels from 85 
acres, and George H. Rough 3200 bushels from 140 acres. 
There were several of the farmers who raised over 1000 
bushels each. The largest number of bushels of corn 
raised was by David Gitchell, Sr., — 3200. 

CHURCHES. 
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first Methodist soci- 
ety in the Territory of Michigan, west of St. Joseph River, 



was organized at the log cabin of Benjamin M. Redding. 
A class was formed consisting of Benjamin M. Redding 
and wife Perraelia and daughter Paulina, Eli Shockly and 
wife, William Fu.son and wife, and a widow who lived with 
Mr. and Mrs. Fuson. Mr. Redding was appointed class- 
leader. Services were held at his house for about two years, 
until a school-house was built in the neighborhood in 1835. 
In 1833 and 1834 camp-meetings were held between Red- 
ding's Mills and the prairie. The Rev. James Armstrong 
was in charge of the first. About 1843 a frame building 
was erected for a church and called " Bethel," about a mile 
south and east from Dayton. James Redding, Sr., James 
Edson, Benj;imin M. Redding, Emory Smead, and Mat- 
thew Redding were elected trustees. 

In 1867 the society determined to remove to Dayton, 
and the present church was dedicated on the 31st day of 
August, 1867. The dedicatory sermon was preached by 
the Rev. D. D. Holmes, who was assisted in the services by 
the Rev. T. T. George, the pastor, and the Rev. Horace 
Hall, presiding elder. The first minister who attended at 
the Redding Mill class was the Rev. Boyd Phelps. A class 
had been formed at Terre Coupee Prairie, in 1830, by the 
Rev. L. B. Gurley. 

Mr. Phelps was succeeded by George S. Beswiek and 
Richard S. Robinson. A. C. Shaw, C. K. Erkanbrach, 
Richard C. Meek, Thomas P. McCool, David Burns, Henry 
Worthington, William Sprague, George King, Horace Hall, 

B. F. Doughty, William Morley, and Knight were 

local preachers. 

This church was under the charge of the Buchanan 
Church until about 1872, since which time it has been 
supplied by Revs. Elliott, J. N. Tomer, Carlisle, Gray, 
Shenstone, Bell, Bennett, Jakeway, and Skinner, the pres- 
ent pastor. New Troy, Painter School-House, and Galien 
are under this charge. 

Evangelical Church. — In the fall of 1851 an Evangel- 
ical Church was formed, of which David and Anna Rough, 

Peter Rhodes, Steiner and wife and two children 

were the constituent members. It was organized by Bishop 
John Sybert when on a tour through this section. These 
persons were members of the church in the East. In 1859 
the society built a church at the intersection of sections 12 
and 13 and 7 and 18. 

In 1854 a branch of the society was organized about 
three miles from the first one and on the Chicago road, 
near the Bressler school-house. They now have about 30 
members. The first pastor was the Rev. Mr. Wolfe. 
Among those who have served the church since that time 
were the Revs. Asher, Keiper, Steffe, Eckhart, Fox, Up- 
house, Rue, Fisher, Reigh, Evans, Pawlin, Boyer, Regartz, 
Kimerliu, and C. B. Myer, who is the present pastor. 

St. Anthonys Church {Catholic). — This church, located 
at Dayton village, has about fifteen families in its congre- 
gation, and is under charge of the Rev. Father Cappon, of 
the Roman Catholic Church at Niles. 

DAYTON VILLAGE. 

The village of Dayton is situated on the Michigan Cen- 
tral Railroad, on sections 6 and 7, in the western part of 
the townshij). It was first s(!ttled by Benjamin Redding, 





r. A . HOWE. 



MRS. F. A. HOWE. 



•^>yfe. 




Res. OF THc Late RA.H OWE, BERJRAHD,BERRiiNCo.,yitCH. 



TOWNSHIP OF BEKTRAND. 



231 



and was known as Redding's Mills until the building of the 
railroad, when it was changed to the name it now bears. 
It contains two churches (Methodist and Catholic), two 
stores, hotel, post-oiSce, school-house, steam saw-mill, grist- 
mill, wagon-shop, two physicians, about 40 dwellings, and 
nearly 300 inhabitants. Eighty children are enrolled in 
the school district between the ages of five and twenty 
years. 

The post-office was first kept by Benjamin Redding. 
After the change of name the postmasters have been J. M. 
Phillips, Emory Smead, Z. P. Redding, S. B. Stout, and 
A. H. Rothermel, who is the present postmaster. 

The village has also an Odd-Fellows' lodge. No. 214, 
organized Sept. 17, 1873. It now contains 35 members. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school of which any reliable information can be 
obtained was taught by Philo Sanford on the Reservation 
in the winter of 1835, in a small log house that stood on 
the farm known as the John Borden farm. In the summer 
of 1836, Lucinda Howe (now Mrs. Bailey) taught in a 
log house on her father's farm four months in the summer 
and three months in the winter. She had 20s. per week 
for the first term. Dissatisfaction was expressed in the 
matter of wages, and she taught the winter term for $2.50 
per scholar, but few who sent their children that winter term 
paid her. Mary Howe taught in the summer of 1837 in a 
log house on the Peter Womer farm, and a Mr. Ellis 
taught in the winter. 

Ethan A. Roe taught in the east part of the township, 
in what is known as the Clelland district. Orena Thorn- 
ton taught in a log school-house on the David Rough farm. 
From 1840 schools were taught in different parts of the 
township. Houses were built on the corners generally, and 
schools were supported by a term-rate. 

The school records, as well as the town records, are lost 
beyond recovery, and it is not known when the township 
was divided into school districts. 

The following school statistics of Bertrand township are 
from the official report for the year 1879 : 

Number of school districts 12 

" " school-houses (brick, 4; wooden, 8)... 12 

Value of school property (brick, S5500 ; wooden, 

$6500) i?12,000 

Number of pupils that can be seated in school- 
houses 610 

Number of pupils in township of school age 466 

" " male teachers who taught in the sev- 
eral districts 6 

Number of female teachers who taught in the sev- 
eral districts 13 

Total number of months taught in the several dis- 
tricts 82 

Amount paid female teachers $1080 

" " male " 800 

Money received from two-mill tax 938.76 

Primary interest fund 2.32.32 

The school inspectors in 1879 were Enos Holmes, Geo. 
W. Haas, and Wm. D. Badger. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL MESSENGER. 

This well-known citizen of the township of Bertrand 
was born near Easton, Northampton Co., Pa., on the 
10th day of September, in the year 1821, being the sixth 
child of Abraham Messenger and his wife, whose maiden 
name was Margaret Kemerer. His parents removed to 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., when the subject of our sketch was 
about a year old, where his father followed the occupation 
of a farmer. He died, however, when his son Samuel was 
but seven years old, and the latter was indebted for his sub- 
sequent training to his mother. 

As he grew up to youth and manhood, he alternated the 
studies of the district school with the labor of the farm, 
remaining on the old homestead until all the rest of the 
children had left it. In 1844, when Mr. Messenger was 
twenty-three years old, he and his mother emigrated 
together to Michigan, where he purchased one hundred and 
fifteen acres of land, nearly, though not quite entirely, un- 
improved, situated on Portage Prairie, in the township of 
Bertrand, about three miles and a half southwest of the 
city of Niles. 

There Mr. Messenger has resided during the thirty-six 
years which have passed away since the date of his first 
settlement, resisting all the temptations which have lured 
so many into fruitless change or hazardous speculation, im- 
proving his farm from year to year, increasing its size from 
one hundred and fifteen to one hundred and ninety acres, 
erecting substantial buildings, and making for himself and 
his family a comfortable home. 

Mr. Messenger was married, in the year 1850, to Miss 
Ann Mary Woods, daughter of Richard Woods, of West- 
chester Co., N. Y. She died on the 14th of July, 1874. 

Mr. and Mrs. Messenger were the parents of four chil- 
dren, — Genevieve, Hettie, Abraham S., and Schuyler. The 
second and third of these are dead ; the oldest and the 
youngest reside with their father. 

A Whig in early life, Mr. Messenger joined the Repub- 
lican party at its formation, and, though not an active poli- 
tician, has ever since steadily adhered to its principles and 
supported its candidates. In religious faith he is a Presby- 
terian, having joined the church of that denomination at 
Niles in 1877. 

These are the simple facts of 3Ir. Messenger's life. We 
make no attempt to elaborate the record, or to portray him 
other than what he is, — a plain, substantial, straightforward, 
common-sense Michigan farmer. 



GEORGE H. ROUGH. 

Mr. Rough was born in Perry Co., Pa., Dec. G, 1838, 
and remained there until 1849, when he removed to Ber- 
trand, Berrien Co., Mich., with his parents. In the spring 
of 1863 he was married, and soon after began housekeep- 
ing on the farm he now owns, which was formerly known 
as the " Miller Farm." In 1875, Mr. Rough purchased 
the "John Borden" farm, upon which he has recently 



232 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



completed an elegant brick residence, at a cost of ten thou- 
sand dollars, the building being the finest private farm- 
dwelling in Berrien County, in which he now resides. 

Mr. Rough was left a widower on the 18th of November, 
1874, and three children mourned a mother's death. 

In 1877 he made a trip to California, and visited the 
principal cities, both in the northern and southern portions 
of the State ; deviating from the general route, visiting 
Denver and the mining parts of Colorado, Salt Lake City, 
and also the principal cities along the main route. In the 
summer of 1878, accompanied by his children, he made an 
extended tour through the East, visiting Western Canada, 
Niagara Falls, the river St. Lawrence, Montreal, Quebec, 
the White Mountains, Vermont, and Massachusetts. In 
1877, in company with his brothers, he established a hard- 
ware-store at Buchanan, which is now in a flourishing con- 
dition. In partnership with Solomon Rough and William 
Pears, he owns the "Little Mill" (gristj, and the grist- 
mill at the village of Buchanan. In 1879 he entered in 
copartnership with W. R. Rough and Solomon Rough, 
under the firm of Rough Bros'. Wagon- Works, to manu- 
facture wagons, buggies, etc., at Buchanan. 



CHAPTER XXXL 

CHICKAMING TOWNSHIP.* 

Location, Boundaries, and Natural Features — Original Entries of 
Land — Settlements and Settlers — Lumbering Interests of Chioka- 
ming — Township Organization and List of Township Officers — 
Schools — Religious History. 

Chickaming township contains 19 full sections, and 6 
triangular sections formed by Lake Michigan, and is 
bounded on the north and west by Lake Michigan and the 
township of Lake, on the east by the township of Weesaw, 
on the south by the townships of New BuB'alo and Three 
Oaks, and is designated on the United States survey as 
town 7 south, of range 20 west. The name Chickaming is 
an Indian word, meaning lake. 

The highest point of land between St. Joseph and New 
Bufialo is near Wilkinson Station, being 98 feet above the 
river at New Buti'alu. Along the lake-shore the soil is 
saudy. 

The northerly portion of that section was heavily tim- 
bered with beech, maple, and other woods. The southerly 
portion was white and black oak. In the easterly and 
southerly portions of the township the soil is generally a 
clay loam of good quality. The lake-shore strip is a good 
region for the production of all kinds of fruit, and is largely 
cultivated for that purpose. The farming lands are similar 
in quality and production to those of adjacent townships. 

The township is watered by the north branch of the 
Galien River, which enters in the lower part of section 12, 
and passes diagonally through sections 13, 23, 22, 27, 29, 
and passes out in section 29. 

Following is a list of persons who made original entries 
of government lands in the several sections of the township 
of Chickaming: 



■ By A. N. Hungerford. 



Section 1. — E. Griswold, Sheldon, C. Britain, G. Kimmel. 

Section 2. — Sherwood & Co., Wittemeyer, Calvin Britain. 

Section 3.— Sherwood & Co., D. A. Miller, T. U. Wray, B. Horton, and 
Stuart & Co. 

Section 9. — Sherwood. Whole section. 

Section 10.— D. A. Miller, R. Horton, F. M. Wray, J. C. Miller, 

Horner, G. Kimmel. 

Section IL — G. Kimmel, Johnson. 

Section 12.— G. Kimmel, C. Kingery, J. Griffin, Rathbone & Co. 

Section 13.— Rathbone & Chapin, J. Turner, B. Butterworth, William 
Bond, Jr. 

Section 14.— M. Chamberlain, G. Hoffman, N. Willard, Sherwood & 
Co., Horner. 

Section 15. — G. Kimmel, Sherwood tfc Beers. 

Section 16. — School lot. 

Section 17.— C. Britain, H. Bishop, N. Willard, H. L. Stuart. 

Section 19.— S. Clough, E. Goit. 

Section 20.— B. L. Skinner, M. Chamberlain, F. II. Clough, R. Nixon, 
,T. Stauffer. 

Section 21.— F. Smith, C. Britain, A. Cummings. 

Section 22. — J. Hoi-ner, G. Kimmel, Sherwood & Co., M. Chamberlain. 

Section 23. — M. Chamberlain, Johnson, Lauman, E. Griffin, Rath- 
bone & Co. 

Section 24.— N. Willard, B. Butterworth, J. Johnson, J. Gurrish, J. 
Haas, Townsend & Co. 

Section 25.— J. Haas, N. Willard & Co., Townsend & Co., Nelson Wil- 
lard and Henry Bishop, Sherwood &, Co., Deacon. 

Section 26. — Jacob Haas, J. Pierce, Sherwood & Co. 

Section 27.— John H. Ostrom & Co., D. Robb, J. Staufifer, and J. Turner. 

Section 28. — Ostrom & Co., G. C. Balls, John A. Wells, W. Hammond, 
V. L. Bradford. 

Section 29.— M. G. Pratt, E. M. Shelton, V. L. Bradford, J. M. Carter, 
J. P. Warner, M. G. Evans. 

Section 30.— McKersham, J. P. Warner, Clough Whittaker, W. Ham- 
mond, V. L. Bradford. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 
For many years after the settlement of New Buffalo, 
lands in this township were unoccupied by actual settlers on 
account of the speculative prices put upon them. The first 
to locate land was Luman Northrop, from near Hamburg, 
Erie Co., N. Y., a son-in-law of Festus A. Holbrook. He 
came to New Buffalo in the fill of 1836, and made that 
his headquarters, being part of the time at Galien and New 
Troy. He was collector of New Buffalo township in 1839. 
About 1840 he bought a farm on the southwest quarter of 
section 23, where he built a cabin and a saw-mill with a 
flutter-wheel. He owned the property until about 1860, 
and then sold it to Henry H. Pike, now of the '' Pike 
House," Niles. Prior to this sale, he went to California, 
Lake Co., Ind., and other places. He died about 1868. 
He was a man of little education, but of strong mental 
and physical power. 

In 1842, Richard Peckham,a native of Dutchess Co., 
N. Y., came to New Buffalo from Clinton, Lenawee Co., in 
this State, and commenced the manufacture of grain cradles 
and rakes, which he continued for four or five years. In 
1843 he located a farm on the northwest quarter of 
section 20, Chickaming. He was a bachelor for many 
years, and carried on the farm at the same time with the 
factory, but finally moved on the farm, and gave his whole 
attention to it. 

Henry Chamberlain, whose history will be found more 
fully with that of the township of Three Oaks, was the 
next to locate. He purchased the east half of the northeast 
half of section 20, where he built a cabin, and lived there 
about one year. 



TOWNSHIP OF CHICKAMINa. 



233 



Alfred Ames, a native of Vermont, came to Eaton Co., 
Mich., in 1841, and in 1843 came to New Buffalo. In 
November, 1844, he purchased 78 acres of the De Garmo 
Jones property, it being the northeast quarter of the north- 
west quarter of fractional section 30. Oct. 1, 1844, he 
married Miss Mary Fisher, then teaching school in Eaton 
County. She was also a native of Vermont, and a former 
schoolmate of his. Mr. Ames built a cabin on the farm 
(which was heavily timbered, and had no improvements), 
hired choppers, and worked in the woods all winter, his 
wife living with friends in Woodford Co., 111., until some 
of the conveniences of a home could be obtained. In the 
spring of 1845 they commenced keeping house. At that 
time no bridge crossed the Galien River, and to get to New 
Buffalo was to swim the river, which Mr. Ames often did, 
taking off his clothes and putting them on his head to keep 
them dry. The mail service was to them an important 
matter, as they were both great readers, and the literature 
of the day was a necessity. Indians were often encamped 
between the home and New Buffalo. A man by the name 
of Wilcox, a contractor, lived in part of the house in 1845. 
He was engaged in getting out timber for the Chicago 
harbor improvement. The timber was taken to the lake, 
put on rafts, and floated to the vessels, which lay from half 
to three-quarters of a mile out in the lake. 

r^ The first school taught in the township wa.s at the house 
I of Mr. Ames, his wife acting as teacher. This was in 1847. 
HVIrs. Ames is still living on the farm which is known far 
and near as " Clay Banks." Mr. Ames and the father and 
mother of Mrs. Ames died the same day, at their house, 
March 4, 1864. Mrs. Ames has obtained considerable ce- 
lebrity as an authoress, and for many years has written both 
poetry and prose, which have been contributed to the maga- 
zines and papers of the day. 

In April, 1845, William Miller, a native of Ohio, settled 
on .section 30, nearly adjoining Mr. Ames. Mrs. Miller is 
still living on the place. His son, John C. Miller, was a 
member of the House of Bepresentatives of this State in 
1862. Truman A. Clough, one of the first settlers of New 
Buffalo, owned land on sections 19 and 2o. He engaged 
H. Hebner to clear the land on section 19, and agreed to 
give him two acres of land in township 8 for each acre 
cleared in section 19, township 7. He built a cabin and 
cleared land to the extent of 20 acres, receiving therefor 40 
acres lying on Galien River, where his wife still lives. Mr. 
Clough removed to the farm about 1850, and lived there 
until the death of his wife, when he returned to New York 
State. He sold his property to J. N. Wilkinson & Co. 
Zalmon Desbro located on section 30, where his widow 
(now Mrs. Daniel Magee) lives. George Garland settled on 
the southeast quarter of the same section. Arnold Pratt, 
an early settler of New Buffalo, settled on land adjoining 
Garland. Richmond Horton, in about 1846, settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 1, where he made a clearing 
and built a steam saw-mill. He afterwards sold to Silas 
Sawyer, and moved to Berrien Springs, where he was in- 
terested in building the first grist-mill. He then moved to 
Ohio. 

Tobias M. Hay, from New York, settled on section 16, 
30 



and built a small water saw-mill on what is known as Ray's 
Creek, about 1847. He was killed years after by the 
bursting of a boiler while putting a steam-engine in his 
mill. 

About 1835 a lumber firm took up a tract of timber- 
land on section 11, where they built a water-mill, and con- 
structed a horse-railroad to the lake. This was afterwards 
taken by Heman J. Rogers and removed to his place on 
section 11. P. B. Andrews soon after settled on the place 
where he still lives. Mr. Andrews built the engine for the 
" Newburyport," the first steamer on the St. Joseph River. 

Amos Fisher located a farm on section 30 about 1850, 
and went to California, where he remained a short time, re- 
turned, married, and in 1853 moved on his farm, where 
he still resides. A school-house was built on his land early 
in 1853. Martha, the daughter of John W. Wilkinson, 
taught school there in the summer of that year. 

John W. Wilkinson, a native of Virginia, emigrated to 
Clarke Co., lud., in 1833, and in 1847 came to New Buf- 
falo, where he remained till 1854. His brother. Dr. James 
Wilkinson, was a physician there for several years. An- 
other brother, Joseph N. Wilkinson, then living in Ala- 
bama, now in Richmond, Va., became interested in the 
lumber business, and, as a member of the firm of J. N. 
Wilkinson & Co., purchased, in September, 1854, of Tru- 
man A. Clough, the greater part of section 19 and the south- 
west half of southwest quarter in section 20, for $10 per 
acre, John W. Wilkinson taking charge of it. A boarding- 
house was put up, choppers hired, and lumbering was ac- 
tively commenced. The lumber for the first building was 
purchased of Luman Northrop, who had a small saw-mill 
on section 23. The only improvement on the land when 
they came was a clearing of six or eight acres, and a log 
cabin 18 by 28 feet, built by Mr. Hebner. A store-house 
20 by 36 feet was soon erected, and a pier was built out 
into the lake six hundred feet for convenience in loading 
lumber and cordwood. 

After the completion of the pier a steam saw-mill was 
erected, with an upright saw, an engine of 20 horse-power, 
and capacity of cutting 6000 feet per day. Prom 50 to 
100 men were employed, mostly in the woods. Afterwards 
what is known as Greenbush Pier was built, and still later 
Pike Pier. From this latter a horse-railroad was built on 
section 17, extending east to the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 14. The firm continued to purchase land until they 
had bought 2500 acres, varying in price from $4^to $6 per 
acre. A post-office was established at Wilkinson in 1858. 
Abner Clark, William Fisher, and J. W. Wilkinson were 
the postmasters. After Chickaming was made a post-office, 
with Edward Glavin as postmaster, the Wilkinson office 
was discontinued. Upon the completion of the Chicago 
and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, three post-offices were 
established, viz. : Sawyer post-office, in the north part of 
the township, at Troy Station, James Spaulding, postmas- 
ter ; Lakeside post-office, at Wilkinson Station, John S. 
Gibson, postmaster ; and a post-office at Union Pier, in the 
south part of the town.ship, with William T. Green, post- 
master. 

About 1853, Silas Sawyer, of Ohio, came to the town- 
ship, purchased the place of Richmond Horton, in section 1 



234 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and the northeast quarter of section 10, built a steam saw- 
mill, and by his persistent energy won a competence ; but 
the extension of his business during the depression of the 
times following 1857 was the means of heavy loss. In 
1873 he moved to Dallas, Tex., where he still resides. He 
was the first supervisor of the township after its organiza- 
tion. Bartlett J. Rogers, a native of Rochester, N. Y. (who 
had advanced money to the firm who built at the lake, on 
section 3), came here about the same time with Mr. Sawyer, 
and settled on the northwest quarter of section 11. He 
moved the mill from the lake to his farm, enlarged it, and 
was extensively engaged in lumbering. He remained here 
until about 1863-64, when he returned to New York. 

G. A. Orris settled on the northeast quarter of section 2. 
He now lives in Weesaw, near Hill's Corners. John Vicker- 
man settled, about 1854, on the west half of section 10, 

where he still lives. S. F. Broadbeck and Hilliard 

settled on the southwest quarter of section 2. The widow 
of Hilliard, now Mrs. Ashley, still lives on the place. 

In 1854, Jerome W. Burnett purchased on the north- 
west quarter of section 14, where he still lives. In 1858 
he sold a part to James A. Cook, who, in 1872, sold out 
and moved to Nebraska. 

The western part of the township that is accessible to 
the lake was largely and heavily timbered, and its early 
settlement was largely due to this fact. For many years 
the eastern part of the township was a wilderness, except 
the location made by Luman Northrup, on section 23. In 
1860, Albert L. Drew, a native of Cass County, came into 
Chickaming, and bought 480 acres — the north half of sec- 
tion 26 and the northwest quarter of 25 — Aug. 18, 1860. 
He built a log cabin immediately, and moved in with his 
family on October 23d of that year. His brother-in-law, 
Charles C. Sherrill, also a native of Cass County, bought 
one-half of Mr. Drew's land, in the winter of 1860-61, 
built a frame house, and moved his family there in the 
spring of 1861, at which time his house was half a mile 
from any road. They are both living on the places they 
then located. Mr. Drew is an active man in the township, 
and has filled the oflice of supervisor from 1873 to 1879. 
Mr. Sherrill is an active member of the Baptist Church, 
and a thrifty, energetic farmer. He was township treasurer 
from 1870 to 1877. John Martin settled, in 1860, on the 
southwest quarter of section 26. He was killed, in 1862, 
by an accident. 

Samuel Donovan, about 1862, settled on the southwest 
quarter of section 23 ; Horace Warren on the southeast 
quarter, and Andrew Carpenter on the southwest quarter 
of section 26. In the spring of 1861, Luman Northrop 
moved to Weesaw, giving as a reason that neighbors were 
getting too thick. 

David Adamson, an Irishman, came in 1861 with Mr. 
Sherrill, and located in the .southeast quarter of section 26. 
He enlisted in the army, and soon after his house was de- 
stroyed by fire, and one of his children perished in it. 
About 1865, John Baker, John Findle, C. Hess, and 
George K. Barnhart, with their families, came in, and pur- 
chased the southeast quarter of section 25. About 1869 
they, with other German families in Weesaw and Three 



Oaks, built an Evangelical church on the southeast quarter 
of section 25. At nearly the same time, Samuel Priest set- 
tled on northeast quarter of section 25. 

In 1862, Clement H. Goodwin, of Aurora, 111., came 
from Galien, where he had been in business, and with his 
nephew, Richard M., hired the Wilkinson mill, which they 
ran for about a year, and purchased land on fractional sec- 
tion 25, where a saw-mill and a brick store were erected, 
and a pier built into the lake. They engaged largely in 
cutting and shipping cord-wood and in the manufacture of 
lumber and ties. A horse-railroad was built east to the 
west line of section 27. They had purchased large tracts 
of land on the north half of section 28, and had control of 
the land over which the road passed. Mr. C. H. Goodwin 
died about 1871. He was a prompt and active business 
man, possessed of great energy and tact. Richard M. 
Goodwin is to-day one of the foremost men of the township 
and one of its most active business men. He carries on a 
handle-factory, at Union Pier, in addition to his other busi- 
ness. John Frank and William Gowdy were settlers at 
Union Pier. John M. Glavin and Edward Glavin located 
a little north. John M. Glavin was in the Legislature of 
the State in 1867. 

0. R. Brown settled about 1861 on section 2, where he 
erected a steam saw-mill and carried on a large business for 
several years, and where he still lives. A horse-railroad 
was built from the Sawyer Settlement to the Fuller Pier, 
in the edge of Lake township. 

LUMBERING INTERESTS. 

This township produced a finer quality and larger quantity 
of oak and whitewood timber than any township of its size 
in the county. The first operations of importance were 
those of the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1847 they 
built a steam saw-mill on .section 30, where there was a 
large body of fine oak timber. Upon the completion of 
their pier at New Bufiiilo, the mill was removed to that 
place. Andrews & Miller built a steam saw-mill on section 
3 about 1851, and continued it till about 1860. In 1853- 
54, Silas Sawyer bought on section 10, and built a steam 
saw-mill. The lumber was so heavy that for the first year 
of work his operations were confined to ten acres. About 
the same time J. N. Wilkinson & Co. bought a timber tract 
on sections 19 and 20. This was afterwards increased 
largely. The Wilkinson Company built the Wilkinson, 
Greenbush, and Pike Piers. A horse-railroad was built, 
and a large business was carried on in lumber, cord-wood, 
and railroad-ties. 

About 1855 two men from New York built a steam saw- 
mill on section 11, and constructed a horse-railroad from 
there to the lake at the Fuller Pier. This afterwards 
passed to Bartlett R. Rogers, who continued it for some 
years. O. R. Brown, about 1861, purchased the Andrews 
Mill, which was carried on about a year. Darius W. King, 
of Niles, about 1863, purchased the Greenbush Pier and 
used it for delivering cord-wood, of which large quantities 
were cut and shipped to Chicago. Upon his death, in 
1865, the property was rented to J. M. K. Hilton, and 
was continued till 1868, when it was sold to Paul Cross. 
The Pike Pier was sold to J. M. K. Hilton, who was soon 



TOWNSHIP OF CHICKAMING. 



235 



associated with Horace R. Pike. It was carried on as a 
wood-yard for several years, passing into the possession of 
Mr. Pike. 

About 1862 or 1863, A. L. & H. L. Drew built a steam 
saw-mill on section 26, which was continued about eight 
years. L. F. Wilcox also built a steam-mill, on section 15, 
which ran for some years. A mill was built at Union Pier, 
by Goodwin & Gowdy, about 1863. It is now in possession 
of Wm. Gowdy, and is still running. 

In 1873 a handle-factory was established near the rail- 
road by Sanborn & Gowdy, and in 1875 it came into the 
possession of R. M. Goodwin, by whom it is still run. 

The Union Pier Handle- Factory was started first by 
Sanborn & Gowdy in 1873, and came into possession of 
R. M. Goodwin in 1875. It is situated on the line of the 
Chicago and West Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, about 
three miles from New Buffalo. The engine is 75 horse- 
power, and Mr. Goodwin has employed about 30 men. 
Shipments are made to Chicago and South and East. 

Union Pier contains also a post-office, saw-mill, and a 
brick store. 

The assessed valuation of the township of Chickaming 
in 1856 was $88,416, as shown by the assessment-rolls of 
that year. The roll of 1878 places the valuation of the 
township at $114,485. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The townships of Chickaming and Tiirce Oaks were set 
oif from the territory of New Bufiido in 1856 by the 
Board of Supervisors. Tiie order of the board for the first 
election of township officers was as follows : 

" Notice is hereby given that the first annual meeting 
for the election of town.ship officers in each of the town- 
ships of Three Oaks, Chickaming, and New Buffalo, in the 
county of Berrien, State of Michigan, will be holden on 
the first Monday in April, a.d. 1856, as follows, to wit: 
In the township of Chickaming, at the store of J. N. Wil- 
kinson & Co., and that Richard Peckham, Silas Sawyer, 
and Alfred Ames are duly authorized to preside at such 
township-meeting, and to perform all the duties required by 
statute in such cases made and provided." The election 
in Chickaming was duly held, in accordance with this order. 

The town records cannot be found, and the civil list given 
below is necessarily imperfect. The names have been gath- 
ered from assessment-rolls and other documents, as follows: 

SUPEEVISOKS. 
1856, Silas Sawyer; 1857, Richard Peckham; 1858, John C. Miller; 

1859-60, George Montague; 1861-62, John C. Miller; 1863-65, 

John M. Glavin; 1860, James Abner Wilkinson; 1867-68, John 

C. Miller; 1869, Oliver P. Newkirk; 1870, Richard Peckham; 

1871, Oliver P. Newkirk; 1872, Wm. A. Keith; 187.3-79, Albert 

L. Drew. 

CLEEKS. 
1856-57, A. B.Wilkinson; 1858-60, Richard Peckham; 1861-62, 

Richmond Horton; 1863-65, Frank Gowdy; 1866, Henry P. 

Nourse; 1867-68, Frank Gowdy; 1869-70, Michael Deady; 

1871-72, Albert L. Drew; 187.3, Frank E. Sawyer; 1874-79, 

Wm. A. Keith. 

TREASURERS. 
1859, Freeman Pulsifer, 1860-67, Jephtha Pulsifer, 1868-69, James H. 

Spaulding, 1870-77, Horace Wilcox, C. C. Sherrill, 1878, Richard 

M. Goodwin, 1879, Hale H. Miller. 



The township, like many others in the State, is encum- 
bered by railroad bonds, from which much trouble is grow- 
ing, and the matter is now in the courts. 

SCHOOLS. 
While the territory now in Chickaming was in New Buf- 
falo it was in one school district, but no school was held until 
1847, when 9 children were gathered at Mrs. Ames' house 
and taught by her. This was soon organized as District 
No. 1. The township now has 6 school districts, of which 
No. 3 has a graded school. The number of children, in 
1878, in this district, between five and twenty years of age, 
was 136, and they were allowed 50 cents each of the public 
money. This district was organized Nov. 13, 1860. A 
school-house, costing $700, was built the next year. Mrs. 
A. L. Drew was the first teacher, and the number of pupils 
was 5. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Union Pier Baptist Church was organized at Union 
Pier, Aug. 7, 1869, with 13 members, as follows: Wm. 
Fisher and wife, Mrs. J. A. Wilkinson, G. D. Vandy and 
wife, Hattie Vandy, Fanny Vandy, W. A. Gowdy and wife, 
E. Gowdy, Mrs. John Gowdy, and two others. 

The pastors have been as follows : Revs. Samuel Millis, 
E. L. Millis, J. G. Bostman, Henry Meachin. The church 
has at present 42 members. 

An Uvangelical Lutheran Church was established on 
section 25, in the southeast quarter of the township, com- 
posed of the GermcTu families in the townships of Chicka- 
ming, Three Oaks, and Weesaw, in that neighborhood. A 
church was built in 1869. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN C. MORGAN. 

Ralph Morgan, the father of John C, was born in the 
State of New York on the 18th day of March, 1824. On 
arriving at manhood he acquired the profession of a den- 
tist. His wife, whose maiden name was Chase, was a native 
of Massachusetts, being the daughter of a distinguished 
engineer, who designed the celebrated works for utilizing 
the water-power at Holyoke, in that State. Ralph Morgan 
died Dec. 31, 1878. 

John C. Morgan was born on the 13th day of February, 
1856, in Chicopee, Mass. Eight days afterwards his mother 
died, leaving the .son at that tender age without the loving 
care which only a mother can give. An aunt, however, 
living at Southampton, Mass., kindly consented to take 
charge of the child, and with her he remained until he 
was twelve years old. At this age he went to his father, 
who had removed to Greenfield, Mass. In 1867 his father 
married the second time, and in 1869 removed with his 
family to Michigan, locating on the farm known as Lake 
Side farm, in Chickaming township, Berrien Co., on which 
his son now resides. John C. Morgan, at the age of twenty- 
one, married Arvilla, daughter of John S. and Ann E. 
Gibson. His children are Gay Ralph, born April 14, 



236 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



/ 



1878; Donald St. Cliiir, born May 19, 1879. Mr. Mor- 
gan is employed in making cider, jellies, and sorghum- 
sugar ; also in raising all kinds of vine-seeds and sugar- 
corn, which he takes to the New York and Philadelphia 
markets. He owns a farm situated in the fruit belt of 
Michigan, called Lake Side farm, also a wheat farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres, called River Side farm, near the 
former. In politics he is a Republican, in religion a Lib- 
eral. Personally, he is an industrious, energetic, upright 
man, a fine specimen of the active, intelligent Michigan 
farmer. 



ALFRED W. AMES. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Westminster, Vt, 

^'m the year 1823. His parents died when he was quite 

young, when Alfred found a home with an uncle, — Ebenezer 

Mcllvain, — -an old soldier of the Revolution. From this 

scarred veteran, on his mountain farm, the lad listened to 




ALFRED W. AMES. 



tales of battle and adventure until he became imbued with 
a passionate longing for excitement and change. Naturally, 

Lwhen the uncle passed away, the nephew, then eighteen 
years old, started for the West, arriving in Charlotte, Ea- 
ton Co., Mich., in September, 1841. He bought govern- 
ment land and made some improvements on it, but becoming 
disheartened by sickness he sold it. In December, 1843, 
young Ames found himself in New Buffalo, Berrien Co. 
The next August he purchased a piece of wild land at what 
was then known as Clay Banks, now !i part of Ohickaming 
township. 

In October, 1844, he returned to Charlotte and married 
Mary Fisher, who was also a native of Vermont, and was an 
old schoolmate. In May, 1845, they removed to their forest 
home on the shore of Lake Michigan, where Mr. Ames re- 
sided until his death, which occurred in 1864. During 
this time Mr. Ames held several offices of trust in the 
township of New Buffalo, and also in Chickaming after it 
was set off as a separate township. He died of smallpox. 
In an obituary notice a neighbor who knew him well, spoke 



of him thus: " Mr. Ames was the pioneer of the Clay 
Banks, having .settled here in 1844. He was an affection- 
ate husband and kind parent, and univer.«ally esteemed as 
a neighbor and citizen." 



CHAPTER XXXH. 

GALIEN TOWNSHIP.* 

Location and Topography — Origin.^l Land-Entries — Early Settle- 
ments, Mills, etc.— Organization of the Township and Listof Town- 
.ship Officers — Galien Village — Schools — Religious Societies. 

The township is a fractional one, containing 18 full sec- 
tions north of the range line, and the north half of six sec- 
tions south, and bordering on Lidiana. It is bounded on 
the north by the township of Weesaw, on the east by Ber- 
trand, on the south by the State of Indiana, and on the 
west by the township of Three 'Oaks. 

The surface is varied by undulating swells and low-browed 
forest-clad hills, and is in many places low and marshy. 
The soil is in part heavy clay and retentive, but the south- 
ern part is sandy loam. It was formerly covered with dense 
forests, and was known far and near as the " Galien woods." 
The timber was mostly beech and maple, interspersed with 
black walnut, whitewood, and ash. 

The water-courses are the streams that form the head- 
waters of Galien River. Three branches take their rise 
to the south, west, and middle of the township, and flow 
in a northerly direction, two of them uniting near the 
north line of the township, and the third uniting with the 
others in the south part of Weesaw. The head-waters of 
another branch rise in the east part of the township and 
in Bertrand, and join the main stream in Weesaw. 

The following list is of original purchasers of land on the 
several sections of Galien township : 

Section 1.— J. Coleman, McMichael, S. Potter, Talman, N. 

Wilson, N. and J. H. Wilson, A. Heald. 
Secllon 2.— C. B. Tuley, Bulls, J. M. Harder, S. Garwood, B. 

Redding. 
Serliun 3.— James Butter, D. II. Warren, B. Huston, S. Austin, S. 

Jones. 
Section 4.— Gilbert B. Avery, S. Barker, D. and J. Petrie. 
Section 5. — Dennis Fee, Edwin Ives, T. Roosevelt, F. Hutchinson, 

J. Gerrish, State. 
Section a.—E. A. Elliott, Thom.is Burch, U. B. Avery, Abiel G. I'lum- 

mer, State. 
Section 7.— State, J. Smith, A. G. Spicer. 
Section 8. — Richard Spanzenbury, Thomas Burch, Josejih A. Pratt, 

E. Cazone. 
Section 9.— Thomas Burch, Richard Cranmore, J. Ward, W. and A. 

Miller. 
Section 10. — R. Cranmore, D. Andrew, W. Livingston. 
Section 11.— J. PiatI, E. Luther, D. Andrew, S. Garwood, M. S. Gas- 

kell, S. Garwood. 

Section 12. — Baldwin Jenkins, S. Garwood, BrianI, B. Redding. 

Section LS.— John Deiirmond, J. Edson, J. Needham, C. Doolittle, 

Wilson, J. Egbert, A. Briant, J. Mandeville. 

Section 14.— A. Briant, W. Bendin, L. Briant, D. Andrew, B. Red- 
ding. 
Section 15. Freeman, D. Livingston. D. Andrew, N. Huston, 

G. Birdsall, H. Salladay, J. Ryan. 
Section 16. — School land. 
Section 17. — J. D. Leffingwell, L. Rush, J. Davis; Ralph Hunt. 



« By A. N. Hu 



rford. 



TOWNSHIP OF GALIEN. 



237 



Section 18. — R. R. Carlisle, J. J. Diitton, J. 1'. Johnson, Asher, 

J. Lewis, T. Burch. 

Section 19.— J. W. Lykins, J. Lewis, J. Curry, William Ward. 

Section 20.— J. Curry, Wilkinson, J. Unrugh, J. Huston, Wil- 
liam Ward. 

Section 21.— J. Unrugh, J. Unrugh, Jr., J. Huston, D. Andrews, R. 
Husson. 

Section 22.— R. Soper, R. Husson, A. W. McCollom, T. Husson. 

Section 23.— John Lane, J. Egbert, H. Redding, J. H. Phillips, L. 
Cutler. 

Section 24.— J. Egbert, Isano Philli|), Gabriel Dollingcr, and John 
Redding. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT, MILLS, ETC. 

The territory along the St. Joseph River was settled 
several years before the land back from the river was 
sought after. The land was heavily wooded, and many of 
its sections were bought for the timber by parties owning 
mills in other townships, and it was not purchased by actual 
settlers until part at least of its timber was cut off. 

The earliest settlers of whom any information can be 
gained were Samuel Garwood, James H. Wilson, and 
John P. Johnson. Samuel Garwood settled on the nortli- 
east quarter of section 1 1 before 1836. He was the first 
treasurer of the township, at its organization in 1844. He 
afterwards removed to Iowa. 

James H. Wilson was a native of Virginia, and removed 
with his parents to Ohio when about eight years of age. 
In 1836 he came to this township, and located and pur- 
chased the southwest quarter of section 1, where he still re- 
sides. In 1837 he built the first saw-mill in the township, 
on the small creek that runs through his farm. The dam 
has been washed out, leaving the frame of the mill still 
standing. He married, in 1838, Miss Nancy Kingery, of 
Buchanan. Eight of his children are now living, — six by 
the first wife and two by a second wife. Sylvester K., the 
eldest, lives at Dayton, and is proprietor of the saw-mill at 
that place ; Elmira married William Wilson, of Modcna, 111. ; 
Winfield S. lives at Galien ; Winslow C. and Merritt live 
at home ; Semantha married Charles H. Dean, of Detroit ; 
Clara B. and Nancy L., the youngest, are at home. Mr. 
Wilson was school inspector in 1846 and 1848, and treas- 
urer in 1860. Wm. Burns was the first supervisor of the 
township. He settled there before 1843, on the southwest 
quarter of section 11, now owned by Stephen Dennison. 
He was prominent in the history of the town in its early 
days. 

Daniel Bollinger settled about the same time, where Mrs. 
Annie T. Ranger now lives, on the east half of section 20. 
He was the first town clerk. Wm. Hardy, about 1846, 
settled on the north half of section 14. His daughter now 
lives on the farm. 

John P. Johnson came to the township in 1834, and 
purchased a part of the east half of section 19, and part of 
the west half of section 20, and where Zachariah Kinne 
now owns. He afterwards removed to Iowa. He was one 
of the first justices of the peace in the township, and one of 
the foremost men. 

Obadiah Rittenhouse was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
settled on section 3, now owned by Solomon Rough, of 
Bertrand. Peter Critchett, an early settler, married his 
daughter. 

James Edson and his family settled in 1836, on the 



northwest quarter of section 13. The first election of the 
township was held at his house, April 1, 1844. 

Alvin Emery bought the northeast quarter of section 22, 
on the Soper Creek, where he built a mill at an early day. 
He was supervisor in 1845-47, and school inspector the 
same years. Moses Emery, a brother, was school inspector 
in 1854, and justice of the peace in 1853. 

Richard Huston settled on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 16, and northeast quarter of section 21. His son, 
Richard D., lives on the northeast quarter of section 8. 
Anselm Abshire was an early settler, and one of the first 
justices of the peace. 

John Unrugh, before 1840, settled on that part of the 
southwest quarter of section 23 which lies in this township, 
and still lives there. Henry Smith, a native of Ohio, came 
to this township in 1845, and settled on the south half of 
section 10. He moved to Oregon about 1849. Perry G. 
Magness settled near where Zachariah Kinney lives, on sec- 
tion 19. 

There were a few other men of families in Galien prior 
to 1844, and several hired men and I'armers' sons who were 
voters. By the record of the town clerk there wore cast 
in the township, in 1844, 30 votes ; in 1845, 24 votes ; and 
in 1846, 33 votes. 

The following persons came into the township during the 
year 1846, and soon after: Peter Critchett, a native of 
Pennsylvania, settled on the southea.st quarter of section 4, 
after renting a year or two. He lived on this farm until 
1878, and is now living in the village. Asher A., Noah, 
David, and Allison G. Spicer, brothers, emigrated from Ohio 
about 1847. Asher located on the southeast quarter of 
section 10 an 1 southwest quarter of section 11 ; A. G. 
Spicer, on the northwest quarter of section 7, where Wm. 
Thompson now lives. Samuel Collins settled on the north- 
west quarter of section 17. Daniel Conant settled on a 
farm on the northwest quarter of section 10. He has a 
son living in Weesaw. 

George Partridge, a native of New Hampshire, emigrated, 
with his wife and family, in 1849, and located on the south- 
west quarter of section 11. He now lives in Galien 
village. 

William Valentine, from New York, settled in the .south- 
west corner of the township about 1847, and built a mill 
there. About 1850, Samuel Scleigh emigrated from Penn- 
sylvania, with his family, and located on the northwest 
quarter of section 16, where he built a mill, now known as 
the Penyard Mill. He was town clerk for many years. 

In 1859 the grand jurors for this township were David 
Miller and John P. Johnson. The petit jurors at the same 
time were Edson and Ashbury Baltimore. Settlements in 
the township were few prior to 1844. The population in 
1845 was 141; in 1854, 404; in 1860, 528; in 1870, 
856. 

The first .steam saw-mill was erected at what is now the 
village of Galien, about 1851,byClapp & Cheney. It was 
afterwards sold to C. H. Goodwin and to John L. Reed, 
and, in 1853, to George A. Blakeslee. 

Mr. Blakeslee is a native of Jefierson Co., N. Y. In 
1851 he came through this region of country on a prospect- 
in" tour, and again in 1853. nut intending to remain ; but 



238 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



at that time he purchased the east half of section 3, where 
the village of Galien now stands. At that time the saw- 
mill and one log cabin constituted all there was on the 
property. The mill had an engine of 30 horse-power, and 
a capacity of cutting 5000 feet of lumber per day. In 
1854 he built a store. Wheii the post-office was established 
he was appointed postmaster, and has remained in that posi- 
tion to the present time. Mr. Blakeslee has a farm of over 
200 acres on his homestead in Galien. He conducts the 
mercantile business, and buys the grain that comes to that 
market, and operates the large saw-mill and factory. The 
village plat was laid out by him in 1861. A large hall 
over the store is free for all religious services and other exer- 
cises of a public nature. He also owns a farm of 400 acres 
in section 28, in Weesaw. He is one of the foremost men 
in the society of " Latter- Day Saints" of the State and 
country. 

Richard W. Moutross came to Galien, and commenced 
manufacturing handles on a limited scale, and from this 
small beginning has built probably the largest business of 
the kind in this section of country. He is an active, ener- 
getic, upright man, fair and honest in his dealings, and 
liberal to all charitable purposes, and is a valuable man in 
the township. 

Steam Saw-Mill and Handle- Factory. — In 1853, Geo. 
A. Blakeslee purchased the mill property of John L. Reed, 
and soon enlarged its capacity. In 1868 it was destroyed 
by fire, and was rebuilt in seventy days. It now has a ca- 
pacity of cutting 25,000 feet of lumber per day, with an 
engine of 1 00 horse-power, and employs an average of 25 
men. It manufactures lumber, planed and matched, and 
turns out 1,500,000 broom-handles annually. Shipments 
are made to all parts of the country, but mostly to St. Louis, 
Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Schenectady. 

The Wolverine Handle- Factory. — The business now car- 
ried on under the above name was first started by Smith & 
Montross, in the mill of Mr. Geo. Blakeslee, from whom 
space and power were rented. Upon the destruction of that 
building by fire, in 1868, the business having become suc- 
cessful, Mr. Richard W. Montross decided to build a factory 
for himself, which he did on the present location. Addi- 
tions were made from time to time to meet the trade, and 
now he has every facility for manufacturing and storing 
equal to almost any demand. Sales are made in all parts of 
the United States and in Europe and Australia, to the latter 
of which shipments are made monthly. He has a working 
capital of $50,000, and employs about 40 men and boys. 
Every kind of handle known to the trade is mauufiictured, 
and the shipments reach millions annually. Mr. Montross 
has a branch establishment at Paw Paw. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 
The territory now forming Galien was in 183G attached 
to Bertrand, upon the organization of that township, and 
in 1837 it was transferred to Weesaw, to which township it 
belonged until the organizing act for its erection was ap- 
proved, Feb. 29, 1844, providing " That township 8 south, 
of range 9 west, in the County of Berrien, be, and the same 
is hereby, set ofl' and organized into a separate township by 
the name of Galien, and the first township-meeting shall 



be held at the house of James Edson, in said township." 
In accordance with the provisions of the above act, the first 
township-meeting was held at the place mentioned in the 
spring of 1844, at which election 31 votes were cast and the 
following officers were elected : William Burns, Supervisor ; 
Daniel Bellinger, Town Clerk ; Samuel Garwood, Treasurer; 
William H. Willson, William Burns, John P. Johnson, and 
A. Abshire, Justices ; Wm. Burns and Hiram S. Copley, 
School Inspectors. $25 was voted at this meeting for the 
support of schools. The expenses of the township, as 
shown by the records for 1847, were $75.25. For 1848 
they were $40. 

At a town-meeting in April, 1846, it was voted, "That 
$22 of wild-cat money be sold to the highest bidder" [and 
which brought 50 cents], " the same to be applied to pur- 
chase a book for the use of the town treasurer." 

The supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the 
peace of the township of Galien, from its organization to 
the present time, have been as follows : 

SUPERVISOES. 

1844, William Burns; 1845, Alvin Emory; 1846, Wm. Burns; 1847, 
Alvin Emory; 1848, John P. Johnson; 1849, Henry Smith; 
1850-52, John P. Johnson; 1853-55, Perry Noggle; 185fi, Wm. 
Valentine; 1857-58, D. D. Hinman; 1859-60, Perry Noggle; 
1861, Geo. Partridge; 1862-63, Perry Noggle; 1864, Geo. Par- 
tridge; 1865, Wm. K. White; 1866, Geo. Partridge; 1867, Al- 
bert Clark; 1868, Wm. K. White; 1869-70, Geo. Partridge; 1871 
-75, Stephen A. Dennison ; 1876, Geo. Partridge; 1877, Perry 
Noggle; 1878-79, Benton R. Stearns. 

TOWN CLERKS. 

1844-45, Daniel Bellinger; 1846, Hiram D. Copley; 1847-48, Daniel 
Bellinger; 1849-50, Samuel Scleigh ; 1851, D. D. Hinman; 1852, 
Samuel Seleigh; 1853, S. H. Burns; 1854-55, P. G. Winchell; 
1856-57, Freeman Yaw; 1860-64, David D. Hinman; 1865, 
Henry M. Blair; 1806, Freeman Yaw; 1867-72, D. D. Hinman; 
1873-75, Alex. Emory; 1870-78, Ebenezer Harris; 1879, Timo- 
thy Smith. 

TEEASUREES. 

1844-45, Samuel Garwood; 1846-47, Asher A. Spicer ; 1848, Daniel 
Bellinger; 1849-50, Asher A. Spieer; 1851, C. Borders; 1852-53, 
Jacob Jackson ; 1854, Peter Critchett; 1855-59, Jacob Jackson; 
1860-60, James H. Wilson; 1808-70, Freeman Yaw; 1871-73, 
Ebenezer Harris; 1874-77, Benton R. Stearns; 1878-79, Wm. 
W. Fry. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1844, John P. Johnson, William Burns, James H. Wilson ; 1845, 
James H. Wilson; 1846, Wm. Burns, Samuel Collins; 1847, 
Daniel Bellinger; 1848, James H. Wilson ; 1849, John Johnson, 
Freeburg G. White; 1850, Samuel Seleigh; 1851, T. G. Bobo, B. 
Lybrook, F. G. White; 1852, S. Scleigh, Jacob Jackson; 1853, 
S. H. Burns, Moses Emory, J. G. Winchell; 1854, E. Colby; 
1855, G. L. Green ; 1856, S. Collins, Jonathan Wills, D. D. Hin- 
man ; 1857, D. D. Hinman, E. J. White, Geo. Partridge, Geo. 
Blakeslee; 1858, Reuben H. Rice, Geo. A. Blakeslee, E. J. White, 
J. A. Cutshan; 1859, Ira Cowell, Isaac Batten; 1860, William 
Jewel ; 1861, Henry Yaw, John A. Barber; 1862, Peter Critchett, 
John Shuley ; 1863, Peter E. Swan, Wm. J. Closaon ; 1864, John 
Shuley, James M. Patterson ; 1865, Wm. K. White, Peter Critch- 
ett, David Owen ; 1866, G. A. Blakeslee, Zaehariah Kinno, Albert 
Clark; 1867, D. D. Hinman; 1868, Peter Critchett, J. B. Dow- 
ling; 1869, Zaehariah Kinne, Winslow C. Wilson, Alex. Emory ; 
1870, David Dingman, G. A. Blakeslee, Wm. F. Swem ; 1871, 
Wm. K. White; 1872, Geo. A. Blakeslee, J. B. Dowling; 1873, 
Z. Kinne, Wm. W. Davis, Peter Ash; 1874, Peter Ash, AIo.\. 
Emory; 1876, Porter Churchill; 1877, John Shuley; 1878, Chas. 
A. Witter; 1879, Alexander Emory. 





Mr. CYRUS THURSTON. 



MflS.C. THURSTON. 




i.^J |i U 4 JL i^^WMJ i ^l iii ^l- ' u 


















Res.of CYRUS THURSTON,Qaiii-n, Berrien Co.Mich. 1879. 



TOWNSHIP OF GALIEN. 



239 



GALIEN VILLAGE. 

The village of Galien was laid out in 1861, by George 
A. Blakeslee, who located there in 1853, and owned the 
land on which the village stands. It now contains a popu- 
lation of about 500 inhabitants, with 90 dwellings, three 
dry-goods and grocery-stores, two drug-stores, and one hard- 
ware-store, two saloons, two handle-factories and saw-mills, 
one stave-factory, three blacksmith-shops, one wagon-shop, 
one shoe-shop, one church (German Lutheran), and three 
other church organizations ( Methodist, Latter-Day Saints, 
and Disciples), two hotels, post-office, school-house, and one 
grist-mili. 

Incorporation of the Village. — An act incorporating the 
village of Galien, to embrace section 3 and the northwest 
quarter of section 10, was approved March 4, 1879. An 
election was held on the .second Monday in March, 1879, 
at Hoskins' Hotel, and the following officers were elected : 
George A. Blakeslee, President ; Richard Montross, Charles 
A. Witte, Peter Critchett, Edwin J. Fairfield, Bowles C. 
Smith, Ebenezer Harris, Trustees ; Alexander Emery, 
Clerk ; Timothy Smith, Treasurer ; John Carl, Street 
Commissioner ; George Partridge, Assessor. 

AVERY'S STATION. 
This place is on the west line of the township, and is a 
station on the Michigan Central Railroad. It lies mostly 
in Three Oaks, and is hardly of sufficient importance to be 
called a village. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first action of the township in reference to schools 
was at the first election (held April 1, 184-lj, at which 
time $25 was voted for use of primary schools. The town- 
ship had been divided into districts while included in the 
territory of Weesaw. The board of school inspectors met 
Dec. 12, 1845, and granted certificates to David B. Cop- 
ley and Martha Fleming. At a meeting held Dec. 13, 
1847, .school district No. 2 was reformed, to comprise sec- 
tions 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, and 22. Dec. 6, 1847, Sally 
Bauman received certificate to teach in district No. 2. At 
the regular town-meeting in April, 1848, it was voted to 
raise 50 cents to each scholar over four years and under 
eighteen years. April 29, 1848, Elizabeth Scleigh received 
a certificate as teacher. 

The return of scholars and school-money for the year 
1848 was 

Scholars. P;""*''' 

Money. 

District Ni). 1 69 $15.63 

" 2 49 12.98 

" " 3 26 6.89 

Totals 134 $35.50 

, The reports for the years 1849, 1856, 1860, and 1879 
showed as follows : 

1849. 

Scholars. Primary 

Money. 

District No. 1 23 .$7.82 

" " 2 32 10.88 

" 3 44 14.96 

Totals 99 at 34 cents each $33.66 



District No. 1. 
" "1. 






Scholars. 
.... 48 


to build hou 
in money 


Primary 

Money. 

$25.68 
se 180.00 


" 2. 
" 2. 
" 3. 






.... 77 

voted 

.... 36 


41.19 
57.75 
19.26 








1860. 






No. of District. 

1 






Scholars. 
.... 46 


Primary 
Money. 
.$21.16 
16.10 
11.96 


Librai-y 
Money. 
$14.21 


2 

3 

4 

5 

6 






.... 35 
.... 26 


10.81 
8.03 






.... 52 
.... 19 


23.92 
8.74 
11.60 


16.05 
5.87 


7 






.... 25 


7.72 


Totals.. 






.... 203 

1879. 


.$93.38 


$62.69 


Amount of pr 
" lib 


mary 
■ary 

Sc 


mone 






. $211.68 






1 .90 


No. of District. 

1 


lolars. 
41 
57 
63 
85 
54 
41 

41 


Primary. 

.$19.68 
27.36 
30.24 
88.80 
25.92 
19.68 

$211.68 


Library. 

$0.18 

.24 

.80 
.23 
.18 

$1.90 


Total. 

$19.86 






27.60 


3 

5 




30.51 
89.60 


8 




26.15 
19.86 


Totals.. 




$213.58 


VALUE OF 


SCHOOL-SITES AND HOUSES 






frani 

brick 
fram 








$300 










600 


'• '• 3, 








350 


" " 6, 








6600 


" ■ •■' 7, 








400 


" 8. 








600 



The brick school-house in the village was built in 1877- 
78, the village being bonded for that purpose. The bonded 
indebtedness at this time is $1693.33. 

The following-named persons have filled the office of 
school inspector in Galien township from its organization to 
the present time : 

1844, William Burns, Hiram H. Copley; 1845, Alvin Emery, Auselm 
Abshire; 1846, James H. Wilson, Hiram H. Copley: 1847, Alvin 
Emory ; 1848, James H. Wilson, John P. Johnson ; 1849, John 
P. Johnson, Henry Smith ; 1860, Samuel Reynolds ; 1851, Chris- 
topher Borden ; 1852, John P. Johnson; 1863, William H. John- 
son, D. D. Hinman; 1854, E. Colby, B. Lybrook ; 1865, M. 
Emory; 1856, E. Colby, C. Thurston; 1857, D. D. Hinman; 
1858, William Valentine; 1859, John Valentine, Isaac Wombold ; 
1860, Reuben H. Rice, Henry Yaw : 1861, Henry M. Blair ; 1862, 
Cyrus Thurston; 1863, Julius W. Marsh; 1864, Henry Yaw, El- 
lis E. Taylor; 1865, Perry Noggle; 1866-67, J. B. Dowling; 
1868, Ransom P. Goit, George W. Lee; 1869, J. B. Dowling; 
1870-71, Alexander Emory; 1872, J. B. Dowling; 1873, Alex- 
ander Emory; 1874, J. B. Dowling, Cyrus Thurston; 1875, J. B. 
Dowling; 1876, G. A. Blakeslee; 1877, J. B. Dowling; 1878, 
Charles Valentine; 1879, J. B. Dowling. 

The office of superintendent of schools has been filled by 
the following-named persons : 

1876-76, Timothy Smith; 1877, Cyrus Thurston; 1878, Bolls C. 
Smith ; 1879, Cyrus Thurston. 

The Galien Board of Education for 1879 is composed of 
D. C. Smith, M.D., Theron Chilson, D. W. Severn, Alex- 
ander Emory, and B. R. Stearns. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
The German Lutheran Church was organized Nov. 25, 
1866, with 12 members, at the school-house in the village 
of Galien. The Rev. William Braunwarth was the first 



240 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pastor. He was succeeded by the Revs. A. Lehniann, E. 
Kling, Frederick Walter, Johu NoUau, Julius Schumm, 
and A. Debus, who is the present pastor. The church was 
erected about 1869. The present member.ship is 16. The 
church at Three Oaks is under the same charge with this. 

Latter-Day Saints. — The denomination to which this 
society belongs number in the United States between 100,- 
000 and 200,000 members. They are followers of Joseph 
Smith, but do not accept the beliefs of Brigham Young, 
and claim that he is an apostate from original Mormonism. 
Polygamy is no part of their creed, and they have no con- 
nection with the Utah Mormons. The title is the " Reor- 
ganized Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with Joseph 
Smith, the son of the martyr, at its head." They were the 
first to send missionaries to Utah. The organization in the 
village and town of Galien was founded with 70 members, 
and now has about 40. It belongs to the Michigan dis- 
trict, in which there are five pastors. The Rev. William 
Kelly has charge of this church. Meetings are held in 
Blakeslee Hall. 

A Methodist Class was organized at the village in 1871, 
with 12 members. They number at present 4. Meetings 
are held in Blakeslee Hall. 

Tiie Church of the Disciples was organized at Galien 
Centre in the spring of 1859, with about 30 members, by 
the Rev. William Roe, and has been held mostly in the 
same charge with the church of Buchanan. The organiza- 
tion was divided in April, 1879, a part remaining at the 
Centre, and part worship at the village of Galien. Both 
organizations number about 40 members. A church was 
built at Galien Centre, on the southwest corner of section 
10, about 1869, and services are now held there once in two 
weeks by the Rev. Mr. Cowles. Services are held in Galien 
village, in the hall at Haskins' Hotel. 

United Brethren. — An organization of the above de- 
nomination was perfected about twenty years ago, but has 
not been kept in very good condition. It is now assuming 
new life and bids fair to be a prosperous organization. Ser- 
vices are held in the school-house about one mile south of 
Galien Centre. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DAVID A. CUTHBERT. 

This gentleman was born Aug. 16, 1819, in Yorkshire, 
England. At the age of eleven years his father hired him 
out to work on a farm for twelve months. He continued 
laboring as a farm-hand until he was twenty-seven years 
old, when he married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and 
Elizabeth Arlington. Two children were born of this 
union, viz., David T., born June 15, 1847, and John A., 
born July 10, 1850. In 1853, Mr. Cuthbert decided to 
try his fortunes in America. His first stopping-place after 
arriving in this country was Rochester, N. Y., where, with 
his family and without means to go any farther, he was 
obliged to stay. But, used to labor, he soon obtained work, 
and as soon as he succeeded in getting money enough to get 



away, moved to Michigan, rented land in Cass and Berrien 
Counties until 1865, when he found himself possessed of 
means enough to purchase a home of his own, and bought 
at one time 40 and at another 80 acres. Oct. 2, 1875, he 
had the misfortune to lose his wife. Being somewhat dis- 
couraged and unsettled at this affliction, he resolved to visit 
his native land ; but upon again looking on those old 
familiar haunts of his boyhood all seemed changed. As he 
expresses it, " Everything looked so narrow that it did not 
seem like home." Returning to Michigan in 1877, in 
October, 1878, he married, for his second wife, Mrs. Louisa 
J., widow of Henry Ilenbarger. 

He has been in politics a Democrat, but declares himself 
untranimeled, and intends now to cast his vote for the can- 
didate whom he considers best fitted for the ofSce to be filled, 
regardless of party. 

In religion he has been a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church since 1849. His first wife was also a member 
of the same church. 



HENRY RENBARGER 

was a native of Indiana, born Feb. 25, 1830. His boyhood 
was passed on a farm, rendering his father such assistance 
as farmers' boys in those days usually were called upon to 
give. Soon after reaching his majority, and upon the 7th 
day of September, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Louisa J., daughter of John and Martha Martin. 
The following year he came to Michigan, renting land until 
1855, then located on the farm where the family now re- 
side, purchasing 160 acres, to which he afterwards added 
36 acres. 

Mr. and Mrs. Renbarger were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, viz., Winfield S., born June 18, 1852; James A., 
March 9, 1854 ; Martha A., Oct. 12, 1856; George W., 
Feb. 4, 1859 ; Elsie M., Sept. 23, 1861 ; Nancy E., April 
22, 1864, died May 19, 1864; Elmira L., born May 25, 
1865 ; and John H., born May 28, 1868. 

Politically, Mr. Renbarger acted with the Democratic 
party. In religion he was what is termed a liberal, never 
belonging to any church organization, but left behind him 
a name honored and unsullied, respected by all who knew 
him, and a memory ever green in the minds of his friends 
and family. His death occurred upon the 20th day of Sep- 
tember, 1876. 



MRS. MARY WITTER, 

formerly Mrs. Huston, was born in Ohio, Feb. 10, 1804. 
Her father, Jes.se Frame, was a native of Virginia, remov- 
ing to Ohio in 1803. Her mother's maiden name was 
Nancy Abshir, who was also a native of Virginia, and 
married Mr. Jesse Frame about 1779. Mrs. Witter was 
the third child in a family of twelve children, and was 
married to Mr. William Huston, Dec. 20, 1827, in Ohio, 
removing to Michigan in 1840, and settling where Mrs. 
Witter now lives. Mr. Huston died March 11, 1845, 
leaving six children to be i)rovided' for. Mrs. Huston 
succeeded by industry and perseverance in keeping the 



TOWNSHIP OF GALIEN. 



241 



family together until all had reached maturity. In 1852 
she was married, the second time, to Samuel Reynolds, who 
died in February, 1857, there being only two weeks differ- 
ence in the time of his death and that of her son, Jesse 
Huston, a promising boy of seventeen years. In 1859 she 
was the third time married, this time to Mr. John Witter, 



educational advantages and having seen but little of society, 
yet it will afford any one pleasure to visit her. She is ever 
ready to lend a helping hand to those around her needing 
assistance, and has always found enough of this to do ; 
neighbors and friends calling upon her in sickness or 
when needing assistance, and always receiving it. Many 




MRS. MARY WITTER. 



and removed to Portage Prairie, where she remained nine 
years, or until the death of Mr. Witter. She then re- 
turned to her old home in Galien township, making her 
home with her daughter, Mrs. Weldon, who died in 1877, 
leaving her children to be cared for by her mother. 

Mrs. Witter is a remarkable woman ; having had no early 



weaker minds would have been crushed by the sorrow that 
has overtaken her during her lifetime, having been called 
to mourn the loss of so many of her family, — four of 
her children have passed on before; but ever remember- 
ing that these dark clouds overshadowing her have silver 
linings, she goes on cheerfully fulfilling her mission. 



CYRUS THURSTON 

is a native of Pennsylvania, though his father and mother 
were both natives of New York. He was born Aug. l-l, 
1825, and was one of a family of five children, — four boys 
and one girl. One of the brothers died when grown, and 
the sister died when quite young. 

Cyrus was raised on a farm, remaining at home assisting 
his father about the farm until he was twenty-two years of 
age. June 8, 1848, he married Miss Hannah B., daughter 
of Jonathan and Ann Woolverton. Of this union have 
been born nine children, of whom five are living. Mrs. 
Thurston's mother was a relative of Col. Daniel Boone. 
Cyrus came to Michigan in the fall of 1853, renting land 
and farming until 1855, when he made his first purchase of 
eighty acres, on section 8 of this township. In 1846 he 
bought the present homestead of sixty acres, to which he has 
since added thirty acres, making a fine farm of ninety acres. 
His advantages for an early education were limited, but, 
31 



being anxious to secure a good education, he attended a high 
school two terms just before his marriage and the Michigan 
State Normal School one term after his marriage. This, 
with his reading and constant study outside of school, fitted 
him for teaching, and he then entered that profession, farm- 
ing during the summer and teaching in the winter. He 
has taught in every district in his township except one ; 
also has taught in Ohio and Indiana, and has filled the 
position of superintendent of schools. 

In politics he has always been a Democrat, and is now 
identified with those advocating hard money. In religion 
he is connected with that denomination known as the Latter- 
Day Saints. 

Mr. Thurston has ever been an industrious and ambitious 
man, and by these good qualities has secured for himself 
and family a comfortable home. These facts must make 
memory a pleasure, and give zest to the enjoyments of this 
life. 



242 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



FRANK JERUE. 

The subject of this sketch was bom in 1844, in Canada. 
Came to Berrien County in 185.5. When he was about 
eighteen years old the war of the Rebellion broke out, and, 
loyal to his country, he responded to the call to arras, en- 
listing in the 25th Michigan Infantry, July, 1862. He 
served as a private until he was discharged, July, 1865. 
He was wounded at Atlanta, Ga., July 28, 1864, and was 
then absent frorn his regiment five months, the only time 
he was absent during his term of service. 

Mr. Jerue made his first purchase of land in 1868, of 
forty acres, to which he has since added thirty acres, making 
a farm of seveuty acres, which, though small, is an excel- 
lent and profitable one. His father and friends are all 
Democrats, but he has always been a firm supporter of 
the Republican party. Is a member of the United Breth- 
ren Church, he and his wife having united with it only a 
short time ago. They had previously been members of the 
Methodist Church. Mr. F. Jerue married Miss Clara, 
daughter of George and Jane Parish, who were married in 
1836 and reside in this county. They have had six chil- 
dren ; two only are living, viz., Frank A. and Clyde S. 

The father and mother of Mr. Jerue were married in 
1843, in Canada, and Mr. Jerue was the oldest of their 
eight children, — four boys and four girls. His father is now 
a resident of this county. 



R. B. HUSTON 



was born in Indiana, Nov. 15, 1829, and was the eldest son 
of Wm. Huston, a native of Ohio, but who removed to 
Michigan in 1835, being one of the first settlers in Galien 
township. His death occurred March 22, 1844, leaving 
behind a widow and five children, the widow still living. 
After the death of his father, R. B. Huston remained at 
home with his mother, assisting her in the management of 
the fivrm and care of the family until he was twenty-six 
years of age. May 4, 1856, he married Miss Martha 
A., daughter of Henry and Nancy Waterhou.se. Ten 
children have been added to their family circle and two 
taken away again. Names and ages as follows : Rhoda L., 
born Oct. 18, 1858. Loretta A., born Sept. 13, 1860 ; 
died Dec. 26, 1878. George E., born March 7, 1862. 
Mary, born Aug. 11, 1864. Nancy, born April 12, 1866. 
John W., born May 30, 1869. Sylva A., born Feb. 7, 
1871 ; died Aug. 2, 1872. Minerva M., born Feb. 11, 
1874. Wm. J., born Jan. 10, 1876. Grace M., born 
May 5, 1877. After his marriage he remained at the old 
homestead for two years, then moved to his present home, 
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres ; he also owns 
another farm of eighty acres one mile west of his residence. 
In the early settlement of the county the opportunities 
for securing an education were very limited; he attended a 
few terms of the district school, where he received his only 
education. 

Mrs. Huston's fiither and mother were natives of Ver- 
mont, where she was born March 25, 1839 ; was the youngest 
of six children. Her parents removed to Ohio when she 
was four years old, and from there to Galien, Mich., when 
she was thirteen years old, where she has since resided. 



In 1852, Mr. Huston and a brother of Mrs. Huston 
owned and ran the first grain separator ever used in Galien 
township. Also owned the first reaper and put up the first 
windmill. He has been engaged for several years in thrash- 
ing. At this time he is owning and running a .steam 
thrasher. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

HAGAB TOWNSHIP.* 

Description of Location, Soil, and Surface — Settlements, Mills, and 
Early Roads — Township Organization and Civil List — Religious 
Organizations — Schools. 

Hagar lies upon the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, 
and occupies as well the extreme northwestern corner of 
Berrien County. It is numbered town 3 south, in range 
18 west, contains less than 19 .sections, and is bounded on 
the north by the Van Buren County line, on the south by 
Benton township, on the east by Watervliet, and on the 
west by Lake Michigan. It is well watered by numerous 
streams, of which the largest is the Paw Paw River, flowing 
across the southeastern portion of the township. 

Like other Berrien County town.ships, Hagar was at one 
time a rich fruit-growing region, but latterly has lost much 
of its importance in that direction by the general prevalence 
of disease in the peach orchards. Apples and other fruits 
are grown to a considerable extent, and among Hagar's 
agriculturists might be named a score or more who are 
heavy fruit-growers. Although much attention is given to 
fruit, general farming is by no means neglected. The Chi- 
cago and West Michigan Railroad, passing through the 
township, with stations at Hagar and Riverside, furnishes 
convenient and quick access to markets for the products of 
the soil. 

Each of the stations named has a post-oflSce. Neither 
rises to the dignity of a village, although the latter contains 
a store. The need of villages or stores in the township is, 
after all, scarcely apparent, as Benton Harbor and St. Joseph 
naturally attract the business of the adjacent country, and 
may be reached in an hour from any part of Hagar. 

In the northern part of the township, near the lake-shore, 
there is much timbered land which is being industriously 
cleared by lumbering firms, one of which employs 80 men. 
The assessed valuation of this township is but $95,385, the 
least of any of the townships of Berrien. The presence of 
considerable tracts of unimproved land — indeed fully one- 
half if not more of the territory in Hagar is timbered — 
gives reason for this, but according to the way in which the 
country is being cleared, the assessed valuation will show a 
material increase within five years. 

Hagar is well supplied with schools, but has no church 
edifice within its limits, although two church organizations 
maintain public worship in school-houses. The township 
has neither grist-mill nor saw-mill, and has had but one of 
the latter, long since, however, in disuse. 

That portion of St. Joseph township now known as Hagar 
failed to invite the attention of pioneers until after 1840, 
and even then only to a very moderate degree. The first 
white man to locate upon that territory as a settler was 

*_By David Schwartz. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAGAR. 



243 



Henry Hawley, a Canadian, who entered 160 acres on sec- 
tion 23, where Oscar Damon now lives. He conveyed his 
family to the place in the spring of 1839, and worked for 
a while in the midst of an uninhabited region, as if he really 
intended to make a permanent home in the wilderness, but 
his courage failed before the loneliness of his situation and 
the rather gloomy prospect before him. Settlers from St. 
Joseph had given him a helping hand at the outset, and 
gathered in force to put up a log cabin for him. He 
started cheerfully upon the task of clearing his land, and 
made up his mind to fight his way stubbornly against the 
disadvantages of a life in an unbroken country, but he grew 
tired of the business before he had cleared an acre of land, 
and, packing up his goods, took them and his family off to 
Indiana, where he lived until his death. 

In the summer of 1839, Charles Lamb, a Vermonter, 
came West with a young wife, and, tarrying a short time in 
St. Joseph (working meanwhile on the docks), moved with 
his wife and infant child upon what is now known as the 
Bundy Place, in Hagar, the northeast quarter of section 23. 
As there was no road to his new farm, he made the journey 
up the Paw Paw River in a canoe. The road from Hagar 
to Benton Harbor, Mr. Lamb helped to lay out some time 
after he became a settler, and that was the first road laid 
out in the township. Hawley was gone when Lamb moved 
in, and the latter's family was therefore the only one at that 
time in the territory now covered by Hagar. Mr. Lamb 
may therefore be called Hagar's first permanent settler. 

From Jan. 1, 1841, to July 4, 1842, iMr. Lamb kept a 
daily journal, and endeavored to note therein the progress 
of events in his new settlement. That journal, now in the 
possession of his daughter, Mrs. Anderson, of Hagar, is an 
interesting record, apart from its value as a memorial, and 
from its pages have been copied a few extracts, as follows : 

"Jan. 3, 1841, Sunday. — Had a great time comparing my present 
circumstances with those a year ago. Then alone here in the woods, 
with great horrors of mind from various causes ; pecuniary circum- 
stances the great disadvantage ; no team, cattle to winter, and doubts 
of my success in getting a living here; no speedy prospects of a settle- 
ment so as to have neighbors. Within the past year four families 
have settled, — Pannel, McCrea, Bundy, and Farnum. Prospects look 
better; doubts gone. 

" Sunday, January 10th. — Tried to Iceep the Sabbath. Worked four 
and a half days for Johnson. Received for pay chain, hoe, and gun. 

"Sunday, January 17th. — Chopped some; sick some; snowed 
some. 

" April. — Went to town on a raft. 

" May 30th. — Helped Bundy make his brush tence two and a half 
days. He helped me hoe corn one a half days. 

"June 20th. — William Allen came; glad to see a Vermonter. 

" Sunday, July 4th. — National anniversary independence ; great 
thing to be truly independent; hope to be in part; gaining slowly; 
some different from two years ago ; came from St. Jo with my axe, 
felled one tree; not a person here; now several. 

"July 25th. — Pannel moved from the settlement. 

"August 15th. — Had the dumps. 

" August 20th. — Mrs. Bundy died ; for the tirst time the neighbor- 
hood came together to bury one of them. 

" September 24th. — Snowed all night and day ; two and a half feet 
deep. 

" September 31st. — Snow all gone. 

"November 15th and IGth. — Made boots. 

"Jan. 1, 1842. — The old year has gone, and my prospects and cir- 
cumstances are a little better than a year ago; shall try it another 
year; the settlement is progressing; Pannel's family gone; Oliver 
Sorrell's come ; prospects of more ; one has died. 



"February 13th. — Daniel Brant and family came into the neigh- 
borhood. 

"July 4th. — Hoed corn all day ; not quite independent yet, but, to 
look it all over, think I am a little more so than I was a year ago; 
have some doubts whether there can be such a thing as perfect in- 



A few years after his settlement (in 1845) Mr. Lamb 
moved across the Paw Paw River to where John Brown 
now lives, and resided there until his death, in 1846. Two 
of his daughters — Mrs. Roome and Mrs. Anderson — re- 
side in Hagar. Mrs. Anderson is now the oldest settler in 
Hagar, although she was but a babe when she became one 
of its population. 

The second permanent settler in Hagar was Mathias 
Farnum, who made his first Michigan settlement in St. 
Joseph, in 1836, and there he was one of the first to work 
upon the docks constructed there. In the winter of 1839 
he entered 160 acres of land, on what is now section 13 of 
Hagar. Mr. Farnum, with other residents of St. Joseph, 
had gone out into the woods and assisted in building cabins 
for Hawley and Lamb, in Hagar, and when Farnum de- 
cided to become a settler there also, his St. Joseph neigh- 
bors assisted him in putting up his log cabin. In December 
1839, Mr. Farnum moved upon his new place, with his wife 
and child, and no doubt his coming rejoiced the heart of 
Lamb, who from that time forward emerged from his lone- 
liness into the cheerful conviction that he had a neighbor, 
although that neighbor was more than a mile distant. Mr. 
Farnum lived in Hagar until 1860, when he removed to 
Watervliet, thence to Iowa, and later to the village of 
Benton Harbor, where he has resided since 1864. 

The settler who followed Farnum into Hagar was Na- 
thaniel Bundy, who in 1840 started from Huron Co., Ohio, 
with his wife and four children, for Jlichigan. He halted 
at St. Joseph, and after working about the neighborhood a 
year, bought 160 acres, on .section 14, in Hagar, of Robert 
Hollywood. Leaving his family at St. Joseph, he went into 
the woods with his axe and put up a log cabin, which being 
done, he moved his family into it, and in the spring of 
1841 the new settlement included three families, and Chas. 
Lamb boasted two neighbors. Mr. Bundy lived on his 
place until his death, in 1872. James Bundy, Nathaniel 
Bundy 's son, is the only child of the latter now living in 
the township. 

William McCrea was Hagar's fourth settler. He mi- 
grated from Canada to St. Joseph, Mich., about 1838, 
lived there until 1841, married a daughter of George Mills 
(a settler in St. Joseph in 1838), and moved then to 
Hagar, where he had entered 120 acres on section 14, 
built a log cabin, cleared two acres, and put in a crop. 
McCrea's nearest neighbor was Charles Lamb, who was 
three-quarters of a mile away. At the time of his settle- 
ment the road from Hagar to St. Joseph had been laid 
out, but the track was a narrow one through the woods, 
and extremely rough, as well as but faintly marked, except 
as an extended opening in the forest. Mr. McCrea lived 
upon his Hagar farm until Aug. 15, 1849, when he was 
killed by the fall of a tree. His widow married Mr. 
Anthony S. Bishop, and still lives in Hagar. 

Before McCrea came Francis Pannel, an Englishman, 
who remained but two years, when he sold out to Joseph 



244 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Stratton, and moved to Benton township, where he died. 
Stratton stayed in Hagar but a few years, when, with his 
family, he moved to California. Crawford Hazard settled 
in 18-U, but became afterwards a resident of Bainbridge, 
where he died. 

Lacy Brant and Daniel Brant, his brother, settled origi- 
nally in Pipestone, whence they moved to Hagar, leaving 
there, after a short stay, for Pipestone. Oliver Sorrell was 
also an early settler in Hagar, but moved to Pipestone, where 
he now lives. Leonard Lull bought out one of the Brants, 
but soon sold out to Wm. Ferguson, and moved away. 

The Finch family settled in Hagar in 1845. Isaac 
Finch, with his wife, five children, and Mrs. Kimnie, his 
grandmother, moved from Madison Co., Ind., to Niles 
township, in Michigan, and after residing there until 
1845, changed their residence to Hagar township, where 
Isaac Finch, Jr., entered 40 acres of land on section 12. 
The Finches stopped with Matthias Farnum until they 
erected a log cabin upon their place. Alexis D. Finch, 
another of the sons, bought at the same time 50 acres of 
Mr. Farnum, on section 13, and there he still resides. The 
elder Finch lived with his son Isaac until his death, in 
1853. Of Mr. Finch's five children who came to Hagar 
with him, those living in Hagar are Alexis D., Sarah 
Finch, and Mrs. William Huyck. When Mr. Finch set- 
tled in Hagar the only families residing on the west side 
of the river were the Bundys, Farnums, McCreas, and 
Lambs. Mr. Isaac Finch's grandmother, Mrs. Kimme, 
reached the advanced age of ninety-two, when she died in 
Hagar. She was buried upon the Farnum place. Her 
father, who died in New York, was one hundred and four- 
teen years old when he died. 

In 1848, William Flood, with his family and James 
Flood, his brother, left Ireland for America, intending to 
settle in the Slate of Wisconsin. They journeyed westward 
as far as Kalamazoo, Mich., where they remained two weeks, 
during which James and William worked on the Michigan 
Central Railroad. They proceeded thence to St. Jo.seph, 
where they were induced by a fellow-countryman, James 
Murphy, to sec Col. Fitzgerald, a Michigan land-owner, 
and from him William bought a quarter of section 27, in 
Hagar. Of course the Wisconsin project was abandoned, 
and William, with his family and brother James, went out 
to Hagar. Considerable timber had been taken off the land 
for the docks at St. Joseph, and fortunately finding a lum- 
berman's shanty upon the place, the Floods were enabled 
to proceed to housekeeping without delay. Even at that 
late date the country was very new, and about the only road 
in the vicinity of the Flood place was the St. Joseph road. 
James lived with his brother until 1852, when he moved 
upon 65 acres in section 34, that he had purchased in 1850. 
There he lives now. William lived on his place of first 
settlement until his death, in 1873, and there his widow 
survives him. 

Philip Lynch, with his sister and Philip Farley, came 
from Ireland in 1848. While on the way Farley and Miss 
Lynch were married at Albany, N. Y., and in a short time 
Farley and Lynch settled in company upon section 27, in 
Hagar township, where Farley still lives. Lynch purchased 
land on section 28, and is now living upon it. 



Sylvanus Cook, an early settler in Niles, moved to Wis- 
consin, whence, in 1849, he returned to Michigan and lo- 
cated in the northeast corner of Hagar township. He 
married a daughter of Isaac Finch, and died in Hagar in 
1863. 

A. S. Bishop, now living in Hagar, settled in Bainbridge 
with his father, in 1844, and in 1850 removed to Hagar, 
where he married the widow of William McCrea, one of 
Hagar's earliest settlers. 

In June, 1848, Benjamin Harris and Uriah Harris, his 
father, of Morgan Co., Ohio, entered 160 acres each on 
section 12, in Hagar, at $1.20 per acre, and conjointly en- 
tered 36 acres on the same section, at $1.25. In October, 
1850, Benjamin, with his family, migrated from Ohio to 
his Hagar fiirm, in company with his brother Abram, who 
settled upon a portion of the 160 acres entered by the elder 
Harris, the latter settling in Watervliet township. Both 
families were guests of Mathias Farnum until their own 
cabins could be erected. Benjamin Harris had a family of 
a wife and seven children, and shortly after they got into 
their new cabin all except Mrs. Harris and her infant babe 
were stricken with ague. Between taking care of her child, 
nursing the seven helpless ones, and attending to her house- 
hold duties, the mother must have had a weary time, but 
she worked bravely through it all. At one time, being 
without flour in the house, she slipped hurriedly away, 
leaving the invalids to themselves, walked through the 
woods to Sjirague Bishop's house, borrowed a sack of flour, 
and hurried home with it on her back, in season to cheer 
the sufi'ering ones with renewed timely attentions. Physi- 
cians were scarce and hard to get, but Dr. Lindsley was 
persuaded to come over from Watervliet and look after the 
afliicted family. His bill for attendance was 680, and Mr. 
Harris says that it almost staggered him when he was told 
how much it was, for $80 in those days in the woods of 
Hagar was an immense sum of money. " However," says 
Mr. Harris, " I paid it after a while ; but it was a tough 
struggle, I can tell you, to scrape that amount of money 
together then." Abram Harris died in Hagar in 1864. 
Benjamin still lives where he first settled. 

The region along the lake-shore was not settled until a 
comparatively late date, and even now there is much wild 
land in the north, especially on section 11, which contains 
scarcely any settlements. Quite a large tract in that region 
is owned by lumbering firms, who are rapidly making clear- 
ings, and shipping considerable timber and cord-wood to 
Chicago and other lake points. On the road running from 
the lake-shore to Hagar Station, William Edinborough and 
his brother Thomas, of Benton, were among the earliest 
settlers, in 1852 and 1854, respectively. When they came 
no one was living in the vicinity and the region was a wil- 
derness. The first road thereabouts was the road just men- 
tioned, which the Edinboroughs themselves laid out. Pol- 
lowing the latter, the settlers were Asahel Hayes, J. T. 
Wisner, and Stephen Cook, and after them settlers began 
to multiply quite rapidly. 

The first settlement on the south side of the Paw Paw 
River, or, more properly speaking, in the southeastern por- 
tion of the township, was made by William Allen, who 



TOWNSHIP OF HAGAR. 



245 



worked for Charles Lamb a while in 1841, and removed 
soon to the south side of the river, upon the bank of which, 
not far from the present railway-bridge, he put up a shanty 
and kept bachelor's hall, where he was subsequently joined 
by Michael Smith, who, in 1838, at the age of fifteen years, 
left Cayuga Co., N. Y., via canal, and reached Buffalo, with 
75 cents in his pocket. At Buffalo he shipped aboard a 
vessel bound for Chicago, and thence traveled to St. Joseph, 
Mich., where he arrived in October. He worked there 
until June, 1839, then engaged as a deck-hand on one of 
the steamers running on the St. Joseph. He lived in In- 
diana eighteen months, and there joined a hunting-party, 
which penetrated in 1840 into the territory now occupied 
by Hagar township. He lived in that vicinity with Gilson 
Osgood until 1842, when he purchased, of Smith & Mer- 
rick, 163 acres of land on section 2(5, in Hagar, for $3 per 
acre. He made no effort, however, towards settling upon 
it or clearing it, but finding William Allen living on the 
bank of the river, took quarters with him, and there the 
two continued to live for eighteen months, during which 
time they hunted and lived a free-and-easy life, while they 
also made an occasional clearing on Allen's land. They 
also " underbrushed" a road from Allen's cabin a mile 
southward on the section line. That road was afterwards 
improved, and is the one now on the line between sections 
25 and 26. 

While Smith and Allen were living in their bachelors' 
cabin they did not suppose that there were settlers on the 
other side of the river, and one Sunday, hearing the bark- 
ing of dogs and reports of guns from that direction, they 
went over, expecting to meet with a band of Indians. To 
their surprise, however, they found white settlers, in the 
families of Charles Lamb, Nathaniel Bundy, and Joseph 
Stratton, the latter then running the ferry at St. Joseph, 
and visiting his family in Hagar only on Sundays. 

Neither Smith nor Allen did much towards clearing their 
respective farms until 1844, when Jeremiah Smith (^Mi- 
chael's father) came to Hagar from New York State, with 
his wife and family, and located upon Michael's 163 acres, 
Michael having previously put up a frame house upon it 
and cleared a few acres. As soon as he saw them com- 
fortably settled, Michael went to Kalamazoo, where he 
made his home for the following fifteen years. He then 
returned to Hagar and took possession of his farm, where 
he yet lives. Upon Michael's return, his father bought 40 
acres on the opposite side of the road, and resided there 
until his death. 

In 1844, Allen turned his attention energetically to cul- 
tivating his land, and lived upon it afterwards until he died. 
He married Sophia, daughter of Jeremiah Smith, that 
marriage being the first one celebrated on the south side of 
the river. His widow married Rosweli Curtis, and still 
lives in Hagar. 

In 1844, James Stewart settled upon section 26, south 
of Michael Smith. He lived there until 1861, when he 
moved to Bangor. There he now resides, aged ninety-two 
years. 

The next settler was Iloswell Curtis, who located upon 
section 25, opposite James Stewart. He married William 
Allen's widow, and still lives in Hagar. 



Wells Crumb, who followed Curtis, settled on section 26, 
and built a small saw-mill on Crumb Creek. Mr. Crumb 
moved afterwards to Coloma, in Watervliet township, where 
he is now living. 

Jeremiah Smith's two married sons, Abram and Henry, 
came to Hagar, with their father, in 1844, and located farms 
on section 24. Abram opened there the first blacksmith- 
shop on that side of the river, and not long afterwards re- 
moved to Coloma, where he was also the pioneer black- 
smith, and where he continues to this day to work at the 
forge. Henry is living in Hagar. 

William Scott, an early settler, sold out, about 1856, to 
George Patterson, and removed to California, where he now 
lives. George Patterson lives now in Coloma. James, his 
brother, who bought Abram Smith's place, changed his hab- 
itation to the northern part of the State, where he is now 
living. Robert Merrifield was a settler upon the south side 
of the river about 1843, but afterwards left for Berrien. 

Alfred Sensebaugh, who was an early settler on the south 
side of the river, was a preacher, and preached for some 
time, on both sides of the river, before the appearance in 
the township of any other minister. 

The first white child born in the township was William 
McCrea's daughter, Mary Jane, the date of whose birth 
was May 16, 1841. She is now living in Hagar, and is 
the wife of Thomas Muldoon. The first couple married 
were Oliver Sorrell and Malvina Brant. The wedding cer- 
emony took place at the hou.se of Mathias Farnum, and was 
performed by Dr. Lillibridge, of St. Joseph. Mr. Farnum, 
who relates the incident, does not remember that the wed- 
ding was attended by any demonstrative celebration such 
as sometimes marks a first marriage in a new settlement. 
He recollects, however, that there were at that time so few 
settlers in Hagar that there was not much of a chance for 
a hilarious time. 

The first saw-mill in Hagar, and the only one to the 
pre.sent time, was set up by Mathias Farnum and Alexis D. 
Finch, near the Farnum place. They bought the machi- 
nery in Watervliet and moved it to Hagar, where it was 
operated .some time as a steam-mill. It was, however, dis- 
mantled a long time since, although the building, in a some- 
what dilapidated condition, still remains. 

Until 1869, when the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore 
Railroad was completed to that point, Hagar had no post- 
office. Previously the mails for the township people were 
sent to Coloma or Benton Harbor. 

Mathias Farnum says that when he moved into Hagar, 
in 1839, there were no roads in the township, and the only 
thoroughfares of any kind were Indian trails or routes, by 
way of blazed trees, marked by his predecessors. The 
river, although shallow, .served neverthele.ss a useful purpose 
to the Hagar pioneers, for by its aid they were enabled to 
journey to and from St. Joseph village much more conve- 
niently than by the overland route through the woods. By 
reason of this convenience the want of a road to St. Joseph 
was not as sorely felt as it would have been otherwise, and 
indeed it was not until 1841 that a road to St. Joseph was 
laid out and made fit for travel. 



246 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

Hagar was originally a portion of St. Joseph township, 
and was set off as a part of Paw Paw township March 7, 
1834. In response to a petition urged by a considerable 
number of inhabitants, it was set off as a separate town- 
ship April 6, 1846. Hagar was named in honor of Wil- 
liam Hagar, of St. Joseph, whose son-in-law, John N. 
Rogers, a justice of the peace, performed certain services in 
obtaining the organization of the town, and as a compensa- 
tion claimed the privilege of naming it. The first town- 
meeting was held in the school-house of District No. 1, 
known as the Bundy school-house. At that meeting the 
inspectors of election were Wells Crumb, William McCrea, 
Alfred Sensebaugh, Mathias Farnum, Leonard Lull, and 
Charles Lamb, Jr. The clerks of the election were William 
Scott and Roswell Curtis. The town officials chosen on 
that occasion were as follows : Supervisor, Alfred Sense- 
baugh ; Clerk, William C. Allen; Treasurer, Charles Lamb, 
Jr. ; Justices of the Peace, William Scott, Joseph Stratton, 
Isaac K. Finch, Charles Lamb, Sr. ; Assessors, William 
Scott, Jo.seph Stratton ; School Inspectors, Alfred Sense- 
baugh, Joseph Stratton; Directors of the Poor, Crawford 
Hazard, Charles Lamb, Jr. ; Commissioners of Highways, 
Nathaniel Bundy, A. D. Finch, Abram Smith ; Constables, 
A. D. Finch, Samuel Hardenbrook, Henry Smith. 

Following is a list of tho.se who have been elected super- 
visors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace of Hagar 
from 1847 to 1879, inclusive: 

1847.— Supervisor, Alfred Sensebaugh; Clerk, William C. Allen; 
Treasurer, William Scott; Justice of the Peace, Roswell 
Curtis. 

1848.— Supervisor, William Scott; Clerk, Wells Crumb; Treasurer, 
William Scott; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Stratton. 

1849.— Supervisor, Isaac K. Finch; Clerk, William C. Allen; Treas- 
urer, Roswell Curtis; Justices of the Peace, Isaac K. 
Finch, Leonard Lull. 

1850. — Supervisor, Isaac K. Finch; Clerk, Abram Smith; Treasurer, 
William C. Allen ; Justices of the Peace, Isaac K. Finch, 
Ale.\is D. Finch, Charles Lamb. 

1851. — Supervisor, Isaac K. Finch; Clerk, Abram Smith ; Treasurer, 
William C. Allen; Justice of the Peace, Wells Crumb. 

1852.— Supervisor, Isaac K. Finch; Clerk, William C. Allen ; Treas- 
urer, Sprague Bishop ; Justices of the Peace, George John- 
son, A. D. Finch. 

1853. — Supervisor, George Johnson: Clerk, William C. Allen; Treas- 
urer, Sprague Bishop ; Justices of the Peace, William Scott, 
Sprague Bishop. 

1854. — Supervisor, George Johnson ; Clerk, Abram vSmith ; Treasurer, 
Sprague Bishop; Justices of the Peace, Crawford Hazard, 
A. D. Finch. 
— Supervisor, George Johnson ; Clerk, A. D. Finch ; Treasurer, 
Sprague Bishop; .lustices of the Peace, A. D. Finch, Wells 
Crumb, Asahel Ha.vs. 
— Su])ervisor, Asahel Hays; Clerk, Wells Crutnb ; Treasurer, 
Sprague Bishop; Justice of the Peace, George S. Andrews. 
, — Supervisor, George S. Andrews; Clerk, Alonzo Hyde; Treas- 
urer, Albert Swift; Justice of the Peace, N. L. Bird. 
— Supervisor, Sprague Bishop; Clerk, Wells Crumb; Treasurer, 

Michael Smith ; Justice of the Peace, Roswell Curtis. 
— Supervisor, Sprague Bishop ; Clerk, Roswell Curtis; Treasurer, 

Michael Smith; Justice of the Peace, Chester Curtis. 
— Supervisor, Sprague Bishop ; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treasu- 
rer, Cornelius Williams; Justices of the Peace, Roswell 
Curtis, C. C. Williams. 
, — Supervisor, Sprague Bishop; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treas- 
urer, Cornelius Williams; Justice of the Peace, Thomas 
Roome. 



I 855. 

1856, 
1857, 
1858, 
1859, 
1860, 

1861 



1862. — Supervisor, Sprague Bishop; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treas- 
urer, William Ferguson , Justice of the Peace, S. G. Parker. 

1863. — Supervisor, Sprague Bishop; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treas- 
urer, T. D. Pitcher; Justice of the Peace, Abe! Barnum. 

1864. — Supervisor, Stephen Cook; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treasurer, 
T. D. Pitcher; Justice of the Peace, James Flood. 

1865. — Supervisor, A. S. Bishop; Clerk, Thomas Roome; Treasurer, 
Lyman Cole; Justice of the Peace, Thomas Koome. 

1866.— Supervisor, Albert Swift; Clerk, A. D. Finch. 

[From 1867 to 1871, inclusive, the records fail to give names of per- 
sons annually elected to be town officials.] 

1S72. — .Supervisor, George S. Andrews; Clerk, C. H. Curtis; Treas- 
urer, H. N. Sheldon; Justice of the Peace, Alby Emerson. 

1873.— Supervisor, H. N. Sheldon; Clerk, C. H. Curtis; Treasurer, 

• , Daniel Cook ; Justices of the Peace, Chester Curtis, James 
y 

M. Pierce. 

1874.— Supervisor, A. S. Bishop; Clerk, C. H. Curtis; Treasurer, 
Daniel Cook; Justices of the Peace, Roswell Curtis, Talma 
Hendricks. 

1875.— Supervisor, H. N. Sheldon: Clerk, George S. Andrews : Treas- 
urer, Daniel Cook; Justice of the Peace, A, H. Smith. 

1876.— Supervisor, De Witt Guy; Clerk, Wm. H. Merrill; Treasurer, 
Daniel Cook; Justice of the Peace, C. Anderson, 

1877.— Supervisor, De Witt Guy; Clerk, William H. Merrill ; Treas- 
urer, Daniel Cook; Justice of the Peace, B. K. Howell. 

1878.- Supervisor, De Witt Guy ; Clerk, William H. Merrill ; Treas- 
urer, Daniel Cook; Justices of the Peace, C. J. Anderson, 
Theodore Perry. 

1879. —Supervisor, E. L. Kingsland ; Clerk, Wm. H. Merrill; Treas- 
urer, Oscar Damon ; Justice of the Peace, W. L. Ruggles. 

The township board in 1879 was composed of E. L. 
Kingsland, Wm. H. Merrill, and C. J. Anderson, who com- 
posed also the board of health. The justices serving in 
1879 were W. L. Ruggles, C. J. Anderson, Theodore 
Perry, Stephen Stanley. 

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 
A Free- Will Baptist Church was organized in Hagar in 
1863, by Rev. William P]astman, in the Bundy school-house. 
The members numbered 11, of whom the only ones called 
to mind are Mrs. Sarah Harris, Lavina Harris, Charles 
Harris, Miss Lovica Martin, Nathaniel Bundy and wife, 
A and Mrs. Jane Cook. Methodists worshiped with the 
Baptists, but had no organization of their own. Mr. East- 
man preached about a year, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. 
Parks, after whose time there was no regular preaching. 
In about two years from the date of organization the church 
became so weakened in membership that it dissolved and 
experienced no revival afterwards. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Haffar, now wor- 
shiping in the Wisner school-house, was organized by 
Rev. Mr. Bliss, in Benton township, about 1859, with but 
few members, of whom there are mentioned W. Edinbor- 
ough and wife, T. Edinborough and wife, J. Dickinson, 
and Asahel Hays and wife. Shortly after organization the 
church was transferred to Hagar township, where it has 
since continued its existence, feebly at times, and struggling 
against the want of members, but not losing its organiza- 
tion. At times the Congregationalists joined with the 
Methodists, and for a time a Congregational minister served 
in the pulpit. The membership of the Methodist class is 
now weak, and is confined to 8 persons, who manage, how- 
ever, to have preaching once a fortnight in the Wisner 
school-house, — Rev. Mr. Whitwam, of Benton Harbor, 
supplying them. The class-leader and steward is Mr. L. 
W. Ruggles. There was a Methodist Episcopal class on 





M/SS. SARAH HANNAH. 




MR.JAS. HANNAH. 



MRS.JAS. HANNAH. 




Pes. OF J AS. HANNAH, H acarJ r, BerrienCo.,Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAGAR. 



247 



the south side of the river some years ago, but latterly it 
has had no existence. 

The Christian Church of Hagar, worshiping on the 
south side of the river, was organized in 1877, by Rev. 
Reason Davis, and had then a membership of 42. The 
membership is now 22. Services are held once every two 
weeks. Benjamin Carpenter and Lyman Cole are the 
deacons, Roswell Curtis the elder, and Charles Curtis the 
clerk. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-teacher in Hagar was Matilda Irwin, of 
Watervliet, who in 1844 began to teach in a log school- 
house which stood where is now the Bundy school-house. 
She taught two terms, was then married to Alexis D. Finch, 
of Hagar, and after teaching one more term gave up her 
school. That school-house, in District No. 1, was the only 
one in the town until April 17, 1846, when District No. 2 
was created. The school-house in District No. 1 was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1849, and replaced by the structure now 
in use. The condition of the schools in Hagar, Sept. 1, 
1879, is shown in the following table: 

Number of districts 5 

Number of scholars enrolled 2.'i9 

Average attendance 234 

Total value of school property $3100 

Number of teachers 

Amount paid for teachers' wages $770 

School Directors : A. H. Bishop, District No. 1 ; Henry 
Smith, No. 2 ; J. Dickinson, fractional District No. 4 ; 
Chester Curtis, No. 5 ; Eber Austin, No. 6. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES HANNAH. 

Among the venerable pioneers none are more worthy of 
a prominent place in the history of Berrien County than 
the gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch. He 
was born in Scotland, Feb. 20, 1820, and was the third in 
a family of eight children. His father came to America in 
1826, settling in the State of New York ; he was a farmer by 
occupation. James' younger days were spent the same as 
most farmers' boys, — assisting on the farm summers, attend- 
ing district school winters. Industry, economy, and integrity 
were the first and last lessons of his boyhood. He re- 
mained at home until reaching his majority; then he went 
to Canada, where he hired out by tlie month in the lumber 
woods, remaining there seventeen years, commencing with 
twelve dollars per month, but was getting fifty dollars at 
the time he left. In 1861, October 14th, he married Miss 
Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Helen Gilkison. This 
union was blessed with one child, Sarah, born Jan. 3, 
1863. Mrs. Hannah's parents were natives of Ireland. 
In the spring of 1862, Mr. Hannah and his young wife 
came to Michigan, settling on the farm where they now re- 
side, which consists of one hundred and twenty-seven acres, 
on section 26, in the township of Hagar, having about one 
hundred acres improved. He has always given his un- 
divided attention to farming in general, taking pride in 
raising the best of everything. He is fond of good horses. 



having raised some very fine ones since his location here. 
Commencing life with only his natural resources for his 
capital, a willing heart and strong arm, he cannot help look- 
ing back on his past success with pleasure. In politics he is 
a Democrat, though never an office-seeker ; has often been 
solicited, but would not accept. In religion his views are 
liberal. Mr. Hannah's father died in 1850, at the ripe old 
age of eighty. Two brothers and one sister are still living, 
all that remains of their once unbroken family. 



ANTHONY S. BISHOP. 

Mr. Bishop, like many of the early settlers, traces his 
origin, with commendable pride, to a New England ancestry. 
He was born in Henderson, N. Y., Aug. 18, 1812, and was 
the oldest son of a family of eleven children, all but one of 
whom lived to maturity. His father, Asa Bishop, was born 
in New Hampshire, Nov. 7, 1785 : died in Bainbridge 
township, Berrien Co., June 10, 1872. His mother, Polly 
(Sprague) Bishop, was born among the granite hills and 
evergreen slopes of Vermont, Aug. 23, 1792. She was 
married to Mr. Asa Bishop, in Henderson, N. Y., Jan. 10, 
1807; died in Bainbridge, Dec. 29, 1851. They moved 
from Clayton, N. Y., to Bainbridge, in 1846, locating on 
the farm, then a dense wilderness, now owned and occupied 
by their youngest son, J. K. Bishop, where they lived up to 
the time of their death. The subject of this sketch was 
married to Clarinda, daughter of Perry and Thedora Bab- 
cock, in March, 1839, in Clayton, Jefferson Co., N. Y. In 
the fall of 1846 he came with his father to Michigan, where 
his wife died, March 13, 1848, only living to enjoy two 
short years of pioneer life, leaving one daughter, lone I. 
Bishop, born Sept. 15, 1841, in Clayton, N. Y. Mr. 
Bishop was again married, in March, 1849, to Miss Harriet 
E. Duvall, daughter of William and Lucy Duvall, in Bain- 
bridge township, where she died April 21, 1850. Being 
somewhat disheartened, thinking that the hand of God 
had not dealt very gently with him, he then moved into 
Hagar township, where, on Dec. 26, 1850, he married his 
third and present wife, Mrs. Maria McCrary, widow of 
William McCrary. To this marriage were born five children, 
—Asa H., born May 23, 1852 ; Arthur S., born Aug. 12, 
1854, died Oct. 15, 1854; Arthur B., born Nov. 14, 
1856; Augustus S. and Augusta M. (twins), born Feb. 3, 
1859 (Augustus S. died Oct. 17, 1859). George Mills, 
father of the present Mrs. Bishop, was born in Norfolk Co., 
England, March 17, 1792; was married, March 21, 1812, 
to Miss Martha M. Karr, who was born in Dumfries, Scot- 
land, Feb. 13, 1792. He was impressed into and served in 
the British army ten years and seven months; was sent 
to Canada in 1814, where he bought his discharge. He 
moved from Canada to Sacket's Harbor in the spring of 
1829. In April, 1832, he enlisted in the American army; 
served in the Black Hawk war under Gen. Scott, and received 
his discharge at Mackinaw Island, Mich., in April, 1837. 
He moved from there to Chicago, where he remained one 
year; from thence to St. Joseph, Mich., in May, 1838; 
from St. Joseph to Hagar township, where he died Sept. 
6, 1873, aged eighty-one. His wife, Martha M. Mills, 
died in Hagar, April 8, 1871, aged seventy-nine. Mr. 



248 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and Mrs. Mills raised but three children, of whom only 
one is living. Margaret was born in Cornwall, Canada, 
April 21, 1815; was married to John Forbes, May 28, 
1835 ; died in St. Joseph, June 22, 1879, aged sixty-four. 
James Mills, born in Kingston, Canada, April 4, 1828; 
married, in St. Joseph, Jan. 3, 1848, to Miss Rachel Hes- 
ton ; moved to Hagar in 1848, where he remained until the 
late war, when he enlisted, iu February, 1862, in the 12th 




'^t^'^,a:f^^^^^ 



y 



Michigan Volunteers ; was taken prisoner at the battle of 
Shiloh, Tenn., April 6th of same year, and died in Libby 
prison, July 12, 1862. Maria Mills, now Mrs. Bishop, 
was born in Kingston, Canada, Oct. 11, 1822; moved to 
St. Joseph with her parents ; was married to William Me- 
Crary, March 30, 1840; moved to Hagar, December 10th 
of the same year, where she has since resided. Hers was the 
fourth family to settle in the town, and she is now the oldest 
settler in the town. William McCrary, her first husband, 



was born, of Scotch and Irish parents, in Upper Canada, in 
1815. He came to St. Joseph in 1836; was killed by a 
falling tree while working on his farm in Hagar, Aug. 15, 
1849, iu the thirty-fourth year of his age. To this mar- 
riage were born five children, — Mary J., born May 16, 1841, 
was the first white child born in Hagar; Martha M., born 
Sept. 8, 1842; Thomas W., born Sept. 6, 1844; Maggie 
H., born Dec. 23, 1846; George E., born Oct. 27, 1848. 




MRS. ANTHONY S. BISHOP. 



In politics Mr. Bishop is a Democrat ; though not radical, 
yet always speaking and voting its principles. He is a man 
of estimable character and a highly-esteemed citizen ; has 
proved the fact by having been intrusted with the ofiBce 
of supervisor and town treasurer for fifteen years. The 
cause of public education has ever found in him a staunch 
supporter, and in matters looking to the advancement of 
the public interest he has always been found in the front 
rank. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

LAKE TOWNSHIP.* 

Situation, Soil, and Streams — The Pioneers of Lake Township — Civil 
Government and List of Officers — Highways — Manufacturing 
Interests — Villages — Societies and Orders — Public Schools — Burial- 
Places — Religious Societies. 

This township borders on the lake-shore, south of Lin- 
coln and Royalton, and west of Oronoko ; on the south are 
the townships of Weesaw and Chickaming. It is a little 
more than a full Congressional township, there being about 
six sections in range 20. The lake cuts ofi' small portions 
from sections 6 and 7, in range 19, but the township in that 
range is very nearly full. The territory embraced in the 
present limits of Lake township constituted a part of 
Oronoko until 1846, and was but little settled, except in 

* By John L. Rockey. 



the eastern part, for a number of years thereafter. The 
surface is generally level, and in the interior low and 
swampy. The eastern tier of sections is somewhat un- 
dulated, and consists of fertile clayey-loam lands. Along 
the lake is a line of high sand-hills. Stretching from their 
eastern base is a plain of sandy lands, which are separated 
from the swamp farther east by a belt of fine counti-y, 
which is elevated sufficiently to secure good drainage, and, 
having a loamy soil, affords good farming-lands. Much of 
the swamp, which is several miles wide and traverses the 
township from northeast to southwest, has been cleared up 
and drained to form meadow-lands, and will iu the future 
be the richest part of the township. Heavy forests origi- 
nally covered the surface of Lake, and for many years the 
lumber product was the principal source of revenue. Stock- 
raising and the general farming interests at present engage 
the inhabitants, although fruit-growing is yearly increasing 
and will soon be one of the leading industries. Hickory 



TOWNSHIP OF LAKE. 



249 



Creek and its tributary brooks are the only streams in the 
township, and were formerly improved to supply the early 
settlers with the necessary water-power. In the interior of 
the township water for domestic purposes was procured with 
some difficulty, many of the wells being eighty-five feet 
deep. 

THE PIONEERS. 

The pioneers of Lake first found homes in the eastern 
part of the township, and the settlements were begun a 
little before the time when Michigan became a State. 
John Harner was among the first, if not the first, to begin 
the usual improvements in the township. He settled on 
section 25, near the Oronoko line, and still resides there, 
at an advanced age. He reared sons named Michael, John, 
and Levi, who also built up homes in that locality. A 
little later Horace Godfrey settled on the same section, on 
the farm now occupied by his son Japhet ; and at a still 
later period John Starr settled on section 12, where he 
died a few years ago. In that neighborhood still resides 
one of his sons, Joel ; other sons were Peter and Gabriel. 

Thomas Phillips settled, in 1836, in what afterwards 
became the Ruggles neighborhood, and lived there until 
his death, ten years later. One of his sons, Daniel, also 
died in that locality ; Wear, after living in Lake a number 
of years, removed to Royalton, where he yet resides ; Wil- 
liam became a resident of Indiana, and Henry of Califor- 
nia. One of the daughters, Catherine, became the wife of 
Henry Lemon, and died in the township in 1847. There 
were, besides, five other daughters in the family. In the 
spring of 1837, Phillips sold the mill-site on his land to 
Peter Ruggles and Erastus Munger, and the same year a 
saw-mill was erected by these parties on section 2. Peter 
Ruggles died there many years ago, but the mills always 
remained in his family. Two of his daughters grew to 
mature years, Sarah becoming the wife of William M. T. 
Bartholomew, and Emma, Mrs. James Lockey. Both yet 
reside in that neighborhood. 

In 1839, Henry Lemon settled near the Ruggles family, 
building a home on the eastern part of section 3, on which 
he lived until his death, in 1875. Four of his children 
attained mature years, — Margaret, who married Charles 
EUengood ; William T., who removed to Kansas ; Joanna, 
the wife of D. S. Evans, of Lake; and John S., who died 
in the township in 1874. 

About the same time, 1839, Erastus Munger became a 
resident of this neighborhood, but, after 1846, removed to 
Berrien. 

Benjamin Lemon settled on section 24, in 1842, and has 
been a citizen of the township almost continuously since, 
being at present a resident of Stevensville. His daughter, 
Julia, became the wife of Japhet Godfrey, and yet lives in 
the eastern part of the township, where also reside the 
son, Charles L., and the other members of the family. 

On the Charles Lord place, on section 24, Bradley M. 
Pennell settled about 1843, and lived there until about 
twelve years ago, when he removed to Buchanan. Edward 
Ballengee, another early and prominent settler of this part 
of the township, also removed to Buchanan. In 1844, 
Comfort Pennell became a settler on section 12, and after 
a long residence there removed to Berrien. Harmon Bean 
32 



settled on section 11 the same year, or earlier. He died 
in the township, leaving several sons and four or five 
daughters. About the same time George Neidlinger set- 
tled in that neighborhood, and still maintains his residence 
there. He has reared a large family, the sons being Daniel, 
Peter, David, George, Elias, and Solomon. Henry Hess 
came probably a few years earlier, and settled on section 12. 
He died about thirteen years ago, leaving no family. 

About the same period of time, Jacob Vetter settled on 
section 13, but in the course often or twelve years located 
in the meadows, on section 34. David Hill and Ruel 
Blackman located on section 36, and yet live there. E. 
P. Morley settled on section 35, but subsequently removed 
to W^eesaw. 

In 1845, John Lemon, a brother of Henry and Benja- 
min Lemon, settled on section 12, and died there about 
1870. The same year Seely H. Curtis located on the farm 
now occupied by Dr. J. H. Royce ; and the following year, 
1846, Adney Hinman, on section 25 ; Levan and Heze- 
kiah Heathman, on the same section ; and C. S. Hyatt, in 
the same neighborhood. 

In 1847, John Shafercame to the township, settling first 
on section 25, but subsequently located on section 13, 
where he is yet a resident ; and the same year Marcus 
Hand and Abner Sanders made temporary settlements in 
the eastern part of the township. The latter was after- 
wards a pioneer on section 30, and the former on section 
16, on the present Philip Myers place. This part of the 
township was not settled prior to 1850, although a few 
clearings had previously been made. 

Among others who deserve a place among the pioneers 
of the township, for the service which they have done in 
opening the way for settlements in their respective locali- 
ties, are Henry Ford, on section 30 ; V. P. Mead, on the 
same section ; John H. Nixon and N. E. Landon, on the 
east half of section 27 ; J. W. Whipple, on section 31 ; 
John Soward and John Johns, on section 15 ; and Isaac 
Hathaway, on section 9. 

The condition of the settlements in the township, from 
1848 till 1851, is shown by the following list of resident 
property-owners, from the assessment-roll for that period : 



Names. Sections. 

Daniel Phillips 3 

Wear Phillips 3 

Henry Lemon 3 

J. E. Munger 2 

Lewis Johns 4 

Gr. Newton 4 

Abner Sanders 30 

Comfort Pennell 12 

John Starr 12 

George Neidlinger 2 

Gabriel Starr 2 

John Lemon 12 

Henry Hess 12 

Marcus Hand 13 

J. W. Blackman 24 

Seeley H.Curtis 24 

John Harner 25 

Adney Hinman 25 

Benjamin Lemon 24 

Levan Heathman 24 

John Shafer 25 

Isaac Mellon 25 

Bradley M. Pennell 24 

J. H. Hand 13 

John Quicli 23 

Edward Ballengee 36 

Ruel Blackman 36 



Names. Sections. 

David Hill 36 

Jacob Shoemaker 37 

E. P. Morley 35 

Jacob Vetter 34 

Horace Godfrey 25 

John Shafer....". 25 

Peter Ruggles 2 

Peter Neidlinger 13 

C.S. Hyatt 13 

Zaccheus Mead 13 

William Weston 13 

V. P. Mead 30 

Charles Brong 27 

William S. Morley 14 

H. Wareham 23 

Henderson Ballengee 3fi 

A. C. Pennell 36 

Jason Parmcnter 28 

John Hendrickson 30 

Francis Awrand 13 

E.H.Walton 27 

N. Williams 27 

A. T. Sherwood 27 

James Parkerton 29 

Samuel Parkerton 29 

Simon Berg 15 

Joel Blakeman 30 



250 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The township received many settlers from 1852 on, and 
seven years later the following were registered as the legal 
voters of Lake, although it is possible that not all the citi- 
zens of the township at that time are included. The 
figures opposite the names indicate tlie section on which 
they resided : 



Names. Sections. 

Francis Awrand 13 

Harmon Beans 13 

Amos Beans 13 

Daniel Brown 10 

George Bridgman 19 

Levi Chase 30 

Franlilin Carr 30 

Dexter Curtis 25 

Hiram Curtis 19 

Thomas Curtis I'J 

M. J. Di.Non 28 

RobertDaniel 2 

William D. Alser 17 

Francis N. Elliott 11 

Samuel Erwin 25 

Henry Ford 30 

Abel French 34 

H. L. Farnsworth 31 

AbelGoddard 30 

Asel Goddard 30 

Horace Godfrey 25 

Daniel Gates 15 

Harvey W. Hawley 20 

John Hai-ner, Sr 25 

John Harner, Jr 25 

Levan Heathman 25 

James Ueathman 29 

C. S. Hyatt 13 

Marcus Hand 16 

Joseph P. Hunter 24 

Bennett Heathman 30 

Henry Hess 12 

David Hill 36 

Levi Harner 25 

Adney Hinman 25 

Henry M. Hinman 25 

William Hendrickson 25 

Isaac Hathaway 9 

Caleb Inman 7 

Christo|.her Johns 15 

Lewis Johns 4 

John Johns 15 

James Kaahr 11 

A. G. Knapp 30 

N. E. Landon 27 

Henry Lemon 3 

John Lemon 12 

Benjamin Lemon 24 

George W. Lake 25 



The population in 1860 was 557 ; in 1870 it was 1006 ; 
and in 1878 the assessed valuation of the real and personal 
property was $158,887. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND LIST OF OFFICERS. 

The records of the township from its organization in 
1846 till 1867 have been destroyed, but from fragmentary 
data found in the clerk's oflBce it appears that at the first 
election, held at the house of Benjamin Lemon, 18 votes 
were polled, and that Bradley M. Pennell was elected Super- 
visor ; Comfort Pennell, Township Clerk ; and Benjamin 
Lemon and Daniel Phillips, Justices of the Peace. 

From 1846 till 1866 the following have been the super- 
visors: E. P. Morley, Comfort Pennell, Peter Ruggles, 
Abner Sanders, Marcus Hand, Bennett Heathman, N. E. 
Laudou, and E. P. Morley ; and the township clerks for 
the same period have been Comfort Pennell, E. P. Morley, 
J. W. Blakeman, Henry Lemon, John H. Nixon, R. L. 
Dudley, H. W. Hawlay, and John H. Nixon. 

Since the latter date the principal officers have been the 
following : 



Names. 

Thomas Lightfoot 

Zaccheus Mead 

Alfred Murray 

W. H. Merritield 

Solomon McKean 

V. P. Mead .-.. 

Hugh McClellan 

John J. Moltinger 

Emanuel Moltinger.... 

Michael Moltinger 

John H. Nixon 

Freegracc Norton 

Martin Norton 

George W. Newton.... 

Thomas Nevin 

George Neidlinger 

George Neidlinger, Jr 

George F. Niles 

Myers Nelson 

Peter J. Piscator 

Samuel B. Parkerton.. 

B. M. Pennell 

Nathan Pratt 

Comfort Pennell 

Z. B. Bathbun 

George Raymond 

DavidSmith 

Michael Sassaman 

Henry Sassaman 

Samuel Sassaman 

Lewis Strong 

Gabriel Starr 

Joel Starr 

John Starr , 

John Soward 

John Shafer 

Daniel Stannard 

John A. S])erry 

Abner Sanders 

Jared K. Terry 

John Terry 

Franklin Vary 

George W. Wicks , 

W. Williams 

John Wright 

William Weston 

John W. Whipple 

P. Washburne 



SUPERVISORS. 
1867-68, David S. Evans; 1869, Franklin Weston; 1870-72, Isaac 
Hathaway ; 1873-74, Norman E. Landon : 1875-76, William Wil- 
liams; 1877, Norman E. Landon; 1878, Michael B. Houser ; 
1879, Norman E. Landon. 

TOWN.SHIP CLERKS. 
1S67, D. R. Sage; 1868, M. J. Morley; 1869-70, Solomon Maudlin; 
1871-72, John Loop: 1873-74, Marshall C. Travor; 1875-76, 0. 
P. Miller; 1877-78, William Williams; 1879, Wesley Beattie. 

TREASURERS. 
1867, Isaac Hathaway; 1868, James H. Hill ; 1869-70, Samuel Moore; 
1871, C. M. Smith; 1872-75, Albert Devoe; 1876-77, John H. 
Nixon; 1878, Calvin Myers; 1879, Thomas C. Hebb. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
Isaac Hathaway, .Joseph Giles, M. J. Morley, L. Heathman, .John 
Loop, Comfort Pennell, 0. P. Miller, William S. Whipple, Solo- 
mon Maudlin, Charles Lord, Japhet Godfrey, Samuel Marrs, Jere- 
miah Nodine, Isaac Hathaway, and Joseph Giles. 

HIGHW.A.YS. 

The township took measures immediately after its or- 
ganization to locate and improve the necessary highways, 
which were first opened in the eastern part. The condi- 
tion of the country and the meagre settlements made this 
work slow and burdensome. For many years there was no 
direct highway across the swampy lands in the central part 
of the township, and in the western part there were gener- 
ally mere bridle-paths only until after 1858. By judicious 
subdivision into small districts the roads have been made 
to assume a fair condition. In 1879 they were in charge 
of John Shafer, as commissioner, and the following over- 
seers : Samuel Marrs, John Haun, Wm. A. Feather, J. H. 
Royce, William McCarty, Japhet Godfrey, A. F. Morley, 
L. Meredith, Geo. Enuis, David Baley, William Shuler, 
Stephen Wright, Henry Kill, John R. Rees, John S. 
Barnhart, William S. Mead, Charles Hendrix, Benjamin 
Lemon, N. 0. Carlysle, Isaac Clymer, V. B. Gulliver, and 
John Johns. 

The Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad was 
constructed through the township in 1869-70, with a 
course parallel to the lake-shore, and about one and a half 
miles east. Stations have been provided at Brown's, on 
section 36 ; Morris, on section 8 ; and at Bridgman, on 
section 19. From these points the products of Lake are 
readily shipped, and the railroad has materially aided in 
developing the country and increasing its population. 

THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS 
of Lake township have been confined chiefly to lumber- 
mills and kindred factories. The first of this character 
was a saw-mill, erected on section 2, on the head-waters of 
Hickory Creek, by Peter Ruggles and Erastus Munger, in 
the fall of 1837. Here was cut some of the lumber wliieh 
was used in the construction of the court-house at Berrien 
Springs. Afterwards a grist-mill was built, and was oper- 
ated by the same power, both mills remaining the property 
of the Ruggles family until their discontinuance a few 
years ago. 

On section 24, Benjamin Lemon got in operation a saw- 
mill in 1845, which went to decay, and a new mill, which 
was sub.sequently built by him on the same stream, has also 
gone down. After 1850, John Harner put up a saw-mill 



TOWNSHIP OF LAKE. 



251 



on section 13, which afterwards became the property of 
John Shafer, but is at present idle. 

On the southern township line, on section 32, a good 
steam saw-mill was erected about 1865, by Alonzo Sher- 
wood, which was operated until the timber supply in that 
locality was exhausted. The lumber was conveyed to the 
lake by means of a tramway. At Brown's Station , O. R. 
Brown formerly had a mill, and at present one is operated 
there by A. L. Drew. Farther in the interior of the town- 
ship Painter & Curtiss had an extensive lumber-mill, which 
was removed after a few years' operation. At that time 
the locality was known as Paintersville, and was the scene 
of busy activity. 

In the northern part of the township, at Morris Station, 
H. F. Mead has at present in operation a steam saw-mill 
capable of cutting 8000 feet per day. At this point was 
formerly another mill ; and in other localities in the town- 
ship saw-mills were kept in operation a short time or until 
the surrounding forests had been manufactured into lumber. 

The largest lumber-manufacturing establishment was near 
the present village of Bridgman. In the fall of 1856, 
George Bridgman, Warren Howe, and Charles F. Howe 
formed the " Charlotteville Lumber Company," and here 
began operations by building a steam saw-mill, at a cost of 
$20,000. At a point west, on the lake, a pier was con- 
structed five hundred feet long, which was connected with 
the mill by a railroad more than a mile in length ; and to 
various points in the forest a railway was made, the entire 
length of track being about seven miles. The rolling stock 
consisted of thirty-three cars and the engine "John Bui!," 
which, it is claimed, was the first locomotive ever run in 
the United States.* The improvements cost $70,000, 
and the mill had a capacity of 25,000 feet per day. 
About seventy men were employed in the business, and the 
lumber found a ready sale in Chicago, whither it was con- 
veyed from the pier by schooners. In 1863 the mill was 
destroyed by fire, and two other mills which were erected 
on the same site shared a like fate, the last one being con- 
sumed in 1870. The lumbering business here having de- 
clined, on account of the consumption of the forest prod- 
ucts, a mill of smaller capacity was erected the same season 
(1870) by Mordecai Price. This was also burned in 1871. 
Soon after Whipple & Medaris put up a mill which was 
burned after a year's operation ; and a third wiiH, on this 
site, put up by 0. D. Rector, was also burned in 1878. 
The present mill was put in operation in January, 1879, by 
Codd & Price. Its capacity is 8000 feet per day. 

In 1870 a stave and heading factory was built east of 
the railroad station at Bridgman, which has been owned 
by various parties, and is at present operated by Hinkley, 
Higman & Co. The product is several million pieces per 
year, and more than a dozen hands are employed. 

In 1869, Webster & Whiten erected a tannery at Char- 
lotteville, which was discontinued after several years' opera- 
tion, and the building removed in 1878. The other manu- 
facturing interests of the township are confined to the ordi- 
nary mechanic pursuits. A grist-mill is soon to be built 
at Bridgman. 

* This statement, however, is clearly erroneous. 



VILLAGES. 

In 1848 a village was projected on section 25, which re- 
ceived the name of Livingston. Eighty blocks were laid 
out, but nothing further was done to advance its claims to 
a place among the villages of the county, and the site soon 
became common farm property. 

Charlotteville, on section 19, was the first village in the 
township. It was founded by the " Charlotteville Lumber 
Company," in 1856, and for a number of years was com- 
posed wholly of the various interests connected with the 
business of that firm. The name was bestowed in compli- 
ment to Charlotte Howe, the wife of one of the proprietors. 
The place never attained great size, but was at one time the 
seat of considerable business. In 1870 another of the 
original proprietors, George Bridgman, platted a village 
half a mile east, on the railroad, where a station was located 
that year. The survey was made by E. P. Morley, and the 
village and station received the name of 

Bridgman. — This place has absorbed whatever interests 
were formerly at Charlotteville, and the entire locality is 
now known by the name of Bridgman. It contains a fine 
school-house with a number of business places and other 
interests, noted below. There are about 200 inhabitants. 

The Bridgman post-ofiice was established in 1801 with 
the name of Laketon, but ten years later took the name of 
the village. Elijah Cowles was the first postmaster, and 
was succeeded in 1863 by George Bridgman, who held the 
oflice until 1870. The postmasters following have been 
George Wood, George Wells, William Babcock, and the 
present incumbent, Mrs. E. A. H. Greene. 

The first merchandising in the township was carried on 
by the " Charlotteville Lumber Company," from 1857 till 
the company discontinued, about five years later; and trade 
was thereafter continued by the successive mill owners 
Dexter Curtiax, Loop & Daniels, Sawyer & Mead, and D. 
B. Plummer. Meantime other stores ware built, and in 
1869 there were three general business houses, by C. M. 
Smith, George W. Wells, and M. C. Traver. Dr. J. F. 
Berringerhad opened a drug-store before that period, which 
is yet continued in Bridgman by him. 

In 1871, Charles M. Smith put up the first store at the 
station, which is at present occupied by Benjamin Lemon. 
The next store was built several years later by Benjamin 
Weed, in which he engaged in trade, and was followed by 
Edward Palmer and Henry Chapman. In 1875, Thomas 
Hebb built the third store, and trade was there begun by 
Hebb & Howlett. The stand is at present occupied by J. 
T. Barnes & Co. Others in trade are Seekell, Sparr & Co. 

The first regular tavern in the village of Bridgman was 
opened in 1872 by George Maisner, and kept a few years. 
Near the depot the Thompson House had entertained the 
public since 1875. 

The township did not have any professional men prior to 
1856. That year Dr. J. H. Royce engaged in the practice 
of medicine, and has continued since residing in the eastern 
part of the township. The second physician was Dr. Sol- 
omon Maudlin, who located at Bridgman, and still resides 
there, although not in active practice. The present physi- 
cian there is Dr. J. F. Berringer, and other practitioners 
in the township have been Drs. Sober and Imme. 



252 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The first and only attorney in the township has been 
George W. Bridgman, who has maintained a law-office at 
Bridgman since 1872. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Lake Lodge, No. 143, /. 0. 0. F., was organized in 
1870. Its membership increased rapidly, and the lodge 
has flourished steadily since its organization. The meet- 
ings are held in a hall in the western part of the village of 
Bridgman. 

Bridgman Lodge, No. 794, /. 0. G. T., was organized in 
October, 1879, with 64 charter members. Joseph Codd, 
W. C. T. ; T. C. Bridgman, W. V. T. ; J. Duest, Sec. ; 
and Charles Wheelock, Treas. At present the members 
number 90. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In May, 1846, the school inspectors. Comfort Fennel, 
Edward Ballengee, and Henry Lemon, reported that they 
had divided the township into three school districts. No. 1, 
containing sections 35, 36, 25, and 26 ; No. 2, contain- 
ing sections 23, 24, 13, and 14 ; and No. 3, containing 
sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12. In October, the same 
year, Edward Ballengee, the director of District No. 1, 
made report that the children of school age (from four to 
eighteen years) in the district were 16, of whom 14 at- 
tended school. A term of three months' school had been 
taught, at a total expense of $15. Daniel Phillips, the di- 
rector of District No. 3, reported that the children of school 
age in his district were 19. 

In 1848, No. 1 had 25 children of school age; No. 2, 
19; and No. 3, 16. 

A few years later a number of new districts were formed 
and school-houses provided. These were at first rude and 
plainly furnished, the entire cost seldom exceeding $100. 
A better class of buildings took their place, and the appro- 
priations for the maintenance of schools were liberally in- 
creased. The condition of the schools in 1878 is shown 
by the following, which we quote from the school report 
of that year : 

Number of districts 8 

" *' children of school age .392 

" '* *' attending school 26U 

Total value of school houses $4:900 

During the year 5 male and 11 female teachers were 
employed, and the schools were reported to be in a pros- 
perous condition. 

Since 1867 the school inspectors have been M. J. Mor- 
ley, Isaac Hathaway, Japhet Godfrey, Franklin L. Weston, 
J. W. Whipple, Harvey L. Drew, Wm. M. T. Barthol- 
omew, N. E. Landon, Solomon Maudlin, and David S. 
Evans. Those who have been elected to the office of su- 
perintendent have been George W. Bridgman, Wm. Wil- 
liams, Jeremiah Nodine, Michael B. Houser, and David S. 
Evans. 

BURIAL-GROUNDS. 

The cemeteries of the township are small, and were con- 
veniently located to afford interments in the several neigh- 
borhoods formed by the early settlers. The first was 
opened in 1850, on the northeast quarter of section 25; 
the next was opened three years later, at the Phillips school- 



house ; and a few years thereafter one was located in the 
western part of the township. Some of these are neatly 
kept, and contain appropriate monuments to the memory 
of those who had been among the pioneers of the county. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Methodists were the first to maintain public worship 
within the present bounds of Lake township. As early as 
1846 a class of this faith was organized, at the school-house 
in the southeastern part of the township, by the Rev. George 
King, at that time preacher in charge of the Berrien circuit. 
Seeley H. Curtis was appointed leader, and the members 
consisted of persons belonging to the Hyatt, Heathman, 
Ballengee, and other families residing in the eastern part of 
Lake and the western part of Oronoko. In the course of 
a few years a revival ensued, which resulted in the conver- 
sion of nearly 100 persons. A class of Methodists has ex- 
isted in the eastern part of Lake ever since, the place of 
worship being changed from one to t'he other school-house, 
to suit the convenience of the members in the respective 
localities. At present the meetings are held at the Rug- 
gles school-house. The class has eight members, and Clinton 
Hyatt is the leader. Here, also, is maintained a Sunday- 
school of nearly 100 members, which is superintended by 
Sarah Bartholomew. 

In 1848, or later, a class was formed west of the Great 
Meadows, which had among its members the Williams, 
Shoemaker, and Sherwood families ; but as these soon after 
removed the class here went down. The class at Bridg- 
man became an organized body in 1865, V. P. Mead being 
the first leader. Here are at present 17 members, under 
the leadership of R. W. Plumb. The Sunday-school has 
25 members, and Frank Weston is the superintendent. 
The services at this point are also held in the school- 
house. 

There is no church building in the township of Lake, but 
a few years ago the Methodists erected a parsonage at the 
village of Bridgman, which is near the centre of the present 
circuit. 

The boundaries of the Methodist circuits in this and the 
adjoining townships have been subject to many changes. 
The circuits have borne various names, and generally em- 
braced from six to eight appointments, numbering at present 
six, namely: Bridgman, Buggies, Tryon, South Lincoln, 
Lincoln Avenue, and Stevensville. 

The names of the circuits and pastoral connection have 
been as follows : 

Berrien CircioV.— 1846, Rev. George King; 1847, Revs. A. C. Shaw, 

A. Campbell, C. K. Ercanbraok; 1848, Revs. R. C. Meek, 

T.appan; 1849, Revs. H. Hall, B. F. Doughty; 1850, Revs. H. 
Hall, S. A. Lee; 1851-52, Rev.s. S. A. Osborne, S. Hendrickson ; 
1853, Rev. F. Glass; 1854, Rev. R. Pengelly ; 1865, Revs. J. T. 
Robe, Thomas H. Bignall; 1S5(), Revs. W. C. Bliss, E. L. Kel- 
logg; 1857, Rev. T. T. George; 1858, Rev. G. A. Van Horn; 
1859, Revs. D. S. Haviland, D. Engle; 1860, Rev. L. M. Ben- 
nett; 1861, Rev. N. Cleveland; 1862, Rev. E. Beard. 

Oharlolteville Gircuit. (New Troy, Charlotteville, Lake, Spears, 
Tryon, Lincoln Avenue, Weesaw). — 1865, Rev. John Byrns ; 
1866-67, Rev. Irving H. Skinner; 1868, Revs. William Friend, 
George Patterson ; 1869, Rev. J. S. Valentine. 

Stimensaille Circuit. — 1870, Rev. J. S. Valentine; 1871, Rev. Irving 
H. Skinner; 1872, Rev. H. Tavlor. 



TOWNSHIP OF LAKE. 



253 



Laketun Circuit— IS7 0-7 \, Rev. J. W. H. Carlisle; 1S72, Rev. N. 

Mount. 
Bridymun C'mcmiV.— (above united) 1 873-7+, Rev. V. H. Helms; 1876, 

Rev. Tliomas B. Shenston ; 1876, Rev. J. F. Wallace; 1877, Rev. 

J. R. Skinner.* 

The cause of Methodism in the above circuits has been 
greatly promoted by the labors of the Revs. Wm. Penland, 
Gould Parrish, Allen Conley, E. Allen, and Wm. M. Con- 



nelly, local preachers residing in this part of the county, 
the former two yet living in Eoyalton and Lincoln. 

Since 1850 the United Brethren in Christ have main- 
tained services in school-house No. 2, in connection with 
appointments in other townships, forming a circuit. Among 
the early members were the Pennells, Lemons, Browns, Wal- 
tons, and others, being at one time a large and flourishing 
congregation. At present the membership is small. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




^.^^. 




ISAAC HATHAWAY. 

ISAAC HATHAWAY 
was the third in a family of seven children, and was born 
in Seneca Co., Ohio, on the 7th day of August, 1833. His 
father, Z. Hathaway, was a native of Massachusetts, having 
been born in 1802. He removed to Ohio in 1825.f 

As he grew up, young Isaac assisted his father on the 
farm until he was eighteen years old, attending the district 
school in winter until sixteen years of age, when he entered 
Seneca County Academy, where he spent a part of two 
years. Wishing to buy a farm and make a home for him- 
self, he visited Michigan in 1851, where he remained 
during the winter, examining various portions of the State. 
He was well pleased, and decided to locate in Berrien 
County as soon as he could earn enough to buy a home. 
Returning to Ohio, he started immediately for California, 
where he worked in the mines four years, sending his father 
the money to purchase from government the tract of four 
hundred and sixty acres on which he now resides. 

Returning from California, young Hathaway removed to 
his new home in Michigan in the fall of 1856, and began 
the improvement of his place, living with a family whom 
he had employed to " keep house" for him. On the 13th 
day of September, 1859, he married Miss Delia Hand. 

* The above has been compiled from data furnished by Rev. J. R. 
Skinner, preacher in charge Bridgman Circuit. 

f The following year he was married, his wife being a native of the 
State of New, York. 



MRS. ISAAC HATHAWAY. 

One child only blessed this union, who was born on the 
8th day of June, 1872, and died on the 3d day of the fol- 
lowing month. Mrs. Hathaway's parents were natives of 
New York, who had removed to Michigan in 1845, and 
located in Lake township. They reared a family of six 
children, Mrs. Hathaway being the youngest girl. 

Mr. Hathaway is not a member of any Christian denomi- 
nation. In politics he is a Democrat. He has filled the office 
of supervisor three terms, and that of justice of the peace 
fifteen years, having married seventy couples in that time. 
He has also represented his party as a delegate in several 
conventions, and is generally looked on as a leader of the 
people in this section. 



JOHN H. NIXON. 

The father of John H. Nixon was John B. Nixon, who 
was born in the State of South Carolina on the 17th day 
of November, 1789. His mother, whose maiden name 
was Peek, was a native of New Jersey, and was born on 
the 11th day of February, 1792. She was married to 
John B. Nixon about the year 1811. John H. Nixon 
was the fifth child in a family of nine, and was born in 
Fayette Co., Ind., on the 24th day of August, 1819. At 
the age of thirteen years he went to learn a trade, selecting 
that of mason. At sixteen. May, 1836, he accompanied 



254 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



his father to Michigan. His father remained during the 
summer and fall, then returned home, and in the fall of 
1842 hrought his family back with him, John H. remain- 
ing until 1852. In that year, being then thirty-three years 




JOHN H. NIXON. 

old, he went to California, where he remained one year and 
eight months, working in the mines and at his trade during 
that time. He found, however, that gold was not to be 
picked up on every side, nor wealth to be had in a few 
days, but that labor of the hardest kind must be performed 
and the most severe privations must be endured. Many 




MRS. JOHN H. NIXON. 

indeed there were who, in those days of excitement, sought 
that renowned El Dorado, their minds filled with visions of 
wealth and splendor, but whose bones whitened the inter- 
vening plains, or who, if so fortunate as to reach their desti- 
nation, were rewarded only with poverty, disappointment, 
and despair. In 1854, Mr. Nixon made his first purchase 
of land in Michigan, a farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres, which is still his home. His advantages were few, 
and his education was acquired after he was twenty-one 



years old. He has never sought notoriety of any kind, 
and is rather retiring in his nature. Yet his fellow-citizens 
have, at divers times, insisted ou his accepting various 
minor offices, he having filled all the official positions in his 
township, except that of supervisor. Mr. Nixon was form- 
erly a Whig, then joined the Democratic party, and is now 
a Conservative. On the 7th day of February, 1849, Mr. 
Nixon married Mary, daughter of J. and Mary O'Keefe, 
who were of Irish descent. Eight children have been born 
to them, all of whom are now living, — viz.. Mills H., born 
Oct. 16, 1850 ; Mary L., born Sept. 6, 1852 ; Louisa B., 
born Nov. 23, 1854 ; John B.,born Dec. 5, 1856 ; Charles 
M., born Nov. 27, 1858 ; Harvey C, born March 21, 1862 ; 
Frank, born March 16, 1864; and Dick, born Feb. 25, 
1866. 



NORMAN K. LANDON. 

The subject of this sketch was born in 1824, at Salis- 
bury, Conn. He was the youngest of a family of seven 
children — three boys and four girls. His father was a native 
of Connecticut, and his grandfather, Rufus Landon, was a 
soldier of the Revolution, serving under Gen. Schuyler 
when he marched to the relief of Arnold in Canada. At 




rlioto. by Bradley, Buchanan. 
NORMAN E. LANDON. 



seventeen years of age Norman quitted the old homestead 
and commenced life for himself. Going to Kinderhook, 
N. Y., he learned the carpenter's trade, working there seven 
years and in Connecticut nine years. In 1858 he removed 
to Lake township, Mich., where he turned his attention to 
farming. He made his first purchase of land in 1858, be- 
coming the owner of eighty acres on section 27, his present 
homestead. He has since added eighty acres to this. 
While in Kinderhook, Mr. Landon married, in March, 
1847, Miss Allen, daughter of Horace and Clara Allen. 
Four children were born to them, — three girls and one boy. 
Mrs. Landon died May, 1868, in Berrien Springs. Mr. 
Landon married, as his second wife, Mrs. Laura, widow of 
Myers Nelson. He has no children by this marriage. Mrs. 
Nelson is a daughter of Lemuel and Ann Church, and is a 



TOWNSHIP OF LINCOLN. 



256 



native of Ohio, being the fourth in a family of nine children. 
By her first marriage she was the mother of six children. 
Mr. Landon is a Democrat. He has been the supervisor of 
his township nine terms, and its treasurer and present jus- 




Photo, by Bradley, Buchanan. 
MRS. NORMAN E. LANDON. 

tice of the peace, having filled that ofiiee .six years. In 1864 
was nominated by his party for county treasurer. Mr. 
Landon received his education outside of schools, as his ad- 
vantages for an early education were few. He has been a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1856. 
Mr. Landon has ever beea industrious and economical. 
By hard work and prudent management he has become 
possessed of a pleasant home, and he is justly esteemed 
by his neighbors as a good, practical farmer and a worthy, 
intelligent citizen. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.* 



Location and Topography — Settlements and Settlers — Organization 
and Officers of the Township — Manufacturing Enterprises — Fruit 
Interests — Hamlets and Villages — Patrons of Husbandry — Schools 
— Religious Societies. 

This is one of the lake-shore townships, lying south of 
St. Joseph and north of Lake. Until 1867 it constituted 
a part of Royalton, which forms the eastern boundary. In 
the government survey it is designated as township 5 south, 
in range 19 west. It is a fractional township. The east 
half of the eastern tier of sections is embiaced within the 
limits of Royalton, and on the west Lake Michigan re- 
duced the territory to an area two and a half miles on the 
north and about five miles on the south line. The general 
surface is level, and in places low and swampy. A belt of 
land of this nature extends through the township from 
south to north, about a mile west of the eastern line, being 
bordered on the west by Hickory Creek, which affords the 
principal drainage. Until recently it was unfit for cultiva- 

* By John L. Rockey. 



tion, but since the country has been cleared up and dykes 
cut much has been rendered tillable. On the east line is a 
strip of clayey loam land, the beauty and fertility of which 
are not surpassed in the county. Here are a number of 
well-improved forms. West of Hickory Creek most of the 
country was originally barren, and was not improved until 
lately, the sterile appearance of the soil causing settlers to 
give other localities the preference. It has been found to 
be well adapted for fruit culture, and by proper treatment 
has been made very productive. In this part were formerly 
forests of pine, and clusters of these trees yet remain. The 
other parts of the township were timbered with the com- 
mon woods, which formed in places dense forests, and the 
labor of clearing the ground was everywhere difficult. 
Besides Hickory Creek, there are a number of small brooks 
in the township, the St. Joseph River, in the extreme 
northeast, and in the southwest three lagoons, which, with 
the marshes bordering them, bear the name of the Grand 
Marais. They are sluggish sheets of water and render that 
part of the township swampy. 

Within the present territory of Lincoln one of the 
earliest settlements in Berrien County was made, as early 
as 1827, by Maj. Timothy Smith, who came from Oiiio, 
and had been for a time a teacher at the Carey Mission. 
His location was in the northern part of what is now the 
township of Lincoln, near the east bank of Hickory Creek. 
His house was the place designated for the holding of the 
first election for the township of (old) St. Joseph, which 
at its erection covered all of Berrien County north and east 
of the St. Joseph River. Maj. Smith was interested in the 
laying out of a paper village on the lake-shore in the western 
part of the town, but his project was not successful. Mr. 
Smith was the justice of the peace who performed the first 
marriage ceremony in the township of St. Joseph, — that 
of Calvin Bartlett to Pamelia Ives. He removed to New 
Buffalo, and was lighthouse-keeper at that place in 1839. 
Not long after the year 1849 he removed to California. 
For a number of years after Maj. Smith located in what is 
now Lincoln settlements in the territory of the town- 
ship were made but slowly, and what few there were were 
for a long time wholly confined to the eastern part. 

Among the pioneers who succeeded Maj. Smith were 
Martin Lounsbury and Samuel Davis. The former settled 
on section 24 in 1842, on the place which has been occu- 
pied by David Myers since 1862. The only surviving 
member of the Lounsbury family is a son, residing in Kal- 
amazoo. Davis settled on the section south the same year, 
but removed to Berrien after the county began to be set- 
tled. Two of his sons. Nelson and Andrew, are at present 
residents of Berrien village. 

In 1838, Gould Parrish moved to Berrien from Ohio, 
and worked on the new court-house, which was then build- 
ing ; after living in various parts of the country he settled 
on the southwest quarter of section 36 in 1843, and has 
lived there almost continuously since, being the oldest set- 
tler in the township. He reared eight children, — James 
A., of Mills Co., Iowa ; William M., living at Steveusville ; 
Arza G., editor of the Mills County RepubUcaii ; and Ezra 
B., living in the same county. Three daughters attained 
womanhood, viz.: Mrs. Luther Hemmingway, of Sodus ; 



256 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Mrs. H. M'^illianiR, of Lincoln ; and Mrs. Applegate, of 
Mills Co., Iowa. 

About the same time, or a little earlier, Harrison and 
John V. Nash and their mother made a beginning on sec- 
tion 34, but in the course of ten years sold to Benjamin 
Lemon, and moved to a place nearer Stevensville. Sub- 
sequently, John V. removed to Hagar, and Harrison to 
Oronoko, where both yet reside. 

In 1845, Leonard Archer became a resident of section 
36, settling on the place now occupied by the family of 
Leroy W. Archer, who also came the same year, and who 
died there in the winter of 1878. Leonard Archer moved 
to Adams Co., Iowa, a number of years ago. Later in the 
season of 1845, Mrs. Mary Archer, the widowed mother 
of the above, came, with her family. Of these, James is 
yet living in the township ; Elizabeth resides in Idaho ; 
Ambrose and Norman are deceased ; Hannah married Hiram 
Parce; Submit, Stephen Lamunion ; and Mary is Mrs. Gould 
Parrish. 

Stephen Lanionion became a settlei- nf the same section 
in 1847. He died in the township, leaving sons named 
James, Leroy, Norman, and Francis, who are yet residents 
of this neighborhood. His daughters were named Mary, 
Margaret, Nancy, and Almeda, three of whom yet survive 
and live in the southern part of the county. 

On the James Morrow place Alonzo Spear settled, after 
1850, his son Charles coming the same time. Other sons 
were Lloyd and Isaac. The father died in the township, 
and most of the family removed. 

Stephen Bonnell came about 1854, and settled on section 
36, on the place at present occupied by his widow, Elizabeth 
Bonnell. There were sons named Charles and Joseph, and 
two daughters. A brother of the above, Ogden Bonnell, 
came to the township about the same time. 

On the opposite side of the road, on section 35, Alexander 
Wilbur began improvements about the same period, and a 
few miles farther north were Andrew J. and Isaac Smoke. 
In 1854, Dr. J. N. Percell and his father-in-law, James 
Dunham, settled at Stevensville, and near by were Hiram 
Barnes, Philip and William Walworth, the pioneers in 
their respective localities. Other pioneers in their respect- 
ive neighborhoods were Jacob Fikes, John Bort, Orrin 
Brown, Chester Phelps, John Graham, Artemas Walker, 
Henry Evans, William A. Brown, George Martin, and T. 
W. Dunham. 

The following names appear on the poll-register of the 
township of Royalton as legal voters (living in that part 
which forms the present township of Lincoln) prior to 
1862, and were, therefore, among the early settlers : 

A. G. Abbe, E. L. Abbott, Cbrisiian Abraham, James Archer, Abijah 
Birdsey, William Bjers, Orrin Brown, David N. Brown, Lyman 
Beeman, Henry 0. Beeman, Philander Becman, Christopher 
Brown, Joseph Chapel, Powell Crickman, John Corrigan, A. D. 
Crandall, James Dunham, Hiram Dunham, L. W. Davis, John B. 
Danforth, Ellas Davoo, Jacob Fikes, Hiram B. Gard, R. A. Gregg, 
Jacob Gardner, Samuel Groen, Job W. Hollywood, Robert F. 
Hollywood, W. J. Hollis, h. K. Hyde, R. E. Johnson, Allen 
Johnson, Jacob V. Jefl'ries, W. D. Jefl'ries, Frederick Koeler, 
James K. Kinne, James Lamunion, John AV. R. Leister, N. H. 
Louusberry, John Miclkie, George N. Martin, Alexander Mc- 
Donald, William F. Morrow, Nicholas Miller, Barnard Miller, 
Elias B. Miller, Daniel A. Miller, Elijah H. Myers, Tbomaa S. 



Myers, Harrison Nash, John V. Nash, Gould Parrish, James A. 
Parrish, John N. Perccll, Hiram Parce, Chester P. Phelps, B. M. 
Quint, Moses B. Quint, Lewis Richards, Charles S. Richardson, 
Thomas Richardson, Andrew J. Smoke, Alonzo Spear, Henry S. 
Strickland, Ansel Stone, Mitchell Spillman, Charles Spear, Austin 
J. Sperry, William Smith, Jacob Van Deusen, Peter Van Deusen. 
Philip M. Walworth, John Wagner, Artemas Walker. 

From this time on tlie population increased very rapidly. 
In 1868 the following persons were as.sessed to pay a tax 
on personal property, and in most instances they were resi- 
dents of the township at that time : 



Names. Section, 

Leroy W. Archer ;J6 

James Archer 26 

Christian Abraham 2 

E. L. Abbott 9 

W. W. Alport 10 

J. W. Brown 15 

Orrin Brown V 

John S, Brown il 

Alonzo D, Brown 3 

Orrin J, Brown 11 

Chester Brown 11 

Augusta Brown 11 

William A, Brown 33 

Christopher Brown 26 

D, N, Brown 9 

D. R, Baldwin , 

Philander Beeman 2 

Charles Breithaupt 1,') 

Elizabeth Bonnell 36 

Gael Bronson 14 

Lyman Bronson 23 

Ozro Bronson 23 

Horace Bronson 14 

Daniel Bowker 14 

E, S.Caldwell 9 

A. H. Conkey 11 

A. D. Crandall 28 

L. W. Davis 24 

Richard Dobson 13 

Hiram Dunham 

T. W. Dunham 

M. N. Dunham 

W. E. Domoni 25 

Elias Davoe 

Henry Evans 23 

Daniel Fisher 16 

D. M. Fisher ,32 

Jacob Fikes 2 

Fuller & Peters 2 

Rebecca French 10 

Jacob B. Gallingor 2 

R. A. Gregg 1 

Frederick Gest 3 

John Graham 11 

A. 0. Griswold 32 

Fred, Grahl 27 

AVilliam Hudson 16 

H.L.Huntington 3 

L M. Hill 

George Higbee 10 

L, P. Haskell 

Hiram C. Hess 25 

Jacob N.Jeffries 33 

E. R. Johnson 25 

Allan Johnson 1 

Wesley Jewell 27 

J.A.Johnson 

James G. Kinne 

Samuel King 24 

J. W. R. Leister 16 

John Lawler 27 

Leroy Lamonion 35 

James Lamonion 35 



Names. Section. 

Christopher Miller 22 

Barnard Miller 12 

David Myers 24 

Joseph C. Myers 13 

C. P'. Martin 23 

John Milke 10 

John Maginnis 15 

John V. Xash 28 

Harrison Nash 28 

Nelson A Benjamin 21 

Ole Olson 

J. A. Parrish 23 

Gould Parrish 36 

Victor Plea 21 

Hiram Pcndland 13 

John N. Peioell 21 

Perley Putnam 22 

Chester Phelps 9 

Charles W. Peters 2 

Andrew Passoski 2 

B. M. Pettit 3 

Submit Parce 36 

B.M. Quint 28 

O.W. Quint 28 

C. L. Richardson 14 

James M. Richardson 23 

John Reeder 3 

Charles Royce 3 

Wellington Stewart 16 

Charles Stewart 16 

S. T. Smith 3 

William B. Smith 3 

George Smith 33 

Ansel Stone 25 

John A.Stone 25 

John Stephenson 

Eri Stephens 14 

J. E. Stephens 1 

H. S. Strickland 10 

Michael Spillman 2 

A. J, Smoke 23 

John B. Shinn 22 

E. J. Stambeck 3 

Joseph Stiles 3 

Sutherland & Granger 34 

Henry A. Trua.\ 3 

Nelson Upson 

Jacob Viin Deusen 15 

Peter Van Deusen 9 

W. C. Van Patten 1 

William Walworth 28 

C. J. Williams 3 

Henry C. Ward 3 

J. G. Wells 1 

Harry Wood 26 

A. A. Webster 11 

D. A. Winslow 9 

John Wagner 25 

L. A. Wilbor 35 

William T. White 2 

Artemas Walker 14 

Whitney & Vanvlear 2 



The valuation of the personal property in the township 
in 1868 was $11,125 ; in 1878, 112,600. At the former 
period the entire valuation of Lincoln was $149,719, and at 
the latter, $152,460. 

The whole number of acres in the township is 13,584, a 
small proportion of which is owned by non-residents ; and 
the average value is reported as $10.29. In 1868 the 
taxes of the township were about $1100, and in 1878, for 
the same purpose, nearly $1400. 



TOWNSHIP OF LINCOLN. 



257 



ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

Tlie township of Lincoln was erected and organized in 
1867, the first meeting for the election of oflftoers being 
held April 1, in that year; Abijah Birdsey, Wellington 
Stewart, and D. N. Brown presiding as inspectors. The 
Republican ticket received 106 votes and the Democratic 
74. The oSicers elected were as follows : Supervisor, James 
A. Parrish ; Clerk, Robert F. Vanvlear ; Treasurer, Alonzo 

D. Brown ; Justices, Leroy W. Archer, 0. W. Quint ; 
Constables, John A. Sperry, A. H. Conkey, B. W. Quint; 
School Inspector, A. 0. French ; Road Commissioner, C. 

E. Spear. 

Since that time the principal officer.s of tlie township have 
been the following : 

SUPERVISORS. 

l.SfiS, James A. Parrish; 1869, Leroj- W. Archer; ISTIl-T'J, Alonzu 

D. Brown. 

OLEIIKS. 
1.S6S, R. F. Viinvlear; 1869-72, J. (!. Wells; 187.3-75, Martin Weiss; 

1876, John F. B. Thompson; 1877, George W. McMasti-r; 1878, 

James A. Collins; 1879, William M. Smith. 



1868-7", A. D. Bn 



TREASURERS. 
1871-79, Leonard Whitney. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FROM 1861 TO 1879. 
Joshua (i. Wells, John W. Leister, Alonzo D. Brown. (iouW Parrish, 
Gottlob Keller, L. E. Knowles, James Dunham, Charles E. Spear, 
Leonard Whitney, William Giffurd, I). M. Warren, Silas Latta, 
Peter Van Deusen, Abel Goddard, William G. Mielkie, and Taylor 
V. AVard. 

PUBLIC THOROUGHFARES. 

It was with much difficulty that good roads were con- 
structed in certain localities in the township. The yielding 
nature of the soil made it necessary to corduroy or plank 
the highways in many places, by which means they have 
been rendered not only passable, but, in most instances, 
they are in excellent condition. This is especially true of 
Lincoln Avenue, in the northeastern part of the township, 
which runs through a locality where the early .settlers 
thought it impossible to build a road. The township has 
been divided into 14 road districts, which now (1879) are 
in charge of the following overseers : Adam Yound, Wil- 
liam Gallinger, Erskine Danforth, William G. Mielkie, C. 
Kroenig, Henry Mielkie, Nathaniel Beardsley, T. W. 
Smoke, William M. Smith, George B. Smith, George Hol- 
lis, Charles Bonnelle, Henry Berendt, Christopher Miller. 

In February, 1870, the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore 
Railroad was completed through the township, and subse- 
quently stations were located at Stevensville, Lincoln, and 
South Lincoln. 

MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES. 

The first manufacturing establishment in the township 
was a saw-mill on Hickory Creek, on section 34. It was 
put up by Benjamin Lemon about 1852, and after being 
operated a number of years by him and others, was dis- 
continued. At a later date H. S. Strickland erected a saw- 
mill on the same stream, on section 28, which was carried 
on until a recent period. 

East of the present village of Stevensville A. L. Putnam 
got in operation a steam saw-mill about twelve years ago, 
adding a few years later a grist-mill. In 1875 the latter 
was destroyed by tire. 
33 



Some time about 1853 a water-power saw-mill was put 
up on section 10 by George Martin, which was operated 
by him until it went down ; and on section 11 John Graham 
put in operation a steam saw-mill about 1864, which was 
destroyed by fire. Here is at present a good mill of about 
1,000,000 feet capacity, owned and operated by E. A. 
Graham. 

On section 22 Victor Plea built a .steam saw-mill in 
1865, which was discontinued in 1871, and the machinery 
removed to Stevensville in 1873, where it formed part of a 
large lumber, fruit-package, and turning establishment, 
which was also swept away by a conflagration. At the site 
of his old mill Victor Plea put in operation a steam grist- 
mill in 1869, but in a few years removed the machinery to 
a building erected for a mill on Hickory Creek, near by, 
where it was operated only a short time. 

In 1871, M. M. Dunham built a .steam saw-mill at 
Stevensville, which became the property of L. R. Brown 
in the course of a few years, and was changed by him into 
a grist-mill in 1877. It is supplied with three run of 
stones and good machinery, and is the only flouring-mill in 
the township. 

Near Stevensville Fisher & Hoskin had a small steam 
saw-mill in 1867, which was burned soon after; and about 
the same time T. W. Dunham started a mill of greater 
capacity on the Grand Marais, which is yet operated to a 
certain extent. To facilitate the shipment of lumber Mr. 
Dunham ei'ected a pier on Lake Michigan, from which 
schooners were laden. Other interests may have abounded 
a short time, but the foregoing have been the principal 
ones. 

LINCOLN FRUIT INTERESTS. 

Fruit-growing has become the controlling industry of 
the people of the township, the acreage increasing from 
year to year until thou.sands of acres are used for this pur- 
pose. Until 1863 much of the .soil of the township was re- 
garded as unfit for the cultivation of peaches and the small 
fruits, but the profitable nature of the business in St. 
Joseph and other townships induced the planting of several 
orchards, which proved successful beyond the anticipations 
of their owners. Other clearings were rapidly made, and 
the barren wastes were transformed into fruitful fields as if 
by magic, enriching their proprietors and giving employ- 
ment to many men. The failure of the peach orchards 
caused a temporary decline of the business, which has 
again attained importance since the culture of small fruits 
has received attention. In 1878 the shipments of berries 
from the different stations in the township amounted to 
44,713 half-bushel packages; peaches, 15,904 one-third- 
bushel packages ; and apples, 6899 barrels. 

The shipments of 1879 will greatly exceed the foregoing, 
having already reached, in July, 40,000 cases of berries. 

In 1872, before the failure of peaches, there were in the 
township 288 acres in strawberries ; 104 acres in rasp- 
berries ; 223 acres in blackberries; 35,154 grape-vines; 
4092 cherry-trees; 140,987 peach-trees; 11,108 pear- 
trees ; 28,567 apple-trees, 2327 plum-trees ; and 4631 
quince-trees. The first farms were from 2 to 98 acres in 
extent, and the growers owning more than 10 acres were as 
follows : 



258 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



E. L. Abbott, B. W. Batohelor, A. D. Brown, Orrin Brown, E. S. 
Gadwell, J. A. Canavan, L. Carpenter, E. Danforth, H. R. Dusen- 
berry, Jacob Fikes, Gordon Brothers, R. S. Goodell, R. A. Gragg, 
F. Graff, A. Halliday, William Hudson, C. Kaper, F. Croft, 
Thomas Mason, G. W. McMaster, R. Miller, B. Miller, W. G. 
Mielkie, John Mielkie, A. H. Morrison, C. Miller, D. Myers, W. 
M. Parrish, A. E. Perkins, C. W. Peters, B. M. Pettit, C. P. 
Phelps, I. S. Reed, W. Smith, Charles Stewart, J. E. Stevens, 
M. Spillman, P. Vandeusen, S. P. Wadsworth, A. Walker, D. M. 
Warnn, A. A. Webster, P. Weber, M. Weiss, A. E. Brush, T. W. 
Dunham, James Dunham, D. M. Fisher, H. C. Hess, Victor Plea, 
H. Putnam, H. 8. Strickland, J. Vandeusen, W. W. Allport, M. 
B. Cleveland, William J. Davis, P. D. Locke, A. N. Merriman, 
and M. H. Morris. 

HAMLETS AND VILLAGES. 

The first eflfort to found a village within the bounds of 
the township was made by E. P. Deacon, Hiram Brown, 
and Robert Richards, of St. Joseph. In May, 1836, they 
platted a number of lots at the mouth of the Grand Marais, 
on which was to be built a village to bear tiie name of Liver- 
pool. The power was to be improved for manufacturing 
purposes, primarily to cut up the large forests of pine grow- 
ing along the lake-shore. The proprietors never realized 
their object, the place remaining to this day a ■' paper city." 

North of the centre of the township, at South Lincoln 
Station, a post-office was established in June, 1879, with 
M. N. Lord as postmaster ; and here a country store is 
soon to be opened, which will give the place the character 
of a country trading-point. 

Stevensville, an important railroad station on sections 21 
and 28, is the only village in the township. It was laid 
out by Thomas Stevens, of Niles, who owned a large tract 
of land in that locality. In the same season an addition 
was platted by D. N. Brown. The place contains Metho- 
dist Episcopal and Prote.stant Methodist churches, several 
stores, hotels, shops, a good grist-mill, and about twenty 
houses. 

In 1871 the Stevensville post-office was established, with 
James Dunham as the first postmaster. The successive 
postmasters have been Solomon Fassett, Abel Goddard, and 
William M. Parrish. Several mails per day are received. 

No merchandising was carried on in the township prior 
to 1870. That year Victor Plea built a store near his 
mills, in which a stock of goods was placed by Boughton & 
Graham. In the early part of 1871, George Morrison 
moved the goods which remained unsold to the depot build- 
ing in Stevensville, and for some time kept a store there. 
But William M. Smith had the first store in the village. 
He engaged in trade in 1870, and continued until 1877, 
being succeeded by the present merchant, E. D. Collins. 

In 1871, Dr. J. N. Percell opened a drug-store, which 
he has since carried on, and a few years later M. Dunham 
began trade in a building in which William M. Parrish & 
Co. at present have a general store, having been in trade 
here since 1877. 

Fred. Sneck is the proprietor of a furniture-store, the 
upper story of which forms a grange hall, and there are 
besides a few small shops, which aid in making the place 
a good trading-point. 

The first tavern was opened by William GifFord, in a 
building which is at present occupied for this purpose by 
Charles Hart. In a well-appointed building near by 



George Morrison opened a public-house, which since his 
death has been carried on by his widow. 

Dr. E. M. Pettit, a homoeopathist, was for many years 
a physician in the township. Dr. A. D. Brown has resided 
in Lincoln since 1863, but has not been in the active prac- 
tice of his profession. In 1854, Dr. J. N. Percell began 
the practice of medicine in the present township, and was 
its first physician. He still resides in the township, 
although no longer a practitioner. Drs. White and Hess 
were former physicians of Lincoln, and the present ones 
are Drs. Charles Hart and J. S. Beers. 

Lake Grange, No. 84, Patrons of Husbandry, was or- 
ganized in Lake township in September, 1873, with 13 
members, but since July, 1874, has held its meetings at 
Stevensville. At one time the membership numbered 100, 
but at present only 35 are reported. Charles Lord was the 
first Master, and was followed in this office by David S. 
Evans, Thomas Mason, and, since 1876, by Samuel Marrs. 
The Secretaries have been 0. P. Miller, William A. Brown, 
and C. P. Phelps. Orrin Brown is the present Treasurer. 

SCHOOLS. 

The public schools of Lincoln have received more than 

the usual degree of attention bestowed on country schools, 

and are in the condition shown below : 

Number of districts 7 

Children of school age 455 

Number attending school 302 

Value of school-houses $5000 

Expended for schools (school year of 1879) $2185.98 

The school inspectors from 1868 to 1879 have been L. 
W. Archer, Leonard Whitney, Artemas Walker, A. G. 
Parrish, William B. Sprague, Charles 0. Jeffries, Gould 
Parrish, Martin Weiss, Charles Hart, and A. 0. French ; 
the school superintendents since the time these officers 
have been elected by the township, in 1875, have been A. 
D. Brown and A. 0. French. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Methodist Episcopal was the first church to estab- 
lish its forms of worship in Lincoln township. In June, 
1847, Gould Parrish and others formed a class, at what 
was afterwards known as Spear's school-house, in the south- 
eastern part of the present township, which had Samuel 
Davis as the leader, and other members from the Archer 
and Lamonion families. That winter a revival took place 
in this neighborhood, during which more than a hundred 
were converted, and which gave the class a large increase, 
among the members being persons belonging to the Smoke, 
Lounsberry, Parkerton, Porter, Wilbur, and other families. 
Preaching was had here from this time forward, in con- 
nection with appointments in the adjoining townships, the 
whole forming circuits, whose pastoral relations are given 
in the township history of Lake, in this book. The ap- 
pointment is at present known as South Lincoln, and the 
class numbers 24 members, under the leadership of James 
Archer. The superintendent of the Sunday-school is F. 
Lamonion. The school has 25 members. 

Through the preaching of the Revs. Gould Parrish and 
William Penland, local ministers of the circuit, a revival of 
religion took place in 1866, at what was then called the 



TOWNSHIP OF LINCOLN. 



259 



Nash school-house, in the western part of the township, 
and a class was formed which did not prosper until the 
following year, when George E. Smith became the class- 
leader. C. 0. Jeffries was one of the active members, and 
as a result of another revival, which occurred in the winter 
of 1867-08, 30 persons were converted, strengthening 
the class and giving it permanency. It is at present known 
as the Stevensville class, and George Smith is in charge of 
the 26 members composing it as their leader. The class 
at Lincoln Avenue has been supplied with preaching since 
1867. It has at present 32 members, and William John- 
son as the leader. The Sunday-school at that place is also 
superintended by Mr. Johnson, and has 50 members. The 
services at Stevensville are held in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church edifice, a neat frame building, which was erected 
in the summer of 1878, at a cost of $800. The building 
committee was composed of Edward Johnson, James John- 
son, and the pastor, the Rev. J. R. Skinner. It was dedi- 
cated July 18, 1878, by Bishop Merrill, and is a comfort- 
able place of worship. The present trustees are George 
Smith, James Johnson, William M. Parri.sh, Philo Hyde, 
and C. 0. Jeffries. 

Stevensville and Lincoln Avenue are also parts of Bridg- 
man circuit, whose history is given in connection with Lake 
township, to which the reader is referred for the names of 
the pastors who have served these appointments. In the 
Stevensville church a Sunday-school of 50 members is 
superintended by Lillie Putnam. 

The Protestant Methodist Church of Stevensville. — Since 
1854 members who entertained the faith of this denomi- 
nation have resided in the town.ship, but it was not 
until 1867 that regular preaching was supplied. At the 
solicitation of T. W. Dunham, the Rev. Mr. Reeves came 
about that time to preach to the people residing in the 
western part of the township, and continued his services 
with some regularity more than two years. Other minis- 
ters followed, among them being Revs. Shepardson and Pat- 
terson. The present preacher is the Rev. D. M. Weaver. 

In 1876 a frame meeting-house for the use of the society 
was begun at Stevensville, but was not completed until the 
latter part of 1878. A protracted meeting was then held 
here which promoted a revival and secured an addition of 
20 church members. The church has a total membership 
of 32. T. W. Dunham is the class-leader, and D. W. 
Percell the steward. A flourishing Sunday-school is main- 
tained, which has Frank Hoskin for superintendent. 

The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Joseph 
erected a building in the northern part of Lincoln, for the 
accommodation of its members in this township, in the fall 
of 1878, in which the pastor of that church preaches twice 
per month. A day-school for the promotion of secular and 
religious education has been maintained the past year. It 
was attended by 64 pupils. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DAVID MYERS 

was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Sept. 25, 1825, and re- 
mained in Ohio and the Eastern States until 1855, en- 
gaged during this time in various kinds of business, as 
farming, working by the month, driving stock to the Eastern 
markets, working on the canal, etc. In 1855 he came to 
Michigan, settling in Niles township. There he purchased 
a saw-mill, ran it, and bought and sold lumber in partner- 
ship with Justice Corwin. In 1859 he sold out to his 
partner, and rented a farm east of Berrien Springs. In 1862 
he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Royalton, 
cleared about forty acres, built a hou.se and barn, and set 
out an orchard, remaining there until 1865, when he moved 
to Lincoln township on one hundred and twenty acres of 
land, it being one of the oldest farms in the township. He is 
still engaged in farming, fruit-growing, and buying and 
selling stock. He has made a success of all these voca- 
tions. In 1858, Mr. Myers married H. J., daughter of 
Shadrach Ford. Mrs. Myers was born in Berrien town- 
ship, Nov. 22, 1837, — her father being one of the first set- 
tlers in the county. 

L. W. ARCHER 

was born in the State of Vermont, Feb. 28, 1821. At the 
early age of seven years he moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., 
where he remained five years, going from there to Upper 
Canada, and remaining two years ; he then returned to Or- 
leans County. 

After a short time he took the Michigan fever, as many 
were going from that portion of New York to Michigan, and 
he decided to try his fortunes in the new State. He 
stopped first at Niles, arriving there in 1845, remaining 
until 1860, when he settled in Lincoln township, where 
he remained until his death. 

Mr. Archer at the early age of sixteen years embraced 
religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
during his entire life was an active member, filling many 
positions of trust in the church. His death occurred Feb. 
22, 1879, but the grim messenger found him at his post, 
and released him fiom his labors that he might receive his 
final reward. He left behind him a wife and four children, 
who, with many friends, mourn his loss. 

Mrs. Archer's maiden name was Lorinda Stone. The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Archer have all nearly reached 
the estate of manhood and womanhood. 



DR. J. N. PERCELL. 
This gentleman was born in Mayfield, Muntgomery Co., 
N. Y., Feb. 17, 1828. When but six years of age he last 
his father, and was taken by his grandfather, Daniel An- 
derson, with whom he made his home until he was fourteen 
years old. He then removed to Johnstown, where he at- 
tended the academy some four years; then went to Michi- 
gan, with his mother and stepfather (his mother having 
married again), and settled with them in the township of 
Brady, Kalamazoo Co. Two years later he took up his 
abode with his uncle, Archibald Anderson, and remained 



260 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



with him three years, or until the hitter's death. He soon 
after contracted with the government to carry the mails 
from Fort Wayne, Ind., to Ooldwater and White Pigeon, 
Mich., but tired of the work in one year. Returning to 
Kalamazoo, he found employment in the nursery of Timo- 
thy W. Dunham, and about four years later went into the 




l.'/'^,^^'^ 



nursery business with James Dunham, at Buchanan. Dec. 
12, 1852, he married Mary, daughter of J.uues and Elsie 
Dunham, and by her became the father of seven children, 
as follows : De Witt (married Elizabeth, daughter of D. M. 
Weaver, who is a licensed preacher of the Methodist Prot- 
estant Church); Frances M. (deceased); Almeda (de- 
ceased); Francis (deceased); Mary L. (deceased); John 
N. ; and Irene M. In 1854, Dr. Peroell removed to Stevens- 
ville, Berrien Co., in what was then Royalton township, now 
Lincoln. There he purchased eighty acres of land, but has 
since sold forty acres, and on this farm his son De Witt is 
now living. The doctor was educated at Johnstown Acad- 
emy, New York, after leaving which he decided to study 
medicine, and attended several medical colleges. He en- 
tered upon the practice of his profession in 1854, at Ste- 
vensville, and continued until 1871, when he built and 
stocked a drug-store, and now pays his attention to the lat- 
ter. He also is engaged to some extent in fruit culture. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



NILES TOWNSHIP.* 



Location, Topography and Water-Courses — The Carey Mission — 
Original Entries of Land — Early Settlements in the Township — 
Early Mills and Mill-Sites — Early Roads — Organization of the 
Township — Township Officers — Schools — Old Bertrand Village. 

The present township of Niles is bounded on the north 
by the township of Berrien, on the east by Cass County, 

* By Austin N. Hungerford. 



on the south by the township of Bertraud and the State of 
Indiana, and on the west by the townships of Buchanan 
and Bertrand, from which it is mostly separated by the 
St. Joseph River. 

The surface of the township is undulating. In the south- 
western part, along the St. Joseph River, precipitous bluffs 
rise along its banks, and back from the river on the west is 
the highest land in this part of the State. The land where 
stands the city of Niles was originally white-oak openings, 
and the soil is very well adapted to the production of wheat. 
In that section, within the bend of the river, are the heavy 
timbered lands where black walnut, basswood, beech, and 
maple grow abundantly. The soil of these lands is clay in- 
termixed with sandy loam, and is well adapted to the pro- 
duction of every kind of grain. The soil on the west side 
of the river is mostly alluvial, and the surface gradually 
subsides iuto prairies in Cass County. The township is 
watered by the St. Joseph River, that flows from south to 
north through and along its entire length, being fed by 
several small streams. The only other considerable stream 
is the Dowagiac River, which enters the township near the 
northeast corner, flows southeasterly, and enters the St. Jo- 
seph about half a mile nortli of the corporation line of the 
city of Niles. 

THE CAREY MISSION. 

To Isaac McCoy, the Indian missionary, belongs the 
credit of the pioneer movement that opened the way and 
made a path through the trackless woods for adventurous 
spirits to follow. He was born in 1783, near Uniontown, 
Pa. His parents removed to Kentucky in 1789. He was 
married in 1803, and received a license to preach in 1804 ; 
emigrated to Indiana, where he preached among the In- 
dians. On the 17th of October, 1817, he received from 
the United States Baptist Missions an appointment as mis- 
sionary. After preaching in various places in Indiana and 
Illinois, he opened, Jan. 1, 1819, a school of six scholars, 
children of settlers, and one Indian boy of the Brothertown 
Indians. 

In 1820, at the request of Dr. Turner, the Indian agent, 
he settled at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he had the free 
use of buildings, and the school was commenced May 29th, 
with 10 English scholars, 6 French, 8 Indian, and one negro. 
On the 12th of March, 1821, the school numbered 39 In- 
dian scholars. In June, 1821, in company with these In- 
dians and Abraham Burnett, a young half-breed, as inter- 
preter, who was one of the pupils and a son of the trader 
Burnett, at St. Joseph, he set out to meet a company of 
PoUawattamles, for the purpose of consulting with them 
on the subject of education and its advantages. On 
June 10th he met Topinabe, Chebass, and others at one of 
their villages. The advantages of education, knowledge of 
agriculture and mechanical trades, was explained to them as 
well as it could be through a mere lad. They visited at 
the village of Menominee, and again endeavored to explain 
to them the situation. They were received very kindly, 
and the desire was expressed to have them come to their 
villages and open a school. 

On the night of the 12th of June they arrived at a small 
village of Pottawattainies, on the banks of the St. Joseph 
River. In the afternoon of the next day reached the Bur- 



TOWNSHIP OF NILES. 



261 



netts, at the mouth of St. Joseph River. They soon after 
returned to Fort Wayne. 

The Pottawaltamies were in favor of the missionaries 
establishing a school in their midst, and agreed to assist in 
the endeavor to get a tract of land set apart for that pur- 
pose in the treaty to be held at Chicago in the summer of 
1821. It was impossible for Mr. McCoy to leave home, 
but a teacher of the school was sent with full instructions, 
and Col. Trimble, of Ohio, a United States senator, called 
at the mission on his way to the treaty, and received from 
Mr. McCoy a written statement of the condition of affairs, 
and promised his earnest support. At that treaty — in 
Article 4 — it was provided that a mile square should be 
selected on the north side of Grand River, and a mile 
square on the south side of the St. Joseph, and within the 
Indian lands not ceded, and that a blacksmith and a 
teacher should be provided by the government for each 
mission. This treaty was made Aug. 29, 1821, and rati- 
fied March 25, 1822. May 14, 1822, in company with 
three Frenchmen and Abraham Burnett, Mr. McCoy set 
out on a tour to the Pottawattami'es. On the 16th he 
reached a French trading-house at Pare aux Vaches (Ber- 
trand's), and passed on to the place where the Indians 
wished then to settle. 

On July 16th, of the same year, Mr. McCoy received 
from Gen. Cass an appointment to take charge of the In- 
dian mis.sion, with explicit and minute instructions. His 
yearly compensation was to be $400, and Mr. Sears, an 
assistant, received the same salary, and the sum of $365 
per annum was allowed to the blacksmith. The sites were 
to be selected by the President of the United States, and 
were to be placed under the supervision of Mr. McCoy. 
Six reports were to be made in the course of the year, — 
two to the Indian agent at Chicago, two to Governor Cass, 
one to the Secretary of War, and one to the Board of Mis- 
sions. Governor Cass commissioned Mr. Charles C. Trow- 
bridge to make definite arrangements with the Indians for 
the sites. The 10th of August was the day fixed to locate 
the site on the St. Joseph River, and a few days later than 
the 10th the site was located. 

On the 9th of October, 1822, a company of 22 persons 
left Fort Wayne for the new station on the St. Joseph, 
with the intention to erect buildings, after which the family 
were to be removed thither. They started with two ox- 
wagons, one four-horse wagon, and four milch cows, and 
arrived October 19th. The place was named by the Board 
of Missions, Carey, in honor of one of the missionaries in 
Hindostan. The work of clearing, chopping trees, and 
hauling logs immediately commenced, and in a short time 
six log houses were built, — four for dwellings, one for a 
school, and one for a blacksmith-shop. 

November 11th, McCoy returned home and began prep- 
arations for removal to the banks of the St. Joseph ; and 
Dec. 9, 1822, the company, consisting of thirty-two persons, 
started, with three wagons drawn by oxen, one drawn by 
horses, and driving fifty hogs and five cows. At dark on 
the 18th of December the party arrived at Bertrand's 
trading-post, and the next day reached the mission. While 
on their way from Fort Wayne, they encamped one night 
at a creek that enters the St. Joseph near the mouth of 



the Elkhart. Upon starting in the morning, Mr. McCoy 
named it, after his wife, Christina Creek, which name it 
still bears. The 1st of January, 1823, an invitation was 
given Topinabe, Chebass, and others of the principal men, 
to attend at the mission for a social visit. On the 27th of 
January of that year school was opened in the new school- 
house, with thirty Indian scholars, all of whom were fed, 
lodged, and clothed at the expense of the mission. The 
house was yet without floor or chimney. In February the 
provisions they had brought with them became exhausted, 
and the teams that had been sent out to Port Wayne had 
not returned. 

Mr. McCoy went out to see if he could find corn, and 
while traveling met Mr. Bertrand. Upon the situation 
being explained, he said, in broken English, " I got some 
corn, — some flour. I give you half. Suppose you die, — 
I die too." With his little Indian horse loaded with corn 
and flour, Mr. McCoy returned at night, and found that a 
Pottawattamie woman had sent in some corn, and they 
were feasting upon the poor Indian woman's bounty. July 
10th two Indians brought about two bushels of corn, and 
two traders, by the name of Rosseau, hearing of the scarcity 
of food, brought half their flour from fifteen miles distant. 
On the 13th of February the wagons arrived, with plenty 
of food and five boxes of clothing from Boston and Salem, 
Mass. On the 21st of February, Mr. Johnston Lykius, 
afterwards a son-in-law of Mr. McCoy, arrived and took 
charge of the school. 

In April, Mr. McCoy went to Fort Wayne, and on the 
16th started to return, with a Mr. and Miss Wright, who 
were to assist in the school, six hired men, and an Indian 
boy. They drove 12 head of cattle and 110 sheep. Upon 
reaching the river they made a large canoe, and floated 
down the river with part of their goods, and, after camp- 
ing, the canoe became loosened and capsized, and flour, 
corn-meal, seed-corn, dried fruit, and other things were 
lost in the river. Many of their things were rescued some 
distance below. On the route, while camping at night, 
about 70 of the sheep rambled away, but all but one were 
recovered the next day. A severe rain-storm prevailed at 
the time, and the situation became very unpleasant. At 
Bertrand's trading-house they found a fire and plenty to eat, 
after which they soon reached their destination. 

Mr. Jackson, who was with Mr. McCoy at Fort Wayne, 
and came with the party at first, had charge of the smith- 
ery. In June, 1823, the mission received a visit from Maj. 
J. H. Long, Messrs. J. E. Calhoun, Thomas Say, Samuel 
Seymour, and William H. Keating, who were on their way 
to the source of the Mississippi. At this time, Mr. McCoy 
was on a visit to establish the mission at Grand River. 
Maj. Long says, in the account of his expedition, after 
mentioning other matters pertaining to the mission : " They 
have cleared 50 acres of land ; 40 acres have been plowed 
and planted to maize. The mission family have a flock of 
100 sheep, and are daily expecting 200 head of cattle from 
Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio." One hundred and fifty 
arrived the 15th of June, the remainder were lost on the 
way or were left to recruit. Transportation of breadstufl"s 
had to be made a distance of two hundred miles. 

The first report was dated July 1, 1823, and was tuade 



262 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



to Governor Cass and Dr. Wolcott, the latter being United 
States agent at Chicago. They reported " 60 acres cleared 
and inclosed with a good fence." In summer the sound of 
a trumpet at daybreak called the family to rise, and the 
ringing of a bell to morning prayers. At half-past six the 
trumpet called to breakfast, and nine o'clock at night was 
the time for silence to rest over the mission. It was made 
a point to have the rules of the mission carried out with 
entire precision. 

In the latter part of October, 1823, Charles Noble was 
commissioned by Governor Cass to visit the mission, to ex- 
amine and report its condition. He remained three days, 
and made a satisfactory report. 

Nov. 5, 1823, the missionaries received a valuable acces- 
sion to their company in Miss Fanny Goodridge, of Lex- 
ington, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. William Poike and family 
came in the same month. A Sabbath-school was com- 
menced by Miss Goodridge, and on the same Sabbath the 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered for the 
first time in Western Michigan by Protestants. 

The clearing of land, plowing, sowing, and cultivating 
had been steadily carried on by hired men and the help of 
the Indians, and upon securing the proceeds of the farm 900 
bushels of corn, besides garden vegetables, were obtained. 

The annual allowance from government for schools was 
8200, but in 1822 it was increased to $600, and f566 was 
obtained from government to assist in the erection of build- 
ings. 

In 1824, Mr. McCoy made a tour to the Eastern States, 
and received in donations $1623 in cash. Mr. Robert Sim- 
erwell returned with him as a missionary, and remained in 
charge here until the closing of the mission. July 4, 1824, 
Mr. McCoy commenced preaching in the Indian villages in 
the vicinity. 

The Hon. John L. Leib, of Detroit, was appointed by 
Governor Cass to examine and report concerning the mis- 
sion. He visited the station Nov. 2, 1824, and remained 
three days. The following is quoted from his report : 
" Besides the Rev. Mr. McCoy and his wife, three male and 
one female teachers, and one of these Robert Simerwell, is 
also a blacksmith, six men engaged in agricultural opera- 
tions, improving buildings, procuring firewood, etc., five 
Indian women as domestics. 

" Two of the boys are learning the trade of blacksmith, 
and the others are occupied on the farm. All the girls 
except three or four can spin, knit, and sew. Two of them 
can weave plain cloth, and 294 yards have been manufac- 
tured in their loom since February last. 

" The yield of corn the past year was 1600 bushels, — • 
150 bushels of oats, 400 bushels of potatoes, 150 bushels 
of turnips, and 1000 heads of cabbage, besides other vege- 
tables. 

" The Indian families in the neighborhood show con- 
siderable interest in agricultural pursuits, and have com- 
menced to fence land and plow and plant." 

About tins lime, in the summer and fall of 1824, Mr. 
McCoy complained of the settlement of men on lands ceded 
to the United States, near the mission, whose principal de- 
sign was to sell whisky to the Indians. Remonstrances 
were of no use, for they had little property and no reputa- 



tion to lose. Many of the Indians manifested a dislike to 
the trade in ardent spirits, but seldom could withstand the 
temptation to drink. 

Ezekiel French, a white man in the employ of the mis- 
sion, was converted in the fall of 1824, and November 7th 
was baptized in the St. Joseph River. The ground was 
covered with snow and a fire was built on the bank for 
comfort. This was the first baptism administered in the 
river, or any of the waters flowing into Lake Michigan, 
by Protestants. November 15th, Ezekiel Clark, Charles 
Potter, and Jared Lykins were baptized. A few days later 
Gosa, an Ottiaoa, of Kalamazoo, brought to them the sixty- 
seventh Indian scholar from Grand River. Gosa afterwards 
became interested in and remained at the mission at Grand 
River. 

Jan. 12, 1825, three Indian pupils were baptized at the 
Carey Mission; on the 17th of same month four men. In 
February, 1825, the mission reported 90 persons. On the 
17th March, 1825, Robert Simerwell and Miss Fanny 
Goodridge were married. 

After the Indians returned from their winter's hunt, they 
sought for lands near the mission to cultivate, and were sup- 
plied with plows, hoes, axes, etc., to assist them, and both 
men and women worked in the fields. Topinabe, the prin- 
cipal chief, and almost all his people settled south of the 
mission, and about 30 families were improving land rapidly 
and keeping live stock. 

At this time they reported 200 acres inclosed, 30 acres 
in corn, with an orchard of between two and three hundred 
peach-trees and a few apple-trees. In May of this year, 
1825, they were erecting a flouring-mill, to operate by 
horse-power, having previously used a hand-mill. Prior 
to this time the flour was ground by hand, using two stones 
made from bowlders found near the mission. These mill- 
stones are in the possession of Dr. L. A. Barnard, of Ber- 
rien Springs, and are placed in the log house of the Pioneer 
Association. After the erection of the flouring-mill they 
were sold to Squire Thompson, and by him to John John- 
son, Jr., from whom Dr. Barnard obtained them. During 
that summer the harvest of wheat was 300 bushels. 
The first to settle on land near them was a man from In- 
diana, who came on foot and alone to the mission, and 
settled as near the mission as possible, and for a time was 
dependent on them. He erected a little hut on the north 
bank of the St. Joseph River, and laid in a small stock of 
bread and meat and a barrel of whisky. In the spring of 
1825 the sale of whisky increased to such an alarming ex- 
tent that it threatened to destroy the results of the past 
labor. The Indians were induced to neglect their fields and 
improvements, and sell their clothing to procure whisky. 
Intoxication, rioting, and quarreling became prevalent, and 
the work of the missions seemed to be nearly at an end. 

During Mr. McCoy's absence Jlr. Simerwell wrote to him 

as follows: "Our white neighbors T , G , and 

E ,deal out whisky to the Indians plentifully, with which 

they purchase anything which the Indians will part with. 
The clothing of the Indians, farming and cooking utensils, 
are purchased for liquor. Articles manufactured for the 
Indians in our smithery have been seen in the stores of the 
whisky-sellers." 



TOWNSHIP OP NILES. 



263 



Mr. Lykins wrote as follows: " Sympathize with us, my 
dear brother, in our griefs, when I tell you every hope, 
every prospect for the welfare of the Indians around us, is 
prostrate, is entirely cut off. I entreat you to plead for 
their removal." 

From this time efforts commenced to get lands in the 
West to remove the Indians. 

Nov. 24, 1825, Mr. Jotham Meeker and Mr. W. M. 
Crosby joined the band at Carey as missionaries. 

On the 15th of September, 1826, Mr. McCoy left home 
to attend the treaty to be held upon the Wabash with the 
Puttawattamies. At this treaty, which lasted nearly four 
weeks, there was granted to 58 Indians by descent, " scholars 
in the Carey Mission-School on the St. Joseph, under the 
direction of the Rev. Isaac McCoy, one quarter section of 
land, to be located by the President of the United States," 
and $500 worth of goods were allowed for the benefit of 
the pupils of the school. Mr. Lykins was appointed to 
make the selection. The dilatory action of government 
cau.sed a great diminution of the benefits expected. Instead 
of being cared for and guarded, they sold their lands and 
lapsed in a considerable degree to their former state. 

Mr. McCoy had studied the Indian question thoroughly, 
and wrote a work entitled " Remarks on Indian Reform,"' 
the principal design of which was to show the practicability 
of reform and measures to be adopted for its accomplishment. 
He says, " We discovered that our Indians could not possi- 
bly prosper when they knew they had no settled residence, 
and when the influx of white population, and with it the 
introduction of floods of ardent spirits, had already aided 
discouragements to their spiritless minds." 

A treaty was held at the mission Sept. 17, 1827, attended 
by Governor Cass and suite. At this treaty several small 
reservations were consolidated in one, $500 in goods were 
paid the Indians, and $2500 in money. In about twenty- 
four hours after the Indians were relieved of most of their 
money by the traders near, who supplied them liberally with 
whisky. 

On the 15th of October, 1827, Mr. McCoy took leave of 
the station, intending to be absent several months. He 
visited New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, where he 
had an interview with the President and the Committee on 
Indian Affairs, with a view of getting Indian territory set 
off 

The mission, in the absence of Mr. McCoy, was in charge 
of Mr. Meeker, Mr. Lykins, and Mr. Slater. After his 
return he again left, on the 2d of July, 1828, on a tour of 
exploration west of the Mississippi, accompanied by three 
Pottawattamies and three Ottawas. 

In September, 1828, during the absence of Mr. McCoy 
on the western trip, Governor Cass and Col. P. Menard 
held a treaty at Carey Mission with the Pottawattamies 
for the purcha.se of land. At this treaty the land between 
the St. Joseph River and the lake, except the plot reserved 
mostly in the town of Bertrand, was ceded. The mission 
was drawing to a close, and in October, 1828, provision 
was made for government to pay for improvements made in 
houses, fields, and orchards, whenever the missionaries 
should remove. 

Mr. McCoy and Mr. Lykins were instructed to repair to 



regions west of Missouri and Arkansas, and report the con- 
dition of the country and suitable location for a mission. 
They returned to Carey on the 2Gth of June. On the 
10th of July 37 Indian youths were still in the school. 
Difficulties had so accumulated around Mr. Simerwell at 
Carey, that when Mr. Lykins left that station, in April, he 
was fully convinced of the propriety of closing operations 
there as soon as was practicable." Pursuant to an arrange- 
ment with the Secretary of War, the valuation of the im- 
provements of Carey Mission was made on the 1st day of 
September, 1830, by Charles Noble, Esq., of Michigan, and 
Mr. Simonson, of Indiana. The improvements were ap- 
praised at $5080 ; the growing crops, after reserving 
enough for the use of Mr. Simerwell, at $6-11.50; in all, 
$5721.50. This sum was paid to the Board of Missions in 
Boston by the government, to be applied in establishing 
missions in the West. 

The school was discontinued, with the exception of seven 
or eight children, who remained with the family of Mr. 
Simerwell, who had leave to remain until he could make 
other arrangements. He remained a few months and lo- 
cated in the neighborhood, and thus ended the labors of 
that noble band of missionaries at the Carey Mission. On 
the 11th of August, 1833, there were gathered together at 
the Shawanoe Mission House, in the Indian Territory, 15 
members of the Carey Mission Church, who organized a 
church, and continued the association and memories of the 
laborers at that place.* 

An incident in connection with Mr. McCoy is of histori- 
cal interest, and worthy of a place in connection with the 
Carey Mission. It is given in a letter written by John C. 
McCoy, the son of the Rev. Isaac McCoy, to the Rev. G. 
S. Bailey, of Nilcs. This letter, which is dated " Wilder, 
Johnson Co., Kan., Oct. 13, 1878," has particular reference 
to the writer's mother. He says, " My mother's maiden 
name was Christiana Polke, one of the younger children of 
Charles Polke. In ' Jefferson's Notes,' a small book by 
President Jefferson, is a certificate from the same Charles 
Polke to prove the charge against Col. Cresap for the mur- 
der of the family of the celebrated Indian chief Logan. He 
then lived in .southwestern Pennsylvania. He afterwards 
moved to Nelson Co., Ky., where my mother was born. 
Before the birth of my mother the Indians captured the 
stockade fort, ' Kinchelor's Station,' in which the settlers were 
collected (most of the men being absent at the time), killed 
the few men and many of the women and children, destroy- 
ing everything, and carried away the surviving women and 
children as prisoners. Among these were the wife and three 
children of my grandfather, Charles Polke. These children 
were Judge William Polke, afterwards a prominent man in 
Indiana, Nancy, Ruby, and Eleanor Hollingsworth. They 
were taken to Detroit, where the British held possession, 
and where she (Mrs. Polke) was delivered of another child 
(Thomas), who died about one year ago, a wealthy citizen 
of Texas. 

" My grandmother was ransomed from the Indians by 

* The facts contained in this sketch of Carey Mission are taken from 
the journal of the Rev. Isaac McCoy, in the possession of the Rev. G. 
S. Bailey, D.D., pastor of the Baptist Church at Niles, and from the 
" Indian Treaties" in United States statutes at large. 



264 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



some benevolent British officers, and remained for about 
three years in Detroit, supporting herself and child by her 
needle. The three other children were carried off by the 
Pottawattamie Indians to the St. Joseph River, probably 
in the vicinity of the Carey Mission (Niles). 

" For three long years my grandfather supposed they 
had all been slain in the massacre at the burning fort. At 
last my grandmother found means to send him word of 
their condition. He traveled alone on foot through the 
trackless wilderness three hundred miles in search of his 
lost ones whom God had spared. He was treated with 
great kindness by the British officials, who gave him such 
aid for the recovery of his children as he desired. He went 
alone, and at last found them, two with one family of the 
Pottawattamics and one with another, by whom they were 
adopted. When grandfiither found the two first, William 
and Eleanor, and they knew he had come for them, they 
both ran and hid themselves. They had forgotten their 
native tongue, and it was with difficulty that he finally in- 
duced their foster-parents to give them up or them to accom- 
pany him. This transpired certainly but a few miles from 
the site of the old Carey Mission, where many years after- 
wards another child, and sister of these lost captives, went 
through toil and tempest to repay the very same people 
(many of whom were still living), not with vengeance or 
injury, but with gifts of richer and more enduring value 
than gold." 

ORIGINAL ENTRIES OF LAND IN NILES TOWNSHIP. 

The following list is of the persons who made original 
entries of government land on the several sections of Niles 
township : 

Section 1. — Jesse Jones, B. Jenkins, A. Rogers, P. ami D. W. Ritchie, 

F. Bronson, D. B. Ilowley. 
Section 2. — John Stone, C. Borden? anil E. Huston, J. and J. W. Nye, 

J. Nye, Peter Nye. 
Section 3.— J. and J. W. Nye, William Gauwood, Ward, Oleott & Co., 

James Slater, Shelah AVillis, Green and Renard, Hannon. 

Section 4.— D. Redding and J. S. Griffin, T. R. Martin, R. E. Ward, 

Ward, Oloott & Co. 
Section 5. — William Lemon and T. R. Martin, S. Johnson and Henry 

Rice, N. Hawkins, John Johnson. 
Section 6.— C. Campbell, C. Pidge, Henry Rice. 
Section 7.— William Iredell and William T. Noel, J. Stephens and D, 

P. Pidge, Joseph Stevens. 
Section S.—Vf. T. Noel, William Johnson, Luke AVebstcr, and B 

Lane. 
Section 9.— Ward, Oleott & Co., William T. Noel, J. Corner, T. B 

Owen, S. Johnson, B. Lane, Bronson. 

Section 10.— T. Oloott, Robert Fowler, Beck, W. A. Perkins, C 

Anderson, • Bronson, S. Johnson, W. Rensler, H. J. Slater 

Williams. 

Section 11.— H. J. Slater, J. Mason, C. Jewett, J. Vessey, J. Wil- 
liams, J. Hartrioh, John Ritter. 

TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, BANGE 17 WEST.* 

Section 1.— W. M. Wray, H. G. Heath, J. Grove, N. Bacon, T. R. 

Grove, L. R. Stafford, Jr., John Redding, A. Griffin, Nicholas 

Weber, B. B. Keroheval. 
Section 2. — J. Bertrand, R. Benson, S. Bradbury, Bacon Wheeler, 

J. B. Finch, H. Bradbury, N. Weber. 
Sections 3 to 10. — Joseph Bertrand. 
Section 11.— Bacon Wheeler, H. B. Hoffman, Lewis Horton, J. Sils- 

bee, 0. K. Green. 

* Formerly that part of Bertrand cast of the St. Joseph River. 



Section 12.— J. D. Dutlon. C. K. Green, L. R. Stafford, J. Bertrand, 

Jr., L. R. Stafford. 
Section 13. — George Johnson, Robert Ni.xon, George Johnson, Oti.s 

Jones, A. Bennett, II. B. Hoffman, J. B. Finch, Mason. 

Section 14. — J. Silsbee, Madelaine Bertrand, Leon Bourassas. 

Section 15. — Madelaine Bertrand. 

Section 22. — Madelaine Bertrand. 

Section 23.— M. Bertrand, Bacon Wheeler, B. B. Kcrcheval, J. R. 

Weaver. 
Section 24.— 1>. Ingalls, J. Aldrioh, W. TruitI, J. Nixon. 

TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE IS WEST. 
Section 1. — J. L. Kinzcy. Edward Legg, J. Strymer, Snyder and 

J. L. Kinzey, J. Johnson. 
Section 2. — John Snyder. 

Section 12. — C. Sparks, J. Legg, Joseph Stevens. 
Section 13.— W. Garner, A. Price, J. Stevens, J. Noel, S. Babcock. 
Section 24.— B. Lykins, D. Brown, W. Broadhurst, Ralph Camp, N. 

Cotton, J. Carberry, B. Chandler, R. Camp, W. Cotton. 
Section 23. — John Hunter. 
Section 25.— W. Broadhurst, J. Stephen. 
Section 12.— D. B. Hawley, J. Vessey, E. Huston, J. Redding, G. and 

W. Boon, John Ritter and Eli Ford, G. .McCoy, James Kirk, 

Bronson, 
Section 13.— J. C.irl.erry, S. Benson, 11. Hoath, D. Fisher, Eli Ford, 

Jacob Beeson, H. Chilson, A. Smith, Beeson & Co., John Marks, 

William Kirk. 
Section 14. — Eli Ford, S. Salee, Horace Parsons, John Raher, and R. 

Snodgrass. 
Section 15. — J. Hickman, S. Johnson, John Johnson, N. M. Beck. 
Section 16. — School lauds. 
Section 17. — David Hopkins, Alex. Price, Thomas Lough, J. Sharp, 

and D. Brown. 
Section 18. — J. Comer and A. Price, William Garwood, R. Babcock 

and Isom Stevens, Joseph Stevens and D. Brown. 
Section 19. — D. Brown, William Broadhurst, W. Bronson and T. Voor- 

hees. 
Section 20. — Rummel & Keck, James White, H. Rice and Benjamin 

Chandler. 
Sections 21, 22, 27, 28, 33, 34.— University lands. 
Section 23. — Stephen Salee, E. Lacey, Adam Smith, Ralph Snod- 
grass, E. and E. Lacey, T. K. Green, R. Clark, Joshua Comley, 
Section 24.— John Willson, A. Charles, William Justus, P. Clark, H. 

Langston, H. J. Slater, M. Willson, J. Ribble. 
Section 25.— A. T. Rogers, G. Shurtes, A. Huston, J. Hoyt, Jr., and 

William Liston. 

Section 26. — 'Joshua Comley, Lacey, G. Fosdick. 

Section 29.— F. H. Ives, William Cotton, H. Ferguson, F. N. Pen- 
well. 
Section 30.— William Broadhurst, A. Bronson, F. Voorhees, 

Perry, J. Willett. 
Section 31. — A. Chambers, B. Pittman, B. Martin, J. Van Buskirk. 
Section 32.— A. Moore, J. Chambers, T. J. Buckell, W. Carton. 
Section 35.— B. G. Parnell and D. T. and D. Wilson, D. Willson, Jr., 

A. Griffin, Joseph Bertrand, Jr. 
Section 3fi.— William Loston, A. Huston, A. Griffin, J. W. Griffin, N. 

Bacon. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

Soon after the land was surveyed in this part of the Ter- 
ritory, emigrants began to come in and locate. Among 
the first was one Stephen Salee, a Polander, who, after 
fighting in the Russian campaigns in 1814, emigrated to 
Preble Co., Ohio, where he kept a store, and in the late 
summer of 1828 loaded his household goods and his stock 
of merchandise, and, with his wife and two children, started 
for the West again, passing through Fort Wayne and South 
Bend. They came through the place which is now Niles, 
with their covered wagon loaded with three barrels of 
whisky, a sack of coffee, and other goods, and settled on 
section 23, about a mile and a quarter below the city. 
There Salee built a large log cabin, for both store aud dwell- 



TOWNSHIP OF NILES. 



265 



ing, and there he lived and kept store for many years.* He 
is well remembered by the old citizens, and his sons still 
live on the place. About the same time, and from the same 
place, emigrated John Kinzie, with his wife and eight chil- 
dren, of whom William Kinzie, then seventeen years old, 
was one. They followed the track made by the missiona- 
ries, and came through what is now the city of Niles, where 
there was then but one cabin. This was owned by Eli 
Bonnell, and stood near where Montague's hardware-store 
now stands, on the south side of Blain Street. Above, on the 
river, near where the old brewery stands, and a few rods from 
the creek that flows into the river at that place, Abram 
Teitsort had a cabin. At his place the family stopped and 
drew water from his spring, and after a short rest passed on 
to the grove on the bank south from the Lacey dam, where 
they remained about two weeks in a vacant cabin. This 
was in September, 1828. Mr. Kinzie removed from this 
place to Pokagon Prairie before Walling, Lacey, Gray, and 
Justus came in. In 1829, at the place where Kinzie Creek 
crosses the county line, he built a dam and a saw-mill, 
which was in this township. In 1830 it was sold to George 
Boon, and passed from him to Lardner, who erected a full- 
ing-mill. The dam is still used. 

William Kinzie married the daughter of Joseph Grice, 
who emigrated from Preble Co., Ohio, and settled on Po- 
kagon Prairie in 1832. He was one of the volunteers in 
the SciiiJc war, and marched to Chicago with the troops. In 
1847 he moved into Nile.«, and has since been a resident of 
the city, except a short time at Buchanan. 

Neil Sparks, in October, 1828, emigrated from Indiana 
and located on the bend of the river near Salee, on section 
15. He had two sons, Levi and Spencer, and a daughter, 
who married Britain Jarvis. 

Joseph Stephens, a native of Rowan Co., N. C., removed 
to Wayne Co., Ind., when sixteen years of age, and after- 
wards lived five years in Kentucky with his grandfather. 
In 1828, in company with eight others, he went on a pros- 
pecting tour through Western Michigan, and on the return 
passed up the St. Joseph valley and visited the mission. Cor- 
nelius Sparks, one of the party, moved out to this town- 
ship that fall and settled in the bend of the river. At 
the urgent solicitation of Sparks, he again visited here in 
1829, and at that time left money with John Johnson to 
enter land for him. The 160 acres he purchased was the 
first sale in this region in Western Michigan. He moved 
his family in 1830. He entered land from time to time 
till he had 400 acres, and has given all his children good 
farms, and has 320 acres of valuable land left. He is still 
hale and hearty at seventy-five years of age. 

John Hunter emigrated to this county and settled, in 
1831, on section 24, in the bend of the river, where Mr. 
J. Jones lived afterwards. He was a Methodist, and a class 
was formed at his hou.se in 1832. He died in 1835. His 
son, Thomas J. Hunter, lived in Buchanan, and another 
son, A. G. Hunter, is living in Niles township. 

Benjamin Churchill came to St. Jo.seph in 1830, and in 
1831 selected land on section 24, near Mr. Hunter, and 

* The first wedding in the township occurred at his house. It was 
of William Barlow. Pitt Brown, of Berrien, a justice of the peace, 
performed the ceremony. 

34 



where A. W. Bachelor now owns. He afterwards moved 
to Buchanan township, where he died. Darius Jennings 
married a daughter of his. Mr. Hunter was called by the 
Indians Mu-qua, meaning Bear, and Mr. Churchill Chee- 
chueh, meaning Crane. 

John Stone emigrated iu 1832 from Huron Co., Ohio, 
and located 600 acres on section 2. At that time there 
were no settlers between his location and Niles. The cross- 
roads were not laid out until 1853 or 1854. 

Veazie and William Broadhurst came in a year or two 
after Mr. Stone. 

Daniel Brown located in the western part of the town- 
ship in the spring of 1830, but sold out in the fall to Wil- 
liam Cotton, who lived there many years. John Comer, 
about 1833, settled on section 9, where R. A. Walton lives. 
J. J. Hamilton settled in 1836 on section 15; P. D. Law- 
man on section 16; Joseph Stevens on .section 12; and 
Henry Rice on section 6. 

William T. Noel, a native of Virginia, emigrated to this 
township in 1831, located lands on sections 7, 8, and 9, and 
settled where Dennis Clark now lives. In 1858 he left the 
country and emigrated to Texas, where he died. 

Simeon Bradbury emigrated to this township in 1832, 
and settled on section 2, township 8, and range 17, on the 
farm where he still, lives. 

Timothy H. Ives emigrated to this township in August, 
1835, from Tioga Co., Pa., with his wife and eight chil- 
dren, and settled on section 29, on the bank of the river, 
in the reservation. The family lived there until 1878. 
Francis, a son, is now living in Niles. 

Obadiah R. Weaver emigrated from Rhode Island to 
Jamestown, N. Y., and in 1818 to New Castle, Ind. In 
1834 he came to Bertrand, remained a few days, and went 
to Berrien Springs, built a store for Edward Ballengee, and 
in the fall returned to Bertrand village and located a lot 
near the centre of the village. He was a carpenter and 
joiner by trade, but was in the mercantile business for some 
time there. About 1840 he moved to Hamilton, Ind. 
One of his sons, Philander M., married Derinda, the grand- 
daughter of Daniel Ru.ssell, who kept the first hotel at Ber- 
trand village. Philander settled in Indiana until 1850, 
and moved to Niles township, where he lived ten years, 
and in 1860 moved to Buchanan. He was killed in a rail- 
road accident at the crossing in the village of Buchanan, 
Oct. 8, 1874. Mrs. Weaver still resides in that village. 
Daniel Russell came to Bertrand in 1836. He was a native 
of Connecticut ; moved to New York State, where he mar- 
ried, and remained until he came to Bertrand, where he 
kept the first hotel. He lived there until his death. He 
had but one son, Daniel, who settled in Indiana two miles 
from Bertrand village, remained thirteen years, and took up 
100 acres on the northeast quarter of section 18, where he 
still lives. He has one son, Julius, living at Buchanan, and 
another, Edwin, who lives at Paw Paw. A daughter, Mrs. 
Philander M. Weaver, lives at Buchanan. 

EARLY MILLS AND MILL-SITES. 

In the fall of 1827, Eli Ford came from Ohio to Pokagon 
Prairie. There was at that time no flouring-mill in the west- 
ern part of the State, and the settlers were much in need of 



266 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



one. Mr. Ford being an ingenious man, though not a miller 
or a mill-wright, determined to build a mill, provided the 
settlers would assist him. A site was selected for a dam on 
the Dowagiac Creek, at the site now occupied by the Cas- 
cade Mills. Money and labor were subscribed, and work was 
commenced early in the winter. The mill was a log build- 
ing, and but one run of small stones were used. These 
were made for Mr. Ford by a Mr. Cronin from stone found 
in this section. In 1878 one of the stones made by Mr. 
Cronin for Mr. Ford in 1827, was obtained from the farm 
on Dowagiac Creek, and is in possession of Mr. Hutton, a 
miller at Sumnerville, Cass Co. It was a bowlder, and, 
with the exception of the facing and furrows, is in its 
natural shape. 

Mr. Ford was assisted in the construction of the mill by 
David Ford, a mill-wright, from Pittsburgh, Fa. The first 
grist was ground in the spring of 1828, although the mill 
was not entirely finished. The bolt was supplied from 
muslin taken from a dress of Mrs. Ford, and from these 
primitive sources the first water-power mill in the county, 
and the first flouring-mill in Western Michigan, was started, 
and grain from long distances in all directions came to this 
mill. Soon after this was completed a saw-mill was erected, 
using water from the same race. 

The flouring-mill passed through successive changes, and 
is now known as the " Cascade Mills," which have four run 
of stones, and are owned by Badger & Barnard. 

In 1829, Ephraim Lacey and his sons, Elijah and David, 
purchased the water-power on the Dowagiac Creek, now 
occupied by the Linden Mills, and erected a saw-mill. 

The following entry is found in Elijah Lacey 's day-book : 
"Oct. 5, 1829, To-day A. Thornbery and E. Chalfant 
commenced work at the saw-mill." " April 7, 1830, To- 
day Noah Brookfiold commenced tending the saw-mill." 
The books are headed, first, " St. Joseph," then " The 
mouth of the Dowagiac," and still later " The Dowagiac 
Mills." 

Timber was immediately sawed for the construction of a 
flour-mill, which was finished in the fall of 1830. The 
raising of this mill was a great event; men were few, and 
the first attempt was unsuccessful. A call was made 
throughout the country for reinforcements, and a few days 
later men gathered from diff'erent parts and the building 
was raised, but it required a jug of whisky to put the last 
bent in its place. Obed P. Lacey was the red-ribbon 
man of the settlement, but he was chosen to go to the vil- 
lage for the whisky. On his return, when near the mill, 
he hid the jug in the bushes, and returned without any. 
This caused dissatisfaction, and some went away ; but it was 
soon brought forth from its hiding-place, and, under its ex- 
hilarating influence, the last bents went up with a will. 
The stones were manufactured out of the common bowlders 
of the section. The winter of 1830 was very severe, the 
race was frozen solid, and the settlers were obliged to return 
to hominy. 

This mill was afterwards sold to Putnam, and passed to 
G. A. Colby, then to Badger, who afterwards sold a half in- 
terest to Mr. Barnard, by whom it is at present owned, and 
known as the " Linden Mills." 



In 1847 what is known as the "Volant Mill" was 
erected, by S. K. Finley, with four run of stones, on the 
banks of the St. Joseph River, but receiving its power 
from the Dowagiac. It was sold by Mr. Finley to James 
M. Hale, and by him to D. & W. K. Lacey, in 1871. 
They, in 1876, removed the machinery of the Depot Mills 
to the Volant Mill, increasing the equipment to seven run 
of stones. 

In 1850, Elijah and David Lacey and Jacob Geltmacher 
built the Djepot Mills, and in 1855 the same firm built the 
Dacota Mills. In 1863, Mr. Geltmacher purchased the 
entire interest of the Dacota Mills. In 1875 the Depot 
Mills were dismantled and removed to the Volant Mills. 
The water for the Volant and Dacota Mills is supplied from 
the same dam. 

In 1829 a dam and mill was built by John Kinzie on 
Kinzie Creek where the county line crosses the creek. It 
was sold in 1830 to George Boon, afterwards to William 
Bacon, and then to the Lardners, who erected a fulling-mill. 
The dam is still used. 

A flouring-mill was erected in 1830 by Joseph Bertrand 
on Bertrand Creek, now called the Brandywine; William 
Ray was the mill-wright. The location was where the 
wagon-road now crosses the old dam. It was afterwards 
sold to William McOmber, and was changed to a distillery. 
McOmber ran it for five or six years, when it was burned, 
but was soon rebuilt. 

Moses Fi'nch built a saw-mill in 1831 at the mouth of 
the same stream. It was purchased by Maj. J. D. Button, 
and changed into a flour-mill with three run of stones. It 
afterwards passed into the hands of Cephas Mills. Both 
mills are now gone. 

EARLY ROADS. 

The commencement of the survey of a road from St. 
Joseph to Niles was made May 9, 1831, by Samuel Marrs, 
deputy surveyor, at the request of John Pike and Julius 
Brown, commissioners of Niles township. The road com- 
menced at St. Joseph and passed through Royalton, Oro- 
noko, Berrien, and Niles townships, to Niles. The survey 
was accepted by the commissioners June 4, 1831. 

A road was surveyed from the Indiana State line through 
Bertrand to Niles, and recorded July 18, 1831. 

This road began at the corner of sections 11 and 12 in 
range 2 east, of town 38 north, in Indiana, running north 
to Bertrand's Mills, intersecting the road from Newbury- 
port to Niles on Main Street. 

A record bearing the same date shows the survey of a 
road from Pokagon to Niles. Beginning at the town line 
at end of road laid out by the commissioners of Pokagon 
township, Cass County, running south, intersecting Main 
Street at Fifth. 

Also a road intersecting the road from Indiana State 
line to the village of Niles ; and one running from the east 
end of Main Street to the corner of G. Shurtes' farm. 

Several appeals were made this year. One dated July 
20, 1831, was signed by William B. Beeson, T. B. Willard, 
Abner Stitson, George Fosdiok, Henry Drew, Jacob Beeson, 
A. Huston, Jacob L. Kinzey, William Justus, Thomas 
Deuniston, Hiram Chilson, Erasmus Winslow, Garrett 



TOWNSHIP OP NILES. 



267 



Shurtes, Joshua Comley, Eber Griswold, Adam Smith, and 
Morgan Wilson. 

The judges examined the several routes and ordered the 
two last vacated, and a new route to be surveyed, and 
declared it to be the public highway. The first route, from 
Bertrand's Mills to Niles, was ordered discontinued and 
vacated Aug. 27, 1831. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The territory that originally formed the township of 
Niles embraced all within the limits of Berrien County. 

On the 29th of October, 1829, Berrien County, with 
others, was set off, and November 5th of the same year the 
township of Niles was erected, and it was provided " that 
the first township-meeting shall be held at the house of 
William Justus, in said village," that is, the village of 
Niles.* 

An act was approved by the Territorial Governor, 
June 9, 1832, setting off from the township of Niles the 
townships of Berrien and St. Joseph, which townships in- 
cluded all the territory in the county of Berrien lying 
north of a line running from the east line of the county 
of Berrien directly west along the north line of the pres- 
ent townships of Niles, Buchanan, Weesaw, and Chicka- 
ming. 

The township of Bertrand was set off from Niles town- 
ship March 23, 1836, and Buchanan, March 11, 1837 ; 
and on the 9th day of March, 1850, "all that part of the 
township of Bertrand which is east of the centre of the 
St. Joseph River, in township 8 south, range 17 west, be 
and is attached to the township of Niles." 

The first township election after the organization of the 
county was held on the 2d day of April, 1832. At that 
time the township embraced the whole county. Jacob 
Beeson was elected Supervisor ; Cogswell K. Green, Town- 
ship Clerk ; Thomas K. Green and Alamanson Huston, Jus- 
tices of the Peace ; Eber Griswold, Constable. 

A few days later a special election was held, and Jo- 
seph Bertrand was elected constable and collector for the 
township, to till a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 
Eber Griswold. 

The original records of the township of Niles are lost. 
The names of the town clerks are gleaned from the school 
records from 1832 to 1861 as follows : 

1832, Cogswell K. Green; 1837, H. W. Griswold; 1838, Daniel 
Symmes; 1839-40, Jonathan Brown, Deputy Town Clerk; 1841, 
John 0. Palmer; 1842, Jonathan Brown ; 1843, George W. Good- 
man, Deputy Town Clerk; 1844, George Goodman; 1845-46, 
David Aitken; 1847, R. R. Gibson ; 1848, David Aitken, Deputy 
Town Clerk'; 1849-50, Thomas T. Glenn, Deputy Town Clerk 
1851-55, Thomas T. Glenn ; 1866, George W.Hoffman; 1857 
Thomas T. Glenn; 1858-60, Hiram Brown; 1S61, Benjamin F 
Fish; 1862-63, no record; 1864-65, Joseph S. Bacon; 1 
Clinton Noble; 1867-68, William B. Davis; 1869, Samuel C 
Thompson; 1870, John Stay ton ; 1871, Samuel C. Thompson 
1872-73, Jehu Stayton ; 1874, Samuel C. Thompson ; 1S75, John 
H.Young; 1876, William Uildebrand ; 1877, Amos T. Riddle 
1878-79, Samuel C. Thompson. 

The supervisors from 1832 to 1839 were : 

1832-33, Jacob Beeson; 1834, Elijah Lacey ; 1833, Jasper Mason; 
1836-38, William F. Noel ; 1839, Jonathan N. Brown. 

* Territorial Laws of Michigan, vol, ii, p. 786. 



The following-named persons were justices of the pecae 
from 1832 to 1841 : 

1832, Thomas K. Green, Alamanson Huston; 1834, T. B. Willard, 
Levi Mason ; 1836, Joseph Stevens, William B. Beeson; 1837, 
John Varnum, Levi Mason, Isaac V. Comings; 1838, Samuel 
Hunter; 1839, Jonathan Brown, George Fox; 1840, Hiram 
Weese ; 1841, Jonathan Brown. 

The following-named citizens of Niles have represented 
their district in the Senate and House of Representatives : 



5th 

10th 

17th 

18th 

20th 

2l8t 

22d 

25th 



SENATE, 
slature, 7th District, Vincent L. Bradford, 18: 
" " " Elijah Lacey, 1840-41. 

Joseph S. Chipman, 1845-46 
Royal T. Twombley, 1863. 
Rodney C. Paine, 1855. 
Franklin Niles, 1859. 
Elijah Lacey, 1861. 
Rufus W. Landon, 1863. 
Evan J. Bonine, 1869. 



39. 



5 th 
19th 



18th 



16th 



HOUSE OF BEPRESENTATIVES. 
1st Legislature, Cogswell K. Green, 1836. 



4th 

8th 

10th 

12th 

loth 

16th 

17th 

20th 

22d 

23d 

25th 

26th 

27th 



Thomas Fitzgerald, 1839. 

Obed P. Lacey, 1843. 

John Graves, 1845-46. 

Richard P. Barker and James Shaw, 1847. 

Samuel Street, 1850. 

John W. Butterfield, 1851. 

Harrison W. Griswold, 1853. 

William B. Beeson, 1869. 

Nathan Fitch, 1863. 

Evan J. Bonine, 1865-67. 

Julian M. Seward, 1869. 

John F. Coulter, 1871. 

Evan J. Bonine, 1873. 



The last census (1874J gives the following statistics, re- 
ferring to the township of Niles : Population of the town- 
ship, 1795 ; taxable land in Niles township, 25,746 acres ; 
improved land, 19,009 acres; crops raised in 1873, wheat, 
68,492 bushels; corn, 110,610 bushels; other grain, 
15,547 bushels ; potatoes raised, 12,580 bushels ; hay 
cut, 1661 tons;' wool sheared, 10,737 pounds; pork 
marketed, 304,840 pounds ; butter made, 40,548 pounds ; 
apples raised, 40,045 bushels ; acres in orchards, 758 ; cap- 
ital invested in flouring-mills, f 48,000 ; barrels of flour 
manufactured, 25,850; value of flour, $155,100; capital 
invested in saw-mills, $5000 ; lumber sawed, 320,000 feet. 



Titus B. Willard was undoubtedly the first school-teacher 
at Niles. He taught in his double log house, in the sum- 
mer of 1830. School was kept a short time, in the sum- 
mer of that year also, in a log house that had been occupied 
by the Wilsons in the fall of 1829. That school was at- 
tended by Henry Justus, John Wilson, Emory Huston, 
and others. This place was bought, in 1830, by Rowland 
Clark, and is now owned by Mrs. Brethschneider. In 
the spring of 1832, Malvina Huston taught school in a 
house belonging to Col. Alamanson Huston, situated on 
Main Street, and now occupied by Alonzo W. Piatt. 
School was broken up in May by the quartering of Gen. 
Williams' cavalry iu the school-house. William B. Gray, 
of Niles, attended school at that time. 

The first school-house was erected in the fall of 1833, 



268 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



on the northeast corner of Sycamore and Third Streets. 
Richard C. Meek was the first teacher in this house. The 
building was used for religious worship and public meet- 
ings, as well as for school purposes. In 1841 it was sold 
to John Tibbetts, who removed it to the corner of Sixth 
and Sycamore, where it is now used as a dwelling-house. 
A brick school-house, 30 by 38, with accommodations for 
80 pupils, was erected ou the same ground in 1846. John 
Phelps was the first teacher. The ground was sold to 
Jerome B. Griswold in 1867, and the proceeds were de- 
voted to the construction of a school-house for colored chil- 
dren, on the corner of Cass and Fifth Streets. 

In April, 1836, a school was opened by A. B. Brown 
and W. N. Nevin, for teaching English branches, and the 
Latin and Greek languages. June 6, 1836, Miss Kennedy 
also advertised to open a female academy. 

Ou the 16th day of September, 1837, a special town- 
meeting was held at the house of Boswell and Babcock, in 
the village of Niles, for the purpose of electing three school 
inspectors, and at this meeting George Goodman, John 
G. Bond, and William T. Noel were elected to that oflBce. 
On the 20th of the same month the inspectors elected met 
and organized by choosing John G. Bond chairman. At 
that meeting the township was divided into five school dis- 
tricts. During the year Districts Nos. 3 and 5 were divided, 
and three new districts were laid off and organized. 

At that time District No. 1 reported 92 children between 
five and seventeen years. 

District No. 5 reported 30 children between the ages of 
five and seventeen years. District No. 6 reported 100 
children between those ages, and District No. 8 reported 22 
children between the ages of five and seventeen years. 

March 31, 1838, the board of inspectors unanimously 
resolved that Districts Nos. 1 and 2 be consolidated as Dis- 
trict No. 1. 

At an annual meeting held at the house of Brownell and 
Babcock, in Niles, April 2, 1838, Elijah Lacey, George 
Goodman, and Edward H. Hubbard were elected in.spectors 
of schools. April 11th of that year the board of inspec- 
tors elected George Goodman as treasurer. 

A meeting of the legal voters of the township was called 
for Dec. 8, 1838, " for the transaction of such business as 
may be necessary to the establishment of a primary school." 

The following report was made by the school inspectors 
for 1838: Whole number of districts, 8; number from 
which reports were received, Nos. 3 and 4 ; number of 
scholars between the ages of five and seventeen years,— No. 
3, 26 ; No. 4, 31 ; number of scholars in attendance, — No. 
3, 19 ; No. 4, 27 ; time school was kept, 3 months ; amount 
raised in each district, — No. 3, $174; No. 4, flOO; 
number of scholars in attendance under five and over seven- 
teen. No. 3, 2 ; No. 4, 3. 

The Ibllowing is a list of school inspectors elected in the 
township since 1838 : 

1839, Elijah Lacey, Joseph Whiting, William B. Beeson ; 1S40, Joseph 
Whiting, John T. llealy, William Sampson;* 1841, Joseph N. 
Chapman, Cyrus Dana, Abner P. llealy; 18-12, Joseph N. Chap- 
man, Cyrus Dana, Elijah Lacey; 1843, Joseph N. Chapman, 

* Andrew J. Clark was appointed in place of Williiim Sampson, 
who removed from town. 



Cyrus Dana; 1841, Cyrus Dana; 1845, Rodney C. Paine; 1846, 
James M. Stuart; 1847, James M. Stuart, N. Bacon; 1848, N. 
Bacon, James Brown; 1849, N. Bacon, James Brown, William 
H. Powell; 1850, James Brown, N. Bacon; 1851, James Brown, 
N. Bacon; 1852, N. Bacon, Levi B. Taft ; 1853, N. Bacon, Rev. 
John Booth; .1854, N. Bacon, Elijah Lacey; 1855, N. Bacon, 
Elijah Lacey; 1856, Elijah Lacey, George W. Hoifman; 1857, 
Elijah Lacey, William B. Beeson ; 1858, Elijah Lacey, William B. 
Beeson; 1859, Abraham P. Knox, David 0. Woodruff; 1860, 
Abraham P. Kno-t, David 0. Woodruff; 1861, David 0. Wood- 
ruff, Andrew P. Mills; 1865, George S. Hoppin; 1866, John E. 
Demott; 1867, Samuel C. Thompson; 1808, John C. Demott; 
1869, Samuel C.Thompson; 1870, John C. Demott; 1871, Samuel 
S. Case; 1872, Levi Sparks; 1873, Hiram A. Edwards; 1874, 
Thomas R. Martin ; 1875, Hiram M. Coan ; 1876, Otto R. Moor; 
1877, George W. Lambert; 1878, John E. Demott; 1879, Hiram 
A. Edwards. 

An act of the Legislature was approved March 20, 1875, 
abolishing the office of county superintendent of schools. 
and providing for the election of a superintendent in each 
township to act with the school inspectors, and to examine 
candidates for teachers, and to grant certificates. In ac- 
cordance with the law, the first election of superintendent 
was held in April, 1875. 

The following have been elected superintendents to the 
present date : 

1875, Robert W. Kay; 1876, James R. Claffey ; 1877, Horace G. 
Cowell; 1878, James R. Claffey ; 1879, John J. Claffey. 

In November, 1843, the Western Collegiate Institute, 
under the charge and pay of the State University, of which 
it was a branch, was established ; E. McUvaine, of Pitts- 
burgh, principal. The Niles Female Seminary, in charge 
of Miss C. Britain, and the Niles High School were in 
successful operation. 

In 1843 four districts in Niles reported numbers of 
scholars, and amount of money apportioned from the sum 
raised by the township of Niles for school purposes for that 
year : 

Children. Apportioument. 

District No. 1 172 $86.30 

" 3 39 19.56 

" 5 48 24.08 

" 40 20.06 

Total .S150.00 

Apportionment of money from State school-fund for 
1843: 

ApportionnuMit. 

District No. 1 .^63.04 

" 3 14.43 

" " 5 17.76 

" 6 14.80 

Total $110.63 

Apportionment of primary-school money of 1843, be- 
longing to the township of Niles, among the several school 
districts of the town entitled to the same : 

chilli ren. Apportion men t. 

District No. 1 207 IJS6.94 

•' " 3 55 23.10 

" 5 46 19.32 

" 6 47 10.74 

" 311 28 11.76 

Total $160.86 

The first mention on the school records, of examination 
of a teacher by the inspectors, occurs Nov. 13, 1843, as 
follows : 

"Albert Heath was this day examined by the school inspectors; 
was found qualified, and received a certificate. 

" Geo. Goodwin, Deputy Toion Clerk." 



TOWNSHIP OF NILES. 



269 



December 18th, of the same year, Charles Carmiohael 
and John Dendney were examined, and found qualified to 
teach a district school, and certificates were granted. 

March 31, 1845, " Abigail T. Willard was examined by 
the Inspectors, was found qualified, and received a certifi- 
cate." In the summer and fall of the same year Sarah 
Drake, Lucy Merritt, and James G. Willard received cer- 
tificates, and were declared ■' qualified to teach a district 
school ;" November 6th, of that year, 6. H. Crocker, John 
H. Phelps, and William B. Hardy were examined, and re- 
ceived certificates of ability " to teach a primary school." 
Miss Cordelia Hopkins was added to the list of primary- 
school teachers in April, 1846. 

The following certificates were granted at the dates men- 
tioned : Feb. 4, 1846, Miss Mary Ann Hall ; August 21st, 
Miss Fanny L. Bailey ; November 7th, Alexander R. Ball ; 
December 21st, George R. Hopkins; Jan. 4, 1847, Nathan 
McCoy ; March 27th, Miss Mary M. Kimmel ; April 13th, 
Miss Maria Swift; May 29th, Miss Mary Frazier ; June 
4th, Miss Sarah Fisher ; November 12th, Moses T. Graham ; 
December 2d, Miss Harriet L. Parray ; December 4tli, 
Watson Scott. 

By the school report for 1849 the number of scholars in 
the township had increased to 1027, of wliich District No. 
1 had 558. The amount of school-moneys received that 
year was $349.18. In June, 1856, as per report, there 
were 1403 children, of which District No. 1 contained 801. 
Amount of money received was $743.59. 

A law was passed April 1, 1850, entitled "An act to 
organize a school district for colored children in the village 
of Niles," by which it was provided " That the school in- 
spectors be authorized to organize a school district, to be 
numbered as they shall direct, not described by metes and 
bounds, but composed of the colored children of said village 
between the ages of four and eighteen years." 

The district authorized above was organized at a meeting 
held at the colored Baptist church, July 1, 1850. 

The last report of the township before the setting off of 
District No. 1 as a union school district was in 1859, 
when 1696 children were reported, and the school fund 
was $811.42, of which District No. 1 reported 953 schol- 
ars, and its proportion of public money was $455.93. 

OLD BERTRAND VILLAGE. 

Daniel G. Garnsey was appointed by Congress to lay out 
a portion of the Detroit and Chicago road, and while in this 
section of country he was so much pleased with the advan- 
tages of the lands near the river at Pare aux Vaches for 
the establishment of a settlement that he interested friends 
in the idea, and an association called the Bertrand Village 
Association was formed of John M. Barbour, of Dunkirk, 
N. Y. ; Joseph H. Williams, of Vincennes ; Dr. Ingalls, of 
Dunkirk ; Ira Converse, of Batavia, N. Y. ; Joseph Ber- 
trand and Daniel G. Garnsey, the latter of whom acted as 
manager and agent. Permission was obtained of Gen. 
Jackson, then President of the United States, to locate a 
village at that place, with the consent of Mrs. Joseph Ber- 
trand, the land being held by her under an Indian title 

Alonzo Bennett was selected as surveyor to lay out the 
village, which was done in 1833. Streets, blocks, and lots 



were laid out, and buijlding soon commenced. The trading- 
house of Mr. Bertrand stood on the bank of the river below 
the Chicago road. Daniel Russell built the first hotel, on 
the south side of the Chicago road about eighty rods from 
the river. Joshua Howell, in 1836, built a four-story hotel 
on the south side of the Chicago road, by the bank of the 
river, and known as the Steamboat Hotel. It was afterwards 
taken down, shipped to Berrien Springs, and re-erected. 
Capt. John Silsby, in 1835, built a warehouse four stories 
high, on the river bank, on the north side of the Chicago road. 
Michael Leydell built the Union Hotel, in which the first 
town-meeting of Bertrand township was held, in 1836. In 
that year Bertrand village contained 3 hotels, 1 warehouse, 
7 dry-goods stores, 2 groceries, 1 drug-store, and a post- 
office. 

The village lots were ofiered for sale June 4, 1836, but 
instead of selling them to the highest bidder the company 
bid them in and held them at extravagant prices. At that 
time the decline and fall of Bertrand village commenced. 

A bridge was built across the river in 1837. The Cath- 
olic church was built the same year. A post-office was es- 
tablished, and has been maintained to the present time. 
James Williams was appointed postmaster in 1836, and was 
succeeded by A. W. King, Alvah Higbee, Benjamin H. 
Bertrand, Charles Seward, D. C. Higbee, Edward Kaston, 
J. M. Seward, James Clafi'ey, and D. C. Higbee, who is the 
present incumbent. It is now a part of Niles town.ship, and 
has declined to a place of no importance. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



BURTON JARVIS, 

the son of Zadok and Lucy (Owens) Jarvis, who were 
natives of North Carolina, was born in Rowan County, in 
that State, Sept. 6, 1816. His father's circumstances were 
not of such a nature that the youth could be given exten- 
sive educational advantages, and his school-days altogether 
numbered about one year. In 1834 he emigrated to Michi- 
gan, and located first in La Grange township, Ca.ss Co., 
afterwards in Pokagon. During the first years of his resi- 
dence in Michigan he boated on the river in the summer, 
and chopped wood, etc., in the winter. Oct. 15, 1840, he 
was married to Miss Elizabeth Sparks, whose parents were 
also from North Carolina. In 1842 he became possessed 
of the land settled upon, and cleared the farm upon which 
he now resides. The place has ever since been occupied by 
him, with the exception of four years and a half spent in 
Niles and one year in Buchanan. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis are 
the parents of five children, of whom but one — Lucy Ann, 
married, and living in Buchanan — now survives ; three 
sons and a daughter having died, — one in infancy, one 
seven, one twenty-four, and one twenty-eight years old. 

Until 1844, Mr. Jarvis was a Democrat. He voted for 
James G. Birney ; supported the Republican party until 
1872, when he cast his vote for Horace Greeley ; and 
since 1876, when he voted for Peter Cooper, he has been 
a Greenbacker. His farm consists of three hundred and 



270 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



twentj-eight acres, which is in a high state of cultivation 
and very productive. His improvements can be seen in a 
view of his premises, which is given upon another page. 



DANIEL FISHER. 

Mr. Fisher's parents, John Fisher and Elizabeth (Shupo) 
Fisher, were of German descent, although natives of Giles 
Co., Va. Their son Daniel was born in the same county, 
near Parisburg, March 6, 1801, and after becoming of suf- 
ficient age employed his time at farming and working at 




I'lii.l.j. by Ives, Nilei 



DANIEL FISHER. 



the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned. In June, 
1829, he was married to Miss Lucinda McCoy, and re- 
moved the next year to what is now Howard township, 
Cass Co., Mich, — driving a six-horse team from Virginia 
to that place ; he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
government land and settled upon it; he furnished the 
lumber for the first frame building erected in Niles ; worked 
two months and a half for the Indians at Carey Mission ; 
and upon the organization of Howard township was elected 
supervisor and treasurer, serving two terms in that capacity. 
Mrs. Fisher became the mother of seven children, — Paris 
Decatur, John Harvey, George McCoy, Daniel Madison, 
Harriet Maria, William Henry, and Giles Montgomery, 
—and died Nov. 9, 18(57. July 8, 1873, Mr. FLsher was 
married to Mrs. Fannie (Harvey) Rathbun ; and in March, 
1874, removed to the township of Niles, Berrien Co., and 
located three miles north of Niles City, having rented his 
former home. For twelve years he has been a member of 
the Advent Church. Politically, he was a Whig until thp 
formation of the Republican party, of which latter he has 
since been a supporter. Mr. Fisher has retired from active 
bu.siness, and is enjoying the comforts of life in a ijuiet way 
at his pleasant home near Niles. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

NEW BUFFALO TO^WNSHIP.* 

Location, Topography, and Original Land-Entries — Early Settle- 
ments — Real E.state in New Buffalo in 1S36 — Township Officers 
— Resident Tax-Payers — Sketches and Reminiscences — Harhor 
Improvements — Village of New Buffalo — Schools — Churches — So- 
cieties. 

LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY, AND ORIGINAL LAND-ENTRIES. 

This township contains fourteen full sections, eight frac- 
tional sections in the southern tier, on the Indiana line, 
and six fractional triangular sections along Lake Michigan 
on the west. It is the most westerly township of the lower 
peninsula of the State. It is bounded on the northwest by 
Lake Michigan, on the north by Chicknming, on the east 
by Three Oaks, and on the south by the Indiana line. The 
surface is for the most part level, interspersed with slightly 
rolling land, and was originally timbered along the lake-shore 
with oak and some pine, and in the easterly part with beech, 
maple, ash, basswood, and oak. Lying along the coast of 
the lake, its soil is sandy and better adapted to the cultiva- 
tion of fruit than grain, and to the former pursuit the at- 
tention of the people is mainly directed. 

The water-courses are the Galien River and one or two 
small streams that empty into the lake in the southern part 
of the township. The Galien is, in this township, a slug- 
gish stream, running through Pottawattamie Lake, which, 
in an early day, was a body of water two miles long, half a 
mile wide, and in places ninety feet deep, but in the main 
shallow. Its surface was covered with wild rice, and wild 
fowl in countless multitudes fre(iuented it in early times. 

This river flows from the east through Weesaw and Three 
Oaks, and is augmented by a south branch that rises in In- 
diana, enters the township near the centre of the west line, 
and flows northwesterly, forming a junction on section 36. 
This stream has Squaw Creek and Bloody Run as its 
branches. Galien River empties into Lake Michigan at 
New Buffalo village. 

The list which follows is of persons who entered govern- 
ment lands within the territory of the township of New 
Buffalo, and the sections on which such entries were made : 

TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 20 WEST. 
Section 31.— Henry Little. 

TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 20 WEST. 
Section 6.— J. Little, W. Hammond, T. A. Clough, . Camp, R. S. 

Morrison. 
Section 7.— F. Bronsou, H. II. Camp, R. S. Morrison, W. Whittaker, 

J. Haas. 
Section I.S.— W. Whittaker, P. Hunt, Jr., Thomas Maudlin. 1'. Hunt, 

Jr., W. Whittaker. 
Section 19.— W. Goit, J. Haas, B. Maudlin, W. Whittaker. 

TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 21 WEST. 
SeclioH 36.— E. P. Deacon, W. G. Driving, J. H. & U. H. Kinzio, 

B. B. Kerehoval. 
Section 35.— W. Goit, J. Redding, E. Goit, Pratt, E. P. Deacon. 

TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 21 WEST. 
Section 1.— B. B. Kercheval, N. Willard, I. P. Warner, B.Carver, T. 

Kenworthy, G. Taylor. 
Section 2.— B. B. Kercheval, Bocson & Winslow, D. Robb. 
Section 3. — Winslow & Britain, C. K". Green. 



* By Austin N. Hungerford. 



TOWNSHIP OF NEW BUFFALO. 



271 



Seclimi 8.— I. P. Warner. 

Section 9.— G. Taylor, C. K. Green, D. Robb, W. Wbittaker. 

Section 10.— D. Robb, C. K. Green, W. Wbittaker. J. H. & R. H. 
Kinzie. 

Section 11.— D. Robb, C. K. Green, B. Poole, R. Carver, T. Clough. 
W. Wbittaker. 

Section 12.— F. Kenworthy, F. A. Holbrook, A. Averill, Julius Hack- 
ley, F. Bronson. 

Section 13.— J. R. Brown, M. Pierce, B. Butterwortb, E. N. Sheldon. 

Section 14. — J. R. Brown, J. Beeson, R. Goodrich. 

Section 15.— W. Hammond, W. Wbittaker, F. Clough, D. Robb. 

Section Ifi.— School land. 

Section 17.— B. Carver, Sheldon & Co., I. P. Warner, I. 0. Adam.?, 
F. A. Holbrook, R. Goodrich. 

Section 18.— R. A. Lamb, H. Bishop, I. P. Wiirner. 

Section 19.— Warner, Sherwood & Co., I. 0. Adams, J. Gerrish, Wm. 
H. Adams, 

Section 20.— I. 0. Adams, C. Jackson, F. A. Holbrook, I. P. Warner, 
R. Goodrich. 

Section 21.— J. Haas, W. Wbittaker, P. Carver, I. P. W.irner. 

Section 22.— J. Haas, F. Bronson, D. Robb, I. P. Warner. 

Section 23.— E. N. Shelton, F. A. Clough, H. Bishop, Trask. 

Section 24.— S. & 6. Belden, E. N. Shelton, R. A. Lamb. 

TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 22 WEST. 
Section 24.— J. Little, R. A. Lamb. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT.-*. 

The township of New Buffalo originally comprised 
Chickaming, Three Oaks, and the present township. The 
west line of its territory bordered on Lake Michigan. The 
shore Hue was sandy and shifting, ncjw forming into dunes, 
varying in height, often reaching 40 or 50 feet, and then 
again reduced to a level and moved to otlier parts. The 
soil iu the western portion was sandy, and offered few in- 
ducements for agricultural purposes. The first to take note 
of its commercial advantages was Capt. Wessell Whittaker, 
a resident of Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., and for many 
years a captain on the lakes. 

In the fall of 1834 he was in command of the schooner 
"Post-Boy" (partly owned by Barker & Willard, of Buf- 
falo). During a heavy gale, when the vessel was liable to 
be driven ashore, they ran for the mouth of a stream now 
known as State Creek. They were beached, however. The 
weather was intensely cold, and the captain and crew left 
the vessel, and walked to Michigan City, where they pro- 
cured a conveyance, proceeded to St. Joseph, and noti- 
fied the underwriters of the loss of the vessel. While 
passing the mouth of Galien River, Capt. Whittaker, after 
studying the surroundings, was impressed with its advan- 
tages for a harbor. After transacting his business at St. 
Joseph he visited the land-office, and entered the laud on 
which the village of New Buffalo now stands, and soon 
after proceeded to Buffalo, N. Y. He laid out the land 
into blocks and lots on paper, and called it New Buffalo. 
He then exhibited the plan to his friends, expatiated 
on its advantages, and persuaded Jacob Barker and Nelson 
Willard, who were partners in business, to engage with 
him in the new enterprise, and .sold to them the undivided 
one-half interest in the property for $L5,000, afterwards 
reducing it to $13,000. Capt. Whittaker, Truman A. 
Clough, Wm. Hammond, and Henry Bishop started from 
Buffalo and Hamburg on the eighteenth day of March, 
1835, overland, and arrived at New Buffalo the first week 
in April, calling, on their way, at Bertrand, on Alonzo 



Bennett, a surveyor and old acquaintance, and employing 
him to go with them and .survey the village. Henry 
Bishop, now of Kalamazoo, was a clerk in the employ of 
Barker & Willard, and was sent by them to manage their 
interests. A log cabin, 15 by 24 feet, was first built, at 
the corner of Whittaker Avenue and Merchant Street, 
north of Seaman's Square. Along one side of the cabin 
pine brush was laid for a bed, and a fireplace was built in 
one corner. A road was then cut through from the lake 
to Talbot's mill, a distance of about five miles, from whence 
lumber was procured. Some lime was burned from marl 
found a short distance from this mill. Whittaker & Co. 
erected a frame building for a store and warehouse on water 
lot No. 1, at the foot of Whittaker Avenue. In this 
building was placed a stock of goods. Another building 
was erected adjoining, with an alley between. In this lat- 
ter building Mr. Whittaker put a tenant, Mr. Cummings 
and wife, who opened their house for entertaining travelers. 
A sign was painted on a rough board by Mark Beaubien, 
since of Chicago, representing a man holding a horse, and 
also a decanter and glasses. Soon after this, Russell Good- 
rich, Truman A. Clough, Dr. Reuben Pierce, Myel Pierce, 
Simeon Pierce, Moses G. Pratt, and Festus A. Holbrook 
came by vessel from Buffalo, and soon bought lots. Build- 
ing commenced rapidly. Russell Goodrich bought block 

12, and erected a hotel on lot 2. Whittaker built a house 
for his family on block 24, lots 7 and 8, near a spring of 
good water, by the west ravine, that runs through the 
town plat north and south. Moses G. Pratt built where 
Dr. Moses M. Clark now lives. Dr. Reuben Pierce built 
on the corner of Barker and Merchant Streets, on block 
23 and lots 1 and 2, where John Helm lives ; Simeon 
Pierce, on block 23, adjoining ; Thatcher Abbott, a brother- 
in-law of Whittaker, adjoining, on the same block and on 
lot 5 ; F. A. Holbrook and Alonzo Bennett, both on block 

13. About this time Mr. Whittaker laid out a block as a 
gift to captains of vessels, as an inducement to them to set- 
tle in the place. Deeds were made for these lots, and the 
names will be found in another page. These lots were not 
settled upon by the parties, but were sold by them. This 
block was known as the "Seaman's Square," block 21. 
The family of Mr. Whittaker, consisting of his wife and 
four children, under the care of William Ratcliff, came 
from Hamburg, by Lake Erie, to Detroit, where they pro- 
cured a team, and proceeded thence overland, arriving at 
New Buffalo in June, 1835. 

Mr. Ratcliff carried the first mail to Michigan City, and 
Moses G. Pratt drove the first stage and mail-wagon through 
to that place. At this time there were a number of others 
gathered in the new settlement, some unmarried. Their 
occupations were as follows : A. Bennett, surveyor ; Henry 
BLshop, clerk ; T. A. Clough, speculator ; R. Goodrich, 
hotel-keeper ; Henderson, F. A. Holbrook, Mundle, Doty, 
Dunham, A. and E. McClure, P]zra Stoner, and Washburn 
were carpenters ; Haight, plasterer ; Maudlin, farmer; R. 
Pierce, physician ; S. Pierce and J. Hixson, sailors ; 
Pratt, teamster ; Whittaker & Willard, proprietors ; Ira 
P. Warner, agent. The lots were valued and sold at from 
f 150 to $300 each, one-third down. In the summer and 
fall of 1835 important accessions were made to the settle- 



272 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ment in the persons of James Little and Jacob Gerrisb, of 
Boseawen, N. H. ; Richard L. Phillips, of Erie Co., N. Y., 
a native of England; and in the spring of 1836, of Fran- 
cis and Joseph G. Ames and Alvin Emory, of Canterbury, 
N. H. ; and Ezra Stoner, of Frederick Co., Md. A de- 
mand for the improvement of the harbor was soon started. 
Meetings were held and many speeches made, but the usual 
delay followed this action. 

During the year 1835, Whittaker, McGivens & Co. built 
a mill, on section 1, on the south branch of Galien River. 
At the time of their preparation for this mill, they were 
warned by Governor Mason to appear at Niles and assist 
in the retention of the ten-mile strip along the Ohio line. 
Mr. Whittaker informed the Governor that he should arm 
his men with hand.spikes on the day set, which he did. He 
was also interested in a mill at State Creek, owned by the 
State Creek Mill Company. 

In March, 1836, the township was organized, and the 
first election held at Goodrich's Hotel. A list of the voters 
will be found on another page. In this year, also, Isaac 

0. Adams, a native of Newburyport, Mass., but last from 
White Pigeon, E. T. Clark, and Timothy Harris built a 
house on lot No. 105, which was known as Bachelors' Hall, 
and which afterwards became famous as a convivial head- 
quarters. The building remained until it was removed to 
make way for the railroad. 

In the fall of 1837, the Virginia Land Company, com- 
posed mostly of natives of Virginia, but the majority of 
whom lived in Laporte, Ind., purchased 640 acres of land, 
and laid it out into lots, Joshua R. C. Brown coming 
there to reside as agent. The members of the company 
were David Robb, Dr. G. A. Rose, Courtlandt Strong, De 
Witt Strong, Maj. John Lemons, Joshua 11. C. Brown, 
Daniel Brown, James Whittam, and Jacob Haas. 

The books of Mr. Whittaker for 1837, from which these 
facts are gleaned, give the prices at that time, which may 
be of interest: Potatoes, 75 cents; oats, $1 ; corn, $1.50; 
butter,372 cents; bacon, 16s cents; board, $3.50 per week ; 
salt, $7 per barrel ; beef, 6 cents per pound, by the quarter ; 
whisky, 41 cents per gallon, by the barrel, and 75 cents at 
retail ; team-work, $4 per day ; common labor, $1 per day. 
Between the dates May 22 and July 26, in 1837, 95 con- 
secutive entries occur of stage-fare charged, varying from 
$4 to $12. This entry also occurs : " Schooner Oregon 
left New Buffalo with 2358 bushels of oats, 1246 bushels 
to be delivered at Milwaukee; 1112 bushels were lost in 
a storm in Milwaukee Bay; also delivered 23J bushels of 
corn. Left New Buffalo in April, and delivered oats at 
Milwaukee from the 1st to the 10th of May, 1837." 
Hiram and Solomon Gould were charged for use of lighter 
and labor in June, 1837. They owned a mill at New 
Troy, rafted their lumber down the river, and shipped to 
Chicago from the former place. 

Not far from this time Lieut. T. B. W. Stockton, of the 
regular army, was sent by the War Department to examine 
as to the feasibility of constructing a harbor at New Buffalo, 
and the report of the Navy Department was received May 

1, 1838. Lieut. Berrien and Lieut. Rose were sent soon 
after to make a survey, and reported favorably. A light- 
house was built in 1839. 



In June, 1837, Elder Hascall preached in the dining- 
room of Mr. Goodrich's hotel, and, as the bar-room was 
near, some of the party were often thirsty, and retired for 
a few moments. 

The panic of 1837 had a depressing effect upon New 
Buffalo, as well as upon the whole country, but the company 
struggled along, firm in the faith that the plan was essential 
to the well-being of the universe. Prices ruled high, no 
help came, and in the winter of 1841-42 but two families 
were residents of the place, — Jacob Gerrisb and Ru.ssell 
Goodrich. But the spring found a respectable number in 
the village, and from 20 to 30 votes were cast at the election. 
About 1840 the effect of speculation ceased, and money 
became very scarce. About the only thing that brought 
money into the country was non-resident taxes. Inhabitants 
took contracts for building roads at their own prices. The 
business of the country was carried on by barter and credit. 
About 1844 the schooner " Saranac" was built by Joseph 

Oates and Austin ; in 1845, the sloop " Buffalo," by 

Amos Johnson ; and in 1855, the schooner " Ellen Pike," 
by Alonzo Bennett. 

Non-residents were still holding their lands for high 
prices, and but few sales were made until about 1850, when 
the tide of German emigration began to flow in, and be- 
tween that time and 1854 the following Germans settled in 
the places mentioned : Philip Edinger, on section 1 ; John 
Bahl, on section 15; Louis Kruger, John Walter, Fritz 
Klauss, and C. Dohl, on sections 13 and 14 ; Christian 
Gulesdorf, on sections 15 and 22 ; Fritz, Louis, Adolph, and 
Rinehart Siegmond, brothers, on sections 13, 19, and 24. 
Gust. Horn, Christolph Kamm and his son, Fritz Louis, and 

Fritz Sehroeder, Roemer, Henry Luhr, and Carl 

Stannwell settled in the village. Since that time large 
accessions have been made of thrifty Germans, and the 
township is largely populated by them. 

About 1844, George W. Allen, of Laporte, Ind., pur- 
chased the interest of Barker & Willard, and spent a large 
sum of money in improving a road from New Buffalo to 
Springville, Ind. They built a grain warehouse, 60 by 120 
feet and four stories high, on the north fraction of section 
9, near the foot of Willard Street, hoping to make this an 
important shipping-point for Indiana grain. During the 
same year Alonzo Bennett, Thomas Comins, and J. R. C. 
Brown bought several thousand cords of wood, at 62i cents 
per cord, which was lightered out and delivered to vessels 
for the Chicago market ; but even at this low co.st the busi- 
ness did not prove successful. 

REAL ESTATE IN NEW BUFFALO IN 1836. 

Upon the purchase of the land on which New Buffalo is 
situated by Capt. Wesscl Whittaker, in 1834, he proceeded 
to plat it, and induced Jacob A. Barker and Nelson Willard, 
of Buffalo, N. Y., to invest with him as before mentioned. 

On May 31, 1836, a division and valuation of the lots 
was made. 

The 79 lots, located in different parts of the village, be- 
longing to Mr. Willard were valued at $29,520. The 
prices of a few of the lots are given : 

Lot 2, in block 3, $500 ; lot 5, in block 13, $275 ; lot 
12, in block 16, $500 ; lot 7, in block 22, $600 ; lot 2, in 



TOWNSHIP OF NEW BUFFALO. 



273 



block 28, $800 ; water-lot 38, $900 ; lot 8, in block B, 
$375 ; lot 7, in block C, $475; lot 7, in block K. $300. 
Water-lots Nos. 18, 22, 25, 26, 2!), and 30, bi'lon^'ing to 
Mr. Barker, were valued at $1000 oacb. 

.SEAMAN'S SQUARE. 

The recipients of the gift lots in block 21 (Seaman's 
Square) did not occupy these lots, though they afterwards 
.sold them. The following are the names of the captains 
designated by Capt. Whittaker: Levi Allen, Robert Wag- 
staff, Lester Colton, Samuel Chase, Charles Ludlow, James 
L. Baxter, Stephen 11. Walker, John P. Ijudlow, George 
Miles, Abi Allen, Ira Perkins, and H. F. Day. 

The lands purchased by the Virginia Land Company 
(names given elsewhere) in 1837 were as follows ; the 
west half of northwest quarter of section 11, northeast 
quarter of section 10, east half of southea.st quarter of sec- 
tion 10, southwest quarter of section 10, and southeast 
quarter of section 9. The.se lands were platted and divided 
into blocks and lots, and were hold for many years. When 
Mr. Barker sold out, in 1844, the lands of the Virginia 
Company were mostly in the hands of the original proprie- 
tors ; the only lands in the village that were sold in the 
early day by Mr. Willard, with a few exceptions, were the 
lands that were allotted in the division of 1836 to Mr. 
Whittaker. Of the 800 acres originally laid out and 
platted, seven-eighths in 1844 were in the hands of the 
original proprietors. 

About 1842-43 the prices were from $5 to $25 a lot, 
and upon the location of the railroad they advanced to from 
$100 to $500 ; but upon the extension of the railroad to 
Chicago a depreciation followed. Upon the incoming of 
the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, prices 
again advanced. Farming-lands in New Buffalo township 
sold at from $2.50 to $5 per acre. From 1840-46 prices 
were from 75 cents to $3.50 per acre; in 1850, about 
$5 per acre ; in 1856, about $15 ; from 1863-70, from $10 
to $40. 

(IRGANIZATION OF TOWNSIIII'. 
The township of New Buffalo was erected by act of the 
Legislature, March 23, 1836. The text is as follows: 

" All that portion of the county of Berrien described by the United 
States survey as township.s 7 and 8 south, of range 20 and 21 west, 
be and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate town- 
ship, by the name of New Buffalo, and the first township-meeting 
shall be held at the (loodrich tavern, in the village of Now Buffalo, 
in said township.'' 

In accordance with this act, an election was held in the 
spring of 1836 at the tavern of Russell Goodrich. Thirty- 
six votes were cast, with the following result : Alonzo Ben- 
nett, Supervisor; Henry Bishop, Clerk; Daniel Washburn, 
Festus A. Holbrook, Thomas Maudlin, and Alonzo Bennett, 
Justices. Robert Crary and James Little were elected 
Commissioners of Schools ; Reuben Pierce, Festus A. Hol- 
brook, Alonzo Bennett, Ezra Stoner, and James Little were 
elected Inspectors of Schools. 

One hundred and fifty dollars was vcjted for the support 
of schools. 

The names of the 36 voters at the first election are given, 
as a matter of interest : Alonzo Bennett, Henry Bishop, 
35 



T. A. Clough, Richard Conistock, W. E. Davis, George 
Dunham, Joseph Doty, R. Goodrich, F. A. Gilbert, Henry 
B. Hull, Joseph Henderson, F. A. Holbrook, Daniel 
Haight, James Little, Stephen Mix, Henry Mundle, 
Thomas Maudlin, A. McClure, E. MoClurc, Dr. R. Pierce, 
M. Pierce, R. L. Phillips, H. Pierce, Simeon Pierce, Moses 
G. Pratt, William Ratcliff, Ezra Stoner, Wessel Whittaker, 
Nelson Willard, John Wilson, Daniel Washburn, John 
Walker, and Ira P. Warner. But few of these voters are 
living in the township at the present time. 

The population of the township in 1840 was 123; 1845, 
416; 1854,873; 1860,834; 1870, 1389. 

The township originally embraced the territory now 
known as Three Oaks and Chickaming, which townships 
were set off in 1856. 

At the organization of the township of New Buffalo, by 
some oversight, fractional township 8 south, range 22 west, 
was omitted from the organizing act, and remained attached 
to the township of Niles for some years. It was annexed 
to New Buffalo in 1843. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICKRS. 

Following is a list of township officers of New Buffalo 
from its organization to the present time : 

SUPEKVISOUS. 
18.37-:i8, Alon/.o Bennett; ISIilt, Reuben Pierce; 1811), Thorniis 
Comins; 1811-12, ElUanah Rythor ; 184;i, Isaac 0. Adams; 
18M, Levi Paddook ; 1845, Henry Chamberlain; 184fi, Valentino 
Bennett; 1847, Henry Chamberlain; 1.848, no record; 184(1, 
Richard L. Phillips; 1850, Isaac 0. Adams; 1851, Henry Cham- 
berlain; 1852, Alonzo Bennett; 185:i-67, Halo E. (.'rosliy ; 1858, 
James M. Patten; 1859, Alonzo Bennett; 1860, Joseph M. Oood- 
rieh; 1861, Philip Edinger; 1862, Abram I. Phillips; 1863, 
Richard S. Phillips; 1864, Abram I. Phillips ; 1867-72, no record ; 
187.'!-75, George Werner; 1876, Alonzo Bennett; 1877, George 
Werner; 1878-79, F. Qerdes. 

TOWN CLERKS. 
1837, Henry Bishop; 18.'i8, A. Bi.tby ; 1839-40, James Blaiu; 1841-44, 
William Ratclilf; 1845, Hale E. Crosby ; 1846, Samuel Patrick; 
1847, Dwight Plympton; 1848, no record; 1849, Samuel S. Clark; 
1850-51, Joseph M. Goodrich; 1852-63, John G.Mason; 1854, 
Thornton Ewan ; 1855, Thomas S. Ballard; 1856, Samuel Strai- 
ten; 1857-58, John D. Phillips; 185!), Samuel Stratton ; 1860, 
Henderson Ballengee; 1861, Jacob Oppenheim; 1862, K. L. 
Phillips; 1863-64, John 'V.Phillips; 1865-66, no record; 1867, 
Soth Sheldon; 1868, George F. Collitt; 1869, no record; 1870-71, 
John f. Dick ; 1872-78, Charles Deuell; 1879, Moses N. Clark. 

TREASUREUS. 
Prior to 1839 the supervisor acted as treasurer, and the first election 
to that ofiieo was at the annual town-meeting of that year. The 
first to (ill the office was Jacob Gerrish, 1840; Thomas Comens, 
1841-44; 1845, Thomas Maudlin; 1846, Simeon Pierce; 1847-48, 
no record; 1849-61, Thornton Ewan; 1852, Truman A. Clough; 
1853-54, Joseph G. Ames; 1854-58, Thornton Ewan; 1859, 
Joseph M. Goodrich; 1860, Isaac W. Martin ; 1861, Louis Kru- 
gor; 1862-63, George Horn; 1864, Cornelius I. Bierstndt; 1866- 
66, no record ; 1867-70, Sadler Batter; 1871-73, Henry P. Nourso ; 
1874-77, Albert Kellogg; 1878-79, George Horn. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1837, Alonzo Bennett, Francis W. Ames; 1838, A. Bixby, Jacob 
Gerrish, and Sylvester Shead ; 1839, Joshua R. C. Brown, Samuel 
Bennett, Jr.; 1840, Reuben Pierce, Levi Paddook; 1841, Thomas 
Comins, William Hammond, Richard Love, Levi Paddock; 1842, 
Richard Pockham; 1843, Richard Love; 1844, Festus A. Hol- 
brook; 1845, Alonzo Bennett; 1846, Dwight Plympton; 1847, 
none elected; 1848, no record; 1849, Abel M. Brownlee; 1850, 



274 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



SX 



Henry Chamberlain : 1851, K. W. Smith ; 1852, Joseph G. Amea, 
Benoni Newell; 1853, Erasmus N. Shead, Dwight Pljmpton ; 
1854, Nathan Maudlin; 1865, Samuel Stratton, Mabcn J. Mar- 
shall; 1856, Hale E. Crosby, Festus A. Holbrook, Alonzo Ben- 
nett; 1857, Wm. Aldrich, Hale E. Crosby ; 1858, Thomas Maud- 
lin ; 1859, Samuel Stratton, Isaac W. Martin ; 1860, Festus A. 
Holbrook, Thomas S. Webster; 1861, George Horn; 1862, J. V. 
Phillips, Thomas Maudlin ; 1863, Henderson Ballengce, Henry 
Leland; 1864, Thomas S. Webster, John Murray, Ludwig Lubke 
1865-66, no record; 1867, John R. Hill; 1S68, George Werner 
1869, no record; 1870, John C. Dick; 1871, Alonzo Bennett 
1872, George Werner; 1873, Charles Deuell, Moses M. Clark 
1874, Henry Leifken; 1875, George P. Nourse; 1876, George 
Werner; 1877, Charles Deuell; 1878, Charles H. Schultz ; 1879, 
Henry P. Nourse. 

INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS. 

1837, Samuel Bennett, Festus A. Holbrook, Reuben Pierce, Jonathan 
Hascall, Francis W. Ames; 1838, Alonzo Bennett, Samuel Ben- 
nett, Jr., Dr. Reuben Pierce; 1839, Reuben Pierce, Elkanah 
Ryther, Jacob Gerrish ; 1840, James Blain, Reuben Pierce, El- 
kanah Ryther; 1841, Wm. Hammond, Elkanah Ryther, Jacob 
Love ; 1842, Thos. M. Bennett, Richard Peckham ; 1843, Joseph 
M. Goodrich, Richard Peckham; 1844, Samuel Patrick, Richard 
Peckham: 1845, Alonzo Bennett, Henry Chamberlain: 1846, 
Valentine Bennett, D. Gilman Wood; 1847, Richard Peckham, 
Hale E. Crosby; 1848, no record; 1849, Hale E. Crosby; 1850, 
Jesse Wasson ; 1851, Hale E. Crosby; 1852, H. E. Crosby, Jos. 
M. Goodrich; 1853, James M. Patten; 1854, Joseph M. Good- 
rich; 1855, Hale E. Crosby, Wm. Chamberlain; 1856, Hale E. 
Crosby, Joseph M. Goodrich; 1857, Alonzo Bennett; 1858, John 
W. Carter; 1859, Nathaniel B. Pitt; 1860, Hale E. Crosby, John 
V. Phillips; 1861, Charles Hanville; 1862, John W. Carter; 
1863, Charles L. Deuell; 1864, Joseph M.Goodrich; 1865-66, no 
record; 1867, J. B. Crosby ; 1868-69, no record : 1870, Henry P. 
Nourse; 1871, Frederick Gerdes ; 1872, Charles Eberling; 1873, 
George Werner ; 1874, Charles Eberling; 1875-76, Alonzo Ben- 
nett; 1877, F. Gerdes; 1878, Charles Eberling; 1879, Henry 
E. Crosby. 

The tax-list for 1836, as taken by Jacob Gerrish, Ira P. 
Warner, and J. S. Doty, is as follows : 

RESIDENT TAX-PAYEES. 
Abraham Willard, Henry Bishop, Alonzo Bennett, Truman A. Clough, 
James A. Corse, Robert Craig, Joseph S. Doty, John Foote, Rus- 
sell Goodrich, William Hammond, Festus A. Holbrook, Jacob 
Gerrish, James Little, Henry McCourt, Stephen Mix, J. Love, 
Richard Love, H. Little, Henry Mundie, Hugh McGiven, Thos. 
Maudlin, B. Maudlin, Moses G. Pratt, Myel Pierce, Reuben 
Pierce, Simeon Pierce, Ezra Stoner, Thomas Thorp, Wessel Whit- 
taker, Nelson Willard, Ira P. Warner, Wilkird, Whittaker, Barker 
& Co. 

The assessed valuation of resident tax-payers was $41,786. 
Wessel Whittaker was the largest individual tax-payer, his 
tax being 130.00. Amount of re.sident valuation, $41,786 ; 
amount of non-resident valuation, $106,684; total, $148,- 
470. 

SKETCHES AND REMINISCENCES. 

Capt. Wessel Whittaker was a man of a noble, generous 
nature, and his house furnished a home for all it could hold. 
He was of untiring energy and great perseverance. His 
early life had been passed on the lakes, and he had act|uired 
habits which in those days were common, and which were 
greatly to his disadvantage. He died in 1841, at New 
BuflTalo, leaving a wife and four children. The family re- 
moved to Terre Couple Prairie, Tnd., where the youngest 
son, Alanson, still resides. 

Alonzo Bennett is a native of Brookfield, Orange Co., 
Vt. He came to Niles, Berrien Co., in September, 1833, 



and shortly after removed to Bertrand. He was educated as 
a surveyor in Erie Co., N. Y., and was employed to survey 
the village of Bertrand by the Bertrand Association. The 
proprietors of the New Buffalo tract passed through Bert- 
rand, on their way to New Buffalo, in the spring of 1835, 
and employed him to go with them and survey the village, 
which work he completed in March or April of that 
year. In January following he married, in Erie Co.. 
N. Y., and moved to New Buffalo. He was elected the 
first supervisor of the township, in 1836. He followed his 
occupation of surveyor, was elected to several positions of 
trust in the township, and in 1838 was elected county 
clerk, re-elected in 1840 and 1842, and elected to the 
Legislature in 1842. He returned to New Buffalo in 
1845. He was in the employ of the Central Railroad for 
two years, and served the company as surveyor and pay- 
master. At the expiration of his term he engaged in the 
mercantile business until 1856, and for a short time was 
editor and publisher of the Vindicator. He removed to 
Buchanan and to Southern Illinois, and moved to Chicago, 
where he resided five years, when he returned to New Buf- 
falo, and is now in the express and drug business. His 
son, A. M. Bennett, is in Chicago; Wm. Bennett, in Kan- 
sas; and two daughters, living in Niles, Mrs. C. Jackson 
and Mrs P. A. Ballard. 

Richard L. Phillips was a native of Oxford.shire, England, 
and came to this country in 1832, and to New Buffalo, from 
Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1835. Nov. 
11, 1839, he married Mary C., the daughter of Joshua R. 
C. Brown. He lived in the place most of the time until 
his death, in 1868. He was a man of great energy, but 
was seriously afflicted with rheumatism in his later days, 
which confined him to the house nearly half the time ; he 
yet succeeded in maintaining his family and accumulated 
a competence. Joshua R. C. Brown, one of the Virginia 
Land Company, was a native of Virginia, and came to La- 
porte, Ind., and thence to this place in 1837. He lived 
on Barker Street. His death took place in 1862. His 
daughters, Mrs. R. L. Phillips and Mrs. J. T. Hopkins, 
live in New Buffalo; a son lives at Niles, two daughters 
in Virginia, one in Indiana, and one in California. He 
returned to Laporte, Ind., about 1838, and to this place 
in 1846, where he bought the Goodrich property and 
continued the hotel busine.ss until his death. He was a 
hospitable landlord and a gentleman of the Virginia school, 
with some peculiarities. An anecdote is related of him as 
follows ; A traveler was stopping with him, and upon 
being asked if he would have some bacon and greens, 
which was a fitvorite dish of Mr. Brown's, asked if that 
was the only meat he had, and upon being answered in 
the affirmative, replied, sneeringly, that he did not eat ba- 
con and greens; upon which Mr. Brown emphatically 
said, " Get out of my house, sir ! A man that don't eat 
bacon and greens is not a gentleman." 

Henry Bishop came with Whittaker, and clerked for 
Whittaker & Co., but in 1838-39 left, on account of his 
health, and went to Kalamazoo County, and is now a pros- 
perous business man in the village of Kalamazoo. Truman 
A. Clough came to New Buffalo with the first settlers, but 
returned to Hamburg, N. Y., about 1840, and came back, 



TOWNSHIP OP NEW BUFFALO. 



275 



in 1850, to Chickaming, and in 1854 again went back to 
New York. Russell Goodrich was a long time, prior to 
his coming West, proprietor of a noted hotel at Hamburg, 
Erie Co., N. Y. He died at New Buffalo about 1850. 
His son Jasper was a prosperous man in Chickaming, and 
died a few years ago. His son Josepli M. was for a time 
a farmer in the township, then a merchant in the village. 
He removed to Chicago in 1869, where ho was in the com- 
mission business, and died about 1875. Albert E., after 
being a steamboat clerk for some years, became a steamboat 
owner, and for the last twenty years has owned several 
very important lines on Lake Michigan. A man of ability 
and great energy, he has amassed a handsome fortune. 

Festus A. Holbrook became a farmer in New Buffalo 
township, and at the present time is living with a grand- 
child in Three Oaks township, in his eighty-ninth year. 
James Little and Francis W. Ames died in the sickly sea- 
son of 1838. Thomas Maudlin, a venerable man, lives on 
the farm which he settled, in the eastern part of the town- 
ship. Dr. R. Pierce moved, about 1840, to Terre Couple 
Prairie, Ind. He was distinguLshed for many years as a 
physician, and died about 1858. His son, R. W. Pierce, 
is now a leading physician of Buchanan. 

Simeon Pierce went to Lake Station, Ind., and is now 
a retired merchant of Valparaiso, Ind. Nelson Willard 
had large interests in New York, and did not remain here 
long. 

Isaac 0. Adams, who perhaps did more to improve New 
Buffalo than any other person, was a kind-hearted, genial 
man. He went to Chicago about 1853, where he still re- 
sides. He was a man of culture and fond of story-telling. 
The following is told of him : " The peninsula known as 
north fraction of section 3 was speculation property, and 
was sold in undivided interests. At a time when property 
was at its lowest value a man came to the place from 
Connecticut who owned one undivided nineteen hundred 
and twentieth interest. Finding no purchaser, he inquired 
of Mr. Adams how he could best secure a division. Adams 
replied ho might get a division in chancery, but it would 
be expensive. The man anxiously pressed Mr. Adams to 
know what he had best do, that he might know how and 
where his property was. Adams answered by saying, ' You 
better go up to Uncle Jacob's (Mr. Gerrish) and borrow a 
two-bushel bag ; go over there, fill it with sand, take it 
home with you, and you will have about your share.'" It 
is not known whether the advice was accepted. 

Jacob Gerrish, coming in 1835, kept a record of events 
from that time to his death, in 1858, from which many-facts 
in this history have been gleaned. His desire to see New 
Buffalo prosper led him to advance money to every under- 
taking that he supposed would advance the interest of the 
place. His house was open to all who came. The poor 
and suffering had only to ask to receive. 

HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. 

The cause that led to the settlement of New Buffalo was 
the apparent availability of the Galien River and Potta- 
wattamie Lake for a harbor. The advantages were seen at 
a glance by Capt. Wessel Whittaker in 1834, and 100 acres 
of land were secured by him very soon after the settlement 



was fairly inaugurated. Meetings were held, speeches made, 
and the usual enthusiasm incident to such enterprises kept 
the minds of the settlers in a high state of excitement. 
Petitions were sent to Congress, which, after the usual delay, 
received some attention, and an appropriation was made for 
a lighthouse. The site was selected and stakes were set 
Sept. 6, 1838. Plans and specifications were made, and 
contracts were advertised. The journal of Jacob Gerrish 
of July 10, 1839, contains the following: " Lots of people 
in to the lighthouse letting; Hixon builds the house." 
The location was on a point of land in the north fraction of 
section 9, about a quarter of a mile from the mouth of the 
river. Sand dunes of from 30 to 60 feet in height were 
between it and the mouth, on which were growing trees 
from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. In the course of time 
the river and the lake washed away these shifting sands, 
and about 1857 the house was undermined and fell, for it 
was founded upon the sand. The lighthouse and keeper's 
house were built of brick and whitewashed, a large bowlder 
of limestone found near by furnishing the lime. Isaac 0. 
Adams burnt the brick. The buildings were finished in 
March, 1840. Timothy S. Smith was appointed the first 
keeper, under Van Buren. Wm. Ratcliffand his wife moved 
into the keeper's house June 1, 1840, Mr. Smith living 
with them. The keepers who succeeded him were Elijah 
Pressey, under Harrison ; Reuben Smith, under Polk ; and 
Joseph Miller, under Taylor. It was demolished about 
1857, and has not been rebuilt. 

Soon after the incorporation of the Michigan Central 
Railroad Company, they determined to make New Buffalo 
their western terminus, and work was commenced in the 
fall of 1817. The company built a bridge across the Galien 
River and two long piers into the lake, to make the point 
accessible for steamboats. This work furnished employ- 
ment to a large number of men and caused a general re- 
vival of business. Capt. Eber B. Ward put on the lake a 
line of steamers connecting with the morning and evening 
trains for Chicago. 

At the time of building the piers it was believed that 
New Buffalo would be the western terminus of the road, 
and the village received an impetus by the erection of a 
large hotel and other buildings to accommodate the travel 
and traffic. Steamers ran in connection with the road till 
its completion to Chicago about 1852, when they were 
withdrawn. 

The Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, now the 
Chicago and West Michigan, was completed. Sept 7, 1870, 
from Pentwater, Oceana Co., Mich., to New Buflalo, where 
it connects with the Michigan Central Railroad. 

VILLAGE OF NEW BUFFALO. 

The plat of the village was laid out in 1835, by Nelson 
Willard, Jacob A. Barker, Wessel Whittaker, and Russell 
Goodrich. It was incorporated as the village of New Buf- 
falo, March 28, 1836. Its officers were a president, re- 
corder, and six trustees, to bear the title of president and 
trustees of the village of New Buffalo. It embraced the 
whole of section 10 and the east half of section 9, being 
situated about midway on the lake line of the township, 
and fronting Pottawattamie Lake on the north. 



276 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Alonzo Bennett was the first president of the village. 
Jacob Gerrish was president in 1838 and trea.surer in 
1839. The corporation lapsed about 1840. The village 
was again incorporated in 1869, as noticed farther on. 

As near as can be ascertained the postmasters have been 
as follows : Dr. Reuben Pierce, Jacob Gerrish, Thomas 
Oomins, Alonzo Bennett, Dwight Plympton, Alonzo Ben- 
nett, Joseph M. Goodrich, and George R. Weed, who is 
the present incumbent. 

The second act of incorporation was approved April 3, 
1869, and the election for officers was hold April 5th of 
the same year at the school-house in the village. The 
result was as follows : Sadler Butler, President ; George F. 
Collett, Recorder ; James McCarter, Frederick Gerdes, 
David Terwilliger, Harry H. Gilbert, Ludwig Lubke, and 
Dwight Plympton, Trustees; John McGlavin, Treasurer. 

LIST OF OFJTCEES. 

Pi-esideiiti.—lS70, Sadler Butler; 1871-72, Ransom S. Hastings; 187.'i, 
Henry P. Nourse; 1874, Alonzo Bennett; 1875, Henry Liefkien ; 
1876-77, George Weimer; 1878, Alonzo Bennett; 1879, John V. 
Phillips. 

Jtecorders.—iSIO, J. C. Dick; 1871, George D. Butler; 1872, John C. 
Dick; 1873-78, John V. Philips; 1879, Claus H. Scholtz. 

treasurers.— 1870, William H. Weed; 1871-72, George Weimer; 
1873-75, Frederick Gerdes; 1876, Christian Guhlstorf; 1877, 
Charles Kruger; 1878-79, Christian Goldstorf. 

Tniateea.—lS70, L. M. Woodmansce, Albert Kelling; 1871, Alonzo 
Bennett, William Armstrong, Sadler Butler; 1872, Charles 
Kruger, Moses M. Clark, William Mittelman; 1873, Louis Eg- 
gert, Henry Weigel, Fritz Kamm ; 1874, Charles Kruger, Herman 
Beutlen, Henry Liefkien; 1875, Henry Wiegel, Louis Eggert, 
Albert Kelling; 1876, Charles Kruger,Henry C. Wiegel, David 
Terwilliger; 1877, Henry Wiegel, Christian Doll, Jacob Hiler; 
1878, Charles Deuell, Fritz Kamm, Charles Kruger; 1879, Henry 
P. Nourse, John Peo, Alonzo Bennett. 

The charter was repealed May 28, 1879, to take effect 
Aug. 28, 1879. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house was built of boards, in 1836, and 
is still standing, owned and occupied by C. H. Sehultz. 
The lot is now owned by Mrs. R. L. Phillips. A new 
school-house was built on a lot adjoining, which was re- 
moved and replaced with a larger, two-story one. The 
first school district was recorded March 15, 1837, known 
as District No. 1. Francis M. Ames and Irwin McClure, 
commissioners of scliools. 

At a town-meeting April 19, 1838, it was voted to raise 
$400 for the payment of teachers' wages for that school 
year. The inspectors of schools formed Districts Nos. 2, 3, 
and 4, described as follows : 

District No. 1, consisting of sections 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 
15, 22, 23, 24, in township 8 south, range 21 west. 

District No. 2, consisting of sections 4, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 
18, 19, 20, and 21, township 8 south, range 20 west. 

District No. 3, consisting of sections 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 14, 
15, 22, 23, and 24, township 8 south, range 20 west. 

District No. 4, consisting of sections 29, 30, 31, 32, in 
township 7 .south, range 20 west ; sections 5 and 6, town- 
ship 8 south, range 20 west ; sections 25 and 26, township 
7 south, range 21 west; and sections 1 and 12, township 8 
south, range 21 west. 

Feb. 16, 1839, a certificate of (lualification as teacher 



was granted to 0. II. Phillips. Miss Mallory commenced 
teaching school April 17, 1838. She was examined April 
18, 1838, and received a certificate. 

Oct. 19, 1844, a certificate was granted as teacher to 
Miss Craney ; and November 2d, of the same year, to Miss 
Elizabeth Chamberlain. On the 20th of March, 1845, 
there was received from the town treasurer $32.25 for 
library purposes, and May 3d, Hale E. Crosby was ap- 
pointed librarian. Forty-six volumes were purchased. 
August 1st, of the same year, 60 volumes were added, 
and 21 volumes in 1847, 93 volumes in 1850, and 41 in 
1851. 

In 1847 the districts reported as follows: District No. 
1, number of children of school age, 109 ; No. 2, 27 ; No. 
3, 32. 

The record of apportionments of moneys and books in 
1848 was. District No. 1, 109 scholars, $32.70, 109 volumes; 
No. 2, 27 scholars, $8.10, 29 volumes; No. 3, 32 scholars, 
$9.60, 35 volumes ; No. 4, 12 volumes. 

Upon the organization of Chickaming and Three Oaks, 
in 1856, a change was made in districts, and a division of 
the property was also made, and the several amounts were 
turned over to the new districts. 

In 1865 a report was made as follows: District No. 1, 
number of scholars, 157 ; received from dog-tax, $54.19. 
No. 2, number of scholars, 42 ; received from dog-tax, 
$14.17. No. 3, number of scholars, 80 ; received from 
dog-tax, $27.61. No. 5, number of scholars, 31 ; received 
from dog-tax, $11.03. 

The report of schools for 1879 showed : District No. 
1, scholars, 230; apportionment money, $111.15; library 
money, $1. No. 2, scholars, 68; apportionment money, 
$32.85 ; library money, 29 cents. No. 3, scholars, 77 ; 
apportionment money, $37.20 ; library money, 33 cents. 
No. 4, scholars, 45 ; apportionment money, $21.73 ; library 
money, 19 cents. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — ^The first class was organ- 
ized at New Buffalo, in 1847, at the school-house. 

The following notice is in the journal of Jacob Gerrish : 
" Sunday, June 24, 1838, Mecks preached in the forenoon ;" 
July 8, 1838, " had a sermon from Mr. Meeks," undoubt- 
edly the Rev. Richard Meek, of Niles ; Aug. 4, 1838. 
" Meek preached in the morning." Afterwards the Rev. 
Daniel Smith, of Galena, Floyd Co., lud., preached there. 
About 1844, the Rev. Mr. Kellogg. In 1847-48, Thomas 
McCool. Alanson C. Stuart was a contractor and also a 
local preacher. Among the members of the first class were 
Mrs. J. R. C. Brown and J. W. Wilkinson, who was first 
leader, Geo. Barnes and wife, and Dwight Plympton. Reg- 
ular preaching was not supported until 1852, when the Rev. 
J. W. Robinson was stationed there. He was succeeded by 
the Revs. A. C. Beach, T. Hcndriok.son, Milo Covey, G. W. 
Chapin, G. A. Van Horn, E. Beard, E. L. Kellogg, J. Hoyt, 
D. C. Woodward, A. J. Van Wyck, J. S. Hicks, J. 8. Val- 
entine, A. T. Gray, W. Matthias, E. A. Tanner, G. W. 
Goslin, and Isaiah Wilson, who is the present pastor. 
Meetings were held in the school-house and at various 
places. In 1861 and 1862 the present church was built. 
The society numbers about 40 members. 



TOWNSHIP OF NKW lUIlH-'ALO. 



277 



Gf/nium Eviinydlad CImrch. — This climoli wa.s organ- 
ized Nov. 1:5, 1858, by the Kcv. Ciiarles llaaH, of Miclii- 
gan City. The first pastor was the llev. Ciiarle.s Huffiiiger, 
succeeded by Lofflor, Eiiiil Woiiior, Goo. Weiser, Died- 

rich Behreiis, Daiihuuiiii, Hoch, Christian 

Reiser, and John Sfanger, wiio is the present pastor. 
The society numbers at present G-l members. The churcli 
was built in 18(52, and finished in IHd;}. Services were 
held for some time in tiie building fbrineily used by tlu^ 
Congregational society, on block 21!. 

Biiptist Church. — The society was oi'ganized Jutic 3, 
187G, as a branch society of Union Fier Church, and or- 
ganized as a separate society April 1), 1879. The first 
meeting was held at tiie liouse of the Rev. R. II. SpafTord. 
The society at first consisted of 19 members, and now num- 
bers 70. Mr. Spafford is still the pastor. The society pur- 
chased a dancing-iiall, and converted it into a church. The 
Sunday-sciiool lias VVi pupils, — E. D. Rundell, iSupcrin- 
tcndent. Two branch Sunday-scliools are also connected 
with it. Bethel Mission, in Jjaporte Co., Ind., has (i(i pu- 
pils, — J. T. Fields, Su|)orintendent. West Road Mi.ssion is 
also in Laporte Co., Ind., and has 78 pupils, — E. \). Rundell 
is Superintendent. 

St. Maryg Church of Ihi; liiiiiuiciilalt: Coitci'/ilioii. — 
The (Jatholic church at New Bulfalo was built in 1858 by 
Father De Neve, and completed in 18(j(l. 

It was blessed by Father Cappon, assisted by Father 
Steiner. It stands on the northwest corner of Buffalo and 
Whittakor Streets. Its communicants include about 1(5 
families. 

SOCIKTIEH. 

Ilarmonia Lodyc, No. 144, /. 0. O. F. — This society 
was orgaiuzed Aug. 11, 1871, and contains at present 27 
members. It is composed entirely of Germans, — Albert 
Kelling is the Noble Grand. 

New Buffalo Lodge, No. 84, /. 0. O. /'.—This lo<lge 
was organized July 18, 1861, and has at present lid mem- 
bers, — David 'I'envilleyn, Noble Grand. 

New Jiiiffato L'ucamprnenl, No. 79, J. O. O. F., or- 
ganized in 1877. Has at present 22 members, — Claus H. 
Schotz, Chief Patriarch. 

Workiwj Men's Association of New Buffalo. — This so- 
ciety was organized in October, 1877, and is composed en- 
tirely of Germans. It numbers 43 members, — Fritz Kamm, 
President. 



|{|o(;rai'HI(jal sketches. 

JOHN MURRAV. 

James Murray, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Ireland, on the 81st day of March, 1800, and 
emigrated to the State of New York when eighteen years 
old. His wife, whose maiden name was Slater, was born in 
Rhode Island, on the 3d day of December, 1800. Mr. 
and Mrs. Murray were married on the 19th day of March, 
1824, and the former departed this life on tin.' ]5tli day of 
September, 1840. 

John Murray was the oldest of his father's family. He 



was born in Owasco, (Jayuga Co., N. Y., and moved to 
Huron Co., Ohio, when about seven years of age. After 
his father's death lie remained with his mother, taking 
charge of the property and keeping the family together. 
Feb. 1, 1849, at the age of twenty-four, he married Amanda 
M., daughter of Richard and Abigail Allison. She was a 
native of Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., born March 31, 
1831, and, with her parents, went to Peru, Huron (Jo., 
Ohio, when she was about two years old. Mr. Murray 
farmed in Ohio for five years, when lie moved to Michigan, 
and bought the farm where he now resides. His first pur- 
chase consisted of ninety-two and a half acres, to which he 
afterwards added forty-eight acres. He also owns a farm in 
the State of Indiana. Four children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Murray, viz. : Cecelia, born in Ohio, Jan. 15, 
1850; Cordelius, born in Ohio, Jan. 10, 1853 (died Oct. 
20,1854); Viola M., born in Michigan, May 22, 1800; 
Giiievra A., born in Michigan, Dec. 15, I8(i3 (died May 
22, 1805). The two surviving children are botli married 
and settled near the old homestead. Mr. Murray's advan- 
tages for an early education were limited. Schools at that 
time were jioorly taught, and he was enabled to attend only 
a short time during the winUM- terms, in Novembiir, 18(i 1, 
Mr. Murray enlisted in the United States service, and was 
enrolled in (Jomjiany H, 9th Michigan Infantry, remaining 
witli the army until the close of the war. Hi; never wished 
to be elected to any public office, and eonseijuently never 
held any. In politics ho is a Reiiublican ; in niligion, a 
liberal. Mrs. Murray was at ono time connected with tin; 
Christian Church. Mr. Murray learned early in life that 
the road to success is one open only to strong hands and 
willing hearts. He early established methodical business 
habits, and his energy and jierseviTanee hav(! rciid(!ri^d his 
life a success. 

Richard Allison, father of Mrs. Amanda M. Murray, was 
born at Warwick, Orange Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1799. His 
wife, Abigail Brooks, was born in Hrooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 0, 
1801. In her youth she was considered one of the best 
singers in Brooklyn, and for a number of years was loader 
of the choir in one (jf the churches in that city. Her mar- 
riage to Richard Allison took place July 19, 1828. The 
children of this marriage were eight in number, but of them 
only two are now living, namely, Mrs. Amanda M. Murray 
and Mrs. Plxjebo J. Camp, of Wakeshma, Kalamazoo (Jo., 
Mich. Mrs. Allison died in Peru, Huron Co., Ohio, May 
24, 1842. In 1805, Mr. Allison moved IVonj Ohio to 
Michigan, and died there Jan. 18, 1807. 



RICHARD PillLLII'S 

was born on (he 20tli day of (Jctober, 1810, in the county 
of (JxCordshire, England. At the age of twenty-two he 
emigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, but only remained there 
during one winter. He then proceeded to (Janada, where 
he stayed about two years, going from tliere to Buffalo, 
N. Y., in 1834. He came to New Buffalo in 1835, in the 
employ of Mr. Nelson Willard, who brought the first load 
of dry goods ever landed at the place. (Jn the lltli day 
of November, 1839, Mr. Phillips was married to Mary ('., 
daughter of J. R. C. and Jane Brown, of Virginia. (Jf 



278 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



this union have been born six children, viz. : Charles L., 
born Aug. 22, 1840; Mary J., born Feb. 26, 1842, died 
May 21, 1858; Elizabeth, born October 31st, died same 
day ; Sarah A., born Dec. 8, 1844 ; Catherine E., born 
Dec. 17, 1846; and Emma A., born April 19, 1849. 
Mr. Phillips settled at Michigan City, Ind., soon after his 
marriage, where he remained six months. He then moved 
his family to Hudson, Ind., and at the end of another six 
months, to Laporte, in the same State. He remained 



Green Bay, in 1848. He remained at this employment 
for two years, but his health growing worse instead of bet- 
ter, he was obliged to abandon his life on the lake. Mr. 
Phillips was originally a Whig in politics, but subsequently 
joined the Republican party, who.se principles he ever sup- 
ported with all the firmness of chnracter and tenacity of 
purpose for which he was distinguished. He represented 
his township as clerk and supervisor, attending to the 
duties of the latter position when unable to walk, being 





RICHARD PHILLIPS. 



MRS. RICHARD PHILLIPS. 



there until 1842, when he returned to New Buffalo. After 
staying there until 1845, he returned to Michigan City, 
but in 1847 he made his last move baclv, and located him- 
self permanently at New Buffalo. Until this time he had 
been engaged in the mercantile business, but in 1847 he 
engaged as clerk on a steamboat, thinking the change would 
be beneficial to his health, as he was a great sufferer from 
disease. He served as clerk of the steamboats " Detroit" 
and "Sam Ward," running on the latter from Chicago to 
St. Joseph, in 1847, and on the former from Chicago to 



accompanied by his faithful wife as he rode to and fro in 
his buggy. Mr. Phillips, after many years of intense suf- 
fering from rheumatic gout, died on the 15th day of De- 
cember, 1868. Both he and Mrs. Phillips were devoted 
members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. After her 
husband's death, Mrs. Phillips successfully managed her 
aflfairs, keeping the fiimily together until one after another 
of her children were settled in married life. She has lived 
to see them all well established in the world, and now re- 
sides on the lot adjoining the old homestead. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

ORONOKO TO\raSHIP.* 

Location and Natural Features — Berrien Springs Village and Early 
Settlers — Early Village Proprietors — Pioneer Merehants — Pioneer 
Manufacturers — Early Public-Hou^es^Steamboats on the St. Jo- 
seph — Physicians — " Berrien Grays" — Post-Offices and Postmasters 
— Village Organization — Interior Pioneers — Township Organization 
and Township Officers — Churches — Cemeteries — Schools — Manufac- 
turing Industries — Orders and Societies. 

LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 
This township, designated as town 6 south, range 18 
west, is located in the midst of the fertile region which 
borders the St. Joseph River, and which is widely noted as 
a great fruit-producing territory. Oronoko is bounded on 
the north by Royalton, on the south by Buchanan, on the 

* By David Schwartz. 



east by Berrien, from which it is separated by the St. 
Joseph River, and on the west by Lake. The rivei'-bot- 
toms, once held in high esteem by the early settlers in 
Oronoko, and found very productive, were liable to fre- 
quent overflow, and, although fertile, were ultimately aban- 
doned by the hu.sbandman. The surface of the township 
is undulating, and the soil being generally susceptible of 
high cultivation, the farming population is, as a class, a 
prosperous community. Small fruits are grown in abun- 
dance, and in the cultivation especially of grapes the farm- 
ers find a thriving and profitable industry. Wolf's Prairie, 
a tract of about 1000 acres, occupied in part by the vil- 
lage of Berrien Sj)rings, is a fruitful plain, and is the only 
prairie in the county save that of Bertrand. 

There are yet no railway lines entering the town,ship, but 
railway projects looking to that end have been urged, and 
indeed in some cases have made some progress, although 



TOWNSHIP OF ORONOKO. 



279 



failure has thus far attended all efforts in that direction. 
Stage communication with Niles and St. Joseph is a daily 
convenience, while a steamboat packet makes daily trips 
up the river from St. Joseph. 

BERRIEN .SPRIXGS VILL.^GE AND EARLY SETTLERS. 

The spot now occupied by Berrien Springs was origi- 
nally known as Wolf's Prairie, and hither came John Pike, 
with a large family (his wife and eight children), in the 
summer of 1829. Pike was originally from North Caro- 
lina, and later from Ohio and Indiana, whence he came to 
Michigan. Stopping at Carey Mission a few weeks, he 
pushed on down the river, with his family and household 
goods in a pirogue, to Wolf's Prairie. That part of the 
country had not been surveyed, and Pike had pre-empted a 
few acres on the river-bottom. The land he cleared, and 
upon which he put up a log house, is now occupied by a 
portion of the " Shaker farm." Pike was the first white 
settler in what is now Oronoko township, and for a year 
after their arrival his family were the only occupants of the 
territory. Pike stayed until 1832 (although he sold out to 
Geo. Kimmel in 1831), and removed to Royalton, where 
he died There still lives his son William, him.self a 
pioneer. 

In the year of Pike's settlement — 1829 — George Kimmel, 
of Somerset Co., Pa., visited Wolf's Prairie on a prospect- 
ing tour, and, fancying the country, entered about 300 
acres lying thereabout. He returned to Pennsylvania, 
however, and did not settle upon his now purchase until 
two years afterwards. 

In 1830, Francis B. Murdock, a son-in-law of George 
Kimmel, received from the latter 120 acres of the land tract 
on Wolf's Prairie, and, with his family, consisting of wife 
and one child, set out in that year from Bedford, Pa., for 
his new possessions. The journey was made in part on a 
raft, upon which the family floated down the Dowagiac and 
St. Joseph Rivers. Murdock put up a log house near the 
site of the James Graham place, and divided his time be- 
tween clearing his land and practicing law whenever oppor- 
tunity offered. He was the first lawyer to practice in Ber- 
rien County, — though the practice was limited, — and was 
appointed judge of probate in 1833. In consequence of 
his wife's ill health, he removed southward in 1835, and 
ultimately to San Jose, Cal., where he now resides. His 
daughter, Eliza, born in October, 1831, was the first white 
child born in what is now Oronoko township. She after- 
wards married Mr. Clifton Gardner, and still lives at Ber- 
rien Springs. Mr. Murdock's son, George H., who is the 
editor of the Berrien County Journal, came to Wolf's 
Prairie with his father and mother, at which time he was 
but one year old. With Pitt Brown and Horace Godfrey, 
Mr. Murdock the elder was an original proprietor of the 
village of Berrien Springs. 

George Kimmel, to whom reference has already been 
made, returned to Wolf's Prairie in May, 1831, with two 
sons — Wellington and John — and several laboring men. 
Among the latter was Jacob Shoemaker. Mr. Kimmel 
cleared land upon what is now known as the Shaker farm, 
and after preparing for their comfortable maintenance, went 
back for his wife and other children, in June, 1833. He 



put up on Lemon Creek, in 1832, the first saw-mill in 
the settlement. The frame of that mill still forms a part 
of Ransom & Martin's grist-mill. Kimmel resided in Oro- 
noko until his death. One of his daughters is Mrs. Peter 
Kephart. George Kimmel was in his day one of the great 
land-owners of the West, being at one time the proprietor 
of upwards of 10,000 acres in the State of Michigan alone. 
He died in January, 1849. 

Pitt Brown, a man of note in the county, came from 
Venice, near Sandusky, Ohio, in the summer of 1831, with 
his two children and his nephew, Horace Godfrey (Brown 
and Godfrey having been millers together at Sandusky). 
They floated down from Dowagiac on a raft, and landed at 
the foot of the hill, near the present Ferry Street bridge, 
in July. Brown and Godfrey had entered, in partnership, 
80 acres of land near the river, and upon the spot now oc- 
cupied by Stowe's bowl-factory, where they put up a log 
shanty. This edifice was soon enlarged, and Pitt Brown 
opened there the first tavern in the township, and about the 
same time put a scow ferry-boat on the river at that point. 
Brown was appointed the first postmaster, commanded the 
steamer '• Davy Crockett" for a while, was supervisor of 
Berrien township from 1833 to 1841, and occupied alto- 
gether an important place in the early history of Berrien 
County. He kept store a few years in company with 
Robert E. Ward, and with him also established a distillery. 
He retired from business in 1840, took up his residence 
near where the Defield House stands, and died in 1842. 
His widow still lives in Berrien Springs. 

Horace Godfrey, who came to Berrien County with Pitt 
Brown, went back to Sandusky shortly afterwards, married 
and returned to Berrien, where he busied himself a brief 
space of time in farming, and removed eventually to Lake 
township, where he died and where his widow still lives. 

Lyman A. Barnard, a neighbor and fellow-workman with 
Pitt Brown in Venice, Ohio, left that place in 1828, and, 
with Abraham Townsend, made his home in what is now 
called Pokagon, Cass Co. February 14th of that year he 
went, with Mr. Townsend and others, to a place now known 
as La Grange Prairie, and there Mr. Townsend christened 
the new tract in honor of La Grange, the family home of 
Gen. Lafayette. Barnard and Townsend remained upon 
the place and began to cultivate the soil. In 1830, Bar- 
nard made his first visit to Wolf's Prairie, and during the 
ensuing two years labored more or less at La Grange Prairie. 
In 1832 he built a fifteen-ton sloop, named it the " Dart," 
hauled it with ox-teams overland to the St. Joseph River 
at Niles, and then floated down to St. Joseph. He sailed 
the " Dart" eight months between St. Joseph and Chicago, 
when, his health failing, he left the lake and went up the 
river. He took service with Pitt Brown, as clerk and fer- 
ryman, and eventually married Brown's sister. He bought 
the ferry from Brown and established a rope-ferry, to the 
great convenience of travelers. Mr. Barnard has been a 
resident of Berrien Springs since 1832. In 1847, Dr. 
Barnard became a practicing physician in the village, and 
for a long time enjoyed honorable distinction in his profes- 
sion. His home is still in the village, but he has latterly 
taken no active part in public affairs. 

R. E. Ward came to the village in 1835, from Albany, 



280 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



N. Y., enj^aged in business with Pitt Brown, eventually 
failed, and moved to Detroit, where he died. Ward is said 
to have christened the place Berrien Springs, — a name tluit 
it has borne since about 1840. 

George Brong, a New Yorker, opened the first black- 
smith-shop in this vicinity, in 1834, just below where the 
Befield House now stands. He remained about four years, 
and then removed, with his family, to Weesaw township, 
where he died. 

Stephen Wood came from New York State in 1834, with 
his family, and located on the river's bank below the site 
of the Defield House. Wood was a carpenter, and after 
following his trade for some time removed to a farm near 
the village, and there lived until his death. His wife was 
one of Pitt Brown's sisters. One of his daughters married 
James M. Piatt; another is now living in Niles. 

Burr Benton, from Ohio, who came hither about 1832, 
is referred to as having been " a sort of a constable." He 
occupied a small piece of land back of where the Defield 
House stands. After a sojourn of about six years he re- 
moved to Buchanan, and thence to Wccsaw, where he died. 

Stephen Leonard, a young man, came to the village in 
1833, from New York, in company with Susan Taylor, an 
elderly lady, — sister to Lyman A. Barnard's step-mother. 
They occupied a place near the present Warren Howe place, 
on Ferry Street. Leonard worked among the settlers at 
whatever he could find to do, and after a residence of about 
fifteen years went farther west. Susan Taylor died in 
Berrien Springs. 

Jacob Shoemaker, already mentioned as having come to 
Wolf's Prairie with George Kimmel, worked for Kimmel 
a while, and then engaged in boating on the river. He 
bought about two acres of land in the Indian Fields, and 
until 1850 was a boatman and gardener by turns, moving 
in the year named to the far West. 

Joel Davis, whose mother was Pitt Brown's first wife, 
came to Berrien shortly after Brown's advent, and busied 
himself with the cultivation of a few acres of land lying 
below the hill. He died a few years after his arrival. 

John Ackerman and John Armstrong, brothers-in-law to 
Adam Small, came, with their families, from Bedford Co., 
Pa., to Berrien Springs in 1836. Ackerman bought a 
small place in the village, and worked at farming until his 
death, in 1854. His widow now lives on the old place. 
Armstrong was a carpenter, and worked at his trade in the 
village until 1852, when he went to California to seek his 
fortune. For a time he communicated with his family, but 
his communications ceased after a brief space, and to this 
day Mrs. Armstrong, who lives in Berrien Springs, has 
heard nothing more from him or about him. 

TIziel Williams, then a young man, came from Ypsilanti, 
Mich., in the fall of 1835, and opened a tailor's shop in a 
log cabin that stood upon the ground now occupied by the 
Defield House. He followed the business five or six years, 
and then moved upon a farm west of the village. Shortly 
afterwards he went to Missouri and there died. Orrin 
Wood, brother of Stephen Wood, the carpenter, had a shoe- 
maker's shop in the log cabin occupied by Williams the 
tailor. He was there for four years, when he died. None 
of his descendants are known to be living in the township. 



James M. Watson, now a justice of the peace at Berrien 
Springs, came to the village from St. Joseph in 1838, and 
was employed as engineer by R. K. Ward, at his distillery 
on the river. Wat.son was a skillful engineer, and after 
leaving the distillery served on the river as engineer on the 
" Matilda Barney," " Davy Crockett," " Pocahontas," " In- 
diana," " Algoma," " Niles," and other famous river craft. 

0. N. Bostwick, a man somewhat advanced in years, and 
the father-in-law of R. E. Ward and Dr. Murray, was in 
the employment of Brown & Ward, as clerk and book- 
keeper, in 183G, and died after two years .spent in their 
service. 

John L. Schell, a brother of George Schell, who came 
from Penn.sylvania in 1835, left his home in Bedford Co., 
Pa., in the fall of 1835, and located in Berrien Springs. 
In 1837 he moved to Berrien township. 

David Shoemaker, a potter, came to Berrien Springs in 
1836, in company with Ackerman and Arm.strong, and here 
remained with his family about two years, doing odd jobs. 
He removed to Berrien township in 1838, and his wife 
dying in 1844, he returned to Pennsylvania. 

Eli Hill was a man of considerable prominence in the 
village about the year 1836, when he came from Avon, 
N. Y., and purcha.sed the larger portion of the tract occu- 
pied by Berrien village. He made some building improve- 
ments, and was engaged in erecting a hotel upon the lot 
now occupied by Kephart's drug-store, when he died, 
about 1840. 

One Gibbs came to Berrien about 1835, and after a resi- 
dence of a year or two moved to Illinois. 

George Ewalt and George Essick came to the village 
together from Bedford Co., Pa., in 1836, both being young 
men without families. Ewalt was a carpenter, and worked 
at his trade in the village until 1856, when he moved to a 
farm a mile and a half west of the Springs, where he still 
resides. Ewalt married a daughter of William Lemon. 

E.ssick was a tailor, and for a time pursued his calling in 
the village. Shortly after 1858 he opened the hotel built 
by Eli Hill, on Ferry Street, and after he ceased to be a 
landlord he became a tinner. He resided in the village 
until his death. Two of his daughters — Mrs. Henry D. 
Howe and Sophronia Essick — live in the town. 

EARLY VILLAGE PROPRIETORS. 

Berrien Springs village was originally known as Berrien, 
and as such was surveyed and platted, in August, 1831, by 
Samuel Marrs, deputy surveyor, for the proprietors, Pitt 
Brown, Horace Godfrey, and Francis B. Murdock. When 
R. E. Ward located in the village, in 1835, he called the 
place Berrien Springs (and had its name changed by the 
post-office department), because of the presence near there, 
on the east bank of the river, of sulphur and other medi- 
cated springs ; and by that name it has been commonly 
known since. These springs, it may be remarked, contain val- 
uable properties, but their present inaccessibility, by reason 
of being located in a marshy district, impairs their useful- 
ness. Measures are on foot, however, looking to the opening 
of easy and convenient communication. 

In 1837 the village was designated as the county-seat of 
Berrien, and naturally this important accession gave its af- 



TOWNSHIP OP ORONOKO. 



281 



fairs a healthful and vigorous impetus, which has continued 
to make the community moderately prosperous. 

PIONEER MERCHANTS. 

About the year 1831, Thomas Love and Edward Bal- 
lengee came from Virginia, and opened a store in a small 
log house which they put up on the hill near where the 
Defield House stands. In 1832 their log store was de- 
stroyed by fire, and directly afterwards they built a frame 
store on the river's bank, at what is now the west end of 
the bridge. The two stores named were small affairs, and 
in 1831: Love & Ballengee erected near their second store 
a third one, of considerable pretensions to size. The firm 
sold out, in 1836 or 1837, to Andrew J. Murray & John 
Wittenmeyer. The latter had previously kept store in the 
building opposite Love & Ballengee, where Pitt Brown & 
R. E. Ward opened a store about 1835. Brown & Ward 
failed, and, as related, Wittenmeyer succeeded them, pur- 
chasing the stock of goods that John F. Porter, of St. 
Joseph, had sent to Berrien Springs, to be sold by Adam 
Small, a clerk for Brown & Ward. 

When Wittenmeyer bought out Love & Ballengee he took 
in Dr. Andrew J. Murray as a partner. They sold out to 
W. G. Person, of Niles, who was in turn succeeded by B. 
D. Townsend. Townsend kept the store about eighteen 
months, and then sold to his clerk, James M. Piatt. Piatt 
closed the building, and, following the tide of civilization, 
took a store on the hill upon the site now occupied by the 
Reed House. Townsend had built the store, and C. W. 
Angell kept it for a while. Piatt moved it to the corner 
where he afterwards put up his fine brick block, and upon 
the erection of the latter removed the frame structure to 
the adjoining lot. It is now occupied by N. J. Davis as a 
store. The store at the foot of the hill, built by Love & 
Ballengee and closed by Piatt, was eventually moved to the 
top of the hill, and forms now a part of the store of P. 
Kephart & Son. Mr. Piatt continued in the mercantile 
trade in Berrien Springs until his death, in 1874. 

Aiken, Smith & Co. kept a small store on the hill after 
1842. In 1843, Dr. Philip Kephart (who settled in Ber- 
rien Springs in 1841) opened a general store, and has been 
a store-keeper in the village ever since. In 1848, Thomas 
L. Stevens & R. W. Landon opened a store in the frame 
building built by the Sons of Temperance, upon the lot 
opposite Piatt's corner. 

Mr. William Dougherty, now residing on a farm near 
Berrien Springs, came to the village from Washington city, 
in 1838, with a stock of goods, built a store on Ferry Street, 
at the top of the hill, and from 1838 to 1843 carried on 
business as a merchant. For a time he retired from trade, 
but resumed it in 1852, and continued at his old stand 
from that date until 1865, since which time he has been 
living in retirement. 

PIONEER MANUFACTURERS. 
As already narrated, George Kimmel put up in 1832, on 
Lemon Creek, the pioneer saw-mill. There was a lot on 
the river-bank donated by the town proprietors for a saw- 
mill lot, and upon it, about 1833, Pitt Brown and R. E. 
Ward built a saw-mill, which, however, they put to little 
if any use, their object in erecting the structure being 
36 



doubtless to avail them.selves of the benefit of the donation. 
The property was idle most of the time until 1838, when 
Ward & Brown converted it into a distillery, in which R. 
C. Payne, of Nilcs, was also interested. A grist-mill was 
added, but proved a failure. The distillery passed into the 
possession of Wm. P. McOmber, and lastly to Garrow, 
Smith & Co. 

The history of the early attorneys and physicians, and of 
the press, will be found in the general chapters. 

EARLY PUBLIC-HOUSES. 

Pitt Brown was the pioneer tavern-keeper of this sec- 
tion, and between the years 1831 and 1840 his hostelry, 
below the hill on the river-bank, was a popular resort, known 
far and wide. After Brown retired from business, Jacob 
Statler was the landlord, and after him David Wilson, fol- 
lowing whose retirement the building was destroyed by 
fire. 

John Defield built the first tavern, •' on the hill," in 1842. 
The house is still known as the Defield House, and is 
owned by his widow. Eli Hill, who became the proprietor 
of the town in 1836, by purchase of the interests of Pitt 
Brown, Horace Godfrey, and Francis B. Murdock, began 
in 1836 to build a hotel on the corner now occupied by 
P. Kephart as a drug-store. Hill died before he could 
finish the structure, which was not completed until several 
years afterwards, and not opened as a hotel until 1859, 
when Geo. Essick became the landlord. He was succeeded 
by Andrew Marrs, in 1861, and Marrs sold in turn to Robert 
Wickoff, during whose time the place was burned. A wing 
of the building was saved, and moved by one Carey to 
where the Reed House now stands. Carey kept tavern in 
it, and in 1870 sold to Otis Reed, who added to it, and 
made the present Reed House of it. 

STEAMBOATS ON THE ST. JOSEPH. 

The Steamer " Newburyport," owned by Capt. White, of 
Buffalo, and commanded by Capt. Samuel Woodford, navi- 
gated the St. Joseph River in 1832, and was the first boat 
to reach Berrien Springs. She attempted to go as far as 
Niles, but grounded, and returned to St. Joseph in a dam- 
aged condition. Later she was put in the trade between 
St. Joseph and Chicago, and after making a few trips 
went ashore and broke in pieces. In 1833 the " Matilda 
Barney," commanded at one time by Ebenezer E. Farley, 
traded as high up the river as South Bend ; and in 1834 
the " Davy Crockett," whose captain for a time was Pitt 
Brown, appeared as a rival to the " Barney." The river 
trade was considerable then, and at a point opposite Ber- 
rien Springs Eli Ford built a great warehouse, where con- 
siderable freight for the interior was landed, and where 
vast quantities of the products of the surrounding agricul- 
tural region were taken for shipment down the river. The 
" Barney" and " Crockett" were in commission for some 
time, and managed to make river history somewhat ani- 
mated. Following those boats were the " Pocahontas," 
" Indiana," " Algoma," •' Niles," and others, all famous in 

their day. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Andrew J. Murray, who was a partner also with Mr. 

Wittenmeyer as storekeeper at Berrien Springs, was the first 



282 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pliysioian iu the village. He opened an office in 183{') 
where ^Ir. J. Shearer now lives, at the corner of Marrs and 
Mechanic Streets. Mr. Murray practiced in Herrieu 
Springs until 1839 or 1840, when he removed to St. Joseph, 
and subsequently to Niles, where he died. He is still re- 
membered as an excellent physician and worthy citizen. 
Dr. Chamberlain came in 1837, and became associated in 
practice with Dr. Murray, but remained only a year, when 
ho removed to Michigan City, Ind. He now resides in 
Elkhart, Ind. In 1841, Philip Kephart engaged in the 
practice of medicine at the " Springs," but continued it 
actively only until 1843, when he engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. Since 1843, Mr. Kephart has been in business 
in the village, and is now, as he has been for years, one of 
the loading merchants of the place. 

Eli Hill, who purchased considerable ]ir(ipi>rly in the vil- 
lage in 1836, practiced medicine occasionally until his death, 
in 1840, although he did not aim to be a regularly prac- 
ticing physician. In 1843, C. C. Wallin opened an office, 
and remained until 1849. He is now living in Chicago. 
Charles W. Angell practiced from 184(5-49, and in 1847 
Lyman A. Barnard (still living in Berrien Spring.s) became 
one of the village physicians. Between 1849 and 1850 
he had the field to himself. S. C. Bartholomew, Dr. Bar- 
nard's contemporary, came in 1850 and practiced until his 
death, in 1858. Meanwhile J. L. Bugbee practiced one 
season, and in 1851, Dr. Henry Leader came in and re- 
mained until 1800, when he removed to Pokagon, where 
he died. Subsequently the physicians were B. F. Dela- 
jilaine, J. S. Fowler, H. J. Wilcox, W. F. Mason, Edward 
Hall, Dr. Hayes, J. D. Bowman, Dr. Ludwig, J. S. Mar- 
tin, S. T. Armstrong, W. F. Reiber, 0. Wheeler, and T. 
W. Anderson. The last two named are now (September, 
1879) the practicing physicians of Berrien Springs. 

THE " liKRIUEN GRAYS." 
In 1845 military ardor permeated the bosoms of some 
of the eminent citizens of Berrien Springs, and as a conse- 
quence they formed a militia company, enrolled it in the 
service of the State, and urged the enterprise forward with 
great vigor. The company was called the " Berrien Grays," 
and elected, at the organization, Jacob Statler captain ; hiZra 
D. Wilson and George Kimmel, lieutenants. J. M. Wat- 
son was orderly sergeant ; Adam Small, drummer ; and 
Uziel Williams, fifer. The company uniform was gray, 
trimmed with black, and, it is said, made a showy appjar- 
ance. The Grays enjoyed frequent parades, and became 
locally famous ; but the vigorous enthusiasm wliioh attended 
the birth of the command lessened as time advanced, and 
within a few years grew so feeble that the organization 
passed out of existence. 

TUE KIVHR FERRY. 

Pitt Brown was the first one to put on a ferry at the 
village. He started it in 1831, and continued it several 
years, when Lyman A. Barnard, who had been doing the 
work upon it, bought the business and put on a rope-ferry. 
John DcCeld and Jacob Statler followed Barnard, Statler 
operating it until 1844, when the building of a bridge at 
that point put an end to the ferry. 



The first man to cross Pitt Brown's ferry was, to use 
Pitt's own expression, a boy. At all events, when Brown 
put his boat off from the Berrien Springs shore on its first 
trip, it had aboard Amos Farley and a lad named E. A. 
Brown (brother to Darius Brown). " Hello, my lad," ex- 
claimed Mr. Brown, "you are the first man ever carried 
over this ferry, and a good deal of an honor it is to you in 
the bargain." 

POST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 

A post-office was established in 1831, and Pitt Brown 
appointed postmaster. He kept the office in the bar of his 
tavern, which stood at the foot of Ferry Street, upon the 
site of Stowe's bowl-factory. At that time there was but 
little postal business transacted at this point, for the charge 
of " two shillings" postage made letter-writing too great a 
luxury to be indulged in except upon urgent necessity. 

Berrien was then a mail-station on the route between 
Niles and St. Joseph, and the passage of the river was ef- 
fected by means of a ferry. It happened, one day in early 
winter, while Lyman A. Barnard was operating a " rope- 
ferry" at that point, that Mr. Huston, the mail-carrier, ar- 
rived from Niles at the river's bank, and found the stream 
so choked with ice that the ferry-boat could not cro.ss, while 
the ice barrier was too thin to permit the passage of a man 
over its surface. In this emergency Barnard got the mail 
over by crossing on the ferry-boat rope and pushing the 
mail-bag before him, it being understood, however, that 
Barnard didn't " walk" the rope ; he simply sat astride of 
it, and drew himself along with his hands. 

Although the mail was over, the carrier was still on the 
wrong side of the river, and likely to stop there. Pitt 
Brown bargained, therefore, with Barnard to carry the mail 
to St. Joseph ; and before setting out the latter repaired to 
Brown, early in the morning, to be sworn in as mail-carrier. 
Brown was in bed, and upon Barnard's entrance sat up and 
thus delivered the form of oath : " You swear by the eter- 
nal God to carry the mail to St. Joseph ; that you will not 
open it ; and that you will deliver it to no man but the post- 
uiiistcr at St. Joseph." Barnard-set out upon his journey, 
but had not gone f;ir when he was overtaken by Brown, 
who said that upon reflection he had concluded to go on to 
St. Joseph him.self, and so they both conveyed the mail in 
safety to its destination. Whether Brown thought the 
oath administered to Barnard was not strong enough, or 
whether ho thought he was exceeding his prerogative in 
appointing a mail-carrier, are matters of conjecture, for he 
never explained. It is only certain that he saw the mail 
safely conveyed to its destination. Brown was the post- 
master until his death, in 1842. During his time, upon a 
petition started by R. E. Ward, the name of the post-office 
was changed to Berrien Springs. Upon Brown's death the 
office passed to Thomas Love, who was succeeded in 1845 
by George Essiek, who kept tavern on what is now the site 
of Kophart's drug-store. Joseph Faulker, who opened the 
first harness-shop in Berrien Springs, succeeded Essiek in 
1849, and held the office until his death, in 1853, when 
Adam Small, who had served as deputy under Pitt Brown 
and Thomas Jjove, was appointed, and continued until 1860. 
Lyman A. Barnard was postmaster from 1860 to 1870, 



TOWNSHIP OP OllONOKO. 



283 



save for a period of six months, when D. G. W. Gaufrlor 
was the appointee, and to him suececdod Sylvester Smitli. 
Tlie latter gave way in lS7ii to Fred. McOriihcr, tiic jjix's- 
cnt incumbent. 

The business of the office durin;^ the f|uarter ending 
June 30, 1879, was: Amount received for sale of stamps, 
$242.98 ; money-orders issued, $589:!. 78 ; mom^y-ordcrs 
paid, $1(!(;7.42. 

vii.i,A<;i'; oiuj.vNiZA'i'ioN. 

IJerrien Springs was incorporated Oct. 15, 18tili. On 
the 26th of August, 18ti3, 73 citizens applied to tlie board 
of supervisors for a village charter, and against this applica- 
tion, on October 10th, nine citizens entered a remonstrance. 
The former petition was granted, however, and Oct. 15, 
18G3, Berrien Springs became an incorporated village. The 
territory incorporated is described in the act as follows : 
" Commencing at a stake on the left bank of the St. Joseph 
lliver, in the northern line of Hamilton Street ; thence 
running south, 48° west, on the northerly line of .said Ham- 
ilton Street 7^^ chains, to where the northerly line of 
Bluff Street, if extended, would cross the said northerly 
line of Hamilton Street ; thence south, 88° west, HO chains, 
to the centre of the Berrien and St. Joseph road ; thence 
due south 57^^ chains, to the centre of the Terre Coupee 
road ; thence due east 45y'(,!'|, chains, to a .stake on the left 
bank of the St. Joseph River, from which a sycamore-tree, 
28 inches in diameter, bears south 27° west, and is distant 
therefrom 21 links; thence following the left bank of the 
river to the place of beginning." 

The supervisors appointed J. W. llow(!, (!liarles I). Nich- 
ols, and Daniel Terriere to be in.spectors of election, which 
was ordered to be held at the court-house on the first Mon- 
day in December, 1801'. At that election Philip Kophart 
was chosen President ; 0. A. Dudley, Clerk ; and Preston 
Boon, B. F. Pennell, James M. Piatt, S. G. Armstrong, 
James Graham, and Samuel J. Davis, Trustees. 

The persons who have served as presidents and clerks of 
the village from 1864 to 1879, inclusive, are named as 
follows : 

PEESIDENTS. 
1801, Phili|) Kciihiirt; 18C5-6C, .Iaino8 Graham; 1887-OU, P. Ko|j- 
hart; 1870, L. A. Barnard; 1S7I, .J. W. llowo; 1872, P. Kop- 
hart; ]87.'i-74, Jamos Graham; 1875, B. F. Pennoll ; 1876-77, 
li. D. Uix : 1878, Aug. Kephart. 

OLEKKS. 

186-1, Daniel Tcrrioro; 1865, G. IT. Murdoak, B. P. Feather; 1866, 
B. l'\ Feather; 1867, George II. Murdock ; 1868, J. S. Martin; 
1869-70, B. F. Feather; 1871, Daniel Chapman; 1872, B. F. 
Feather; 1873-74, B. M. Wansborough; 1875-78, C. F. Howe. 

The officers chosen for 1879 were: President, B. F. 
Pennell ; Clerk, T. L. Wilkinson ; Treasurer, George Claar; 
Trustees, Thomas W. Anderson, H. H. Boon, C. D. Nichols, 
A. C. Pennell, W. F. lleiber, T. T. Webster; Street Com- 
missioner, A. J. Mcatoy; Assessor, S. H.Smith; Con.stable, 
T. T. Elliott; Marshal and Engineer of Fire Department, 
Jefl'erson Dalrymple ; Poundmaster, Preston Boon. 

The village was reincorporated in 18t)7, by Legislative 
act, and in 1878, for the purpose of receiving power to 
control li(juor-liccuse matters, it was incorporated under the 
general law. 



Berrien Springs contains a population of about 1000 
people, and during court-terms presents an es])ecially indus- 
trious and lively appearance. Mail communication with 
Niles and St. Joseph is daily, while there is also tri-weekly 
communication by steam-packet with St. Jo.seph. There 
has long been a strong disposition to place the village in 
railway connnunication with other points, and it is probable 
that such an event will be consummated within perlia]is a 
twelvemonth. The village owns a tract of 20 acres, which 
it is ])roposed to lay out as a public .square and fair-grounds. 
Other improvements would rapidly follow the building of a 
railway to this point, and it is, moreover, likely that with 
the advent of a railway line the fine water-power of the St. 
Joseph would be extensively utilized by manufacturing 

capital. 

iNTKKioR I 'ION mats. 

In the summer of 18;il, Hezekiah Hall, of Euclid, Ohio, 
came to Berrien, and found Lawrence Cavanaugh and 
family living upon the river-bank, about two miles above 
the present village of Berrien Springs. He made a bargain 
with Cavanaugh to pay the latter $500 for his claim upon 
160 acres, and returned at once to Ohio to bring his family 
to Michigan. In September of that year they made the 
start from Euclid, accompanied also by William F. St. John, 
his family, and his brother, John JI., all being neighbors 
in J^luclid. Three wagons, drawn by a pair of horses and 
two yokes of oxen, conveyed the company from Ohio to 
Michigan, and after a tedious journey through forests and 
over " no thoroughfares" they reaohcid, without mishap, l,he 
bank of the St. Jo.seph lliver, opposite Mr. Hall's new land- 
purchase. Here they crossed the river on two canoes lashed 
together, and in a brief space of time were securely settled 
upon Cavanaugh'sold place, — that worthy having removed to 
the opposite side of the river, not before, however, compelling 
Hall to pay flOOO, instead of the agreed f500, for the land 
he sold him. Hall, being on the ground, and in a manner 
forced to accept the bargain, did so to be sure, but with an 
ill grace, and many a strong protestation, no doubt. Wil- 
liam F. St. John remained with his family upon Hall's place 
until he could find a location, and shortly thereafter settled 
upon a place near Hall. Ileraaining there a few years, he 
sold to Samuel Wilson, and removed to Berrien Springs, 
where he resided until his death. His son Luther now 
lives in the village. John St. John, William's brother, 
did not fancy the country, and went back to Ohio after 
tarrying a .short time in Michigan. 

Hezekiah Hall passed his days on his river farm, leaving 
a widow. She married John Wittenmyer, and a second 
time became a widow. She now resides with her son, 
Chauncoy A. Hall. Mrs. Wittenmyer recalls, with vivid 
recollection, her early experiences amid the wilds of Michi- 
gan and her first terror at the appearance of Indians, who 
showed themselves with remarkable promptness, although 
in no wise dangerous neighbors. Often her husband used 
to go to Niles, to mill, leaving her alone with her children, 
and at such times, she says, she felt the full force of her 
unpleasant situation. She was not only greatly ajiprehen- 
sive of danger, but lonely to a degree that was apji.illing. 
At such times her terrors W(;re increased by the ajipearance 
at her cabin of Indiatjs, but she kept up a brave heart, 



284 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



nevertheless, although as it happened the savages were 
liarmless enough. She often saw them in grand carousals 
and fantastic dances on the river-bluff, opposite her cabin, 
and became after a while not only friendly with the savages, 
but learned, moreover, to talk in their language, of which 
she retains a faint knowledge to this day. 

Lawrence Cavanaugh, of whom Hall bought hi.s land, 
came from La Grange Prairie and settled upon the place, 
with his family, as early as 1830, and was, according to 
some authorities, the second white settler in what is now 
Oronoko township. As has been seen, he removed in 1831 
to what is now Berrien township. 

In April, 1832, Henry Freed, with his wife, his son 
Abram, his daughter Annie (now Mrs. Joseph Feather, of 
Oronoko), his daughter Mary (now the wife of Louis 
Storick, of Oronoko), his grandson, Samuel P. Summers (a 
lad of about fifteen), and Joseph Feather, left the eastern 
part of Pennsylvania, with a five-horse team, for Michigan, 
where they proposed to create new homes in the then wilder- 
ness. Joseph Feather was paying devoted attention to 
Annie Freed, and wished to marry her, but Annie's father 
declined to let Joseph have the maiden unless he joined 
them in their movement to Michigan, and that is how 
Joseph Feather came to be a Western pioneer. At all 
events, that is the story related by Samuel F. Summers, 
who came in company with Feather and the Freed family. 

The party consumed six weeks in journeying from their 
Pennsylvania homes to Niles, passing through Ohio and 
the Black Swamp country, and camping out en route every 
night. When Niles was reached, Joseph Feather and 
Abram Freed constructed a lumber-raft, and floated down 
the St. Joseph to Berrien village, while the rest of the 
company continued the journey through the woods to that 
point by land. Arrived at Berrien, they pitched their 
tents upon the lot now occupied by the Defield House, 
where they improvised a cabin by first placing a pole in the 
crotches of two adjacent butternut-trees, and then upon the 
ridge-pole thus formed inclining the planks composing young 
Freed's raft, so that when completed the structure looked 
something like an Indian wigwam. At the rear end of 
this "cabin" Henry Freed's wagon-bos did duty as a bed- 
room for the old folks, while the younger members of the 
party stowed themselves as best they could. At the time 
of their arrival, says Mr. Summers, the prairie grass upon 
what is now the village of Berrien Springs was as high as 
a man's head. As the incidents of Joseph Feather's settle- 
ment have been presented in another part of this chapter, 
here will be told simply what befell the Freed family, since 
Feather pursued a separate line of action upon arriving at 
Berrien. 

Henry Freed located 80 acres of land upon section 23, 
while Abram located a farm upon section 24. The elder 
Freed leased a piece of laud (about four acres) near the river, 
and, assisted by the boys, put in a crop of corn and buck- 
wheat, his family continuing to reside in the cabin erected 
upon their first arrival. While these crops were growing, 
Henry Freed and young Summers used daily to go out to 
the former's farm to clear land (having cut a road from 
Berrien to the farm) and build a cabin, as a move towards 
the removal of the family thereto. Meanwhile, Abram 



Freed worked upon his farm, all hands usually returning 
at night to the Freed " mansion" near the river. p]arly in 
the winter, all being in readiness for them, Mr. Henry 
Freed moved his family out to their new home. Summers 
going with them. Abram Freed put up a shanty on his 
own place and kept bachelor's hall. 

Mr. Summers tolls how, one day, while he and Henry 
Freed were chopping away for dear life, the latter cut his 
foot badly, but being a man of strong will, he wrapped a 
rag about his foot and kept on with his chopping. Pres- 
ently the blood from the wound saturated the cloth, and 
flowed so freely that Mr. Freed's footsteps were marked by 
blood. Still he kept on chopping, after adding another 
bandage made of a portion of Summers' flannel shirt, until, 
grown weak from loss of blood, he told the lad he would 
have to give it up, and so they started for their home at 
the river, — nearly two miles distant. They hadn't gone 
far when Freed fainted. Summers, who had all along been 
afraid the wolves would scent the blood and attack them, 
was in sore trouble, but acting promptly, left his grandfather 
lying on the ground, hurried to the river, procured a horse 
and hurried back again, mounted the wounded man and 
thus got him home, although he was well-nigh convinced, 
after leaving him, that the wolves would descend upon poor 
Mr. Freed before assistance could be got for him. Happily 
the wolves held off, but it was, nevertheless, a trying or- 
deal. 

In 1839, young Summers, being then aged twenty-one, 
bought his grandfather's farm, and leaving it in charge of 
William F. St. John, returned to Pennsylvania on foot, in 
company with Abram Freed, — the former going for the 
purpose of learning the trade of a tanner and the latter to 
look for a wife. Before he departed Abram gave his father 
a life-lease of his (Abram's) farm, and the elder Freed 
thereupon moved upon it, after having sold his own. 
About 1844, Abram returned and took possession of his 
farm, his father having died. Shortly after returning, 
Abram wounded himself with an axe while at work upon 
the place, and from the injury death resulted soon after- 
wards. Summers came back with a wife, in 1845, reoccu- 
pied his farm, and has continued to live there to this day. 

Abel Garr, a young man, came from Indiana to Berrien 
in 1834, having entered land in Oronoko, upon section 21, 
where he now lives. He worked in the village at the car- 
penter's trade for a brief time after his arrival. Then 
moving out upon his farm, he began to clear it, while he 
kept bachelor's hall, and there he has continued to reside 
ever since. 

Joshua Feather, of Snyder Co., Pa., set out from there 
in the fall of 1835, with his wife and three children, in a 
one-horse wagon, for Michigan. They spent the winter in 
Stark Co., Ohio, and in the spring of 1836 pushed on for 
Berrien, where they arrived in May. After sojourning up- 
wards of a year with a Mr. Brown, near Berrien Springs, 
Mr. Feather moved upon section 7 in 1837, where he had 
entered 80 acres, and to that subsequently added 120 acres. 
Mr. Feather was the pioneer in what is now known as the 
Feather settlement, and lived an honored and useful life, 
dying in December, 1878, at the age of seventy-two. His 
sons, John A., Daniel T., and Joshua, all live on section 7. 



TOWNSHIP OF OKONOKO. 



285 



A daughter, Mrs. William H. Harner, also lives in Oro- 
noko. 

William Lemon, one of the earliest settlers in what is 
now Berrien township, built a saw-mill in 1832 upon 
Lemon Creek, one mile east of Berrien Springs. In 1835 
he bought George Kimmel's .saw-mill, in what is now Oro- 
noko township, and, removing his family thither, continued 
to reside there until his death, in 1851. He was a citizen 
of prominence, filled numerous public positions, and was 
generally esteemed. Of his family of eleven children there 
are now living Mrs. John Tate, of Berrien ; Mrs. Comfort 
Pennell, Mrs. George Bwalt, and Andrew Lemon, of Oro- 
noko ; and William Lemon, of Cass County. 

In the spring of 1832, Joseph Feather, of Union Co., Pa., 
set out alone and on foot for Michigan, intending to locate 
at Berrien. When he reached Alexandria, on the Juniata, 
he overtook Henry Freed, of Union County, traveling, with 
his family, towards the same destination, and so they all came 
on together. Reaching Berrien village, Feather, who was 
a carpenter, concluded to go to St. Joseph, and there he 
worked for Fowler Preston and James Lord at cabinet- 
making. He returned after a while to Berrien and finished 
the inside of a house for George Kimmel. Having located 
80 acres of land west of where he lives now, — ^on section 23, 
— he returned to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1832, and in 
the spring of 1833 set out once more for Berrien, in com- 
pany with his sister. He put up a house in the village, 
and there kept house with his sister for the next three 
years, during which he worked at his trade. Meanwhile 
his brother-in-law, Samuel Schemaly, came from Indiana 
and went upon Feather's place, where he remained about 
eighteen months, and then moved upon a place (of his own) 
south of Jesse Helmick's, where he lived until his death, in 
1878. In 1836, Feather took po.ssession of his place, and 
since that time has continued to reside there. 

In 1835 there came to Oronoko a small band bf settlers, 
who journeyed in company, from Bedford Co., Pa. There 
were in the party Jacob Statler and his family, Tobias and 
Josiah Whetstone, Abram Small, John G. Schultze, Eliza 
Whetstone, and George Schell. Statler's family consisted 
of him.self, wife, and one child. They traveled, with a two- 
horse wagon, via Pittsburgh, crossed the Maumee River, 
and reaching Berrien Springs at night, stopped at Pitt 
Brown's tavern. 

Statler and Josiah Whetstone each subsequently pur- 
chased 80 acres on section 14. Whetstone still lives on his 
old place; Statler removed to Niles about 1860, and now 
lives there. 

Tobias Whetstone bought a farm on section 10, but fol- 
lowed boating on the river for some time. In 1852 he 
went to California, whence he returned in 1859, and since 
then he hac resided on his farm. 

John G. Schultze entered 200 acres on section 28, where 
he still lives. He is now the owner of 550 acres of land, 
and esteemed one of the wealthiest farmers in the county. 
Adam Small entered the service of Brown & Ward as their 
clerk, and served in other stores until 1851, when he be- 
came a merchant on his own account. He lives now on 
his farm on section 16. 

George Schell worked about Berrien two years, and then 



went to Iowa, where he now lives. Of the persons who 
landed here in the company above mentioned in 1835, all 
are still alive save the infant child of Jacob Statler. After 
the Whetstones settled here they sent for their father, 
Abram, who made the trip alone on horseback. He re- 
sided with them until his death. 

Elisha Hall settled in 1833, upon section 27, and entered 
220 acres. He remained about fifteen years, then re- 
moved to Missouri, and lastly to Indiana, where he died in 
1879. 

Samuel Singer, with his wife, his brother William, and his 
wife's sister, came from Pittsburgh in 1835, and located upon 
240 acres in section 18. Singer's health was poor, and after 
a two years' stay he returned to Pittsburgh, and shortly after 
1840 sold his place to James Walton, who has since then 
lived upon it. It is told of Singer that when upon his 
new settlement he undertook to put up a frame house he, 
in his ignorance of house-building, reversed the usual order 
in putting on the " siding," and didn't discover his error 
until the next rain-storm filled his domicile with water. 
Wm. Singer remained in Oronoko until 1836, and then 
moved to Niles. 

William Webster, from Virginia, with a large family, 
and his son-in-law, William Barlow, were settlers in Ber- 
rien in 1833, upon the tract now occupied by Rose Hill 
Cemetej-y, near Berrien Springs. Barlow remained but a 
short time and Webster about ten years. 

Stephen Purdy worked on Geo. Kimmel's farm at a 
very early date, and moved, in company with Henry Hoff- 
man, another of Kimmel's workmen, to Illinois, where he 
bought a farm. Purdy was a widower, and reputed, more- 
over, as a man of homely appearance. One day C. W. 
Brown, of Laporte, was traveling from Berrien towards 
Illinois, and Lyman Barnard said to him, " If you meet 
Purdy out there give him my regards." " But," returned 
Brown, " I never saw Purdy ; how will I know him ?" 
Replied Barnard, " You can't miss him. Just drive on 
until you meet the homeliest man in Illinois, call him 
Purdy, and you can't be mistaken." Sure enough, while 
Brown was driving through the Sucker State he passed 
one day upon the highway a man of exceedingly ugly coun- 
tenance. " That," said Brown to himself, " is Purdy, and 
no mistake," and turning his head he called out, " How are 
you, Mr. Purdy ?" " Hello !" returned the man, " how 
did you learn that my name was Purdy ?" Thereupon 
Brown came up with him, and narrated Lyman Barnard's 
directions. Purdy was heartily amu.sed at the circum- 
stance, and inviting Brown to his house, entertained him 
as a guest for the next three days. While Purdy lived in 
Berrien he fell seriously ill, and becoming convinced that 
he would die, exacted of Dr. Murray a promise that he 
might be buried under the hill, with his head sticking out, 
so he might see the steamers pass. 

Joseph S. Barnard, the father of Lyman A. Barnard, 
should have had previous mention. He moved from Ohio 
to La Grange Prairie, Cass Co., in the fall of 1828, and re- 
maining there until 1833, came to Berrien. In 1832 he 
was appointed judge upon the circuit embracing Cass and 
Berrien Counties, and served on his appointment some time 
after his settlement in Berrien. He was a man of intelli- 



286 



HISTOKY OF BEEKIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



geuce, took a conspicuous part in the affairs of the time as 
a county official, and was otherwise a prominent citizen. 
After a useful existence he died in 1852, in Berrien 
Springs, at the home of his son Lyman, although he had 
been living on his farm six miles west of the village. 

Jesse Helmick and Wm. Murphy came together from 
Warren Co., Ohio, on horseback, in 1835, and located land 
in Oronoko township, — Murphy on section 29 and Helmick 
within a mile of him. Thej returned to Ohio for their 
families, which they conveyed to their new homes in Michi- 
gan in two wagons, each drawn by four horses. Murphy 
survived the change, however, but a few years, dying in 
1838. His widow removed to Missouri. Helmick and 
Murphy intended to buy the land intervening between 
them so they could be neighbors. Other parties knowing 
this, bought the tract, thinking Helmick would pay a large 
price for it, but he refused to buy a foot of it, and removed 
at once to the place he now owns. * 

Helmick was a blacksmith, and sturdily plied his calling 
for some time after settling upon his new location. lie had 
a family of six children when he came hither, and has still 
living in the township three sons and one daughter. The 
old gentleman himself, now known as Judge Helmick, is still 
residing on his farm upon section 34. He has reached the 
ripe age of eighty-three, and although otherwise hale and 
hearty, he is incapacitated for active labor by reason of an 
accident, by which (in 1876) he became permanently crip- 
pled. When Mr. Helmick first came to the township he 
and all the members of his family were at one time pros- 
trated with the ague. Physicians were scarce, and so the 
sick ones lay for some days, unable to help themselves or 
each other, and unable to obtain help. A good angel came 
to them, however, in the person of Stephen Parley, of Ber- 
rien, who, in view of the great prevalence of ague about 
then, abandoned his little farm to itself, and for a while 
devoted himself, like a good Samaritan, to the care of the 
afflicted, and a wondrous deal of good he did, too, without 
money or reward of any kind. 

Oliver Spaulding, with his wife and two children, left 
Merrimac Co., N. H., in May, 1836, for the West, and on 
the 27th of that month landed at Niles. The trip was 
made via Erie Canal, steamboat on Lake Erie, and stage 
from Detroit, in what was then considered the remarkably 
quick time of seventeen days. Mr. Spaulding bought of 
one Lowe 160 acres on section 26, in Oronoko, and moved 
upon it with his fiimily without delay, save that necessary 
to the erection of a cabin, his wife and children being 
meanwhile domiciled at the house of Hezekiah Hall. Mr. 
Spaulding lived upon the place until 1860, when he removed 
to Royalton township, where he now resides. 

In 1836, John and Lewis Storick, of Union Co., 
Pa., left it for Berrien Co., Mich., in company with 
their father, John's family, and the wife of John G. 
Schultz, who had migrated from Pennsylvxinia to Berrien 
the year before. John Storick had a wife and five children ; 
Lewis, his brother, was unmarried. The entire party trav- 
eled overland to Berrien, and upon their arrival the Storicks 
tarried a while with Abram Freed, one mile west of Berrien 
village, and shortly afterwards moved to Abel Garr's, on 
section 21, where the families remained until John and 



Lewis put up a log cabin and cleared a portion of 160 acres 
of land which they had entered in pai'tnership. After 
Lewis married, the brothers divided their land, and still 
live upon their original po.ssessions, Lewis having increased 
his to 340 acres, and John his to 160. Lewis Storick, Sr., 
the father of Lewis and John, settled upon 40 acres north 
of Lewis, Jr. After his wife's death he sold his farm, and 
went to live with Abel Garr, at whose house he died. 

May 13, 1835, Samuel Wilson and his wife, his son, Ezra 
D., and two daughters — one of whom was accompanied by 
her husband, Henry Tudor, and seven children — started 
(a company of thirteen) from Spencer, Worcester Co., 
Ma.ss., for Michigan. They traveled from Spencer to Al- 
bany by stage and private conveyance ; from Albany to 
Buffalo via the Erie Canal ; from Buffalo to Detroit, via 
Lake Erie, on the steamer " Charles Townsend ;" and at 
Detroit they purchased three teams, with which they made 
the journey overland to Berrien, where they arrived June 
13th ; the trip from Detroit having occupied ten days. 

Tudor located upon the farm now owned by his widow, 
where he died in 1836, and his son Samuel upon section 
24. Samuel Wilson, with his family, lived upon Tudor's 
place until 1837, when he moved upon a farm in the south- 
eastern part of the town.ship that he had bought of William 
St. John in 1836. Upon that place his son, Ezra D., now 
resides. Mr. Wilson died in 1865. Besides Ezra D., his 
living children are Eunice W. Wheeler, of Oronoko, and 
Louisa W. Curtis, of Cass County. 

Henry Hess came with George Kimmel from Pennsyl- 
vania in 1833, and worked on the latter's farm a year. In 
1834 he went to Europe and brought back a wife, with 
whom he continued to work for Mr. Kimmel. In due time 
he bought a farm of his own, and resided on it until his 
death. His widow still resides on the old place near Singer 
Lake. 

Morris Upright came from New York as early as 1834, 
but he disliked the country, and after a stay of two years 
returned to New York. 

Samuel Sale, a pioneer from Virginia, located in 1831, 
about a mile up the river from Berrien village. He died 
after a four years' residence, and has left no descendants in 
the township. 

Jonathan Knight, now living upon section 11, came from 
Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1836, with John Gillespie and 
Nathan Fitch, both of the latter settling in Berrien town- 
ship. Knight was a chairmaker, and after working in the 
village at his trade some years located upon the place he 
now occupies. 

Bethuel and Ebenezer Farley came to Oronoko about 
1833, with their father. Bethuel and his father located 
upon the farm on section 23 now occupied by Bethuel 
Farley, and there Parley the elder resided until his death. 
Ebenezer Farley followed the river as a boatman, and after 
a while went to California, where he died. 

Amos Gray located in Berrien village in 1837, and 
worked there at his trade as carpenter during the en.suing 
eight years, some of which time he spent in assisting at the 
erection of the court-house. In 1844 he moved upon the 
farm he now occupies (on section 35j, and there has since 
resided. Mr. Gray appeared first in Michigan in 1829, 



TOWNSHIP OF ORONOKO. 



287 



from which time until his settlement in Berrien he was 

busily engaged in Michigan and Indiana in his occupation 

as a mill-wright. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The first birth in the new settlement was, as has been 
mentioned, a daughter to Francis B. Murdock, now Mrs. 
Clifton Gardner, of Berrien Springs. The first white male 
child born was Frank, a son of Joseph Feather, who first 
saw the light early in 1832. 

There is some diversity of opinion touching the identity 
of the first couple married. Joseph Feather, still living 
near Berrien Spring.?, was married by Pitt Brown, in 1833, 
to a daughter of Henry Freed. Before that, A. M. Brownell, 
of St. Joseph, was married by Pitt Brown to Lucy Ann, a 
daughter of 'Squire Brown. 

Joseph Feather, who was a carpenter and cofiin-maker 
for the village at large in 1832, says the first person buried 
near the village was one Wilsou, a captain on a keel- 
boat plying on the St. Joseph. Capt. Wilson was interred 
in what are now called the Indian Fields. The first death 
in the village was doubtless that of an infant son of Francis 
B. Murdock, born in Berrien Springs in 1832. He was 
buried on the place now called the Shaker farm, and his 
remains still lie in a grave covered by the farm barn. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

Oronoko township was originally a portion of Berrien 
townsliip, from which it was set ofiF in 1837, and named 
by Governor Mason, doubtless in honor of Oronoko, the 
Indian chief. William Lemon didn't like the name, and 
was heard to say, " Why didn't he name it Old Bill, and 
have done with it ?" It then included the territory now 
occupied by Lake township, which was organized in 18-16. 
Until 1847 portions of Berrien and Oronoko townships 
were on either side the St. Joseph River, and the larger 
portion of Berrien Springs was in Berrien township. This 
condition of things was unsatisfactory, and in the year last 
mentioned the river was made the dividing line between 
the townships. The first township-meeting in Oronoko 
was held in the house of Wm. F. St. John, April 3, 1837. 
Jesse Helmick was the moderator, Wm. Lemon, John L. 
Shell, and Jacob L. Kinsey were inspectors of election, and 
Hezekiel Hall, clerk of election. 

The names of those who have served the township as 
supervisors, clerks, and treasurers from 1837 to 1879, in- 
clusive, will be found herewith appended : 

1837. — Supervisor, Edward Ballengee; Clerk, William F. St. John : 
Collector, Alexander Turner. 

1838.— Supervisor, William Lemon; Clerk, William P. St. John; Col- 
lector, Daniel H. Farley. 

183'J.— Supervisor, William Lemon; Clerk, William F. St. .John; 
Treasurer, William Lemon. 

1840.— Supervisor, Joseph S. B.arnard ; Clerk, William F.St. John; 
Treasurer, William Lemon. 

1841. — Supervisor, Joseph S.Barnard; Clerk, Jacob Statler; Treas- 
urer, William Lemon. 

1842. — Supervisor, Joseph S. Barnard ; Clerk, Jacob Statler ; Treas- 
urei', William Lemon. 

1848. — Supervisor, Abel Garr ; Clerk, Jacob Statler ; Treasurer, Wil- 
liam Lemon. 

1844-45. — Supervisor, William Lemon; Clerk, Jacob Statler ; Treas- 
urer, James M. Watson. 

1846. — Supervisor, Gilbert B. Avery ; Clerk, Adam Small ; Treasurer, 
John Armstrong. 



1847. — Supervisor, Jesse Helmick; Clerk, Adam Small; Treasurer, 
Aaron Van Patten. 

1848. — Supervisor, Jesse Helmick ; Clerk, Adam Small. 

1849. — Supervisor, William Lemon; Clerk, Adam Small; Treasurer, 
Aaron Van Patten. 

1850. — Supervisor, John Garrow ; Clerk, Adam Small; Treasurer, 
Lyman A. Barnard. 

1851. — Supervisor, Josiah Whetstone; Clerk, Adam Small; Treas- 
urer, James M. Watson. 

1852. — Supervisor, Josiah Whetstone ; Clerk, Adam Small; Treasurer, 
Joseph W. Smith. 

1853. — Supervisor, Josiah AVhetstone ; Clerk, Adam Small; Treas- 
urer, Joseph W. Smith. 

1854. — Supervisor, Josiah Whetstone; Clerk, Adam Small; Treas- 
urer, Lyman A. Barnard. 

1855.— Supervisor, Lyman A. Barnard; Clerk, Edward Lewis; Treas- 
urer, .lames Graham. 

1856.- Supervisor, Jonathan Knight; Clerk. David Piatt; Treasurer, 
James Graham. 

1857.— Supervisor, R. L. Dudley; Clerk, Preston Boon; Treasurer, 

C. Gorliam. 

1858. — Supervisor, R. L. Dudley : Clerk, Adam Small ; Treasurer, 
Stephen Wood. 

1859-60.— Supervisor, Charles F. Howe; Clerk, Adam Small; Treas- 
urer, R. L. Dudley. 

1861.— Supervisor, Charles D. Nichols; Clerk, Francis H. Bartholo- 
mew; Treasurer, James M. Watson. 

1862. — Supervisor, Joseph W. Howe; Clerk, John Boal ; Treasurer, 
Jacob Ewalt. 

1863.— Supervisor, Joseph W. Howe ; Clerk, Adam Small ; Treasurer, 
Henry Stemm. 

1864. — Supervisor, Joseph W.Howe; Clerk, Adam Small; Treasurer, 
David Essick. 

1865. — Supervisor, Joseph W. Howe; Clerk, Henry Stemm ; Treasurer, 
David Essick. 

1866. — Supervisor, Joseph W.Howe; Clerk, John Boal; Treasurer, 
Henry Stemm. 

1867.— Supervisor, Adam Small ; Clerk, John Boal ; Treasurer, D. H. 
Reiter. 

1868.- Supervisor, John P. Vediler ; Clerk, Adam Small ; Treasurer, 

D. H. Reiter. 

1869.— Supervisor, John P. Vedder; Clerk, George S. Pardee; Treas- 
urer, D. H. Reiter. 

1870. — Supervisor, Joseph W. Howe; Clerk, Charles D. Nichols; 
Treasurer, D. H. Reiter. 

1871. — Supervisor, Aaron Van Patten; Clerk, L. B. Marquissee; 
Treasurer, D. H. Reiter. 

1872. — Supervisor, Joseph W. Howe ; Clerk, L. B. Marquissee ; Treaf!- 
urer, George Claar. 

1873. — Supervisor, Charles F. Howe; Clerk, Isaac Rogers; Treasurer, 
George Claar. 

1874. — Supervisor, Charles F.Howe; Clerk, L. B. Mar_quissee; Treas- 
urer, George Claar. 

1875.— Supervisor, Zacbariah Fi-sher; Clerk, L. B. Marquissee; Treas- 
urer, Augustus Kephart. 

1870. — Supervisor, Zacbariah Fisher; Clerk, George Claar; Treasurer, 
Augustus Kephart. 

1877. — Supervisor, Zacbariah Fisher; Clerk, D. (i. W. Gaugler; 
Treasurer, Peter J. Filkins. 

1878. — Supervisor, Zivchariah Fisher; Clerk. Charles F. Howe; Treas- 
urer, Aaron Van Patten. 

1879.— Supervisor, Henry Stemm; Clerk, D. G. W. Gaugler; Treas- 
urer, Aaron Van Patten. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

William Lemon, Jesse Helmick, Hezekiah Hall, and 
William F. St. John were chosen at the first township elec- 
tion, in 1837, for four, three, two, and one years, respec- 
tively. Each succeeding year one justice was chosen to 
fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of one 
of the four in office, the number of justices serving being at 
all times four. Those so elected after 1837 were as fol- 
lows: 



288 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1838, William F. St. John; 1839, Jesse Helmick; 1840, Peter Reg- 
gies ; 181 1, Jacob Statler,'? Daniel McFarly ; 1842, Uziel Williams ; 
1843, F. D. Johnson; 1844, Oliver Spalding; 1845, Jacob Statler; 
1846, Amos Gray; 1847, John S. Foot; 1848, Morris Frost; 1849, 
Jesse Helmick, Ebenezer Mcllvain;* 1850, Oscar A. Dudley; 
1851, Ebenezer MoIIvain: 1852, John Garrow, William E. Lemon ; 
1853, Jesse Helmick; 1854, John W. Murphey; 1856, William 
S. Merrill, Nathan Helmick;* 1856, Samuel Sleigh, James Far- 
rell,* John Weaver ;"--' 1857, Jesse Helmick, H. Hinchman ;* 
1858, Hiram Hinchman ; 1859, Amos Gray; 1860, Wm. Taber,* 
Charles D. Nichols; 1861, Preston Boon ; 1862, Leonard S. Paree,» 
Preston Boon; 1863, R. J. Tuttle, Daniel Terriere;* 1864, West- 
ley Stowe; 1865, Jas. M. Watson; 1866, Robert Hastings ; 1867, 
Zachariah Fisher; 1868, Westley Stowo; 1869, Norman E. Lan- 
don ; 1870, Robert Hastings; 1871, Zachariah Fisher,* Darius 
Brown; 1872, John Boon, Amos Gray ;5' 1873, George H. Mur- 
dock,* Lewis Fisher; 1874, Robert Hastings,* Amos Gray ; 1875, 
Burns Helmick,* Jas. M. Watson; 1876, Jas. M. Watson; 1877, 
George H. Murdock ; 1878, Robert Hastings; 1879, Charles D. 
Nichols. 

The a£F;iir.s of the township ate under control of what is 
known as the Township Board, composed, according to law, 
of the supervisor, the justice of the peace longest in ofiSce, 
and the township clerk. The Township Board for 1879 
included, therefore, Henry Stemm, James M. Watson, and 
D. G. W. Gaugler. The Town.ship Board acts also as a 
board of health. 

April 1, 1879, the township was clear of debt, and had 
8204.56 in the treasury. The total as.sessed valuation for 
1879 was $40-4,075. The total tax was $6913, of which 
$4135.93 were for school purposes. 

Beginning with 1838, Oronoko has furnished of its citi- 
zens for county offices the following : County Clerks, Geo. 
H. Murdock and Chas. E. Howe ; Registers, P. D. John- 
son, Chas. F. Howe ; Sheriffs, A. B. Munger, John Witten- 
myer, James Graham, Chas. D. Nichols ; Treasurers, Wm. 
Lemon, Chas. D. Nichols; Surveyor, Amos Gray; Judge 
of Probate, E. Mollvaine. 

CHURCHES. 

Although opinions conflict as to when and by whom the 
first sermon was preached in Berrien village, it seems to be 
agreed that the first sermon was delivered by a Methodist 
minister. Methodist missionaries to the Far West were 
somewhat plentiful in the days of 1833 or thereabouts, and 
it was about that year that Rev. Mr. Cobb preached in the 
house of George Brong what is supposed by some to have 
been the pioneer sermon. Cobb returned occasionally and 
preached at Berrien more or less for the space of a year. 
Others maintain that before Mr. Cobb's advent a young 
man professing to be a United Brethren preacher held re- 
ligious services occasionally in« log cabin near Pitt Brown's 
tavern. He rode a long circuit, and managed to reach Ber- 
rien about once a month. 

This preacher was a young man without conspicuous 
talent, and evidently poorly paid, but ho was an earnest 
and energetic worker nevertheless, and was doubtless always 
eagerly welcomed at a time when public religious teachings 
were rare though much desired. It is told that he was so 
poor that his clothing was in rags, and that one Sunday, 
after his sermon iu Berrien, he was approached by Dr. Mur- 



* To flu vacancy. 



ray, who asked him if it were against his principles to re- 
ceive a donation on the Sabbath. " No, sir," promptly 
replied the preacher, whereupon Dr. Murray took him 
down to his store and decked him out from head to foot in 
a new suit of clothes. 

Methodist. Episcopal Cliiirc.h of Berrien Sprijigs. — This 
church was organized some time in 1835, by llev. Richard 
Meek, who was the first preacher regularly assigned to . 
preach at Berrien. Previous to that the Elkhart Con- 
ference sent out numerous missionaries, who stopped occa- 
sionally at Berrien, but their coming was always irregular 
and uncertain. The early records of the church are not 
in existence, but from oral testimony it appears that the 
members of the first class formed by Mr. Meek were War- 
ren Wood and wife, George Brong and wife, Martin Friley 
and wife, and Lucy Farley. Directly after the organization 
of the class it was joined by Jesse Helmick and wife, Mor- 
ris Upright, and Mrs. Wm. Murphy, then new-comers into 
the settlement. Martin Friley was the first class-leader, 
but was soon succeeded by Morris Upright. The first 
steward was George Brong. After Meek's time, Revs. 
McCoole and Owens were on the circuit, each preaching 
every alternate fortnight. The congregation worshiped in 
the town school-house until 1845, when the church edifice 
now in use was built. 

The membership, which numbered 102 in September, 
1879, was divided between two classes, viz., the Berrien 
Springs class, with 75 members, worshiping at Berrien 
Springs, and the Oronoko class, with 27, worshiping in the 
Grange Hall, in the southeast part of the township. The 
officers of the former are : Trustees, B. Farley, J. S. Hel- 
mick, C. D. Nichols, R. Rennie, and Joel Benson ; Stew- 
ards, J. S. Helmick, C. D. Nichols, B. Farley, R. Rennie, 
Geo. H. Martin, Wm. B. Edson ; Recording Steward, B. 
Helmick ; District Steward, C. D. Nichols. Of the latter 
the officers Bre : Trustees, Jesse Helmick, B. Helmick, R. 
V. Clark, Joseph Beach, Wm. Tabor, Elias Palmeter ; 
Stewards, Jesse Helmick, B. Helmick, R. V. Clark ; Re- 
cording Steward, B. Helmick ; District Steward, C. D. 
Nichols. The church was awaiting in September, 1879, 
the assignment of a pastor, the term of the service of the 
last pastor, Rev. John Hoyt, having expired early in the 
month. 

The Evangeliail Association. — Tiiis congregation was 
organized in 1854, by Rev. Mr. Eckert, in the residence of 
Lewis Evans, on section S. Previous to that time members 
of the faith used to afssemble in the houses of John Sto- 
rick, in Oronoko, and John Harner, in Lake township, to 
listen to preaching by missionaries Stephay, Ruh, Kulp, 
Platz, and others. Eckert was a missionary, and it was at 
the solicitation of Lewis Evans that he undertook the task 
of organizing a church. The members were few in number 
at first, and included Lewis Evans and his wife, his son 
Edward, his daughters Mary and Margaret, and Daniel T. 
Feather and wife. John Schneider was the first exhorter, 
Daniel T. Feather the first stow;ird, and likewise the first 
class-leader. 

Among the pastors who preached for the congregation at 
an early period of its existence were Revs. Uphaus, Krei- 
ger, Ude, David Garl, Speck, Gomer, Rigl, and AlKsbaoh. 



TOWNSHIP OF ORONOKO. 



289 



Public worship was held in a town school-house until 1873, 
when upon the erection of Salem church that edifice was 
used, in common with tlie Lutherans, and has been so used 
since. Services are now held once every two weeks by Rev. 
C. Ude, of St. Joseph. The church membership is 38 ; 
the class-leader is J. Boal ; the steward, Daniel T. Feather ; 
and the exhorter, P. Fleischer. 

Sf. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cliurch, of Berrien 
Springs, was formed May 27, 1871, as the Bethlehem Con- 
gregation, when twenty-six persons became members of the 
congregation. Their names were Joseph A. Becker, David 
M. Foster, James Simpson, D. G. W. Gaugler, J. J. Becker, 
Joshua Shaffer, Peter Wenn, Kate C. Feather, Lizzie M. 
Gaugler, Sarah Peck, Mary Shaffer, Elizabeth Becker, 
Mary C. Foster, Ella E. G. Whetstone, Jane Riggin, Mary 
Ann Toney, Amelia Reiber, M. F. Hills, Ann Hills, Wm. 
F. Reiber, John Burke, Sarah A. Burke, Mary K. Ewalt, 
George Doty, Uriah Schaffer, Eliza SchafFer. 

The church oiBcers at the organization were Joseph A. 
Becker and David M. Foster as elders, and William P. 
Reiber and John Burke as deacons. The officers now are: 
Trustees, Joseph A. Becker, T. W. Anderson, L. B. Mar- 
quissee ; Deacons, D. G. W. Gaugler, T. W. Anderson ; 
Elders, Joseph A. Becker, William F. Reiber. 

The congregation worshiped in the United Brethren 
church until 1873, when the present neat edifice was pre- 
pared from a school building purchased of the town. 

Rev. B. F. Hill was the first pastor, and following him 
were Revs. J. N. Morris, Samuel Kelso (who resigned 
March 31, 1879), and F. W. Wetherwax, the latter being 
in charge September, 1879, when the cliurch membership 
numbered 40. 

'The Sunday-school attached to this church numbers now 
75 scholars, and has a library of three hundred volumes. 
Mr. L. B. Marquissee, the present superintendent, has 
occupied that position since early in 1877. 

Mount Tabor {Evangelical Lutheran) Church. — May 
10, 1863, Rev. John Boon organized the Mount Tabor 
congregation, with 29 members. They set forth as follows : 
" We, whose names are hereunto attached, living in the 
county of Berrien, State of Michigan, desiring to promote 
the glory of God and secure the salvation of ourselves, our 
children, and our neighbors, and believing that the Bible is 
the word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and 
practice, and also believing that the doctrines of God's 
word are purely tauglit and its ordinances are properly ad- 
ministered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of these 
United States, as represented in the General Synod of said 
church, do organize," etc. 

The names of the constituent members appearing upon 
the church records are Michael, Sophia, William, and 
Lavina Harner, Michael Harner, Jr., George and Mary 
Ann Smith, John and Lydia Heim, James Storick, wife, 
and daughter, Mrs. St. John, R. J. Tuttle, Malvina C. 
Tuttle, Sarah and Lavina Smith, Elizabeth J. Allen, Alvina 
Edwards, Mary A. Storick, Mariah Lockiuaw, Andrew and 
Mrs. Bihlmire, Emma Brocius, Stephen Harner, Mary A. 
Murphy. 

The church organization was effected in a township school- 
house, where worship was held for a brief period thereafter, 
37 



until the erection, in the southwestern portion of the town- 
ship, of the church building now in use. Rev. John Boon 
served as the first pastor, and during the five years of his 
ministry added four members to the church. In 18(57, 
Rev. D. H. Reiter, a German Reformed minister, took 
charge as supply, and remained until April, 1871, when 
Rev. B. F. Hill, of the Synod of Northern Indiana, was 
called as pastor. Mr. Hill's successors have been Revs. S. 
Kelso and F. W. Wetherwax, who is now the pastor in 
charge. The church has latterly declined in membership, 
which includes now about twenty persons. 

For 1879 the elders were Michael Harner, Sr.,and John 
H. Sunday. The deacons were Michael Harner, Jr., and 
Sanford Marsh. 

Salem Evangelical Lutheran Chiirch. — This church 
was organized, April 8, 1860, by Rev. John Boon. The 
constituent members were six in number, as follows : Joshua 
Feather, Sr., Moses and Mary Feather, Isaac Hartlein, 
Leah Starr, and Lydia Moyer. On the same day were 
added Joel Starr, Joshua Feather, Jr., Mary Ann Feather, 
Lavina Richards, Mary Broceus, Matilda Hartlein, Susanna 
Feather, Mrs. Moses Feather. Moses Feather was chosen 
elder, and Isaac Hartlein deacon. 

The congregation was small at first, and gained strength 
but slowly. Services were held in a township school-house 
until 1873, when a church was built in the Feather settle- 
ment. The membership is now about forty, and the officers 
as follows : Elders, Moses Feather and Adam K. Stemm ; 
Deacons, Wm. H. Harner and John S. Stover; Trustees, 
Ira Stemm, Wm. H. Harner, and Moses Feather. 

United Brethren in Christ. — One Sabbath in May, 1844, 
two frontier missionaries — -Thomas J. Babcock and Elms- 
ley Lamb — reached Berrien Springs and attended the 
Methodist Episcopal Church services that day in the town 
school-house. Upon the termination of the services Mr. 
Babcock arose and said that if there were in the village 
people desirous of forming themselves into a United Breth- 
ren congregation he would make an appointment, and 
speedily return from a contemplated western journey to ef- 
fect the organization. His proposition met with favorable 
encouragement, and returning soon afterwards he organized 
the church of the United Brethren in Christ in the town 
school-house, May 20, 1844. The names of those who 
joined the congregation at that time were Tobias Whet- 
stone, Elizabeth Abbott, Mary Lemon, Lavina Lemon, 
Erasmus Curtis, Abram Statler, Samuel Tudor, Hannah 
Brown, Stephen Leonard, Dennis Benton, Sarah Curtis, 
Mary Curtis, Elizabeth Gleaner, John Cowen, Benjamin 
Borders, Fannie Ackerman, Caleb M. Clark, George Ewalt, 
Sally Ann Seward, Mary Florida, Elizabeth Curtis, Jane 
Maddern, Elmira Smith, Samuel Benton, J. W. Cheney, 
Laura Cheney, Thomas L. Wilkinson, John Lemon, Eliza- 
beth Irwin, Warren Wood, Edwin Bowen, Abraham 
Whetstone, Isaac and Catherine Lemon, Wm. Lemon, 
Eliza Whetstone, John Borders, Margaret Lemon, Julia 
Dougherty, Eunice Barnard, Adam Small, Joseph Far- 
quhar, George Erwin, David Moore, John Tate, Sally Ann 
Blackmore, Wm. Erwin, Elizabeth Young, Joseph F. 
Irish, Anthony Miller, Comfort Pennell, John Armstrong, 
Abigail Painter, James Erwin, Joseph and Ann Feather, 



290 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Sarah Gray, Morali Wood, Margaret Erwin, Susannah 
Tudor, Moses Burke, Isaac Mellon, Delia Ann Blackman, 
Sarah Ann Borders, Rebecca Morris, Eli Raver, Leonard 
Maddern, Mary Ann Burke, Ursula Hand, Rebecca Miller, 
Jane Erwin, Wm. M. Abbott, Nancy 31. Friday, Ellen J. 
Rush, Wm. Strong, Aaron P. Morris, Catherine Mellon, 
Sarah Jane Brong, N. W. Thompson. 

An entry upon the church records, in the handwriting of 
Thomas J. Babcock, sets forth as follows : " Took charge 
of the church May 20, 1844, with — members ; left in 
1845, with eighty members." Thomas L. Wilkinson was 
the first clas.s-leader ; James Erwin and Isaac Lemon the 
first trustees. Worship was at first held in the town school- 
house, but in 1845 a church was built and is still in use. 
Revs. Babcock and Lamb preached to the congregation 
until 1845, when Rev. J. B. Slight took charge. The im- 
perfectness of the church records precludes the presentation 
here of a list of the ministers who followed Mr. Slight. In 
September, 1879, Rev. E. P. Light was the pastor, William 
Stahl was class-leader, Tobias Whetstone was the steward, 
and Comfort Pennell, George Ewalt, and William Stahl 
the trustees. The church membership is 43. 

The Sunday-school attached to this church numbers 107 
pupils, in charge of nine teachers and Superintendent J. 
M. Willis. 

CEMETERIES. 
Oronoko contains four cemeteries, of which the chief one 
is Rose Hill, at Berrien Springs. This grave-yard is like- 
wise the oldest one in the township, having been laid out 
in 1837. It contains now three and one-third acres, is 
handsomely located upon a commanding elevation in full 
view of the St. Joseph River, and is embellished with sev- 
eral fine monuments, including a memorial shaft to the citi- 
zens of Oronoko who fell in the war of the Rebellion. 
The other township cemeteries are Salem Cemetery, at 
Salem church, Maple Grove, in school district No. 4, and 
Oak Grove, one mile west of Maple Grove. 

THE SOLDIERS' MONUiMENT. 
The soldiers' monument in Rose Hill Cemetery is a plain 
marble column, which was procured by private subscrip- 
tions, and set up as a memorial in 1874. Upon one side 
of the column is the following : 

" In memory and to the honor of the soldiers of Oronoko township 
who died in the service of their country in the Rebellion of 1S61. 
" * They died that the nation might live.' " — LixcOLX. 

Upon a second appear the names : 

** Lieut. Ed. Hurson, E. PI. Bartholomew, Jas. Beall, AV. Brayman, 
Levi P. Brown, Wm. Calhouu, N. Cleaveland, E. N. Cleavelaud, C. H. 
Davidson, W. H. Dennison, Comfort Estes, Amos Goff. 
" ' Thus sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
With all their country's honors blest.'" 

Upon a third side : 

" Martin Gubby, Hart Granger, Joseph Qubby, Aaron Hiser, Joel 
Kerr, Rodney Knight, Isaac Lamb, Wm. W. Leader, J. H. Matthews, 
N. Morlan, Nathan Place, Isaac Quirk. 

" ' Sleep deep ! Sleep in peace ! Sleep in memory ever ! 

Wrapt each soul in the deeds of its deathless endeavor.' " 

On the fourth side are the names : 

" M. Pangborn, G. R. Rogers, J. Shunkwildor, J. R. Simons, Stephen 
Simons, Alonzo Sischo, Thomiis Streets, H. F. Snnnners, John Treail- 
well, Levi Trimm, Miles Woods, Joseph Vetter. 

" ' Forget not the dead who fought for us.' " 



SCHOOLS. 

Weightier and more pressing business engaging the at- 
tention of those who led the van in settling Wolf's Prai- 
rie, the matter of public education was not pressed until the 
winter of 1833 ; indeed, until that time the population was 
so .small that it was but a little band of children that could 
be gathered even then, and Nathan Helmick, known as 
lame Nathan (a brother of Judge Jesse Helmick, now 
living in Oronoko), who taught the fir.'it school, in 1833, 
was not overrun with pupils. Mr. Helmick taught in an 
old log cabin which had been put up by William Barlow, 
in what is now known as Barnard's Grove. In 1834 school 
matters had improved, the settlement had materially in- 
creased, and accordingly a school-house was built, and from 
that time onward the cause of education flourished. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1834-35 there were three teachers, to 
wit : Thomas Love, the storekeeper, A. B. Smith, and 
William Singer, of Pittsburgh. 

With the organization of the township, in 1837, schools 
received increased attention, and flourished during the sub- 
sequent years. Now Oronoko is excellently provided with 
schools. The first school inspectors appointed by the 
township were William Lemon, Jesse Helmick, and Heze- 
kiah Hall. There are now in the township seven school dis- 
tricts. District No. 1 includes the village of Berrien 
Springs ; No. 2 is in the northwest ; No. 8 is on the St. 
Joseph road ; No. 4 in the southwest ; No. 5 in the south- 
west ; Nos. (j and 7 in the west. A statistical report of 
the union school at Berrien Springs is given elsewhere. 
Statistics touching other school districts are given below, 
as per the district reports, dated Sept. 1, 1879 : 

District No. 2 :* Number of scholars, 45 ; average at- 
tendance, 44 ; value of school property, $300 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $150. 

District No. 3 : Number of scholars, 48 ; average attend- 
ance, 48 ; value of school property, $600 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $220. 

* District No. 4 : Number of scholars, 69 ; average at- 
tendance, 71 ; value of school property, $600 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $201. 

District No. 5 : Number of scholars, 57 ; average at- 
tendance, 49 ; value of school property, $1800 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $175. 

District No. 6 : Number of scholars, 37 ; average at- 
tendance, 29 ; value of school property, $500 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $182. 

District No. 7 : Number of scholars, 42 ; average at- 
tendance, 34; value of school property, $100 ; amount of 
teachers' wages, $100. 

John H. Sunday was chosen school superintendent for 
1879. The school inspectors for that year were Harmon 
Cowens, John H. Sunday, and D. G. W. Gaugler. 

Berrien Sjirings Union School. — Upon the passage of 
the union school law Berrien Springs village assumed direct 
control of its schools, located in town.ship school District 
No. 1 . A commodious and handsome frame school edifice, 
surmounted with a tower, was erected in 1874, at a cost 
of about $7500, including land, and remains to-day a 

« From the reports for 1878. 



TOWNSHIP OP ORONOKO. 



291 



striking architectural ornament of the village. From the 
school report for 1879 it is learned that the district is 
clear of debt and has in the treasury $291.22. The re- 
ceipts from district taxes in 1879 were S2200, and the 
actual expense for the support of the school for that period 
was $1619. The school has seating capacity for 275 
pupils, but had during 1879 an average attendance of only 
210, out of an enumeration of 247, which latter shows a 
falling oflF of 24 from the enumeration of 1878. There are 
three departments, including a high school and four teachers, 
Henry G Hipp being the principal. The school board is 
composed of Messrs. R. D. Dis, Darius Brown, Jacob 
Boon, Joel Benson, Harlow Vinton, Wm. P. Reiber. 

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. 

Although the St. Joseph River furnishes excellent water- 
power along the border of Oronoko township, it is not util- 
ized, for the reason that lack of transportation facilities to 
market towns checks the development of manufacturing 
enterprise. In the course of time a line of railway will 
doubtless pass though Berrien Springs, and in that event 
the village will naturally become a manufacturing point of 
some importance, since nature has already provided ample 
means towards that end. 

The old wooden structure standing near the bridge in 
Berrien Springs, and used by Stowe & Brother as a wooden- 
bowl factory, was erected in 1857 by Gorham, Dudley & 
Boon, as a flour-mill, and it passed successively into the 
hands of Wm. Pears, Glover, Mr. Horton, and Ran- 
som & Randall. The latter removed the machinery of the 
mill to the grist-mill now operated by Ransom & Martin, 
on Lemon Creek, and for five years the old mill on the river- 
bank stood idle. In the spring of 1879, Stowe & Brother 
took hold of it and began to make wooden bowls. The 
business was temporarily suspended in the autumn of 1879, 
but with a probability of early resumption. 

A. G. Shearer started a planing-mill in the village in 
1870, and in 1873 H. D. Howe became associated with him. 
The firm of Shearer & Howe still run the mill, in which 
they manufacture siding, matched flooring, etc., and do 
scroll-sawing and wood-turning. In connection with the 
planing-mill they operate also a cider-mill. 

Besides the industries mentioned there are in the village 
Jacob Boon's wagon-shop, Peter J. Filkins' cooper-shop, and 
other minor manufactories. 

Alfred Bowles has a steam saw-mill near Singer Lake ; 
Ezra D. Wilson operates a saw-mill three miles southwest 
of the Springs ; and a mile west is the steam saw-mill of 
Ransom & Martin. 

ORDERS AND SOCIETIES. 

Western Star Lodge, No. 39, F. and A. M., was insti- 
tuted Jan. 10, 1850. Previous to that date it was con- 
ducted under dispensation from Nov. 28, 1849, the date 
of the first meeting, when there were nine members. The 
first ofiScers were R. W. Landon, W. M. ; Wm. Dougherty, 
S. W. ; Michael Hand, J. W. ; Ethan A. Brown, S. D.; 
Everett Webster, J. D. ; O. D. Snow, Treas. ; Wm. P. St. 
John, Sec. ; Morris Boss, Tiler. The foregoing and Geo. 
R. L. Baker included the orisrinal members. 



The membership is now 75, and the officers as follows: 
L. B. Marqui-ssee, W. M. ; R. A. Wheeler, S. W. ; Daniel 
Robinson, J. W. ; E. D. Wilson, Treas. ; Wm. P. Reiber, 
Sec. ; A. \V. Marrs, S. D. ; J. D. ; E. P. Arm- 
strong, Tiler ; Aaron Van Patten and T. C. Spalding, 
Stewards. The Worshipful Masters since the lodge organi- 
zation have been, in the order of their service, R. W. Lan- 
don, Michael Hand, Everett Webster, E. A. Brown, Cor- 
nelius Gorham, E. A. Brown, C. Gorham, R. L. Dudley, 
E. A. Brown, C. D. Nichols, James Graham, E. A. Brown, 
A. W. Marrs, E. A. Brown, Michael Hand, A. W. Marrs, 
E. A. Brown, Edward Hall, L. B. Marquissee, William H. 
Miller, L. B. Marquissee, N. M. Claypole, L. B. Marquissee. 

The lodge owns a handsomely-furnished hall at Berrien 
Springs, in which assemblies have been held since November, 
1875. Regular meetings are held every Wednesday in each 
month on or before the night of full moon. 

Berrien Spriuc/s Lodge, No. 323, /. 0. 0. F., was insti- 
tuted March 17, 1879, with charter members as follows: 
E. D. Cook, Geo. W. Rowe, D. G. W. Gaugler, R. A. De- 
ment, Geo. W. Caruthers, Joel Benson, John H. Stover, 
Jas. Smith, Alex. J. Malloy, Norman Nimms. The first 
officers were E. D. Cook, N. G. ; Geo. W. Caruthers, V. G. ; 
D. G. W. Gaugler, Rec. Sec. ; R. A. Demont, P. Sec. ; 
Geo. W. Rowe, Treas. Although but six months of age, 
the lodge numbers a membership of 50. Regular meet- 
ings are held every Monday night in the hall over the 
post-office. 

The officers Sept. 1, 1879, were G. W. Caruthers, N. G. ; 
Norman Nimms, V. G. ; W. P. Harmon, Rec. Sec. ; R. A. 
Demont, P. Sec. ; Geo. W. Rowe, Treas. 

Oronoko Lodge, No. 69, A. 0. U. W., was organized 
May 23, 1879, with 17 members. The officers elected at 
the organizatioQ still remain in office, and are : R. A. De- 
mont, P. M. W. ; R. D. Dix, M. W. ; C. B. Watson, Sec. ; 
W. F. Reiber, F. ; W. H. Miller, G. F. ; L. St. John, 0. ; 
L. B. Marquissee, G. ; G. W. Rough, Rec. ; Jacob Boon, 
I. W. ; Otis Reed, 0. W. The membership is now 21. 
Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays 
of each month in the I. 0. 0. F. Hall. 

Mount Tabor Orange, No. 43, P. of H., was organized 
Aug. 5, 1873, with the following members: Joseph Beach 
and wife, Stephen Harner and wife, P. Helmick and wife, 
William M. Tabor and wife, Orlando Nelson and wife, 
Christopher Raver, J. C. Beach, D. Sylvester and wife, A. 
Green and wife, Richard Edwards and wife. William M. 
Tabor was the first Master and B. Helmick the first Secre- 
tary. Until August, 1877, the grange held meetings in the 
dwellings of its members. A fine grange hall was com- 
pleted and occupied at that time. It is located in the 
southeastern part of the township, and cost to build $1200. 
The members number now 59. The officers chosen for 
1879 were W. J. Jones, M. ; Mattie J. Helmick, Sec. ; 
Chester Fisher, Treas. ; Thos. J. Crandall, Overseer ; 
Joseph Beach, Chaplain ; A. Green, Steward ; A. D. Stowe, 
Assistant Steward ; George Reese, Lecturer ; Mrs. A. D. 
Stowe, Lady Assistant Steward ; Mrs. Sarah Jones, Ceres ; 
Miss Nellie McOmber, Flora ; Mi.ss Ettie Fisher, Pomona ; 
Mrs. E. A. Green, 0. G. 

Berrien Springs Orange, No. 40, P. of II., was organ- 



292 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ized in 1873, but decliniog in strength in 1879, was in 
that year dissolved. 

Jlie Berrien Springs Cornel Band was organized in 
1878, by Professor Q. W. Chadwick, of Warsaw, Ind., who, 
in response to a call, spent a brief period in Berrien Springs 
in the training of the band. Mr. G. W. Caruthers, who 
was chosen the first leader, still continues at the head of 
the organization, whose force includes eight brass instru- 
ments and two drums. The band renders frequent and 
eflFective service in the local field, and enjoys a creditable 
reputation as a company of skilled performers. 

The Red Ribbon Club, organized in 1877, has now 
about 150 members, and ofiicers as follows: Charles B. 
Watson, President ; Mrs. Chas. B. Watson, Robert Ren- 
nie, and Mrs. David Essick, Vice-Presidents ; F. A. Bray- 
man, Sec. ; C. D. Nichols, Treas. ; John Costello, F. S. ; 
R. D. Dix and Jennie Boon, Marshals ; J. R. Miller, 
Chaplain. Regular meetings are held every Tuesday 
evening in Red Ribbon Hall. 

The Berrien Springs Debating Society, organized in 1 869, 
meets for public discussion during the winter seasons. The 
ofiicers for 1879 were Clifton Gardner, President ; Augustus 
Kephart, Secretary and Treasurer. The membership in Sep- 
tember, 1879, was 12. 

The Young Peoples Picnic Association of Berrien 
County was organized Aug. 9, 1877. Annual meetings 
are held in Barnard's Grove at Berrien Springs, and those 
occasions have thus far witnessed the gathering of a joyous 
multitude and the passage of a happy time. 

A Grand Army of the Republic Post and Ladies' Li- 
brary Association fiourished in Berrien Springs a few years 
ago, but they passed out of existence before 1877. 

Berrien County Pioneer Association. — This association, 
composed, as its name indicates, of those who participated 
in the pioneer settlement of Berrien County, was organized 
Sept. 22, 1875. Its members — -now numbering upwards 
of 300 — have held yearly reunions since then on the first 
Wednesday in June, in Barnard's Grove, near Berrien 
Springs, and at these meetings have gathered not only 
Berrien pioneers, but people from various parts of the 
State, as well as from other Western States. On the occa- 
sion of the reunion in June, 1879, the number of persons 
in attendance was estimated at fully 10,000. 

The exercises at these pioneer meetings consist of diver- 
sified entertainment, historical addresses and the narra- 
tion of old settlers' reminiscences forming naturally the 
leading features, while pleasing amusements and feasting 
add much to the cheerfulness of the occasion. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

PIPESTONE TOWNSHIP.* 

Settlements and Pioneers in Pipestone — " Shanghai Village" — Early 
Industries — The German Settlement — Township Organization and 
Officers — Schools — Churches — Eau Claire — Pipestone Grange — A 
Memorable Wind-Storm. 

Pipestone, named after the large creek which flows 
through the township from east to west, is numbered town 

* By David Schwartz. 



5 south, in range 17 west, and lies on the eastern line of 
the county, having Bainbridge township on the north, Ber- 
rien on the south, the Cass County line on the east, and 
Sodus township on the west. 

A considerable portion of the township, estimated at one- 
tenth of the territory, is swamp-land, the major portion 
thereof being on the north and east. In the latter district 
is the " big meadow," the largest of the swamp tracts, which 
covers nearly 1000 acres. The roads through these swampy 
lands are very bad at their best, and are at times well-nigh 
impassable. Measures are, however, now in progress by 
which it is hoped to reclaim the " big meadow," and event- 
ually the other swampy regions. Certain it is that this 
land, when reclaimed, will be exceedingly valuable. 

Liberal attention is given to the production of fruit, and 
of apples the annual yield is exceedingly large. The soil is 
favorable to the bountiful growth of wheat and corn, the 
average yield of the former being twenty bushels per acre. 
Instances have been cited of thirty-eight bushels per acre in 
1879. 

The surface of the country is uneven, and water-courses 
are plentiful. Pipestone Creek, the largest of these, flows 
from the northeastern corner of the township westward to 
the St. Joseph River, and afibrds at Shanghai good water- 
power. The market-towns are Benton Harbor and Dowa- 
giac. The two villages in Pipestone, Shanghai and Eau 
Claire, have post-offices, but these are small settlements. 

SETTLEMENTS AND PIONEERS IN PIPESTONE. 

The southern and western portions of Pipestone fell into 
the hands of Eastern land speculators soon after the town- 
ship survey. Nearly all of these land-owners lived in New 
York State, among the most prominent being Lawrence, 
Corning, Bushnell, and Voorhies. As they bought the 
most of their land from the general government at one 
dollar and a quarter an acre, and sold it to settlers at two 
dollars and a half, their investments paid them handsomely. 
Although the territory now covered by Bainbridge and 
Watervliet received settlers as early as 1835, that portion 
of Bainbridge now called Pipestone did not attract much 
attention until 1837, and for some time after that settle- 
ments were slow ; while in the north and eastern portions, 
where the land was swampy, there were scarcely any settlers 
even as late as 1847. 

The first white settler in the township was undoubtedly 
James Kirk, a Virginian. Mr. Kirk's brother William had 
moved from Virginia to Niles in 1830, and James Kirk, 
actuated by a desire to leave a country where slavery pre- 
vailed, and by the invitation to join his brother, moved in 
in 1833, with his wife and two children, from his Virginia 
home to Niles. After residing there four years he deter- 
mined to seek a home in some newer region, and in the fall 
of 1836 set out, in company with Robert Newell, of Niles, 
on a land-prospecting tour. They followed Indian trails and 
section lines, marked by blazed trees, until coming one day 
to a cold spring on section 20, in what is now Pipestone, 
Mr. Kirk determined to locate a farm that should take in 
that spring. He returned with Newell to Niles, entered 
eighty acres on the section mentioned, and in April, 1837, 
set out, with his family, from Niles in a lumber-wagon 




Residence of AARON van patten .Ordno'o Tp, Berpi en Co, Mich 




Residence of GEORGE C HARTMAN, Pipestone Tr, Berrien Co.Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



293 



drawn by a pair of oxen. Newell, it may be noted, was - 
not impressed with the value of the lands he had seen, and 
concluded to remain in Niles. Mr. Kirk's family had by 
this time increased to seven children, and so when the 
family move was made for the Pipestone country there 
were in the company nine persons. 

The journey was a tedious one of two days, and was 
made over roads much of which Kirk was compelled to cut 
for his passage through the woods. 

The first night was passed at the hou.se of Henry Rush, 
in Berrien. The second night saw the family upon their 
new possession, and there, erecting a cloth tent near the 
spring, they passed the night, the only civilized tenants of a 
vast forest resounding with the cries of wolves, and familiar 
to no human tread save that of the red man. 

On the following day Kirk, assisted by his boys, the 
eldest of whom was but eight years of age, erected a pole 
shanty. Later in the year neighbors came from Bainbridge 
and Berrien and assisted Kirk in putting up a comfortable 
and commodious cabin of split logs. Of the seven children 
mentioned there are now five living, viz., Mrs. Israel Wil- 
liams, of Kansas ; Joseph S. Kirk, of Iowa ; John T. Kirk, 
of California ; Mrs. Sarah Query, of Kansas ; and Joseph 
A. Kirk, living upon the old farm. Isaac H., the eldest 
of the seven, entered the military service during the Mex- 
ican war, and died on his way home. William D. lived in 
Pipestone until his death, in 1865. 

Aug. 20, 1837, while Kirk was still living in the pole 
shanty, he became for the eighth time a father. The child 
was a daughter, and enjoyed the distinction of being the 
first white child born in the township. She was named 
Mary Ellen, and, as the widow of William Penland, still 
lives in Royalton township. Although Mr. Kirk took at 
no time a prominent part in the public affairs of the town- 
ship, he was well known far and near, and much respected. 
He was a man of much humor, and numerous stories are in 
existence of his quaint sayings and love of the ludicrous. 
He remained upon the place of his first location until the 
day of his death, and lived long enough to see the wilder- 
ness of his early days become a country of fruitful farms. 

Mr. Kirk was the only settler in Pipestone until some 
time during the summer of 1837, when Dr. Morgan Enos 
came from Millburg, with his wife, and located upon 160 
acres lying in sections 18 and 19, which he had entered 
the previous year, while visiting his brother Joab in Benton 
township. William Boughton, living on the Territorial 
road, near Millburg, in Bainbridge, had in 1836 attempted 
to cut out a road from the Territorial road to section 18, in 
Pipestone (where he had entered land), but gave up the 
task before completing much of it. 

When Dr. Enos was about ready to set out for his Pipe- 
stone farm he, with Crawford Hazard and Nathaniel Brant, 
finished the road that Boughton had commenced, and over 
it Dr. Enos moved his family and possessions to a log house 
previously put up there for him by Hazard, Brant, and 
others, who had cleared also a half-acre of land about the 
cabin and sown it with turnip-seed. Dr. Enos then em- 
ployed Brant, Hazard, and two men named Pelch and Van- 
deveer to cut a road through to Henry Rush's, in Berrien, and 
from section 18 to Larue's saw-mill, in what is now Sodus. 



Brant and Hazard, of whom mention has been made 
above, were early comers in Bainbridge, and after a.ssisting 
Dr. Enos to settle in Pipestone continued to work for him, 
and made Pipestone township their home. 

Hazard, who had a family, settled upon a place of his 
own north of Dr. Enos, and lived there until 1844, when 
he moved to Hagar and bought out Oliver Sorell. 
Nathaniel Brant, who was a young bachelor, worked for 
Dr. Enos a few years, and on April 29, 1840, married 
Martha, daughter of Crawford Hazard. The wedding cere- 
mony was performed by 'Squire David S. Rector, at the 
residence of the bride's father, and is remembered as the 
first marriage in the township. The occasion had been an- 
ticipated by the country roundabout, and preparations were 
made for the entertainment of a numerous company, but 
almost impassable roads kept many of the promised guests 
at home, although there were at hand sufiicient numbers to 
have a generally merry time. 

Upon Brant's marriage he became a settler in Pipestone, 
and located upon a farm in section 17. In 1844 he sold 
out and settled in Bainbridge, the purchaser of his place 
being Oliver Sorel, who came from New York to Water- 
vliet, in 1836, to work for Smith & Merrick ; lived afterwards 
in St. Joseph and Hagar, and selling his farm in the latter 
place, in 1844, to Crawford Hazard, moved in that year to 
the Brant farm in Pipestone. He sold in 1854 to William 
R. Hogue, and moved to the northern part of the township, 
whore he now lives. 

Morgan Enos was a skillful physician, and, upon his 
settlement in Pipestone, practiced medicine whenever duty 
called him. He was for many years the only physician in 
that region, and acquiring a business that called him far 
and near, came to be exceedingly well known. Called in 
haste one day to attend one of James Kirk's sons, he found 
that the lad had, while chopping in the woods, completely 
severed one toe and cut another, so that it hung simply by 
the skin. The boy's mother, upon answering his alarm, had 
hastily replaced the hanging toe against the portion whence 
it had been cut ; and when Dr. PJnos arrived he found the 
toe back in the exact spot from which it had been taken, 
and cleverly bandaged. " Madam," said he, " what did you 
call me for? I couldn't do a neater job than that if I were 
to try for a thousand years. That's what I call ' healing at 
the first touch.' " 

During his later years, when old age began to tell upon 
him, Dr. Enos retired from active practice, and lived at his 
ease until his death, in September, 1868. Two of his 
children — Mrs. R. L. Webster and Juliette Eno.s — live at 
Shanghai, the birthplace of Mrs. Webster, who was the 
second child born in Pipestone township. 

The year 18.37 brought a number of other settlers into 
Pipestone, among whom were Robert Ferry, Elijah Pratt, 
William Boughton, Stephen Smith, and Loren Marsh. 

First in order of settlement was Robert Ferry, who fol- 
lowed close upon Morgan Enos in the pioneer work. He 
came over from Ireland in 1835, worked as a farmer's hand 
in New York State two years (during which time, in 1836, 
he entered a piece of land on section 27, in Pipestone), 
and in 1837 entered upon his Michigan estate, and set him- 
self resolutely at the business of clearing his land. He was 



294 



HISTOKY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



a bachelor then, and from 1837 to 1839 lived in his little 
log shanty, with no companion save his dog. He was 
alone in the vast wilderness, two miles or more distant from 
the nearest settler ; he heard no sounds save those of howling 
wolves, and saw no human faces except such as belonged to 
the red-skins, who occasionally looked in upon him, always, 
however, in a friendly spirit. He worked away faithfully, 
and, managing by occasional trips with government survey- 
ors to earn a little money, he was enabled to add to hi)< 
landed possessions. This standard of thrift and industry 
which he thus early set for himself grew with him through 
life, gave him at one time the ownership of upwards of 
1000 acres of land, and enabled him at his death to leave 
a farm to each of his five sons. 

In 1839, Mr. Ferry married Joanna, a daughter of Jacob 
Ridenour, a settler in Pokagon in 1837. On the last day 
of 1839 he brought his wife to his Pipestone home, and 
there Mrs. Ferry has lived to this day. She says that for 
three months after she began her pioneer life she saw no 
woman except an Indian squaw once in a while. Deer, she 
relates, were so plentiful and so tame that they frequently 
came past the cabin in herds, without manifesting timidity, 
and killing a deer was a very simple and easy matter. 

Wolves were excessively troublesome, while bears played 
havoc with small stock. Mrs. Ferry remembers how wolves 
often came to her very door-step, attracted by the odor of 
cooking meat ; and that it was not infrequently the case 
that Mr. Ferry had to chase wolves and even bears from his 
cabin door. Once he discovered a bear hugging one of his 
pigs and actually eating it alive. On another occasion a 
hog which Ferry had brought from Pokagon was attacked 
by a bear, and being happily delivered by Ferry from death 
became apparently so thoroughly disgusted with its peril- 
ous existence that it disappeared that night, and appeared 
in a few days at the home of its former owner in Po- 
kagon. Mr. Ferry lived on his old farm until his death, in 
1875 ; and upon the place where his strong energies had 
put forth their most earnest eiforts a marble shaft marks 
his last earthly home. 

Elijah Pratt came from New York, with his wife, and set- 
tled upon section 21. He went to California in 1850, and 
died on shipboard while on his return voyage. 

William Boughton settled upon section 18, and with 
Joab Bnos subsequently laid out Pipestone village. He 
was a man of stirring energy and obtained much local 
prominence. He was the first postmaster, and at the time 
of his death, in 1864, was serving his second term. None 
of his descendants now reside in the township. 

Stephen Smith, a bachelor of advanced years, and Loren 
Marsh, his adopted son, came in company from Erie Co., 
N. Y., to Pipestone. Marsh had a wife and two children, 
and with Smith settled upon section 21. Marsh difid soon 
after his settlement, and according to the best obtainable 
authority his was the first death in Pipestone. He was 
buried on the Smith farm, on section 21, and there the 
curious may see in a clump of briers the spot where his 
bones still lie. Thomas, his son, lives in Watervliet. 
Loren Marsh's widow married David Puterbaugh, and died 
many years ago. Smith lived to be very old, and died in 
Pipestone. 



David Puterbaugh, now living on section 26, resided in 
Berrien township with his father, from 1836 until the 
latter's death in 1838. David then entered 40 acres of 
land on section 27, in Pipestone, but did no work upon the 
place until the winter of 1839. After that, for nine years, 
he lived on the farm in the winter seasons, and during the 
summers boated on the St. Joseph River, while his place 
was looked after by his brother Abram. When David 
finally left the river, in 1848, and became a permanent set- 
tler, Abram, his brother, bought 80 acres on section 28 of 
Robert Ferry. Two years afterwards, while clearing his 
land, he was killed by the fall of a tree. David moved to 
his place of present residence in 1853. His were the first 
recorded cattle ear-marks in the township books, under date 
1842, and were noted as " a square crop off left ear and 
slit in right." 

Among the settlers of 1840 were Joseph Large, who 
located upon the northeast corner of section 10, lived there 
until 1875, and then moved to Texas. Spencer Bishop, a 
New Englander, settled upon section 7 ; there he lived until 
1858, when he died by his own hand. William M. Abbott 
located upon section 29, on land owned by Phiio W. Boyd, 
whose sister Abboit had married. He moved from the 
township after a brief stay. Joseph F. Yaw, a New 
Yorker, settled in the northern part of the township. He 
entered the military service during the civil war of 1861- 
65, and was killed in action. His wife died soon after their 
settlement, and was buried at Berrien Springs. 

Grist-mills were few and far between in that region in 
1840, and as " going to mill'' meant a journey of several 
miles, the settlers were called upon to exert their inventive 
faculties in more ways than one when the stock of meal or 
flour ran low. Mrs. Brant says she astonished her neigh- 
bors one day with a feast of johnny-cake, and when asked 
to explain how she got the meal, related that she improvised 
a corn-mill by pounding her corn in a tin pan perforated at 
the bottom with small holes, and her model, it is said, was 
adopted by many with gratifying results. 

Log-rolling bees were prominent and useful features in 
pioneer life. Each man took turns in helping his neighbor 
to clear a piece of land large enough at least to produce a 
respectable crop. In this way a newly-arrived settler would 
be enabled to get a clearing in a short time. Sometimes quite 
a company participated in the "bee," although, as a rule, there 
were about enough to average four acres a day. All who 
could, turned out, for in those days fraternal sympathy was 
the ruling spirit. David Puterbaugh says that when the 
settlers began to multiply he was engaged twenty-two suc- 
cessive days at log-rolling bees with his ox-team. 

Clearing land by moonlight was a common occupation 
with some of the settlers. For them the hours of labor 
could not be too long or too many. They were impatient 
to hurry an enterprise which at best must be slow, and not 
only on moonlight nights but on nights when the stars only 
shone did the woodman's axe ring the death-knell of many 
a forest monarch. Indeed there were some settlers who, 
having to labor upon other farms during the day, that a 
little ready cash might be obtained, were compelled to work 
far into the night on their own places as the only way pos- 
sible towards the clearing of their land. The emergencies 




Residcnce of WILLIAM Ff I 0£N OUR, PiPtsroNe Tp, BehrienCo ,MiCt 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



295 



of the time were of a truth pressing, and only heroic reme- 
dies would apply. 

Mrs. Robert Ferry recalls the fact that in the absence of 
matches it was imperatively necessary to keep a constant 
fire. One winter day their fire went out, and there were 
at hand no means for rekindling it. Their nearest neigh- 
bor was Martin Friley, living three miles away in Berrien, 
and for Friley's house Ferry accordingly set out in search 
of a fire-brand. He returned in good time, waving the 
brand in triumph, and a cheering sight it was, too, to the 
eyes of his wife, who had, during his absence, occupied the 
roof of the cabin, where, in the rays of the sun, she found 
trifling relief from the penetrating cold. As to the matter 
of " going to mill," Ferry frequently shouldered his grist, 
trudged eight miles to Pokagon, and brought back his flour 
by the same conveyance. 

In 1845, eight years after the township received its first 
settler, Pipestone contained a population of 277. Nine 
years later, or in 1854, the population had increased to 785. 

SHANGHAI VILLAGE. 

The village known as Shanghai is set down in the Postal 
Guide as Pipestone, which has been its post-office name 
since the ofiice was first established, in 1846. Previous to 
that time William Boughton and Joab Enos laid out a vil- 
lage upon the site, called it Pipestone, and disposed of a 
few lots ; but .somehow the growth of the enterprise was ex- 
ceedingly slow, and for a long time it existed only on paper. 
Previous to 184G there were no mail facilities nearer than 
Berrien Springs, but in that year Wra. Boughton secured 
the establishment of a post-office at that point and was him- 
self appointed postmaster. No store was established there 
until 1856, when John Garrow set up as a merchant. 

Meanwhile, in 1853, the village was rechristened and 
called Shanghai, as a tribute to Morgan Enos' fondness for 
the Shanghai breed of fowls. The story goes that Dr. 
Enos, visiting New York to bring his daughter Sophronia 
back from school, brought also a few Shanghai eggs, and 
in the chickens raised from those eggs he took such pleasure 
that some one declared the village ought to be called 
Shanghai. The idea gaining popular favor at once, the 
name was by common consent adopted and has been re- 
tained to this day. Mrs. B,. L. Webster, now living at 
Shanghai, is the doctor's daughter, and the one who con- 
veyed the eggs in question in her lap all the way from New 
York State to Pipestone. Mr. Boughton was postmaster 
from 1846 to 1857, when he was succeeded by Lyman 
Dunbar, who retired in 1861 in favor of Mr. Boughton's 
return to the oflioe. The latter retained it until his death, 
in 1864, from which time until 1866 0. S. Boughton, who 
had been deputy under William Boughton, had charge. 
Miss C. C. Sabin was appointed in 1866, and in 1868 gave 
way to Angelia Webster, who in 1874 relinquished the 
place to J. F. Haskins, the present incumbent. 

The merchants who succeeded Mr. Garrow at Shanghai 
have been as follows: Ambrose Watkins, Miss C. C. Sa- 
bin, Charles Walker, Mortimer Quackenbu.sh, Sylvester 
Parks, Chambers & Tatman, and L. P. Vandenhofi'; Mr. 
Parks and Mr. Vandenhoff' being at present the village 
merchants. 



Besides the two stores there are in the village a dozen or 
more residences, a graded school, and two blacksmith-shops. 

EARLY INDUSTRIES. 

Although Pipestone Creek furnished, near Pipestone 
village, excellent water-power when William Boughton laid 
out the place, no especial efibrt was made to utilize it. Joab 
and Morgan Enos built a saw-mill, in 1844, on the creek, 
three-quarters of a mile north of the village, and later Mor- 
gan Enos put up a saw-mill at the village. Above the first- 
named mill Daniel P. Pidge erected, in 1845, a tool-shop, 
where he did all kinds of blacksmithing and manufactured 
knives, bells, etc., in a small way. James A. Kirk, of 
Pipestone, has in his possession one of the " Pidge" 
butcher-knives. It bears the imprint of " Pidge" in bold 
characters, but is a poor specimen of a knife for all that. 
In the second story of Pidge's shop A. D. Snow plied his 
trade of carpenter, and a little fiirther up the creek Joab 
Enos had a turning-lathe. A turning-lathe was also set up 
at the village soon after by John Enos. 

The Joab and Morgan Enos saw-mill was erected for them 
by Robert Cassiday, a Niles mill-wright, who in 1854 
moved into Pipestone and bought the property of Joab 
Enos. The mill is now occupied by Wm. L. Clark. The 
saw-mill started by Morgan Enos at the village was allowed 
in after years to go to decay. 

The first grist-mill was a primitive affair. In 1847, 
Blandon A. Pemberton built a little log mill on the creek 
flowing through section 31, and continued its operation 
about six years. A hand-bolt was in this mill, a useful but 
simple affair, and the milling business, as may be judged, 
was limited in its scope, but still a convenience, as it saved 
many a journey to Berrien. 

The second grist mill in the township, and the only one 
now there, was put up at Shanghai by William and Samuel 
Enos and Robert L. Webster. The machinery for it was 
taken from the old Lacey mill at Niles. Tiie mill property 
belongs now to the Davidson Gardner estate, and is occupied 
by E. H. Adams. 

Dr. Fowler built a saw-mill on section 1, and sold it to 
Gilbert Leech, from whose possession it passed, in 1861, to 
Peter and James H. Nostrand. In 1873 they abandoned 
the old water-mill, and built near it a steam saw-mill, which 
they now operate. 

The only manufacturing interest now in Pipestone, be- 
sides those noted above, is the steam saw-mill of James 
Hawes, on section 15, erected in 1874. 

THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT. 

The northeastern portion of the township contains many 
Germans, and is known as the German settlement, although 
there are in that quarter quite as many Americans as Ger- 
mans. Dr. Fowler, who built a saw-mill on section 1 , and 
John Rowe, who rented the mill, were perhaps the first 
comers. Mr. Rowe is still a resident, upon section 12. 
Isaac Tice, of Cass County, owned about 3000 acres, lying 
chiefly along the eastern tier of sections in Pipestone and 
the west tier in Cass County. Of him many Germans 
purchased lands. The German advance-guard came in 
1850, when William Hackstatt, Henry Stevens, Henry 



296 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Tulker, and Neimeyer, with their families, journeyed 

from Cincinnati, in company, to Pipestone. Hackstatt 
(who, with Fred. Schleipp, had prospected for land in 
Pipestone in 1847) had bought a soldier's land-warrant 
for 200 acres on section 12, and of the 200, Henry Stevens 
afterwards bought SO acres from William Buck, to whom 
Hackstatt had sold. Hackstatt found an abandoned log 
school-house on his place, and he proceeded to utilize it as 
a residence, and as such it served him some time. Stevens 
still lives on section 12. Neimeyer returned to Ohio and 
Tulker settled in Ca.ss County. When the Hackstatt party 
came in they found a wild and almost unsettled country. 
The only roads they found were narrow paths through the 
woods. John Rowe was already there, and opposite him 
was John Schinefelt, who moved in 1867 to Iowa. On 
the south was David Walter, and west of Walter was David 
Moore. 

Peter Kramer, the father of Mrs. William Hackstadt, 
came from Cincinnati in 1851, and after living a year with 
his son-in-law went back to Ohio, whence he returned to 
Pipestone in 1854, and settled upon section 11, where he 
died. 

In 1853, J. C. Runkle, of Ohio, bought of Jo.siah H. 
Swisher 80 acres on section 1, and entered 80 acres on sec- 
tions 1 and 2. He settled in that year on section 1, upon 
which the only other settler then was Gilbert Leech, who 
owned and operated the old Fowler .saw-mill. Campbell 
McCoy lived on section 2, and died there in 1863. George 
Srackengast, who came with Runkle, settled upon section 
2, and lives there yet. 

At that late day, even, there were no traveled roads in 
that quarter. The roads the settlers used were such only 
as they cut out themselves. 

In 1854, Aaron Claussen came, with his family, from 
Pennsylvania to Michigan, and remaining awhile in Berrien' 
Springs opened a harness-shop there. That he soon gave 
up, and in the fall of the same year bought 40 acres of 
land on section 13, in Pipestone, and located upon it with- 
out delay. His place was in the heart of the woods, and 
for a long time, even after he settled, deer used to play 
about his house and pass in droves. Mr. Claussen entered 
the military service during the war of the Rebellion, as a 
member of the 12th Michigan, and died in hospital in 
Arkansas, in 1865. When the Claus.senscame in their neigh- 
bors on the south were Darius Jlly and Daniel Trowbridge, 
and on the north Joseph Walter and Julius Hackstadt. 

In the same year James Nostrand came, with his son 
Peter and the latter's family, from Onondaga Co., N. Y., and 
made a settlement on section 14, upon a place owned by the 
widow of David Moore. That farm had been partly cleared, 
but the neighboring country was generally wild. The elder 
Nostrand returned to New York, and in 1861 Peter located 
on section 1, whore he had bought land and the old Fowler 
saw-mill of Gilbert Leech, and where he still lives. 

In 1857, Frederick Wolf settled upon the place he now 
occupies, and in 1858 Frederick Furst located upon a place 
adjoining him on the east. 

Proceeding southward, along the eastern line of the 
township, note may be made of the settlement, in 1853, of 
Darius Ely, who in that year started from Ohio for Cali- 



fornia. He stopped in Pipestone to visit Daniel Trow- 
bridge (his wife's father, who had settled in Pipestone two 
years previously, upon section 23), and was persuaded by 
Trowbridge to remain as a settler. He bought 160 acres 
on section 23 and 160 on section 24, and while he was 
building a frame house on his place lodged his family in an 
old log cabin on the Widow Moore's farm. When Ely 
moved in there were, besides Trowbridge, the settlements, 
near by, of David and Josiah Gano, W. Farrow, and J. De 
Witt. Trowbridge died in 1858, and Ely in 1867. 

In the southeast the earliest settlements were made by 
William M. G. Ridenour and Cyrus Tatman, who came in 
1849. West of them, in the same year, Norman Preston 
made a settlement ; and west of him, on section 34, still 
earlier in the same year. Miles Davis located upon 80 
acres, purchased of Lawrence, a land speculator. The 
country about him was wild, and settlements were few. 
His neighbors on the north were Robert Ferry, David 
Puterbaugh, and Truman Reed ; on the south was George 
Caldwell ; on the east there was no one between his place 
and the town line, three miles distant ; on the west his 
nearest neighbor was Edward Hart, two miles away. Hart 
sold his place to W. Smythe Farmer, of New York, who 
settled in Pipestone in 1848. Since that time Mr. Farmer 
has steadily added to his landed possessions, and he now 
owns about 2000 acres, 800 of which are under cultivation. 

Following the east-and-west road from " Cassiday's Cor- 
ners," we find that Robert Cassiday, who settled in the State 
in 1829, and in Niles in 1832, moved from the latter place 
in 1854 to Pipestone, where he settled on section 18, and 
took charge of the Enos mill property, his purchase of 
which had led him to locate in the township. A mile or 
more eastward, on section 17, Theodore Clark, of Ohio, 
settled in the same year, and opposite him, in the following 
spring, C. E. Jennings located, on section 8. Upon the 
place bought by Clark there had been three different set- 
tlers, to wit, Alonzo Brant, Joseph F. Yaw, and J. T. 
Burbank, each being named in the order of his settlement. 
After Burbank sold to Clark he bought a place on sections 
9 and 16 from Hiram Ryther, who thereupon left the town- 
ship. 

In the spring of 1855, A. R. Robinson bought a place 
on section 9 of Elliott Chamberlain, who was the original 
settler there in 1853. Robinson's neighbors were Peter 
Worth, Mrs. Reams, and Philip De Witt. In 1855, Jacob 
Puterbaugh came from Berrien and settled north of the 
road; A. J. Tibbs settled south, on section 16, in 1856; 
and Andrew Jackson, a colored man, settled on section 14. 

William Green was a settler before 1849 ; and on section 3 
John Sutherland was a settler in 1856. His farm was an 
unbroken forest, and before he settled neither the east-and- 
west road nor the north-and-south road, which now bound 
his farm on two sides, had been laid out. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. 

Pipestone, belonging to the territory originally set off to 
Bainbridge and Royalton, was created a separate township 
in 1842, under the Legislative act of February 16th of that 
year, and then extended west to the St. Joseph River. It 
is generally understood that the township name was derived 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



297 



from that of Pipestone Creek, but how the creek came by 
its name is not so clear. 

The first meeting was held at the house of William 
Boughton, shortly after organization, and at the election 
then held, 27 votes were cast. The full list of ofiBcials then 
chosen is as follows : Supervisor, James B. Larue ; Clerk, 
Morgan Enos ; Trea.surer, Loren Marsh ; Justices of the 
Peace, J. B. Larue (two years), Loren Marsh (three years), 
Ebenezer Parley (one year), David S. Rector (four years) ; 
School Inspectors, James Kirk, Loren Marsh, James B. 
Larue ; Highway Commissioners, Ebenezer Farley, David 
S. Rector, James Kirk ; Directors of the Poor, William 
Bougliton, Morgan Enos; Constables, David Puterbaugh, 
Hiram Rector; Overseers of Highways: District No. 1, 
Robert Ferry ; District No. 2, Loren Marsh ; District No. 
3, Morgan Enos ; District No. 4, Spencer Bishop ; District 
No. 5, D. S. Rector ; District No. 6, Solomon Foster. The 
inspectors of this first election were James B. Larue, Wil- 
liam Boughton, John M. Enos, Morgan Enos. 

The second election was held at the house of David S. 
Rector, April 3, 1843. From that date to and including 
1879 the township has annually chosen its chief officials 
as follows : 

1843. — Supervisor, J. B. Larue; Treasurer, William H. Rector; Clerk, 
Morgan Enos; Highway Commissioners, Ebenezer Farley, 
Spencer Bishop, William M. Abbott; School Inspectors, J. 
B. Larue, Joab Enos ; Justice of the Peace, Ebenezer Farley. 

1844. — Supervisor, J.B.Larue; Treasurer, Spencer Bishop; Clerk, 
Morgan Enos; Highway Commissioners, E. Farley, D. S. 
Rector, Loren Marsh ; School Inspector, J. B. Larue; Justice 
of the Peace, J. B. Larue. 

1845. — Supervisor, J. B. Larue; Treasurer, Spencer Bishop; Clerk, 
Morgan Enos; Highway Commissioners, Elijah Pratt, Ed- 
ward Buckman, D. S. Rector ; Justice of the Peace, Josiah 
Hawes. 

1846.- — Supervisor, J. B. Larue; Treasurer, D. S. Rector; Clerk, 0. S. 
Boughton ; Highway Commissioners, Joseph F. Yaw, Wil- 
liam 11. Rector, David Puterbaugh; School Inspectors, I. 
W. ChaJwick, 0. S. Boughton ; Justice of the Peace, 0. S. 
Boughton. 

1847. — Supervisor, J. B. Larue; Treasurer, D. S. Rector; Clerk, 0. 
S. Boughton; Highway Commissioners, Ebenezer Farley, 
Spencer Bishop, 1). S. Rector; School Inspector, Daniel P. 
Pidge ; Justice of the Peace, Ebenezer Farley. 

1848. — Supervisor, J. B. Larue; Treasurer, D. S. Rector; Clerk, Josiah 
Hawes; Highway Commissioner, D. S. Rector; School In- 
spector, Morgan Enos; Justices of the Peace, J. B. Larue, 
B. A. Pemberton. 

1849. — Supervisor, Joab Enos ; Treasurer, A. Buckman ; Clerk, J. F. 
Haskins; Highway Commissioner, William Green; School 
Inspector, I. W. Chadwick ; Justices of the Peace, M. Reese, 
D. S. Rector. 

1850.— No record. 

1851. — Supervisor, Joab Enos ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, 0. S. 
Boughton; Highway Commissioner, Spencer Bishop; School 
Inspector, William Green ; Justices of the Peace, H. C. 
Fenton, H. A. Byther, B. A. Pemberton. 

1852. — Supervisor, Josiah Hawes ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, 
0. S. Boughton ; Highway Commissioners, II. A. Ryther, 
Ebenezer Farley ; School Inspector, Morgan Enos ; Justices 
of the Peace, D. Trowbridge, Ami Whitney. 

1853. — Supervisor, E. Farley ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, J. H. 
Reese; Highway Commissioners, William Horton, 0. S. 
Boughton; School Inspector, I. W. Chadwick. 

1854. — Supervisor, D. Trowbridge ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, 
0. S. Boughton ; Highway Commissioners, A. Buckman, D. 
S. Rector ; School Inspector, Lyman Dunbar ; Justices of 
the Peace, J. F. Taw, R. Cassiday. 

38 



1855.— Supervisor, M. Enos; Treasurer, W. Boughton; Clerk, 0. S. 
Boughton; Highway Commissioners, G. Srackengast, Theo- 
dore Cfark ; School Inspector, D. A. Clark ; Justice of the 
Peace, Joseph Walter. 

1856.— Supervisor, R. E. Hull ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, Theo- 
dore Clark ; Highway Commissioners, G. Srackengast, John 
Rush, P. De Witt ; School Inspector, A. T. Watkins ; Justices 
of the Peace, Darius Ely, S. Correll. 

18u7. — Supervisor, D. Ely; Treasurer, W. Boughton; Clerk, A. T. 
Watkins; Highway Commissioners, W. P. Wells, C. E. 
Straight, John Stump ; School Inspector, Theodore Clark ; 
Justices of the Peace, William Hogue, J. Hemingway. 

1858. — Supervisor, M. Enos ; Treasurer, W. Boughton ; Clerk, John 
Garrow; Highway Commissioner, W. P. Wells; School In- 
spector, R. Cassiday ; Justice of the Peace, J. F. Haskins. 

1859. — Supervisor, C. E. Straight ; Treasurer, W. Boughton; Clerk, 
0. S. Boughton; Highway Commissioner, Sheldon Roberts; 
School Inspector, A. T. Watkins : Justice of the Peace, W. 
H. Rector. 

I860. — Supervisor, R. J. Tuttle ; Treasurer, J. F. Haskins; Clerk, 
Theodore Clark ; Highway Commissioners, G. Srackengast, 
H. Trowbridge ; School Inspector, N. Garrow ; Justices of 
the Peace, John Davis, Martin Reese. 

1861. — Supervisor, J. Walter; Treasurer, J. F. Haskins; Clerk, E. G. 
Jones ; Highway Commissioner, H. Trowbridge ; School In- 
spectors, Theodore Clark, James Hogan; Justices of the 
Peace, G. Srackengast, Darius Ely. 

1862. — Supervisor, D. Gardner; Clerk, Miles Davis. 

1863. — Supervisor, 0. S. Boughton; Treasurer, Joseph Walter; Clerk, 
R. Calvin ; Highway Commissioners, A. R. Robinson, G. 
Srackengast; School Inspector, W. Friend, Jr.; Justice of 
the Peace, W. Friend, Sr. 

1864. — Supervisor, W. S. Farmer; Treasurer, Joseph Walter; Clerk, 
R. Calvin ; Highway Commissioners, S. Trowbridge, W. R. 
Hogue; School Inspector, D. HuUrey ; Justice of the Peace, 

C. Tatman. 

1865. — Supervisor, G. Srackengast; Treasurer, 0. S. Boughton ; Clerk, 
W. R. Hogue; Highway Commissioners, W. R. Hogue, E. 

D. G. Ridenour; School Inspector, W. Friend; Justices of 
the Peace, James Uogue, J. Conkling. 

1866.— No record. 

1867. — Supervisor, 0. S. Boughton; Treasurer, J. F. Haskins; Clerk, 
W. L. Hogue ; Highway Commissioner, R. A. Calvin ; School 
Inspector, John Clark. 

1868. — Supervisor, J. P. Haskins; Treasurer, Miles Davis; Clerk, W. 
L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, S. E. Lapham ; School' 
Inspector, J. D. Bowman. 

1869. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins; Treasurer, J. H. Conkling; Clerk, 
W. L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, P. De Witt; School 
Inspector, C. E. Jennings. 

1870. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins; Treasurer, J. H. Conkling; Clerk, 
W. L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, H. Stevens ; School 
Inspector, R.A.Calvin; Justices of the Peace, J. F. Haskins, 
G. B. Tatman. 

1871. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins; Treasurer, J. H. Conkling; Clerk, 
Anson Lewis ; Highway Commissioner, A. M. Green ; School 
Inspector, John Clark; Justice of the Peace, John Clark. 

1872. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins; Treasurer, J. H. Conkling; Clerk, 
Anson Lewis; Highway Commissioner, P. De Witt: School 
Inspector, R. A. Calvin; Justice of the Peace, J. H. Conk- 
ling. 

1873. — Supervisor, J. F. Haskins; Treasurer, J. H. Conkling; Clerk, 
John Clark; Highway Commissioner, Jacob Aumach; School 
Inspector, R. Reese; Justice of the Peace, G. B. Tatman. 

1874. — Supervisor, J. H. Conkling; Treasurer, A. Lewis; Clerk, W. 
L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, F.W.Elliott; School 
Inspector, R. A. Calvin ; Justices of the Peace, R. M. King, 
D. Gardner. 

1875. — Supervisor, J. H. Conkling; Treasurer, A. Lewis; Clerk, W. 
L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, R. Cassiday; School In- 
spector, R. A. Calvin; Justice of the Peace, Theo. Clark. 

1876. — Supervisor, J. H. Matthews; Treasurer, W. C. Pegg; Clerk, 
W. L. Hogue; Highway Commissioner, A. Lewis; School 
Inspector, 0. S. Boughton ; Justices of the Peace, R. A. 
Calvin, J. F. Haskins. 



298 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1877.— Supervisor, J. H. Matthews; Treasurer, W. C. Pegg ; Clerk, 
W. L. Hogue; Highway Commissiouer, A. Lewis; School 
Inspector, John Clark; Justices of the Peace, W. Green, C. 
W. Haskins. 

1878.— Supervisor, M. Davis : Treasurer, W. C. Pegg ; Clerk, J. U. 
Matthews: Highway Commissioner, William Collins; School 
Inspector, A. Lewis; Justices of the Peace, John Clark, J. 
P. Haskins. 

1879. — Supervisor, M. Davis; Treasurer, D. Johnson; Clerk, J. H. 
Matthews;"^ Commissioner of Highways, William Collins; 
School Inspector, A. R. Trowbridge; Justice of the Peace, 
John Clark.f 

The members of the township board for 1879 were Miles 
Davis, R. A. Calvin, J. F. Haskins, and John Clark. The 
school inspectors were John Martin (School Superintend- 
ent), A. R. Trowbridge, Anson Lewis. The justices of the 
peace were J. F. Haskins and R. A. Calvin. 

In 1859 that portion of town 5 in range 18 west lying 
east of the St. Joseph River was set off from Pipestone 
and called Sodus. 

Upon the organization of the township, in 1842, the res- 
ident highway-tax payers numbered 29, as follows : 

Road District No. 1, Robert Ferry, David Puterbaugh, 
Palmer Reed. 

Road District No. 2, Loren Marsh, James Kirk, Na- 
thaniel M. Brant, Elijah Pratt, Stephen Smith, Crawford 
Hazard. 

Road District No. 3, Morgan Enos, William Boughton, 
John M. Enos, Henry Enos. 

Road District No. 4, Spencer Bishop, Joab Enos. 

Road District No. 5, D. S. Rector, David Rector, Wm. 
H. Rector, Daniel Baker, Jonathan S. Foster, James B. 
Larue, Hiram Rector, Nicholas Hall. 

Road District No. 6, J. S. Foster, Ebenezer Farley, J. 

W. Brewer, David Michael, Francis Vershaw, Mc- 

Dougal, J. B. Larue, N. B. Smith. 



It seems very clear that the first school in Pipestone was 
one taught by one George Lundy, a teacher from " York 
State," who came out in 1840 with Aaron and Barzilla 
Collins. Loren Marsh had vacated a log shanty in which 
he had lived on section 20, and Lundy, succeeding in 
creating an educational interest in the community, estab- 
lished a school in the Marsh shanty. He taught only 
during the winter of 1840 and 1841, after which a school 
was established at Shanghai. Lundy's scholars were twelve 
in number, and included three adults, Robert Ferry, Aaron 
and Barzilla Collins, besides James Kirk's seven children, 
and Lyman and Clarissa Frisbee, — nephew and niece of 
Elijah Pratt. 

July 2, 1843, school districts were created as follows in 
town 5 south, range 18 west, covering the whole or portions 
of sections named. 

No. 1.— Sections 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 22. No. 2.— 
Sections 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 35, 36. No. 3.— 
Sections 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20. No. 4.— Sections 15, 
16, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34. 

The condition of Pipestone's public .schools Sept. 1, 1879, 
is shown in the following table : 



* Resigned, and John Clark appointed. 
I Failed to qualify. 



Number of districts (fractional, 4) 10 

Number of children of school age .537 

Average attendance 494 

Public money S348.72 

Number of school-houses (frame, 7 ; brick, 3).. 10 

Value of school-houses $7850 

Teachers 20 

Amount paid for teachers' wages $1863.50 

CHURCHES. 

The first public religious worship in Pipestone was held 
in 1837, in the house of James Kirk, by Rev. T. P. Mc- 
Coole, who with Revs. Knox and Burns rode the country 
over in the service of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
made it an especial business to plant the gospel in new 
settlements. These three ministers managed during the 
four years succeeding 1837 to hold services at Mr. Kirk's 
house about once every four weeks. Meanwhile Morgan 
Enos' father-in-law, known as Priest Clark, visited the 
settlement occasionally, and at Enos' house held Presby- 
terian services. Wonship was thus continued by Mr. Clark 
for some years. William Boughton, a Close-Communion 
Baptist, enlisted the services of a Rev. Mr. Day, who 
preached frequent Baptist sermons at Mr. Boughton's 
house. It is told of Mr. Day that, during the course of 
one of his sermons, he said, with much apparent enthu- 
siasm, " What a happy man Father Boughton must be : he 
has one daughter capable of teaching her neighbors and 
another standing by her side to assist her." The fact that 
Mr. Boughton's daughter was a school-teacher seemed to 
Mr. Day to reflect considerable glory upon the father. 

At Kirk's house Martin Friley and Hiram Hinchman, 
residents of Berrien, delivered occasional sermons, and 
Methodist Episcopal services were held there more or less 
until 1847, when a school-house being built at Shanghai, 
measures were taken to organize a class. Revs. McCoole 
and Woods held a protracted meeting in that year and 
formed a class of 54 members, of whom Daniel P. Pidge 
was class-leader. 

The class was attached to the Bainbridge circuit, and for 
a year or more Mr. Woods, who was a blacksmith in the 
employ of Daniel P. Pidge, acted as local preacher. Suc- 
ceeding McCoole on the circuit at an early day were Revs. 
E. L. Kellogg and Ransom Goodall. The Shanghai school- 
house was used as a place of worship until 1867, when the 
society built a fine church north of the village. 

The church membership is now 56, and the officers are: 
Trustees, J. F. Haskins, W. S. Parmer, Robert Cassiday, 
Theodore Clark, A. J. Tibbs ; Class-Leader, vacancy ; Pastor, 
A. N. Eldred ; Stewards, W. S. Farmer, C. H. Burbank, 
Milo Jennings. The Sabbath-school has about 60 pupils, 
and is under the superintendence of William S. Reese. 
Preaching and Sunday-school exercises are enjoyed every 
Sunday. 

United Brethren. — Previous to 1S55, members of the 
United Brethren faith in Pipestone worshiped occasion- 
ally in the Shanghai school-house and the school-house on 
section 9, but effected no organization until that year. The 
class numbered 12 members, and included Joseph Reems 
and wife,' Thomas Hoadley and wife, Helen Worth, and 
Jacob Puterbaugh and wife. The organization of the class 
was effected by Rev. Mr. Abdell, of the St. Joseph Confer- 
ence, and the leadership given to Jacob Puterbaugh, who 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



299 



is the leader at present. Mr. Abdell was the pastor for a 
time, and since his term the ehureh has been served by 
Revs. P. L. Forbes, Henry Hardy, Jolm Surran, J. B. 
Slite, and others. The present pastor is llev. J. H. Pattio, 
who preaches once in two weeks. Services were held in 
the school-house on section 9 until 1875, when the pres- 
ent church edifice was erected, at which time Rev. Mr. 
Webster was the pastor. 

The church grew apace in strength after organization, 
and before the close of the first year of its existence num- 
bered 40 members. In 1879, however, the membership 
was but 25. The trustees then were Charles Haskins, 
Wm. Lavineway, and Jacob Hartzell. Sabbath-school ses- 
sions are held in the church every Sunday. The pupils 
number 40. The superintendent is Walker Willis. An 
United Brethren class was organized at Shanghai at a com- 
paratively early day, and subsequently nieiged into the 
class at Sodus. Reference thereto is made in the history 
of Sodus. 

Wcsleyan Methodist. — A Wesleyan Methodist Church 
was organized in Berrien township in 1855, and trans- 
ferred in 1858 to Eau Claire, in Pipestone, where a reor- 
ganization was effected, with 6 members, Jesse Gray being 
chosen the first class-leader at that point. After an exist- 
ence of ten years, the class at Eau Claire was reduced to but 
a handful of members, who thereupon joined a class located 
at the red school-house, on section 20, at which time Wm. 
Brown was leader of the red school-house class. After a fur- 
ther existence of a few years, the red school-house class was 
discontinued, but in 187G a reorganization was effected at 
Shanghai, with 16 members, when Rev. Wm. S. Williams 
was placed in charge, and William Clark chosen class- 
leader. Since 1876, Revs. 0. S. Gurnell, 0. Tapley, and 
Homer Gane, of the Pipestone circuit, have supplied the 
preaching, which is provided every Sunday, at the Shang- 
hai school-house. Mrs. Illlizaboth King is now the leader 
of the clas.*, which has a membership of 2li. The church 
stewards are David J. Reams and Abigail Buckner. 

The Sunday-school has 30 pupils, under the charge of 
Charlotte Ilaskins (superintendent) and 8 teachers. 

First Germnn United Evmigelical Zion Churcli. — For 
some years previous to 1871 the Germans living in the 
northeastern portion of Pipestone met for occasional wor- 
ship in the school-hou.se on section 1, a majority of the 
worshipers adhering to the Evangelical faith. Preaching 
was obtained as it best could be, and although services were 
held at irregular periods, they were counted upon as often 
as once a month. It was not, however, until October 11, 
1871, that a church organization waseffected, at which tin)e 
the following members were enrolled : William Krohne, 
Henry Bachman, Frederick HoUe, Frederick Wolf, Henry 
Horstman, Frederick Furst, John Thumm, J. H. Rush, 
Frederick Miller, Jacob Thumm, Frederick Bachman, 
Chas. Bachman, Michael Bowman, Julius Hackstadt, Wil- 
liam Hackstadt. 

Earlier, by some years, a burial-place had been laid out 
by some of the leading Germans near the school-house, and 
in 1872 the church now used was erected upon the ceme- 
tery lot. The preachers who .served pri^vious to and since 
the organization of the church have been Revs. Fuerchter- 



nich, Henry Meyer (who lived in Pipestone and occupied 
the pulpit three years), Hermann, Fuertag, Sohroeppel, 
Copelge, and Nu.sbauni. The latter has been the pastor 
since 1876, and preaches once every fortnight for the Pipe- 
stone congregation. The church membership is now six- 
teen. The trustees are Frederick Wolf, William Martin, 
and H. Horstman. The secretary is William Langley. 

Eureka Hall, a neat and commodious frame edifice in 
the southern part of the township, is frequently used for 
religious worship. It was built in 1877, at a cost of $1200, 
by a company of Pipestone citizens for a public hall, and 
in the agreement between the proprietors it was stipulated 
that the building should be open at all times for the u.se of 
any religious denomination absolutely free of charge. 

EAU CLAIRK. 
The post-office on the south, known as Kau Claire, was 
established in 1861, through the efforts of William Smythe 
Farmer. Henry Rush was appointed postmaster, and kept 
the office in a store just over the Pipestone line in Berrien. 
When Mr. Farmer sought to have a post-office established 
there, he hit upon Eau Claire (meaning "clear water") as 
a neat name, and christened the place accordingly. Edwin 
Hart was the first storekeeper on the Pipe.stone side, and 
upon his retirement Geo. E. Tatman succeeded him. When 
Rush gave up the office, in 1874, Tatman was appointed, 
and removed the office into the Pipestone portion of Eau 
Claire. In 1877, Patrick Stapleton succeeded Tatman as 
storekeeper and postmaster, and still fills both positions. 

PLEASANT VALLEY POST-OFFICE. 
In 1870, Charles Bachman, living at Krohne's Corners, 
succeeded in having a post-office established at that point, 
lie was appointed postmaster, and used to go to Dowagiac 
twice a week for the mail. Bachman wearied of the office, 
and it fell to Sullivan Claus.sen, who was succeeded by Chas. 
Hartelrode, and when the latter resigned no one cared to 
take the place, whereupon the office was discontinued. 

PIPESTONE GRANGE, No. 194, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, 
was organized in 1873, with 33 members. Meetings were 
held in town school-houses until 1877, when a grange hall 
was built on section 1 6. 

The Masters of the grange since its organization have 
been W. Smythe Farmer, John Clark, Philip De Witt, 
and John Clark (present and second term). The grange 
membership is now twenty-nine. The officers are John 
Clark, Master; Philip Do Witt, Overseer; Mrs. Philip De 
Witt, Lecturer; Ca.ssius Hogue, Steward; Henry Bowman, 
Assistant Steward; Maria Robinson, Chaplain; Alvin 
Robinson, Treas. ; Anson Lewis, Sec. ; Helen Clark, Ceres; 
Josephine Lewis, Pomona ; Christina Bowman, Flora ; 
Sarah Hogue, Stewardess. 

A MEMOP.AIiLE WIND-HTORM. 

On the night of May 26, I860, that portion of Pipestone 
lying along the southern line of section 9 was visited by a 
violent tornado, which occasioned within a narrow limit not 
only serious destruction of property, but loss of life. Mrs. 
A. R. Robin.son, one of the sufferers from the disaster, re- 
lates the story as follows : Shortly after eleven o'clock upon 



300 



HISTORY OF BEREIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the night in question Mrs. Robinson was awakened from 
sleep by a roaring sound, and, springing hastily to the win- 
dow, was at once struck senseless by a sudden blow, and at 
the same instant the house — a log cabin — was utterly de- 
molished. Rain had been falling during the day, and at 
night was accompanied with violent thunder and vivid 
lightning. This was the condition of the elements when 
the house fell, while inky darkness added to the horror of the 
scene. In the house were Mr. and Mrs. William Worth 
and Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, with their two children, — the 
children being lodged in tlie second story. The house and 
its occupants were precipitated to the ground in a confused 
mass, but, as fortune would have it, no one was fatally in- 
jured. Mrs. Robinson had been struck upon her head by 
a falling log, but immediately recovered consciousness, and 
groped, with her husband, through the ruins after the chil- 
dren, one of whom was found to have a broken arm. With 
her in her arms, Mrs. Robinson, accompanied by her hus- 
band carrying the other child, and by the Worths, sought 
shelter at Philip De Witt's hou.se, on the opposite side of 
the road. Upon nearing De Witt's house they heard cries 
of distress, and knew that his family had also met with dis- 
aster. Hasty investigation revealed that the De Witt house 
— a frame structure — had been lifted bodily from its foun- 
dation and thrown upon its side, dislodging the inmates 
from their beds, and hurling upon them broken timbers, 
beneath which some of them were painfully confined. 
Working with desperate energy, those who were unharmed 
succeeded in rescuing the imprisoned ones, by which time 
other neighbors arrived, who conveyed the wounded to 
temporary homes. Mr. De Witt's four-year-old son was 
taken out in an unconscious condition, lingered but a few 
days, and died. The bed which contained another young 
child of Dc Witt's was blown through a window into the 
adjoining lot, with the child still in it, and so little was the 
latter disturbed that she simply cried out to know " why 
her ma had left her out in the rain ?" 

The storm, when at its height, was confined to a narrow 
limit, and concentrated its strength in the vicinity of the 
Robinson and De Witt places, no similar disasters occurring 
elsewhere in the township at the time, and the wind being 
in fact but moderately felt at other points. The blow was 
over in an instant, as if opposing blasts had met in battle 
array, and after a moment's conflict had parted and fled. 

The theory generally accepted was that strong southeast 
and southwest currents crossed each other at the scene of 
disaster, and by their suddenly-combined force had leveled 
every obstacle with the ground. 

So great was the power of the tornado that the bed upon 
which Mrs. Robin.son's children had been sleeping was car- 
ried half a mile, and lodged in a swamp ; a length of stove- 
pipe was carried from Mr. Robinson's house to a place three 
miles distant ; great trees were blown down, peach-trees were 
stripped of their bark, fences were scattered far and wide over 
the fields, twenty of Mr. Robinson's hens were killed (many 
of which had their feathers blown ofi" as complete as if picked 
by hand, while some were actually disemboweled), and to 
cap the climax grains of wheat were blown from Robinson's 
house into an old stump, where they were found as deeply 
imbedded as if shot into it from a gun. 



Altogether, this was a memorable incident in the lives of 
those who witnes.sed it, and to some of them at least the 
shock was so severe that to this day the recurrence of a 
wind-storm occasions extraordinary terror. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ROBERT CASSIDAY. 

We have had occasion to mention the subject of this 
sketch several times in connection with the early history of 
this township and Berrien County. Thinking that his 
many friends might be pleased with an account of his per- 
sonal career, we give a brief sketch of his life. 

Robert Cassiday came to this State from Northern Ohio 
as early as the fall of 1829 ; spent that winter in St. Joseph 
County, where the village of Constantine now stands, and 
manufactured from a bowlder the first pair of millstones that 
ever ground wheat or corn in St. Joseph County. Subse- 
quently, in the year 1832, moved to Berrien County, and 
in the year 1834 he married Sabrina Park, of Geauga Co., 
Ohio, and settled in Niles, where he continued to reside 
until 1854, when he moved to his present farm, where he 
has since lived. 

Mr. Cassiday is one of the few men who has seen a half 
century pass since first coming to the State of Michigan, 
and one of the very few living, of whom there will soon be 
none, who came into Western Michigan before 1830. The 
remembrance of a people prosperous and enjoying a high 
state of civilization is due to those who bore the burden 
and toil of its early settlement. 



GEORGE C. HARTMAN. 
This gentleman, the second in a family of four children, 
was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 6, 1822. His 
father was a native of New York, and his mother of Con- 
necticut. At the age of twenty-two he left home and spent 
a number of years in traveling throughout the United 
States, remauiing four winters in New Orleans, and finally 
stopping in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he met Miss Kate F. 
Farmer, who became his wife on the 23d of August, 1851. 
Her father was a native of New Jersey, and her mother of 
New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman became the parents of 
six children, of whom five are now living. In the M\ of 
1851, Mr. Hartman visited Michigan, and in 1854 located 
in the township of Pipestone. In 1860 he occupied his 
present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which was 
then covered with heavy timber, and he has since cleared 
one hundred and seventy acres, being now the owner of a 
finely-improved farm and a pleasant home. In politics he 
is a Republican, but not in any sense an office-seeker. He 
was reared a Presbyterian, but neither he nor his wife 
belong to any religious body. Their four sons are living at 
home, and their daughter is married, and living in the town 
of Sodus. The work of clearing up a farm is always at- 
tended with extreme labor and many hardships, even though 
the adjoining region may be thickly settled, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Hartman are, in this sense at least, true pioneers. 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



301 



JOSIAH GANO. 

This gentleman was the eldest in a family of six chil- 
dren, and was born May 22, 1827, in Paris, Ohio. His 
father, John Gano, removed at an early day from Virginia 
to Ohio, and in the latter State became acquainted with and 
married Jane Kelsey. Josiah Gano lived with his father 




tained one hundred and sixty acres, and was in the midst 
of the heavy timber, the nearest road being one mile dis- 
tant. Mr. Gano worked zealously to clear and improve his 
farm, and his labors were crowned with most gratifying 
success. He died April 15, 1875, and Mrs. Gano and her 
children have since managed the aflFairs of the farm. Mr. 
Gano was possessed of a good common-school education. 




JOSIAH GANO. 

until he was twenty-three years of age, when he was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret Calvin, daughter of Robert and Mar- 
garet Calvin; their union being consummated July 3, 1850. 
Their children, six in number, — -two sons and four daugh- 
ters, — are all living. After his marriage Mr. Gano worked 
his father's farm about four years, and in 1854 removed, 
with his family, to Michigan, settling in Pipestone town- 
ship, Berrien Co. The place on which he located con- 



AMASA AND NORMAN C. PRESTON. 

Araasa Preston, father of Norman C. Preston, was born 
in Connecticut, Dec. 2, 1788. When he was ten years of 
age he moved, with his parents, to the then western wilds 
of Ohio, settling in Portage County, and remained with 
his parents until his marriage, April 25, 1811, to Electa 
Johnson, a native of Massachusetts. He raised a family of 
six daughters and two sons, — Aliso and Norman C, the 
latter (the youngest .son) being born in Portage County, 
Aug. 25, 1814. In 1838 the family removed to Van Wert 
Co., Ohio, where Norman entered one hundred and sixty 
acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved, and 
there he made his home for ten years. 

Sept. 10, 1846, Norman Preston married Mrs. Sarah 
Cook, who wa.s a native of Richland Co., Ohio, born Sept. 
25, 1829, but at the time of her marriage a resident of 
Van Wert County. 

In the fall of 1 848, accompanied by his parents and two 
sisters, he removed to Berrien County, and purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in the township of Pipe- 
stone, upon which, with his father, he lived until his death, 
which occurred July 31, 1862. He was universally be- 



MRS. JOSIAH GANO. 

In politics he was a Republican, but always respectfully 
declined to accept oflBce. His religious views were of a 
liberal nature. Mr. Gano at one time suffered the loss of 
his buildings by fire, and met various other losses, but at 
his death left his family in comfortable circumstances. His 
loss was sincerely and deeply mourned, and a loving wife 
awaits the summons of the death-angel, when she shall 
join him in a better land. 



loved and respected. His widow and three children (Zo- 
etta, Milton, and Artlissa) survive. In his will Mr. Pres- 
ton made provision for the care of his aged father and 
mother while they lived. His mother died April 26, 1863, 
and his father married Mrs. Sarah Allen, March 13, 1864. 
The latter, notwithstanding she was sixty-five years of age, 
was as active as a girl of twenty years ; she celebrated her 
eightieth birthday in September, 1879, at the home of Mrs. 
Sarah Wells. Her husband, the father of Norman C, died 
April 2, 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. 
He was a devoted Christian, and a member of the church 
for over sixty years. 

Mrs. Norman C. Preston married, Sept. 13, 1863, Wash- 
ington P. Wells. They resided on the estate until her son 
attained his majority, when they moved on to a small place 
which they had purchased, and which was formerly a part 
of the homestead. The fruit of this union was two chil- 
dren, Asa W. and Sarah E. Wells. Mr. Wells' death oc- 
curred Aug. 31, 1876. Mrs. Wells is still living in her 
home, enjoying the society of her children, and of many 
kind and endeared friends. 

Milton Wells is living upon the old homestead, which he 



302 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



is improving and beautifying. On the 29th of October, 
1879, he was married to Miss Alice Trowbridge, an esti- 
mable young lady of the same township. 



THOMAS EVANS 

was born in Wales, March 5, 1828, and was the sixth in a 
family of twelve children. His fiither, John Evans, emi- 
grated, with his family, to the United States in 1838, and 
settled in Portage Co., Ohio, where he remained until his 
death, in March, 1849, his occupation having been that of 
a farmer. Thomas Rvans remained at home with his 
mother, working on the farm, thrashing and at various 
other employments, until April, 1852, when he went to 
California. His stay in the new El Dorado was of short 
duration, however, and in October, 1853, he returned to 
Ohio. Jan. 25, 1854, he was married to Miss Margaret, 
daughter of David and Elizabeth Jones, who were also 
natives of Wales. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Evans 
are four in number: Allie E., born Nov. 29, 1856 ; Charles 
D., born Jan. 21, 1859 ; Henry J., born March 10, 1860, 
died Aug. 16, 1871 ; Prank ¥., born Oct. 16, 1863. In 
November, 1854, Mr. Evans and his wife came to Michi- 
gan, and after paying his bills at Berrien he had eighteen 
dollars left. The journey from Berrien to Sodus, eight 
miles, was performed on foot. In July, 1855, Mr. Evans 
purchased eighty acres of land, on which he now resides, 
and paid for it mostly by chopping cord-wood. He has 
since made an additional purcha.se of two hundred and 
twenty acres, and is now a successful and enterprising 
farmer. His early advantages for obtaining an education 
were limited, and after coming to this country he attended 
school but very little. Mr. Evans voted for two Demo- 
cratic Presidents, but has since been a staunch Republican, 
and during the great civil war maintained his position by 
volunteering and serving in Company I, 24th Michigan 
Volunteer Infantry. In 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Evans joined 
and have since been members of the United Brethren 
Church. 



WILLIAM RIDENOUR. 

This gentleman was born in the State of Ohio, May 18, 
1830, and was the sixth of a family of seven children, the 
offspring of Jacob and Lettie (Brown) Ridenour. Jacob 
Ridenour was a native of Maryland, and at an early age re- 
moved to Ohio with his father, who was a German by birth. 
The wife of the latter was born in Virginia, in 1795, that 
being also the native State of her father. Her mother, who 
was a native of Kentucky, survived to the great age of one 
hundred and four years. The parents of William Ridenour 
are still living, at an advanced age. In the fall of 1832 they 
removed to Michigan, and located near the Crystal Springs 
in Cass County. When William had reached his sixteenth 
year he made his first purchase of land, including forty 
acres in Cass County, paying for the same at the rate of 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and laboring by the 
month in order to earn money to meet the payments. His 
life away from home was, therefore, begun as a farm-hand 
for wages usual at the time. By industry, perseverance, 
and economy he at length was in possession of a well-im- 



proved though small farm. In 1854 he dispcsed of it, and 
purchased that on which he now resides, a view of which is 
inserted in this work. In this same year (1854) he was 
married to Miss Brown, who bore him two children. They, 
with their mother, were all buried by the stricken husband 
and father during the year 1861. In June, 1862, Mr. 
Ridenour was married to Mary, daughter of Henry and 
Lodema Shaul, who were natives of New York, but re- 
moved to Michigan when their daughter was but .seven 
years of age. This union has been blessed with one child, 
a son, Henry, born May 27, 1863. The advantages for 
obtaining an education were limited in Mr. Ridenour's case, 
as the backwoods schools were hardly up to the standard of 
those of the present day. His religious views are of a lib- 
eral nature, and in politics he is a Republican. 



MRS. MARY (PATTISON) BURTON. 

This estimable lady was born in Leicestershire, England, 
Jan. 3, 1815, and was the youngest in a family of three 
children. Her mother died about 1818, in England, and 





MRS. MARY (PATTISON) BURTON. 

her father emigrated with his children to America in the 
same year, settling at Philadelphia. For five or six years 
the daughter lived with a family in Washington. On the 
23d of January, 1833, she was married to James Burton, 
who was also a native of England, and who had come to 
America in 1827, and settled in Pennsylvania. Mr. and 
Mrs. Burton became the parents of five sons and four 
daughters, and five of the number are now living. After 
living in different localities for several years, Mr. Burton 
settled, with his family, in the township of Pipestone, Ber- 
rien Co., Mich., on what is now the Burton homestead, 
where his death occurred, Sept. 13, 1854. 

A farm of eighty acres was left to his widow and seven 
children. Mr. Burton was acknowledged to be an honest, 
industrious man, a good manager, a worthy citizen, and a 



TOWNSHIP OF PIPESTONE. 



303 



generous and true friend. Mrs. Burton died in 1878, and 
her loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Her 
presence at the bedside of the sick was a comfort ; her 
benevolence was bounded only by her means. William 
and Edward Burton, sons of the above, cause this biogra- 
phy and the accompanying portrait to be inserted in this 
volume. William served three years during the war as a 
sergeant in the 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. These 
gentlemen are both Republicans. Their father never took 
an active part in politics. 



MILES DAVIS, 



the seventh child in a family of nine, — five .sons and four 
daughters, — was born Sept. 12, 1830, in Cambria Co., Pa. 
His parents were natives of Wales, and emigrated to America 
early in the present century. They were married in Penn- 
sylvania, Feb. 8, 1816, and removed to Ohio in 1844. In 
1848 they settled in Pipestone township, Berrien Co., 
Mich., where Mrs. Davis died the same year, and where 
Mr. Davis died, March 20, 1879. Miles Davis remained 
at home until after the death of his mother, when he took 
up his abode with his brother, and continued to live with 
him until March 22, 185G, when he was married to Miss 
Phcfibe Fisher, daughter of Ambrose and Mary Fisher. 
Their children are L. L. Davis, born May 10, 1857, died 
March 25, 1858 ; Effie A. Davis, born March 16, 1859 ; 
William B. Davis, born Jan. 24, 1862. In 1854, Mr. 
Davis purchased eighty acres of land, included in his pres- 
ent home on section 34, and has since become the owner 
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35. His school 
days were not of long continuance. He attended district 
school about three months in the year, and assisted in his 
father's farm-work the balance of the time, until the death 
of his mother. He is an industrious and successful farmer, 
and can view with conscious pride the present happy home, 
the outcome of years of toil. Among his townsmen he is 
prominent and respected, and has been placed by them in 
numerous offices, — treasurer, town clerk, etc. — and is now 
serving his second term as supervisor. In politics he is 
Democratic. Both he and his wife have been members of 
the Christian or Disciples' Church since 1864. 

The parents of Mrs. Davis were natives of Portage Co., 
Ohio, and were married Aug. 25, 1830. In 1845 they 
moved to Michigan. They were the parents of ten chil- 
dren, — five sons and five daughters. Mrs. Davis, the oldest 
daughter, was born May 5, 1838. Her father, who was 
born Nov. 13, 1813, died Sept. 12, 1853; her mother was 
born May 11, 1812, and is now making her home among 
her children, of whom six are living. 



MORGAN ENOS, M.D., 

was the third in a family of seven children, and was born 
in Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 23, 1804. His father was a 
native of Connecticut, and his mother of Massachusetts, 
and from this sturdy New England stock the doctor de- 
rived the attributes which enabled him to win an honorable 
position as a self-made man. His early days were spent in 



school, until he became of sufficient age to assist his father 
on the farm, when he only attended school winters, working 
for his board. As soon as his education was sufficient 
to qualify him to teach, he entered the arena as an in- 
structor, at the same time continuing his studies. At the 
age of twenty he began the study of medicine with Dr. 
Crowley, and afterwards studied with Dr. C. C. Cady, and 




MORGAN ENOS, M.D. 

attended lectures at Geneva College. About 1828 he com- 
menced the practice of medicine in Wayne Co., N. Y., and 
was married in that county, at Huron, to Elizabeth Clark, 
daughter of William and Sophronia Clark, who were also 
natives of Connecticut. Four children were the fruit of 
this union, and all are now living. In 1837 the doctor and 
his wife removed to Michigan, remaining in Benton town- 
ship until the fall, when they located in Pipestone town- 
ship, where the doctor followed farming and continued in 
the practice of his profession. His death occurred Sept. 
24, 1868. Dr. Enos was a man universally respected and 
honored, and many friends mourned his loss. He was a 
Whig in his early days, and eventually became a Republi- 
can. He represented his district one term in the State 
Legislature, and also held numerous township offices. He 
was for some years supervisor of Pipestone township, and 
was its first clerk. Mrs. Enos outlived her husband ten 
years, and died Oct. 14, 1878. She was in every respect 
an estimable lady. The religious views of Dr. Enos and 
his wife were liberal. Two of their children are married. 
The oldest — now Mrs. Webster — resides on the old home- 
stead, and her sister Juliet makes her home with her. The 
latter causes the accompanying portrait of her father to be 
inserted in this work. 



304 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



CHAPTER XL. 



ROYALTON TO"WNSHIP.' 



Early Settlements and Settlers — Township Organization and Civil 
List — Schools — Churches — Fruit Grange. 

RoTALTON, numbered as town 5 south, in range 18 west, 
is but a fractional township, and contains about nineteen 
sections. On the north it is bounded by Sodus and St. Jo- 
seph, on the south by Oronoko and Lake, on the east by 
Sodus, and on the west by Lincoln. Its northern and eastern 
borders are defined by the St. Joseph River, which flows in 
a tortuous course, and marks the dividing line between 
Sodus and Royalton. 

Royalton is a rich agricultural town, and an excellent 
fruit-growing region. Among the most extensive fruit- 
growers may be mentioned William H. Tryon, Dr. E. Hall, 
Abijah Birdsey, the Hollywood brothers, Mrs. Sarah 
Taylor, William Pike, H. H. Roe. Lewis Scofield, H. L. 
Scofield, and Henry AshhofF. The nearest railway stations 
are at Stevensville, in Lincoln township, and at the village 
of St. Joseph. 

SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS. 

William Pike, now living in Royalton township, assisted, 
with his father, John Pike, at the first white settlement 
in Royalton, and is to-day the " oldest inhabitant" of that 
region. 

John Pike, originally from North Carolina, went from 
there to Ohio, thence to Vigo Co., Ind., and in 1829 to the 
river bottom near Berrien Springs. He remained there 
until 1832, when he removed to Royalton with his wife 
and six children, of whom the only one imw living is Wil- 
liam Pike. He entered and settled upon 80 acres in the 
northwest corner of the present township, near the river, the 
place being now owned by Abijah Birdsey. At the same 
time he entered 80 acres on section 7, which he afterwards 
gave to his son William, and upon a portion of which the 
latter now resides. Three years afterwards he entered 80 
acres adjoining the farm upon which he settled. There he 
resided until about 1842, when, his wife dying, he moved 
to Indiana, and eventually to Iowa in 1859, where ho died 
in 1867, aged eighty-eight. 

William Pike lived with his father on the Royalton farm 
from 1832 to 1834, when he removed to St. Joseph and 
there remained six years. In 1840 he returned to Royal- 
ton, and, with his axe, gun, dog, and eighteen pence in his 
pocket, took possession of the farm his father had given him, 
which was then an unbroken forest. Wolves and Indians 
became familiar to his sight, but he kept steadily at his 
task of clearing the land, and upon that place he has con- 
tinued to live and thrive to the present day. 

The settler next following John Pike was Jehial Enos. 
He was a young bachelor who came to Michigan in 1829, 
and in that year was employed as cook and " packer" for 
the surveying party, which then, under Lucius Lyon (after- 
wards member of Congress), surveyed that portion of Ber- 
rien County lying between the St. Joseph River and Lake 
Michigan. Enos' business as a " packer" required him 

* By David Schwartz. 



to carry provisions and other supplies through the woods 
from supply-stations to the surveying-oatnp, and a very un- 
comfortable and troublesome time he had of it. William 
Pike was also a " chain-man" in the same surveying party. 

In the summer of 1832, Mr. Enos entered 80 acres ad- 
joining John Pike, spent some time thereafter in St. Joseph, 
and then settled upon his farm, where, however, he remained 
but three years, when he moved to Millburg, in Benton town- 
ship, his present abode. 

The next settler upon Enos' place was Josephus Gard, 
who acquired it in 1835 from a Mr. Porter, a non-resident. 
Gard lived on the farm until his death in 1838. Some of 
his descendants live in the county, but none now reside in 
the township. 

Joseph and Edward Smith were sons of Timothy S. 
Smith, who laid out in 1834 a village called Royalton 
(then in Royalton township, but now in Lincoln), and 
located in 1833 upon land occupying the present northeast 
corner of the town, in the bend of the river. Mr. Smith 
had settled some five or six years before that time on the 
east bank of Hickory Creek, in what is now the township 
of Lincoln. Previous to that time the Smith boys had 
been boating on the river, but after buying farms settled 
down and were for a while industrious husbandmen. In a 
short time, however, they sold out their land. P]dward 
soon entered a farm on section 8, where he remained about 
ten years, and then, selling to James Carlton, went to Cali- 
fornia, where he is still living. Joseph died in Royalton 
soon after selling his farm. 

In the spring of 1834, David Shearer and Eli, his son, 
with Adam J. Briney, of Darke Co., Ohio, journeyed in 
company on horseback to Michigan for the purpose of locat- 
ing land. They visited William Lemon, of Berrien town- 
ship (whom they knew well), and upon asking his advice as 
to where they had better settle, were informed that he knew 
where there was land that would suit them. Thereupon he 
accompanied them to what is now section 19, Royalton town- 
ship, and the land proving acceptable they subsequently 
entered upon that section, David Shearer 160, Eli Shearer 
80, and Briney 160 acres. Briney and the Shearers returned 
to Ohio, and in the fall of 1834 David Shearer started with his 
family for the Michigan farms. David Shearer, a widower 
with seven children, had married a widow with six children, 
so that when he started for Michigan he had a family of 
thirteen children to bear him company, besides Abner 
Shearer, a nephew, who remained in Michigan only about a 
year. David Shearer was originally from North Carolina, 
and removed thence to Kentucky, and from there to Ohio. 

The journey from Ohio to Michigan was made with four 
two-horse wagons, and after cutting a road from the St. 
Joseph road to section 19, they landed safely upon their new 
lands in the almost trackless forest. While the sturdy mem- 
bers of the family engaged in the hurried construction of a 
log cabin, all hands were rudely sheltered by the side of a 
prostrate tree, where they had their abiding-place and " kept 
house" until the more convenient cabin was prepared for 
them. Eli and his wife lived with the old folks until Eli 
completed a cabin for himself, and then they turned their 
attention to clearing their land and preparing for crops. 

In that portion of Royalton no settlers had preceded the 




Among the citizens of Royalton township none have a more credit- 
able position in its society than has Henry Ashoflf, who was born near 
Herford, Westphalia, Prussia, May 1, 1827. His early life was spent 
with his father on a farm. At the age of eight he entered school, at- 
tending until he was fourteen, being allowed only two weeks' vacation 
in twelve months. The educational system in Prussia is one of the 
best, and America may well take pattern. At the age of fourteen he 
left school, working on the farm in summer, and being taught in 
winter by a private teacher, reciting astronomy and natural history. 
At the age of twenty-one he was drafted into the Prussian army 
(1848), serving three years as grenadier in Berlin. He entered as 
private, and at the end of the first year was promoted and put on duty 
at headquarters, serving the last year as corporal and teacher. He was 
honorably discharged on the 21st of September, 1861. Returning 
home, he assisted his father on the farm for the next twenty months. In 
May, 1853, he sailed for America. The vessel upon which he embarked 
was a sail-vessel by the name of "Magdalane," one hundred and sixty- 
five passengers were aboard. He lauded August 25th, at New York. 
He went from there to Philadelphia by boat. He had just nine dollars 
when he landed, a stranger in a strange land, unable to speak any- 
thing but the German language. After staying in Philadelphia one 
week, he passed over to New Jersey, hiring to work in a brick-yard at 
one dollar per day. He was taken sick immediately, and for three 
weeks was unable to work. He was obliged to sell his watch and a 
part of his clothes to pay his bills. Returning to Philadelphia, he 
entered a hospital, where he remained for nine weeks. As soon as he 
was able to leave the hospital he again tried farming, going twenty 
miles from Philadelphia, and hiring for the small sum of five dollars 
per month. Soon after he was employed as a hand on the railroad, 
working on a tunnel which was then being built in Bucks Co., Pa. 
Having a desire to push farther west, he started for Chicago; remain- 
ing there but a few days, he passed over to St. Joseph, landing there 
the 13th of September, 1854, working in a saw-mill in summer, and 
chopping cord-wood in winter. 

April 15, 1855, he married Mrs. Emma M., widow of John 
Randal, and oldest daughter of Joseph Gard, of St. Joseph. Six 
children blessed this union, viz.: James B., Viola, Martha, Hiram, 
William, and Mary. Viola is the wife of John Geisler, living in 
Watervliet. Mr. Gard deeded to Mr. Ashoff eighty acres, where he 



now lives. He has since added twenty acres. This farm is located 
in Royalton township, section 20. Mr. Ashofif owns land in St. 
Joseph and Lincoln townships, and has cleared eighty acres since he 
has been in this State. 

Mrs. Ashoflf died Jan. 4, 1873. Aug. 6, 1873, he married for his 
second wife Elizabeth Kniebes, of Bainbridge, widow of Christian 
Kniebes, and daughter of William Duckshier. In politics Mr. Ashofi" 
is a Democrat. His integrity and uprightness won the confidence of 
his fellow-citizens, and he has been chosen to many positions of 
honor and responsibility; and he has ever discharged their duties 
with credit to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of the people. 
Among the offices which he has held are the following : elected town- 
ship treasurer in 1858, held the office six years; in 1866 supervisor 
and school inspector, serving six years in each ; in 1869 justice of 
the peace, still holding the office; in 1872 appointed treasurer by the 
township board; in 1873 re-elected supervisor for three years; in 1875 
elected to the State equalization board at Lansing; in 1876-77 re- 
elected treasurer. He has been appointed administrator to settle up 
several estates, always giving entire satisfaction. Mr. Ashoff has been 
a member of the Evangelical Church for twenty years. He has held 
different offices in the church, having been class-leader for eighteen 
years. He has been filling offices of trust, both in State and Church, 
almost all the time since his first arrival in America. In reading 
this short sketch of the eventful life of Mr. Ashofl", the correct conclu- 
sion of any one must be that he is no ordinary man. His early edu- 
cation, so thoroughly instilled, has prepared him to fill any office of 
trust into which he may be placed. In connection with his education, 
his energy and industry have made him such a man that the commu- 
nity in which he lives can but regard him as one whom they cannot 
well lose, or, if lost, whose place cannot be filled. What a pleasure it 
must be, when life is drawing towards its close of activity, for one to 
look back on its varied shadows and sunshine, its struggles and 
triumphs, and feel that they have lived to some purpose, having bene- 
fited mankind in having lived. Such a one, surely, is Mr. Ashofl", 
who has devoted so much of his time for the good of those around 
him, not only to municipal affairs, but his time and talents have been 
given to the cause of his Master; this he can review certainly with a 
calm and serene feeling, born of an unfaltering trust in One " who 
doeth all things well." 



TOWNSHIP OP ROYALTON. 



305 



Shearers, and they were as mucli apart from comumnion 
with their own race as if they had been east adrift upon 
the ocean. They had no time, however, to think of the 
loneliness of their situation, for they had that to engage 
their attention which gave them no leisure for idle thought, 
and so they worked bravely amid the wolves and Indians, 
and grew contented with their lot. " Going to mill" was 
one of the unpleasant features of existence, but it was one 
of necessity and importance. Although there was a mill 
at Niles, the Shearers chose to go to Prairie Ronde, thirty- 
eight miles distant, and to that point the journey was often 
made. In those days of unbroken roads a trip of seventy- 
six miles was no .slight alFair, and that it was going to mill 
under difiBculties may easily be understood. 

David Shearer lived upon his farm until his death, in 
1865. Of the thirteen children who came to Royalton with 
him, those now living are Eli Shearer, Andrew Shearer, 
Sarah Briney, Catharine Boughton, and Lizzie P]dwards. 

When the Shearers came in, Clark Pennell and his 
father were keeping what was known as a tavern, on the 
St. Joseph road, near the present bridge over the Buckhorn 
Creek. Pennell's log tavern was a shabby concern, so saith 
the report of those who knew it, but it was much frequented 
by travelers passing between St. Joseph and Berrien, and 
drove a flourishing trade for a while. The Pennells grew 
tired of the business and the country in a short time, how- 
ever, and moved to Indiana in 1835. One Spencer suc- 
ceeded as the landlord, and after an experience of about a 
year, relinquished the tavern to D. M. Drum, who kept it 
several years and proved its last proprietor. The place was 
long known as the Buckhorn tavern, by reason of the pres- 
ence over the tavern-shed of a pair of buck's horns, placed 
there by William H. Tryon, the slayer of the bucks. 

Early in the fall of 1834, Rowland Tryon and his son, 
William H., made the journey on foot from Indiana to 
Royalton in search of land, and decided to locate 80 acres 
upon section 29, in Royalton. Tryon the elder visited the 
land-office at Kalamazoo to enter the farm. Upon his ar- 
rival, in the evening, he learned that some other person was 
determined upon entering the same lot, and, the land-office 
being then closed for the day, Tryon resolved to be up 
bright and early the next morning for a move on the office, 
for fear the other man might get in ahead of him. At 
daylight, accordingly, he was astir, and soon afterwards took 
his place at the land-office door, so that as soon as the agent 
appeared he made his application, effected his entry, and 
was happy, which was far from the condition of feeling en- 
joyed by the other, when, applying at a later hour to enter 
the land, he learned that some one had been before him. 

Having .secured his farm, Mr. Tryon and his son returned 
to Indiana, and began to make arrangements for the trans- 
portation of the entire family, consisting of father, mother, 
and five children, to Michigan. The country was new, and 
roads of any kind few and far between. When the Tryon 
family came to Royalton, in 1834, the road from Berrien to 
St. Joseph was being cut out, and at that time offisred but 
a poor thoroughfare for the traveler. The Tryons camped 
out upon their new farm and lived a week, when they moved 
into a small log cabin, hastily built by Mr. Tryon and his 
two sons, William and John. They managed to make 
39 



it do that winter, and in the spring, with the assistance of 
neighbors, who came promptly to their relief, they effected 
material improvements in the family dwelling, and in the 
fall brought it forward to the dignity of a double log house. 

During the winter succeeding the arrival of the family, 
William, the eldest son, managed, with some assistance 
from his father, to clear considerable land, so that in the 
spring they were enabled to make a respectable start towards 
raising crops. Old Mr. Tryon, who had been a sailor, did 
not take at first with much enthusiasm to the business of 
clearing land, and William was therefore called upon to take 
the lead in pioneer labor. He has resided in Royalton since 
his first settlement, and still lives upon section 29. His 
father died upon the old place in 1875, and his mother in 
1878. His brother John, who came with the family from 
Indiana, is also a resident of Royalton. When Mr. Tryon 
moved in, his nearest neighbors were Eli and David Shearer 
and a man by the name of Bogart, who was living on the 
river's bank, upon the place now occupied by Dr. E. Hall. 
Bogart is supposed to have located there with his family as 
early as 1833, but in 1837 removed to Missouri. 

In October, 1835, Adam J. Briney, who had, with the 
Shearers, located land in Royalton the year before, con- 
cluded to move, with his wife and four children, to his new 
farm, although he had for a twelvemonth been hesitating 
to make the change. With him also came William Mil- 
tenberger, with his wife and child, and William Baumgart- 
ner, a young man fired with an ambition to explore the 
western wilds, — ^these being all residents of Darke Co., 
Ohio. They had akso in their company Eli Shearer and 
wife, who had returned to Ohio from Michigan lor a hur- 
ried visit. 

The journey was made with wagons, and upon reaching 
Royalton Briney and his wife located at Eli Shearer's 
house, where they remained two weeks, by which time 
Briney had put up a cabin on a place adjoining Shearer. 
He had there 160 acres, upon which he resided about ten 
years, when he removed to a place on section 19, north of 
his first location, and there he lived until his death, in 
1875, leaving a widow, who still lives on the place. 

William Miltenberger, whose mother had married David 
Shearer, resided at her house upon his arrival in Royalton 
with his wife and child, and for a year or so labored upon 
his own and the farms of neighbors. At the expiration of 
that period, having entered 80 acres upon section 30, he 
moved upon his farm, and there still resides in the log house 
into which he first moved. 

Baumgartner remained in Royalton but a short time, 
doing service as a farm laborer, and then returned to Ohio. 
He came back to Michigan after a while, and worked about 
here and there, eventually settling, however, in Royalton, 
upon section 18, where he now lives. 

David Ball was a settler in Royalton as early as 1834, 
upon section 13. Little can be said of him, save that he 
had a family of four children, and moved out of the town- 
ship in 1839, after selling his farm to Robert Hollywood. 

Hollywood was a linen-bleacher in Ireland, and, coming 
to this country about 1820, became a sailor. He sailed the 
lakes with Captain White, on the steamer " William Penn," 
from Buffiilo to Chicago, during the Black Hawk war, and 



306 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



afterwards, in 1834, was commander and owner* of the 
steamboat " Davy Crockett," which plied on the St. Joseph 
River. After navigating the " Crockett" about four years 
that vessel was lost at a place on the river now known as 
Crockett's Island, and Captain Hollywood then took charge 
of the ferry at St. Joseph. In 1839 he purchased the 
farm of David Ball, in Royalton (120 acres), and moving 
upon it, remained there until his death, in 1851. His .sons 
— Robe/t T. and Job W. — now occupy and own the estate, 
to which they have added 90 acres and made it one of the 
finest and most profitable farms in Royalton. 

In the fall of 1831, Theodore C. Abbe, of Oswego, hav- 
ing purchased land in the township of St. Joseph, in Michi- 
gan, visited Massachusetts, where his widowed mother and 
family were living, and persuaded them to remove to the 
West with him. In the spring of 1832, accordingly, Theo- 



trip to Detroit via the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, and 
started from Detroit for Niles with a team ; but the roads 
proved to be so bad, that after proceeding less than one- 
half the distance he and his children abandoned the wagon 
and footed it to Niles, a distance of nearly one hundred 
miles. After sojourning in Niles about two weeks, Mr. 
Danforth went to St. Joseph, where he busied himself for 
a year at various matters, and then purchasing a farm in 
Royalton, upon .section 7, moved there in the spring of 
1838. Mr. Danforth remained upon that farm until 1850, 
when he moved to the residence of his son, J. B. Danforth, 
upon section 12, the latter having located there in 1847, 
and resided there until his death, in 1858. The only one 
of Mr. Danforth's children now living in Royalton is J. B., 
above mentioned. 

About 1840, Dennis Kelley, residing in Chicago, moved. 





A. G. ABBK. 



MRS. A. G. ABBE. 



dore, his mother, sister, and two brothers sailed from Os- 
wego for Detroit. At the latter point they procured an 
ox-team and lumber-wagon, with which they proceeded to 
Niles. There a pirogue was obtained, and in that the 
family, except A. G. Abbe, one of Theodore's brothers, 
and the lumber-wagon, sailed down the St. Joseph River 
to Royalton village, while A. G. drove the oxen overland to 
that place. A. G. lived in Royalton until his brother 
Theodore died, and then he became a river boatman. He 
plied on the St. Joseph nine years, worked at his trade as 
carpenter two years more, and in 1847 located upon a farm 
in Royalton township, entered with zeal and energy upon a 
pioneer life, and although a settler after many others in that 
town, made his home upon land covered with timber, and 
untouched until then by the woodman's axe. Mr. Abbe 
has resided in Royalton since his settlement in 1847, and 
still lives upon the farm which then became his home. 

Samuel Danforth, a widower with four children, left 
Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1837, with two of his children, for 
the West, intending to locate in Michigan. He made the 



* This statement conflicts with that given of the " Crockett" by J. 
W. Brewer, Esq., of St. Joseph. See pp. 42, 43. 



with hi.s family, to Michigan, and purchasing 120 acres in 
Royalton, on section 21, settled upon it without delay. This 
land is now owned by Dr. E. Hall and by the S. P. Phil- 
lips estate. One Hogart, who had occupied the place at 
an early date and moved away after a short sojourn, had 
cleared about 15 acres, and when Kelley arrived he found 
matters happily so far advanced that he began straightway 
to raise crops. He lived on the place twelve years, when 
upon the death of his wife he sold out and moved to Niles. 
Of the eight children who came to Royalton with Mr. 
Kelley all are living, but only one of them (Michael) re- 
sides in Royalton. 

Luther K. Hyde and Samuel Davis, brothers-in-law, re- 
siding in Wayne Co., N. Y., left that country, with their 
families, June 13, 1843, — Hyde having seven children and 
Davis six. They traveled with a two-horse team to each 
family, and started for Illinois, where they proposed to settle. 
They reached Niles, Mich., without mishap, where Davis 
fell sick, but after a week's halt they went forward. Hyde 
was opposed to locating in Illinois, while Davis was opposed 
to locating anywhere else. When they had got as far as 
Pigeon River, Iiid., however, Davis allowed himself to be 
persuaded in favor of a settlement in Michigan, and from 



TOWNSHIP OF ROYALTON. 



307 



Pigeon River, therefore, the party came to a rest again in 
Bertrand, Mich. Finding an empty log cabin in the woods, 
they lodged their families therein and looked about for land. 
Davis traded his horses, wagon, and harness for 80 acres 
in what is now Lincoln township. Hyde went to Berrien 
Springs and worked with his team until December, 1843, 
when he bought a farm in Royalton. The place contained 
50 acres, and had belonged to one Gilson, who in passing 
down Buckhorn hill one day with his team fell from his 
wagon and was run over and killed. For that 50 acres 
Mr. Hyde gave his horses, harness, and fifty dollars, and 
upon the farm he has since then continued to reside. 

Alanson Risley, of Illinois, emigrated to Michigan in 
1846, and made a bargain with Asa Knapp for 160 acres 
of land upon section 25, in the township of Royalton, 
which Knapp had bought with the intention of making a 
permanent home of it, but after chopping upon it a half- 
day he became convinced that he did not wish to stay 
there. Returning to Illinois, whence he had come, he sold 
the property to Risley. The latter moved upon it with his 
wife and two sons, and it continued to be his home until 
the spring of 1862, when he died. One of his sons, 
named Wait, entered the Federal army during the war of 
the Rebellion, and died on Ship Island, Miss., a member 
of Company B, 6th Michigan Regiment. Ward, another 
son, lives in Texas. A daughter, Mrs. Samuel Spry, lives 
in Royalton, on her father's old farm. Mr. Risley was a 
hardy pioneer, and found a wide field for the exercise of 
his industry upon the land he had bought, for it was cov- 
ered with timber, and what made his pioneer's task a hard 
one was the fact that he had to work for others to get 
money enough to keep his family until the crops could 
mature, and thus between working for fifty cents a day 
upon other farms, and clearing the land and tilling the soil 
upon his own at odd hours, and very frequently at night, 
he managed to struggle on until he could realize on the 
produce. He set out an orchard also, and to pay for every 
tree he had to work two days, at fifty cents a day. 

Nathan Taylor, of Indiana, was a settler in 1847 upon 
section 18, where Mrs. Sarah Taylor now lives. Taylor 
moved to Missouri, where he now resides. Jeremiah Case, 
of New York, made a brief settlement in Royalton about 
1840. After a residence of a year or more he set out 
to return to New York, but died en route. 

Settlements in Royalton progressed very slowly from 
1834 to 1844, and in the latter year much of the territory 
was an unbroken forest. In 1840 the population was but 
246, and in 1845 had increased so slowly that it was but 
284, — the census of both years including also what is now 
Lincoln township. 

The first saw-mill was put up by David Shearer, on 
Yellow Creek, and the second one by Eli Shearer, on the 
same stream. The first steam saw-mill was erected by 
Alexander Fulton, on William Miltenberger's place. The 
mill building is still there, but it was disma'ntled some time 
ago. Alexander Fulton came from Prairie Ronde to Roy- 
alton in 1843, and located upon section 32, where he lived 
until his death, and where his widow still resides. 

William Pike relates that during the winter of 1831 — 
which, by the way, was made famous by an almost unpre- 



cedented snowfall — he was engaged in hauling goods be- 
tween St. Joseph and Berrien, and after the river froze 
used to make the trip via the river to Royalton, and thence 
by road to Berrien. The snow lay at one time so deep 
upon the ground that he was two days making the journey 
from Berrien to St. Joseph. About the close of that win- 
ter he was transporting a load of flour in bags from Niles 
to the lower country, and reached the river at Berrien 
Springs only to learn that the ice in the river was too weak 
to bear a load, and likely to break up at any moment. Pike 
was determined, however, to get his load over, and so he 
shouldered his 15 two-bushel bags of flour, one at a time, 
and carried them across the river at a lively footpace. It 
was risky business, and indeed he came very near being 
swamped ; but the work was completed, though the strain, 
both mentally and physically, was so severe that, although 
the incident occurred nearly fifty years ago, Mr. Pike has 
never fully recovered from the effects of it. 

Royalton had an early settler known as Cowen, who was 
an eccentric genius, and so singular in his manner that he 
was sometimes considered a lunatic. He worked at first 
for John Pike, and after a while bought of Pike 40 acres 
of land in Royalton, and built upon it a rude cabin, al- 
though he did not attempt to do much towards clearing his 
land. One day he cut his throat, and declared he would 
die. The neighbors insisted, however, upon preventing 
such a result, and procuring a surgeon, soon saw him re- 
stored to strength. After that event he grew more moody 
and morose than ever, and presently disappeared. His 
land was sold at auction for $50, which barely sufficed to 
pay his debts ; but he never reappeared in Royalton. Some 
time afterwards he was reported as having been seen " going 
West," and that was the last heard of him. 

Hunting was a popular pastime, and game of almost all 
kinds was plentiful. William Tryon and Eli Shearer were 
among the most famous hunters of those parts, and were, 
indeed, often matched in skill against Indian hunters, whom 
they surpassed on frequent occasions. 

The fir.st white person born in Royalton was a son of 
Jehial Enos. The first couple married were Rachel Pike 
and Jas. Hutchinson, at John Pike's house, by 'Squire 
Lemon, of Berrien. The first death was that of Sarah, a 
daughter of John Pike, whose infant son was the second 
person to die in the township. 

MARRIAGE EXTRAORDINARY. 
Report says that in the long ago one of the township 
justices was sent for to perform a marriage ceremony, but 
being unable to leave his business, he deputized a young 
man to " perform the duty," believing, in the innocence of 
his heart, that he could empower a deputy in such as well 
as other matters. Strange to say, the deputy performed the 
ceremony, and the married pair accepted the dispensation 
in perfect faith until a few years afterwards, when learning 
the true fiicts in the case, they made haste to get married 
according to law. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 
Royalton, originally a portion of St. Jo.seph township, 
was set ofl" in 1835, and in that year David M. Drum was 



308 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



chosen supervisor. The original limits of Royalton in- 
cluded the territory now occupied by the townships of Lin- 
coln, Royalton, and Sodus. Lincoln was made a separate 
district in 1868. Pipestone (including what is now Sodus) 
was set oiF in 1842. The early records, dating from 1835 
to 1852, were destroyed by fire, and the only obtainable 
list of township officials dates, therefore, from the year last 
named. The names of the persons who were annually 
elected between 1852 and 1879, • inclusive, to be super- 
visors, clerks, treasurers, justices of the peace, and school 
inspectors are given below : 

1852. — Supervisor, Richard Brown; Clerk, William Williams; Treas- 
urer, Albert 0. Abbe; Justice of the Peace, Ale.xander 
Fulton ; School Inspector, Noble W. Thompson. 

1853. — Supervisor, Samuel Davis; Clerk, William Williams; Treas- 
urer, A. G. Abbe; School Inspector, A. G. Abbe; Justices 
of the Peace, Samuel Tryon, John Bacon. 

1854. — Supervisor, William Stevens; Clerk, John Bunker; Treasurer, 
A. G. Abbe; vSchool Inspector, Chester Sherman; Justices 
of the Peace, N. W. Thompson, A. Fulton, A. G. Abbe, 
Wm. H. Tryon. 

1855. — Supervisor, A. G. Abbe; Clerk, John Bunker; Treasurer, W. 
W. Conley; School Inspector, Thomas Harwood; Justices of 
the Peace, Allen Craley, W. H. Tryon. 

1856. — Supervisor, N. W. Thompson; Clerk, E. E. Cady; Treasurer, 
William Williams; School Inspector, James Carlton; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Richard Brown. 

1857.— Supervisor, N. W. Thompson; Clerk, William G. Taylor; 
Treasurer, William Williams ; School Inspector, G. N. 
Odell; Justice of the Peace, Benjamin Lemon. 

1858. — Supervisor, N. W. Thompson; Clerk, James Carlton; Treas- 
urer, John Bunker; School Inspector, Gould Parish; Jus- 
tices of the Peace, N. W. Thompson, Merwin Barnes, G. 
Hettler. 

1859. — Supervisor, N. W. Thompson ; Clerk, James Carlton ; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff ; School Inspector, Chester Sherm.in ; 
Justices of the Peace, Gould Parish, Alonzo Spear. 

I860.— Supervisor, James Carlton; Clerk, Burt Sterling; Treasurer, 
Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, Albert H. Carlton: Justices 
of the Peace, Thomas Odell and G. Hettler, 

1861. — Supervisor, James Carlton; Clerk, Andrew J. Smoke; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, Greenleaf N. Odell; 
Justice of the Peace, Jacob Van Dusen. 

1862. — Supervisor. James Carlton; Clerk, Andrew J. Smoke; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, Chester Sherman ; 
Justice of the Peace, John Pureell. 

1863. — Supervisor, James Carlton; Clerk, Andrew J. Smoke; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, Albert H. Carlton ; 
Justice of the Peace, Richard Brown. 

1864. — Supervisor, James Carlton; Clerk, Julius H. Birdsey ; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Ins])ector, Edward P. Clark; 
Justice of the Peace, Gottleib Hettler. 

1865. — Supervisor, David N. Brown ; Clerk, L. W. Stanley : Treas- 
urer, Joseph Chapel ; School Inspector, 0. D. Parsons. 

1866. — Supervisor, 0. D. Parsons; Clerk, James A. Parish; Treas- 
urer, .Joseph Chapel; Justices of the Peace, Gould Parish, 
J. W. Robards ; School Inspector, Leroy W. Archer. 

1867. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, John M. Hankins; Treas- 
urer, William Peuland; School Inspectors, James Carlton, 
Oliver Spalding ; Justices of the Peace, William Penland, 
Henry Ashoff, 0. C. Spalding. 

1868. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, John M. Hankins; Treas- 
urer, Wm. Penland ; School Inspector, A 11. Carlton ; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Oliver C. Spalding. 

1869. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, John M. Hankins; Treas- 
urer, William H. Tryon; School Inspector, Henry Ashoff; 
Justice of the Peace, Frederick Sourbier. 

1870.— Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, John M. Hankins; Treas- 
urer, William H. Tryon ; School Inspector, Oliver C. Spald- 
ing; Justices of the Peace, Henry Ashoff and William 
Stevens. 



1871. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff': Clerk, John M. Hankins; Treas- 
urer, Wm. H. Tryon; School Inspector, Henry Ashoff'; Jus- 
tice of the Pe.ace, William Penland. 

1872. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, Lewis B. Tryon ; Treasurer, 
John M. Hankins ; School Inspector, Oliver C. Spalding ; 
Justice of the Peace, Edward Boyer. 

1873. — Supervisor, John S. Beers; Clerk, Lewis B. Tryon ; Treasurer, 
Andrew J. Dispennett ; School Inspector, Henry Ashoff; 
Justices of the Peace, Adam Sinn, George Merwin. 

1874. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, Lewis B. Tryon ; Treasurer, 
George H. Scott; School Inspector, A. H. Carlton; Justices 
of the Peace, Henry Ashoff, R. D. Collyer. 

1875. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, Lewis B. Tryon ; Treasurer, 
George H. Scott; School Inspector, Henry Ashoff; Justice 
of the Peace, J. M. Brown. 

1876. — Supervisor, Henry Ashoff; Clerk, Carlton L. Bunker: Treas- 
urer, George H. Scott; School Inspector, Henry Ashoff; 
Justices of the Peace, John Bort and Nicholas Miller. 

1877. — Supervisor, A. H. Carlton: Clerk, A. J. Dispennett; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, J. W. Hollywood; 
Justices of the Peace, John M. Hankins, A. Sinn, G. C. 
Kockey. 

1878.— Supervisor, A. H. Carlton; Clerk, A. J. Dispennett; Treas- 
urer, Henry Ashoff; School Inspector, W. Martin; Justices 
of the Peace, Henry Ashoff, W. Penland, D. Keller, R. Phil- 
lips. 

1S79. — Supervisor, A. H. Carleton ; Clerk, A. .T. Dispennett; Treas- 
urer, A. Sinn ; School Inspector, J. W. Smoke ; Justices of 
the Peace, George Merwin (Henry Ashoff and Wm. Pen- 
land also justices in 1870) ; Highway Commissioner, Wil- 
liam Matthews; Drain Commissioner, Andrew ,T. Penland; 
School Superintendent, A. H. Carlton; Constable, Fayette 
Bort. 

The affiiirs of the township are conducted by a Town- 
ship Board, whose members, in 1879, were Wm. Penland, 
Albert Carlton, and A. J. Dispennett, who also composed 
the Board of Health. On April 1, 1879, the town was 
clear of debt, and had in the treasury, including school 
funds, the sum of §323.35. Two miles north of Tryon's 
Corners is the town hall, a neat but plain frame edifice, 
which is the only public building in the town. The assessed 
valuation of property in Royalton in 1879 was $160,475. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school taught in the central portion of the town 
is supposed to have been conducted in a log school-house 
near Tryon's Corners, by a Mr. Wilson, whoso advent oc- 
curred in about 1840. His .successor in the same school 
was one William Price, of whom it is said that he was an 
able school-teacher. An early teacher in the northern part 
of the town was Miss Hastings, — now Mrs. James Stevens, 
— who taught in a log school-house on the St. Jo.seph road, 
in section 18. 

Royalton has now one fractional and five full school dis- 
tricts. The school directors are A. H. Carlton, Lewis Sco- 
field, H. A. Smith, David Kelley, Geo. T. Pallen, and J. H. 
Evans. Statistics touching these schools, as per report of 
Sept. 1, 1879, are herewith given, as follows : number of 
scholars of school age, 381 ; average attendance, 325 ; 
value of school property, $4400 ; amount paid for teachers' 
wages, $1024. 

CHURCHES. 

About 1844, Rev. Thomas J. Babcock, a traveling mis- 
sionary, organized a United Brethren class in a log school- 
house on Rowland Tryon's place, but the organization 
failed to prosper, and was short-lived. Previous to that — 




MRS. WILLIAM H. TRYON. 




""^^^a.^. £^0^.^ 



WILLIAM H. TRYON. 



Among the many prominent men whose portraits and 
biographies appear upon the pages of this book, none is 
more worthy of note than William H. Tryon, who was 
born in Stanford, Fairfield Co., Conn., May 15, 1816. 

Some lives are spent where they first see light, but Mr. 
Tryon does not belong to that class, he having lived in the 
following States : Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana. 

In 1836 Mr. Tryon settled on land in Royalton town- 
ship, section 29, where he now resides. 

Roland Tryon, father of the subject of this sketch, came 
to Michigan in 1836, bringing only a part of his family ; 
the others followed soon after. He entered eighty acres of 
land that his son William now owns ; he also entered land 
in other townships, living long enough to see his family all 
well settled. He died at the advanced age of ninety-four 
years. William has added eighty acres to the entry of his 
father ; erected a large brick house in the place of the small 
and inconvenient one that was first built ; has improved his 
farm and made of it a very desirable place ; has been one 
of the largest fruit-growers in the township. Mr. Tryon 
has not only been engaged in farming and fruit-raising, but 
carried on a general store in Royalton for six years. He 
has also been a grain-dealer in Chicago. 

His neighbors, and the citizens of the township and 
county, have ever regarded him as a man whom they could 
trust, and have placed him in many positions of honor. 
Among the offices he has filled are the following : director of 



the National Bank at St. Joseph, two years ; justice of the 
peace, four years ; township treasurer, two years ; coroner, 
sis years ; and notary public, six years, holding this office at 
the present time. He has all his life taken a decided politi- 
cal stand, and is an out-and-out Republican. He is also a 
member in good standing of the Masonic lodge in St. 
Joseph, and also of the Odd-Fellows. On the 17th of 
April, 1844, Ke married Mary E., daughter of Jonathan 
and Deborah Kent. Four children blessed their union, but 
death invaded the family circle and claimed two, viz. : Wil- 
liam R. and Orleanna A. Minte is the wife of Jesse B. 
Hamilton, living in Lansing, Mich. ; Charles E. married Mi.ss 
Celestine P. Collier, and is living at home with his parent.s. 
Mrs. Tryon was born in Chatham, Morris Co., N. J., Sept. 
7, 1826; and in 1851 joined the Methodist Church. 

In the early settling of this State there was plenty of 
wild game ; this afforded sport for many of the people, none 
enjoying it more than Mr. Tryon, who was a very successful 
hunter. As an instance of his success, he narrates making 
a score of thirty-seven deer, sixteen coons, six wild turkeys, 
and nine swarms of bees in a forty-days' hunt ; also, as an 
experience of the early days, of having made a visit to 
New Jersey from Michigan by the way of the lakes, being 
thirty-seven days on the way ; the cause of this being the 
condition of the boat ; after starting out it was discovered 
to be leaking, and the water had to be bailed out by the 
men, it taking them twenty-four days to go from St. Joseph 
to Detroit. 



TOWNSHIP OP ROYALTON. 



309 



in 1832, or soon after — Rev. William Davis, of Indiana, 
witli other traveling missionaries of the United Brethren 
Church, used to preach at John Pike's house once in four 
weeks. The congregations were small, of course, but the 
members thereof were faithful attendants, and held in high 
esteem the precious privilege of public worship, although 
they enjoyed it but once a month, and traveled in some 
cases a long way to do it. After a while a United Brethren 
congregation was organized, but lapsed after a brief exist- 
ence. Rev. Mr. McCoole, a Methodist Episcopal mission- 
ary, preached occasionally in the town in 1833 and 1834, 
and after that other preachers of that fiiith made visits, but 
no class was formed until 1864. The Baptists have been wor- 
shiping for some time past in the town hall, and for a year or 
more have had preaching once in two weeks by Rev. J. E. 
King, of Sodus, but they have as yet effected no organiza- 
tion. 

The Evangelical Association. — A German Church was 
organized in Royalton in January, 1860, by Rev. C. TJde, 
and the class then formed, with Henry Ashoff as leader, was 
called the Emanuel Class of the Evangelical Association in 
North America. In 1860 a house of worship was erected 
upon Henry Ashoif's farm,, where it is still located. Since 
the organization of the church Mr. AshoflF has served as 
the class-leader the most of the time, and for an extended 
period as superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Among 
the preachers who have occupied the church pulpit have 
been Revs. Ruh, Alsbach, Reigel, Spech, Haug, Gomes, 
Meek, Paullin, and others. The church membership is 
now about 30, and is composed exclusively of Germans. 
Church services are always conducted in the German lan- 
guage, save as occasion demands a change at protracted 
meetings. The Sabbath-school includes about 50 scholars, 
and is in charge of 7 teachers, the exercises being con- 
ducted in the German language. The school was organized 
in 1861, when Gottleib Hettlcr was chosen superintendent. 
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized April 8, 
1866, by Rev. John Byrnes, and was attached to the Michi- 
gan Conference in the Niles district. Previous to that. May 
23, 1864, a Methodist Episcopal class was formed, with 11 
members, but dissolved shortly thereafter. 

The names of those who joined Mr. Byrnes' class in 
1866 are given, as follows: G. Hettler, William and Cathe- 
rine Penland, Laura Stanley, Ansel Scott, Debbie Parsons, 
Phoebe Covert, Mary Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Reug- 
lands, W. C. Penland, Caroline Boswell, Joan Tryon, S. 
W. Stanley, G. Foster, D. H. Fogle, Nancy Baker, Elizabeth 
Reese, Martha A. Hettler, Mary Tryon, Elizabeth Fogle. 

March 25, 1867, when the class was revised by Rev. 
Irving Skinner, it contained 28 members. Mr. Skinner 
was the pastor two years, and was followed by Revs. Friend, 
Valentine, Shinston, Wallace, and Joseph Skinner. Wor- 
ship has always been held in the Tryon school-house, save 
for a period of three years, when the location was at the 
Risley school-house. Preaching is now provided once 
every two weeks. The members number now 16. The 
class-leader is Ansel Scott ; the steward, William Penland. 
The Sabbath-school, which meets every Sunday, comprises 
from 30 to 40 scholars, under the charge of Superintendent 
Ansel Scott and three teachers. 



The Christian Church, now worshiping in the Risley 
school-house, has a membership of 70, which was its strength 
when organized Oct. 28, 1878, by Rev. Reason Davis. 
Mr. Davis is still the pastor and preaches once a month. 
Mrs. Anderson preached, for about a year, a monthly 
sermon, so that the church was enabled to have worship 
once a fortnight. Mrs. Anderson's visits have been recently 
discontinued, but it is thought that Mr. Davis will be en- 
gaged to preach once a fortnight instead of monthly. Carl 
Bunker is the present elder, J. H. Evans and Samuel Spry 
the deacons, and David Shearer the secretary and treasurer. 

POST-OFFICE. 
A post-oGBce was established in Royalton in 1843, and 
Mr. Boughton appointed postmaster. He kept tavern on 
the St. Joseph road, where A. H. Carlton now lives, and 
had the post-oflSce in his tavern. John Wetherell suc- 
ceeded him both as tavern-keeper and postmaster, at the 
same place, where, too, Gould Parrish was the third incum- 
bent. After Mr. Parrish's time the office was discontinued 
until 1861, when George H. Scott secured its revival and 
his appointment as postmaster. He held the office until 
1865, when it was again discontinued. In 1874 it was re- 
established at Tryon's Corners. A. J. Dispennett, who was 
then appointed, is still the postmaster. The office has now 
daily mail communication. 

FRUIT GRANGE, No. 104. 

This, the only secret order in the township, was organ- 
ized in 1873, with the following members : J. S. Beers, M. ; 
J. W. Robards, 0. ; A. Scofield, S. ; J. Knight, G. ; B. S. 
Green, Sec. ; L. B. Tryon, Treas. ; J. M. Brown, Asst. S. ; 
Ella Brown, Lady Asst. S. ; H. Rantfrow, Chapl. ; R. M. 
Ballinger, Lect. ; E. Corywell, Ceres ; Anna Fogle, Flora ; 
Celeste Tryon, Pomona ; Mrs. R. M. Ballinger, Mrs. Mary 
Robards, Mrs. Martha Scott, Mrs. Harriet Knight, Mrs. 
Lavina Rantfrow, Mrs. Grace Tryon, Mr. and Mrs. V. R. 
Cromer, and George Cromer. 

The grange is flourishing, with a membership of 50, 
and owns a commodious hall at Tryon's Corners. The 
officers chosen for 1879 were: J. M. Brown, M. ; L. B. 
Tryon, O. ; A. Scofield, Sec. ; M. Sherman, Trcas. ; Charles 
Brown, S. ; George Fogle, Asst. S. ; Nancy Sherman, Chap- 
lain ; George Rockey, Lecturer; S. Knight, G. ; Mrs. L. 
Rantfrow, Lady Asst. S. ; Mrs. M. E. Ross, Ceres; Mrs. 
R. J. Dispennett, Pomona ; Mrs. George Rockey, Flora. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DR. EDWARD HALL 

was born near Manchester, England, April 15, 1830, and 
emigrated to the United States in the fall of 1838, with his 
mother, five brothers, and three sisters ; his father, Thomas 
P. Hall, having preceded them one year. After a very 
stormy passage of sixty-one days they landed at Boston, on 
Thanksgiving day, and it was truly a thanksgiving day to 
those storm-tos.sed pilgrims. The family proceeded at once 
to Lowell, and all that were old enough went to work with 



310 



HISTOKY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



their father (who followed calico-printing for forty-five 
years) in the celebrated Merrimac Print- Works. After the 
death of their mother, which occurred in November, 1843, 




DR. EDWAKD HALL. 

the family was broken up for about a year, when they came 
together again near Worcester, Mass. After a residence 
there of a year the father and six of the children emigrated, 
in a wagon, to Monroe Co., Mich. After remaining there 
one year and a half, two sons, Edward and Thomas, started 
again westward, and, walking across the State of Michigan, 



found employment on farms near Laporte, Ind. Edward 
worked for Dr. B. C. Bowell three years, when he began 
the study of medicine, which he continued for four years. 
Graduating at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, 
Ohio, he began the practice of medicine at Delhi, Dela- 
ware Co., Iowa. In 1855 he was joined by his father 
and four brothers, who lived with him until the winter of 
1856-57, when they all removed to Lyon Co., Kansas, where 
they remained until 18G1. Then the doctor moved back 
to Laporte, Ind., and in 1862 removed to Berrien Springs. 
Here he remained eight years, and, by close attention to his 
profession and strict integrity, built up a large practice, 
and was surrounded by a host of very warm friends. In 
the spring of 1870, in consequence of failing health, he 
removed to Royalton township and engaged in fruit-raising. 

His family consists of a wife and six children, having 
married Lorinda C. Roe, Aug. 24, 1854. Their children 
are four sons, viz., W. C, T. H., E. L., and A. R., and two 
daughters, Lorinda E. and Mary E. Hall. 

Dr. Hall says of his father, " He was a native of London, 
England, lived to the age of eighty-seven years, and had 
not a day's sickness in his long life, and only a day or two 
at its close." 

The doctor has led an active, useful life in his profession, 
than which none gives more opportunities for doing good. 
He has been faithful to this profession, and the years of his 
practice have been wholly devoted to his work, losing no 
time by sickness, not having been confined to his bed 
twenty-four hours in forty years. 





GEORGE H. SCOTT. 

GEORGE H. SCOTT 
was born in East Poultney, Vt., June 19, 1817. Spent 
his early life at home. When fifteen years old he entered 
the store of Wni. P. Myers, in East Poultney, as a clerk ; 
stayed three years, at a salary of fifty dollars a year, with 
boarding and wa.shiug. At the end of this time he decided 
to learn a trade. Selecting that of tinner, he contracted for 
three years' apprenticeship, for which he was to receive one 



MRS. GEORGE H. SCOTT. 

hundred and fifty dollars. At the end of two years his 
brother, Reuben Scott, decided to move West, and urged 
George to accompany him. He not having filled his con- 
tract as to his trade, had to make some arrangement about 
that. Mr. Judd, his employer, gave him one hundred 
dollars for the two years he had spent in his shop, 
charging him ninety dollars for the time yet to be made up, 
leaving George but ten dollars for his two years' labor. 



TOWNSHIP OF ROYALTON. 



311 



The two brothers left Vermont May 1, 1837, arriving at 
St. Joseph, Mich., in twelve days, coming by stage to 
Schenectady, N. Y. ; thence to Buffalo by packet on the 
Erie Canal, taking stage again to Erie, Pa. ; then to To- 
ledo by boat, to Niles by stage, and from Niles to St. Jo- 
seph by steamboat on the St. Joseph River. Here the 
brothers decided to go into business, opening a hardware- 
store, which business they engaged in three year.s, when 
they were burned out, losing heavily. In 1840 bought out 
a grocery, running this four years. In 1843, George built 
a vessel, selling his interest out to his brother as soon as it 
was completed, again engaging in business in the firm of 
Warren Chatman. At the end of the first year another 
partner was taken into the business — ^Francis Finegan ; re- 
mained here until 1850 ; then selling out, he went to spec- 
ulating in cord-wood, shipping to Chicago ; the business 
increasing, he took Curtis Boughton as a partner. In an- 
other year's time they bought a saw-mill, taking as partners 
in this L. F. Warner and Riley F. Gragg. At the close 
of the year this firm dissolved, leaving the firm Scott & 



Warner. At the end of two years, the war of the Rebel- 
lion breaking out, and troops being called for, Warner en- 
listed, selling his interest to Scott, who managed the busi- 
ness until 1871. In 1854, Scott and Boughton bought 
one hundred and sixty acres of land, Scott moving on the 
farm in 1861. In the transfer of their property Scott re- 
tained fifteen acres of the original purchase, to which he 
has since added eighty acres. He also owns other land, — 
one farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is the 
home of his son, George M. In all he has two hundred 
and seventeen acres. 

In politics Mr. Scott is a Republican, and has filled sev- 
eral ofiices of trust, among which are the following: post- 
master in Royalton for seven years, town treasurer three 
years, deputy postmaster at St. Joseph (1840) two years. 

On the 14th day of December, 1843, he married Eliza, 
daughter of David and Charlotte Gragg. Of this union 
were born five children, viz. : George M., C. H., Emily L., 
Charles R., Linda M. All are living. Mrs. Scott died 
Sept. 19, 1872. 





JOHN BORT. 



MRS. JOHN BORT. 



JOHN BORT. 

Among the many gentlemen whose biographies appear 
on the pages of this history, none better deserve mention 
than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He 
was born Nov. 25, 1810, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; his 
early life was spent on a farm. At the .age of twenty he 
left his father, hiring as a farm-hand for two years at thir- 
teen dollars per month. He then went to Canada, working 
in a saw-mill at twenty-six dollars per month. 

Oct. 10, 1832, married Mariette, daughter of Otis and 
Mary Smith. Mrs. Bort was born Feb. 24, 1826, in Her- 
kimer Co., N. Y. After his marriage Mr. Bort rented his 
father's farm, remaining there two years. At this time his 
father-in-law dying, he was appointed administrator of hi.s 
estate ; seven years passed before this was settled, there being 
a minor heir. For four years he engaged in farming, first 
in JeflFerson and then in Herkimer County. Removing 



to Peters' Corners, he engaged in harness-making; from that 
he went to traveling, selling fanning-mills and pumps. 

In 1844, Mr. Bort settled in this county, purchasing a 
farm of one hundred and seventeen acres in Niles town- 
ship ; he sold this and removed to Royalton township, now 
Lincoln, where he bought one hundred and forty-four acres ; 
again buying one hundred and sixty-four acres in Royalton 
township, to which he removed, and on which he is now 
living. His principal employment while on the Lake farm 
was raising fruit. 

Feb. 1, 1848, Mrs. Bort died, leaving four children, viz. : 
Otis S., Sophronia M., Mary J., and Charles E. 

Jan. 2, 1850, he married, for his second wife, Sophronia, 
daughter of George Getman. Of this union were born six 
children, viz. : Albert, Fayette, Harrie G., Eddie G., Jay 
E., and Mariette. Albert is living in Nebraska, the others 
are at home with their parents. Mr. Bort's father raised a 



312 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



family of twelve children, — all living but one ; two living 
in Michigan, one in Iowa, one in Wisconsin, and the others 
in New York. Mr. Bort is the ninth child, and he is now 
sixty-nine years old. His father died in 1870, aged eighty- 
three years, having been twice married, his first wife dying 
in 1823, and the second in 1877. 

Mr. Bort is an active, energetic man, anxious for the ad- 
vancement of the country around him. He organized the 
first school on the lake, opening the school with only three 
scholars ; has been school director and commissioner for 
two years. It has been his fortune nearly every time he 
has changed his residence, to stop where they had a school- 
house to build, and he has assisted in building four school- 
houses. 

Mr. Bort was ambitious to improve both his mind and 
his circumstances ; this led him to employ diligently both 
his time and means, and as a result he has achieved a suc- 
cess in life which favorably contrasts with the beginning of 
his career. 



CHAPTER XL I. 



ST. JOSEPH TO"WNSHIP.* 



Description of the Township, its Settlement, and Pioneers — Organiza- 
tion and Township OfBeers — Early Roads and Road Districts — St. 
Joseph Village — Manufacturing Interests — The Railroad — St. 
Joseph Secret Orders — The Public Schools — Religious Societies — 
Cemetery. 

This is the smallest township in the county, and is situ- 
ated on the lake-shore, at the mouth of the St. Joseph 
River, from which it takes its name.")" In the government 
survey it is known as town 4 south, in range 19 west. It 
has a triangular shape, and is bounded on the east by Ben- 
ton, and south by Lincoln and Royalton townships. Only 
a little more than seven full sections are embraced within 
its limits. The principal streams are the St. Jo.seph and 
Paw Paw Rivers and Hickory Creek. The former enters 
the township from the south, nearly a mile west of the 
southeast corner, and after flowing almost parallel with 
the lake for two miles and a half, turns to the west and, 
receiving the waters of the Paw Paw, which flows from 
the northeast, discharges into Lake Michigan. In its 
course through the township it embraces several islands 
and bayous, and there is not sufficient fall to afford water- 
power. The peninsula formed by this stream is a plateau 
elevated from forty-eight to fifty-five feet above the lake. 
Its soil is a rich sandy loam, with occasional small belts or 
outcroppings of clay. It was originally well covered with 
oak, maple, beech, whitewood, ash, and hickory, with small 
clusters of pine. Most of these have been removed, and 
the surface presents an open and well-improved landscape. 
On the peninsula formed by the Paw Paw River the surface 
is less elevated, and the soil is sandy and comparatively 



* By John L. Rockey. 

■f The origin.ll name, "St. Joseph," was first given to the mission 
establishcil at the mouth of the river about 1700, and designated in 
the records of the Catholic Church as " The Mission of St. Josopli of 
Lake Michigan." St. Joseph was the patron saint of Canada, or New 
France. 



sterile, much of it being unfit for cultivation. Along the 
rivers the surface is somewhat marshy, but upon the eastern 
line of the township there is a belt of very fine land, which 
has been highly improved. Although the soil is adapted 
to the cereals, market-gardening and fruit culture have be- 
come the leading industries of the people outside of the 
village of St. Joseph. At this point the first settlement 
was made. An account of the Jesuit Mission, and other 
early occupancy, is given in the general history of the 
county, as also of Capt. Hinckley's entrance to the harbor 
in the fall of 1827, while on his way to Fort Dearborn 
(Chicago) with supplies for the garrison. The harbor was 
at that ikne called " Saranac" by the sailors. William 
Burnett and his son James also had a trading-post here 
from about 1785 till after 1825. 

The old Burnett trading-post was something more than 
one mile up the river, in an apple-orchard set out by the 
elder Burnett. A part of the orchard still exists, and the 
remains of the trading-post are — or were in recent years — 
to be seen. 

James Burnett, son of William Burnett, was here in 
1829. He laid no claim to land, but followed his occupa- 
tion of a trader with the Indians, and was traveling from 
place to place. 

THE PIONKER SETTLERS 

were Calvin Britain and Augustus B. Newell. The former 
was born in Jeff'erson Co., N. Y., in 1800, and came to 
Michigan in 1827. For a short time he was connected with 
the " Carey Mission," and was at St. Joseph in 1827 
and 1828, but in 1829 pre-empted land at that place with 
Augustus B. Newell. The lands were surveyed by govern- 
ment in 1829 and 1830, and Sept. 30, 1830, they purchased 
the lands they had pre-empted. Mr. Britain took up his 
residence here in 1829, and remained a citizen of the town- 
ship until his death, Jan. 18, 1862. He was a member of 
the Legislative Council of the Territory, which office he 
held till Michigan became a State, and served in the Legis- 
lature as a representative and senator under the old consti- 
tution. In 1852 he was elected Lieutenant-Governor. He 
remained a single man. lu 1837 his father. Gen. Calvin 
Britain, came to St. Joseph to live, but died in 1840, at 
the age of seventy years. 

Maj. Britain had his home with Augustus B. Newell, 
who came in 1829, and built the first house (which was of 
logs), intended for permanent use in the township. He 
also built the first tavern, but died soon after, in 1832. 
Benjamin Chandler came in the early part of 1829, and 
built a house near Newell's, but farther up the bluff. He 
died in the place many years ago. In May, 1829, Capt. 
Daniel T. Wilson came from Niles, where he was engaged 
with his brother in a tanning business. He settled in St. 
Joseph, and, with the exception of a few years, lived there 
until his death, Oct. 25, 1878. At the time he came one 
Leephart, a trader, lived on the east side of the river. In 
September, 1829, his father came to live in the township, 
but died in the course of four or five years. Calvin Bart- 
lett came the same season. In November, 1830, he married 
Pamelia Ives, who had come with Mr. Nelson's family. 
The ceremony was performed at the " Mansion House," by 
Maj. T. S. Smith, and was the first wedding in the town- 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



313 



ship. To this couple was born the following year a son, — 
Amos Carroll, — who was the first native white child. In 
his manliood he became well known as a steamboat captain. 
The elder Bartlett died in the township in 1851. On the 
12th of July, 1829, Benjamin C. Hoyt became a member 
of the St. Joseph settlement, and continued a prominent 
citizen of the township until about 1873, when he moved 
to Mississippi. Maj. T. S. Smith* and William Huff first 
settled in Royalton before 1828, but soon after became resi- 
dents of St. Joseph. Mr. Smith was the first keeper of the 
lighthouse in New Buffalo, in 1 840. He was a very portly 
man, and an inveterate joker. In 1853 he went to Cali- 
fornia. Huff became a merchant in St. Joseph, and died 
there in 18-48. In a few years his family also removed to 
California. 

About 1830, L. L. Johnson settled on the lake-shore, a 
mile north of the village. He subsequently removed to 
Wisconsin. John Wittenmeyer came in the same or the 
following year. He was one of the early merchants. When 
the Mexican war broke out he went into the army, and rose 
to the rank of colonel. He died soon after his return home. 
James F. Lord, a carpenter and joiner, came in 1831, and 
in 1847 removed to Chicago. In the same year Fowler 
Preston, also a carpenter and joiner, moved to St. Joseph. 
He was an active citizen, and died in 1842. Members of 
his family still live in the township. 

In 1832 came Dr. Amos S. Amsden, a native of New 
York, who was prominently identified with the place until 
his death, about 1849. Thomas Fitzgerald, a native ,of 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., emigrated to Indiana, and was a 
member of the Legislature of that State in 1828. He re- 
moved to St. Joseph, with his family, June 22, 1832, having 
received the appointment of 'lighthouse-keeper. He was 
regent of the State University in 1837, bank commissioner 
in 1838, and upon the resignation of Gen. Cass as United 
States Senator he was appointed to fill the vacancy. After 
his retirement from that position he removed to Niles, and 
at his death, in 1855, was probate judge of the county. 
He was the first attorney in St. Joseph. 

In 1832, Edward P. Deacon came from Erie, Pa., and 
associated himself with William McKaleb, a native of Mary- 
land, in building the first saw-mill that year. He removed 
to Boston, where he died, and McKaleb returned to his 
native State. 

Leverett Plumb emigrated to Chicago from Ohio, and 
bought a lot, but after living there a short time, and think- 
ing Chicago never would be much of a place, moved to St. 
Joseph, with his family, in 1832. He, with Philip Andrew, 
built the engine for the mill of Deacon & McKaleb, erected 
in 1832, and in 1833 put the engine in the " Matilda Bar- 
ney," and was the engineer the first season. He went to 
Detroit and put the machinery in the " Davy Crockett," 
and brought the vessel to this port in 1834. Mr. Plumb 
lived here until his death, in 1859. His daughter, Mrs. 
Keynolds, is living in the village of St. Joseph. 

In 1833, Thomas Conger, a lawyer, settled in the town- 

* In an act to divide the Territory into townsliips, approved April 
12, 1827, wiiich contains a section organizing the township of St. 
Joseph, provision is made that the first town-meeting be held at the 
house of Timothy S. Smith, in said township. 

40 



ship, but about 1848 went to California. Jeremiah Wil- 
son came the same year, and died in 1835. 

In 1834 and 1835 a large number of persons settled at 
St. Joseph, among them Hiram Brown, from Rochester, 
N. Y. After living in the village until 1848 he moved to 
Chicago, but has resided at St. Joseph since 1862, and he 




JOSEPH W. BREWER. 

and Joseph W. Brewer are about the only citizens lefl that 
came at that early period. The latter has served the town- 
ship as justice of the peace since 1853. Jabez N. Rogers 
lived in the township from 1834 till 1848, when he re- 
moved to Berlin, Wis. John P. Porter remained from 
1835 to 1846, when he returned to New York. Rodney 
C. Paine was here a few years, about this period, when he 
became a resident of Niles; Talman Wheeler, from 1835 
till 1850, when he removed to Chicago; and Edwin Rich- 
ardson, a teacher, also came in 1834. He removed to Ber- 
rien, and served as register of deeds. 

R. R. Duncan became a resident of St. Joseph about 
1834, and resided there until his death. For about thirty 
years he was actively engaged in business. George, Ed- 
ward, and Benjamin Kingsley came from Utica, N. Y., 
about the same period, and took a prominent place among 
the pioneers. Benjamin Kingsley is still a citizen of St. 
Joseph. In 1834, Curtis Boughton came from Ohio, and 
settled on the Niles road, south of the village, and has con- 
tinued his residence in the township since. His father, 
Gains Boughton, came a few years after ; and among other 
pioneers in the southern part of the township were the 
Abbe and Gard families. Members of the latter are yet 
among the active and prominent citizens of St. Joseph. 

In addition to the foregoing, among the prominent 
pioneers prior to 1840 were the Olds, Stewart, Johnson, 
and Martin families, James Randies, Wm. Axtell, A. M. 
Brownell, M. Chauncey, Moody E. Merson, John Harris, 
Robert Hollywood, Wm. Patterson, Asaph Preston, S. R. 
Russell, Isaac Pangborn, Wm. C. Weaver, J. H. Wells, 
Solomon Smith, Samuel Hicks, R. P. Stinson, Samuel 
Sutherland, F. A. Hull, and Charles C. Sutton. 

In 1864 the population was 1681 ; in 1870, 3000; in 



314 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1874, 3288. The valuation in 1860 was $207,234; and 
io 1870, $426,451. 

ORGANIZATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 

The early bounds and divisions of St. Joseph township 
are fully noted in the general history of the county. By 
an act of June 9, 1832, St. Joseph was made to embrace 
the territory at present included in the townships of Water- 
vliet, Hagar, Benton, Sodus, Royalton, Lincoln, and the 
north four tiers of sections in Lake, Oronoko, and Berrien ; 
and the first election was to be held at the house of Au- 
gustus B. Newell. On the 17lh of March, 1835, Royalton 
was formed to include the territory south of township No. 
4 ; and by the organization of Benton, March 11, 1837, 
St. Joseph was reduced to its present bounds, — about 7 J 
sections in township No. 4, range No. 19. 

No records prior to the final subdivision are known to be 
in existence. Prom other sources it is learned that in 1834 
William Huff was Supervisor, Amos B. Amsden Justice, 
and B. C. Hoyt Clerk; and in 1836 William Huff was 
Supervisor, Jabez N. Rogers Clerk, and John F. Porter, 
John P. Davis, and William McKaleb Justices. 

At the election held at the " Mansion House," April 3, 

1837, 57 votes were polled, and the following elected : Su- 
pervisor, William Huff; Clerk, Jabez N. Rogers; Justices 
of the Peace, Daniel Olds, J. N. Rogers, James Randies, 
J. G. James; Assessors, Talnian Wheeler, Fowler Preston, 
B. C. Hoyt ; Collector, William H. Stewart ; Constables, 
B. H. Sweet, William H. Stewart ; Poonnasters, Daniel 
Olds, A. S. Amsden ; Road Commissioners, L. L. Johnson, 
John Wittenmeyer, Israel Kellogg ; Pathmasters, William 
H. Stewart, Isaac Moffatt ; School Commissioners, William 
Huff, Thomas Fitzgerald, John Wittenmeyer ; School In- 
spectors, B. C. Hoyt, James Randies, Thomas Fitzgerald. 

Since 1837 the principal oflBcers have been the following : 

SUPERVISORS. 

1838, John F. Porter; 1839, James F. Lord; 1810-42, Fowler Pres- 
ton; 1813-44, B. C. Hoyt; 1846, L. .S. Lillibridge; 1840, An- 
drew Murray; 1847, Thomas Fitzgerald; 1848, A. M. Church; 
1849, Talman Wheeler; 1850, William M. Lister; 1851, A. M. 
Church; 1852, A. H. Morrison: 1853, L. F.Warner; 1854, A. 
H. Morrison; 1855, D. A. Urmston ; 1856, Joseph Gard; 1857, 
F. I. Parks; 1858, Theodore Pew; 1859-60, F. I. Parks; 1861, 
A. D. Brown; 1862, Warren Chapman; 1863-68, Daniel Chap- 
man; 1869, Warren Chapman; 1870, Curtis Boughton ; 1871-74, 
Warren Chapman : 1877, A. H. Morrison ; 1876, Edward M. Ed- 
wards; 1877, Asa E. Perkins; 1878-79, Edward M. Edwards. 

CLERKS. 

1838, E. H. Kuhr; 1839-41, J. N. Rogers; 1842, B. F. Fish ; 1843, 
Talman Wheeler; 1844, A. M. Church; 1845, M. D. Gragg; 1846, 
Charles F. Howe ; 1847, A. P. Stinson ; 1848, M. D. Gragg ; 1849- 
53, A. P. Stinson; 1854, R. S. Duncan; 1856, E. L. Griffith: 
1856, David M.Crane; 1857-58, L.J. Brown; 1859, John Burke; 
1860-61, Charles J. Smith; 1862, William M. Smith; 1863-64, 
Robert Vanvlear; 1865-66, J. J. Drake; 1867-68, J. W. Brewer; 
1869-70, Hiram Brown; 1871, A. H. Scott; 1872-76, Joseph W. 
Brewer; 1877, Junius H. Hatch; 1878, William H. Maynard; 
1879, Nelson 0. Rice. 

TREASURERS. 

1839, Robert B. Martin ; 1840-41, B. C. Hoyt; 1842, Charles C. Sut- 
ton ; 1843, James F. Lord; 1844, (.Jeorgo W. Kingsley ; 1845, 
Maurice Fitzgerald ; 1840, Harvey Gould; 1847-48, Maurice Fitz- 
gerald: 1850-52, B. C. Hoyt; 185:)-65, B. M. Springstein ; 1856- 
57, S. H. Sutherland; 1858, Hiram C. Guernsey; 1859, Henry 



L. Hatch; 1860, George W. Kingsley ; 1861, E. C. Hoyt; 1862, 
D. W. Porter; 186.3, L. G, Moulton; 1864, Joseph W. Brewer; 
1865, Henry Smith; 1866, Horace K. Langley ; 1867, Henry 
Zerambo; 1868, Edward Kingsley; 1869, F. C. Jordan: 1870, 
Charles H. Moulton ; 1871, Henry M. Brown; 1872-74, Robert 
F. Stratton; 1875-76, John Wallace; 1877, Joseph J. Pearl; 
1878-79, Edwin F. Piatt. 

The justices of the peace since 1838 have been as 
follows : 

George C. Thompson, J. N. Rogers, L. S. Lillibridge, Cruger Walton, 
Jabez N. Rogers, Joseph Gard, Dexter Straight, Timothy S. Smith, 
A. P. Stinson, Horace W. Guernsey, Moses Chapman, Joseph W. 
Brewer,-- C. C. Sutton, John T. Smith, Charles R. Brown, Hiram 
Brown, John A. Donaldson, John M. Enos, Nathaniel Robbins, 
Daniel Chapman, A. H. Bean, Henry Mowston, Frederick A. 
Hull, Charles F. Howe, Amos S. Amsden, L. Plumb, John Witten- 
meyer, Wm. M. Liston, B. C. Hoyt, Wm. Chapman, A. M. 
Brownell, L. F. Warner, Samuel Holland, Elijah Knapp, Edward 
Kingsley, Charles Molhagen, B. C. Lewis, W. Guernsey, John 
Thomas, Junius H. Hatch. 

At the April meeting in 1848 the question of granting 
license for the sale of spirituous liquors in the township 
was submitted to the voters, 69 of whom declared in the 
affirmative and 56 opposed. A subsequent test of the 
minds of the people reaffirmed the decision. 

EARLY ROADS AND ROAD DISTRICTS. 

Territorial roads were laid out to the mouth of the river 
St. Joseph as early as 1830, an account of which will be 
found in the general history. 

The first record in reference to roads is the division of 
the townships into road districts, and bears date March 27, 
1838. 

By John Wittenmeyer and Lemuel L. Johnson, commis- 
sioners of highways, it was ordered, " That all that part of 
the township lying south of tlie St. Joseph River, and that 
part north of St. Joseph River and south of Paw Paw 
River, be District 1 ; all the remaining part of the township 
be District 2." 

The first recorded road was laid out three rods wide, com- 
mencing at the quarter-section corner on the section line 
between sections 27 and 34, in township 4 south, of range 
18 west, following said section line westerly one and a half 
miles, thence westerly, terminating at the road opened by 
Eleazer Morton, running from or near said Morton's house 
to section 33, in town 4 south, range 18 west. 

The New Bufi'alo road was surveyed and established 
June 17, 1839, and opened by an order by the commis- 
sioner, Nov. 1, 1842. 

A road was laid out from Royalton to St. Joseph on the 
north side of St. Joseph River : commencing on the south 
line of section 36, t6wn 4 south, range 19 west, at a stake 
four chains west of the quarter-po.st ; thence running north- 
erly, intersecting the town line near Phelps, following the 
town line some distance, touching the quarter-post on the 
east line, section 24, and intersecting the Territorial road 
2 2() chains south of section corner, being over three miles 
in length. 

A road was surveyed and established Nov. 14, 1839, 
commencing on the Territorial road on the line running 
north and south, through the centre of section 15, in town 

* Continuously since 1853. 




Hon. Alexander Hamilton Morrison, of St. 
Joseph, Mich., was born at Quebec, Canada, Feb. 22, 
1822. He is of Scotch and American parentage. His 
mother was a descendant of Col. John Jessup, who, for his 
fidelity to Charles I., was rewarded by Charles II. with a 
large tract of land on the Hudson River. This tract, known 
as Jessup's tract, became historic, through its confiscation 
by the State of New York after the Eevolutionary war. 
His father, Rhoderick Morrison, was a merchant and trader, 
and a member of the old Northwestern Fur Company. He 
was one of the few partners who successfully resisted the 
attacks upon that company made by Lord Selkirk, in the 
interests of the Hudson Bay Company. At the age of six- 
teen, Alexander Hamilton removed to Chicago to seek his 
fortune. That city then contained less than four thousand 
inhabitants. He was engaged there three years with David 
Ballantine, a celebrated contractor on the Illinois and Michi- 
gan Canal. At the age of nineteen he wont into active 
business on his own account as a merchant and contractor 
on public works in Illinois and Iowa. 

In 1850 he moved to St. Joseph, Mich., where he has 
since resided, engaged as a merchant, lumber-manufacturer, 
and railroad-builder. In connection with James L. Joy he 
constructed the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, 
two hundred and fifty miles in length, and managed it for 
six years. Mr. Morrison and C. G. Wicker, of Chicago, 
were also joint owners and operators of the Dakota Southern 
Railroad, and of the Sioux City and Pembina, a branch of 
the Dakota Southern. In politics he was formerly a Whig, 
but now votes and work.s with the Republican party. In 
1851 he was chairman of the board of supervisors of Berrien 
County. In 1 852 he was a candidate for presidential elector 
on the Scott ticket. In 1856 he was elected to the State 
Senate. In 1860 he was elected to and served in the House 
of Representatives, and for three sessions was chairman of 
the committee on State affairs. In 1861, President Lincoln 



appointed him commissary of subsistence in the regular 
army, but he declined the appointment. In 1862 he be- 
came collector of internal revenue for the second district of 
Michigan. From 1866 to 1869 he was assessor of the 
same district, and for six years a member of the Republican 
State committee ; was on the staff of Governors Bingham 
and Wisner from 1854 to 1861 ; he has been connected 
for twenty-five years with the Masons and Odd-Fellows; 
has been Master of Occidental Lodge at St. Joseph, and 
was the first Noble Grand of Burnett Lodge, Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows. In religion he is a liberal. 

In 1878, Mr. Morrison erected in St. Joseph the most 
extensive wooden-ware manufacturing establishment in the 
Northwest, — indeed, as much .so as any establishment of its 
kind P]ast or West, — to which he added, in 1879, several 
more buildings fcr the manufacture of pails and other articles 
directly from pulp made of straw and hay. (A cut of the 
establishment above named, of which he is the sole owner, 
appears on another page of this work, together with his resi- 
dence.) Mr. Morrison attends personally to the financial part 
of his business, aided by his only son, Don Morrison, a lad 
of eighteen years, who is being schooled by his father how to 
handle successfully large numbers of men without friction, 
and to good advantage. 

Jan. 17, 1848, Mr. Morrison married Julia A. Reynolds. 
They have four children living. The vast fruit products 
of the St. Joseph region are sent from docks owned by 
Morrison & Joy, in their transportation to Chicago and 
other lake ports. 

During a business career of over thirty years, Mr. Morri- 
son, with three exceptions, was unknown to the courts as 
suitor, juryman, or witness. He has traveled through the 
We.st, South, and East ; and in his varied positions of trust 
and business has met and entertained, at his residence in 
St. Joseph, many of the dLstinguished men of the United 
States. 



TOWNSHIP OP ST. JOSEPH. 



315 



4 south, range 18 west, thence along Paw Paw River to 
another road known as the Coldwater road, estabUshed Nov. 
14, 1889. 

Jan. 23, 1840, a road was established from Millburg 
south and east to the town line. Jan. 21, 1840, a road was 
established from Territorial road to the town line, four miles 
and twelve chains in length. April 6, 1840, it was voted 
to raise money to reimburse the corporation of St. Joseph 
for money expended on the causeway across the marsh east 
of the St. Jo.seph River, opposite St. Joseph village ; and at 
an adjourned meeting in May, it was voted to raise $1000 
to finish the east end of causeway and reimburse the cor- 
poration of St. Joseph. 

March 22, 1841, the township was redistricted, forming 
eight districts. 

June 12, 1841, the commissioners declared the follow- 
ing streets public highways : Wayne, from the bridge to 
Ship Street ; Ship, Main, and State Streets, and all that 
part of Water Street commencing at the steam-mill and 
running to the Michigan Hotel. 

Aug. 23, 1841, application was made to the commis- 
sioner to discontinue that part of the old Niles road from 
the village of St. Joseph through the westerly part of the 
seminary lands to the Abbe place. Talman Wheeler and 
eleven other disinterested persons were summoned, and a re- 
port was made. After due consideration the petition was 
granted September 27th. By an act approved April 1, 
1840, Morgan Enos and Jacob Allen were appointed com- 
missioners to lay out and establish a State road from La 
Grange to St. Joseph. Sept. 27, 1841, the commissioners 
of St. Joseph were directed to record the survey of that 
part which ran through St. Joseph township. 

FRUIT CULTURE. 

The fruit interests of Southwestern Michigan have raised 
St. Joseph to a prominent position as one of the principal 
points in the region which has been termed the " Great 
Fruit Belt of Michigan." Nearly the entire township, 
where the soil is tillable, is devoted to fruit culture, more 
than 2000 acres being devoted to this purpose, and hun- 
dreds of citizens find occupation in shipping the various 
fruits to market. Until within a few years this country 
was pre-eminently adapted to the cultivation of the peach, 
which here attained great perfection and almost invariably 
yielded bountifully. From a " Catalogue of Fruit-Growers," 
prepared by L. J. Merchant in 1873, it appears that the 
seedling peach was grown in St. Joseph as early as 1829. 
As settlers came in, nearly all of them planted a few seed- 
ling peaches, and in 1839 some grown in the garden of B. 
C. Hoyt were shipped to Chicago. About the same time 
Capt. Curtis Boughton bought peaches by the barrel and 
in dry-goods boxes, and carried them to Chicago. In 1842, 
B. C. Hoyt procured buds of improved varieties from Long 
Island to start a nursery; and in 1844, he sent a few 
baskets of Crawfords to Chicago, which the boys peddled 
out at ten cents each. From that time on, improved varie- 
ties have been cultivated. One of the first large orchards 
of budded peaches — 130 trees— was set out in 1849 by 
Capt. Curtis Boughton. Since that time orchards contain- 
ing as many as 5000 trees have been planted, and the pro- 



duct in the township for 1868 was 507,134 packages of 
peaches alone, and 28,283 bushels of berries. The influ- 
ence of Lake Michigan, and the diversity of soil in the 
township, also enables fruit-growers to cultivate successfully 
pears, plums, quinces, apples, cherries, grapes, and the 
various kinds of berries ; and since the failure of peaches, 
owing to the appearance of the disease called the " yellows," 
small-fruit culture has become the prominent industry ; and 
although not as profitable as peach-growing, is yet a source 
of considerable revenue. 

Among the fruit-growers in St. Joseph in 1873, who cul- 
tivated more than six acres, were the following : 

Thomas Archer, Emile Birkholm, A. B. Chamberlain, L. Collios, F. 
Ewald, Joseph Gard, Gordon Family, Garrett Garrettson, B. C. 
Hoyt, David Judson, J. H. Langley, William C. Lombard, A. N. 
Napier, 0. Olson, H. T. Plumb, E. Reod, C. H. Sherwood, Robert 
Spink, S. C. Wilson, J. A. Wischer, John Wallace, P. P. Allen, 
L. C. Crittenden, E. V. Green, J. Jakeway, J. N. McMichael, 
William J. Nott, W. C. Perry, Frank Pullen, S. Southworth, R. 
Williams, R.J. Sawyer, M. Plumb, Curtis Boughton, Thomas H. 
Botham, D. Comings, E. W. Collins, P. Finnegan, John F. Gard, 
H. W. Gustin, S. F. Heath, D. S. Hulett, S. G. Langley, A. C. 
Lightfoot, Daniel Murphy, N. W. Napier, R. D. Parker, B. F. 
Pi.xley, George W. Selden, H. C. Smith, John Whittlesey, A. 0. 
Winchester, Benjamin Williams, J. Aylsworth, G. W. Church, 
Joshua Ells, Charles Hull, H. R. Labaugh, Z. D. Nickersoii, 0. A. 
Osborne, Robert Pullen, A. D. Rowley, J. R. Webb, B. Lombard, 
W. H. Wakelce, A. Ada 



ST. JOSEPH VILLAGE. 

This thriving village is finely situated mainly south of 
the St. Joseph River, on the peninsula formed by that 
stream and Lake Michigan. The land forms an elevated 
plateau, giving the place a situation whose beauty and 
healthfulness are scarcely surpassed in the State. West of 
the village is the broad expanse of Lake Michigan, white 
with the sails of an immense commerce, and healthful with 
its invigorating breezes. Sweeping round from the south- 
east is the St. Joseph River, on whose waters are borne the 
products of the interior of the county to the mouth of the 
stream, which constitutes a safe and convenient harbor, 
where lie at rest vessels from the lake ; and south are the 
fertile lands of the township, which have been transformed 
into a vast and productive fruit-garden. The villao-e is 
regularly laid out, with wide and well-shaded streets. It 
contains many fine residences and public buildings, and has 
a population of some three thousand inhabitants. 

Until 1829 this locality was an unbroken forest of heavy 
timber, except about half an acre on the farthermost point 
of the bluff, which has been used as a burial-ground by the 
Indians. Various articles of Indian occupancy, as kettles 
hatchets, and trinkets, have been found from time to time 
as the banks broke away, and when the ground was leveled 
for the park which skirts the brow of the hill. This clear- 
ing was made by the followers of Robert de La Salle in 
1679, and the winter of 1080-81. After the destruction 
of the old French fort that stood upon it, the Indians oc- 
cupied the ground for a general camp when engaged in 
fishing and hunting in this part of the county.* After 
the treaty at the Carey Mission, Sept. 28, 1828, attention 
was directed to this place as an eligible site for a future 

"■■■' See general chapters. 



316 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHiaAN. 



city, and discerning its importance, Calvin Britain, a former 
teacher at the mission, made claim to some of the lands 
near the mouth of the river in the following year. He 
was joined by Augustus B. Newell, and together they pre- 
empted the most desirable part of section 23 in 1829. 
Newell built a log cabin at the foot of the hill east of the 
clearing, which was the first house in St. Joseph occupied 
by actual settlers. Britain was a single man and had his 
home at Newell's. In 1830 the survey of this part of the 
county was finished, and on the 30th of September of that 
year Britain and Newell purchased the lands they had 
already secured by pre-emption. 

Some time after this, in 1831, Calvin Britian laid out 
a village on the south bank of the St. Joseph River, which 
he called Newberryport, in honor of Oliver Newberry, of 
Detroit.* This name the place bore until it was changed by 
legislative enactment to its present title, St. Joseph. Con- 
sidering the general condition of the settlements in the 
western part of the county, St. Joseph grew rapidly, 
having at this time more than 25 houses. It had been 
designated the county-seat when Berrien County was or- 
ganized in 1831, and remained the seat of justice until 
1837. Its future was so promising that application was 
made to the Legislative Council in the early part of 1834 for 
corporate privileges. The act was approved March 7, 1834, 
and from this period dates the municipal history of St. 
Joseph. The corporation comprised all of section 23, in 
range 19, and the authorities were to be known by the title 
of " The President, Trustees, and Freemen of the village 
of St. Joseph." In 1857 the limits of the village were 
extended to embrace all of section 24 lying south and west 
of the river St. Joseph, and at present about one square 
mile of territory is comprised within the bounds of the 
corporation. 

By the provisions of the incorporating act, the township 
Board of OfiBcers — William Huff, Supervisor ; Amos S. 
Amsden, Justice; and B. C. Hoyt, Clerk — presided at the 
first village election, held at the school-house, on the first 
Monday in May, 1834, and declared the following per- 
sons the choice of the freemen for the respective oflices : 
President, Thomas Fitzgerald ; Clerk, B. C. Hoyt (ap- 
pointed) ; Treasurer, E. P. Deacon ; Trustees, B. C. Hoyt, 
James F. Lord, William McKaleb, Calvin Britain, John 
Wittenmeyer ; Marshal, Fowler Preston. The sum of $400 
was levied upon the taxable property of the village to de- 
fray the expenses of the corporation the first year. In 
1835 the levy was increased to $1000. As this was a 
heavy tax, and money was scarce, an ordinance was passed, 
Jan. 23, 183G, which authorized the marshal " to take prom- 
issory notes froin the residents of the village for the unpaid 
part of the tax, which (notes) may be paid by digging and 
burning stumps in the streets at 25 cents per stump." 
There is no record to show that the inhabitants generally 
complied with this proposition to pay their taxes ; but it is 
remembered that some of the trustees claimed that it was 
a great measure of relief, and would free the streets of many 
unsightly obstructions. 



* Another account says the place was called Newburyport, from the 

town of that name in Massachusetts. 



Considerable attention was early paid by the Council to the 
improvement of the .streets of the village, the establishment 
of ferries on the river, and the building of a bridge across 
the same. In February, 1836, a meeting of the citizens 
was held, and a resolution passed that the corporation loan 
$10,000 to build a bridge across the St. Joseph River, on 
the old ferry road, and another near the mouth of the Paw 
Paw ; both to be free from toll. The same year, Thomas 
Fitzgerald, Benjamin C. Hoyt, and Fowler Preston were ap- 
pointed a committee to establish a ferry on the St. Joseph, 
so that the increasing travel might be accommodated. 

In March, 1837, the Council established rates of ferriage 
as follows : 

For a wagon or carriage and over two oxen or horses.. SO. 62i 

For a wagon or carriage, one or two oxen or horses 37i 

For a man and horse 25 

For a single horse, ox, or cow 12^ 

For a person on foot, etc 12 J 

Below is given a list of persons liable to pay State tax in 
the township of St. Joseph for the year 1837, dated Jan. 
2, 1837 :t James Dalton, John H. Harris, Eleazer Morton, 
John P. Davis, William McKaleb, Axtell & Chauncey, 
James H. Enos, tavern-keepers; Matthew Cavanagh & Co., 
William HaflF, Dudley & HoUoway, John F. Porter, John 
Wittenmeyer, A. S. Amsden, Stewart & Sawyer, Sullivan 
& Fish, Samuel Pottle, merchants; John F. Porter & Co., 
John Griffith & Co., forwarding and commission merchants; 
Daniel Olds & Co., Parsons, Lathrop & Butler, John Wit- 
tenmeyer, grocers. 

In 1839 the bridge across the St. Joseph River was com- 
pleted, but there was an indebtedness of $4000 on it. It 
was a toll-bridge. The builders, Messrs. Stewart, Sawyer 
& Co., were to have the use of the bridge for a term of 
fourteen years, and to charge the tolls before given, pro- 
vided that the corporation might at any time assume the 
bridge by paying a fair proportion of its cost. The village 
has long enjoyed free bridges, and its streets compare favor- 
ably with those of other villages in this part of the State. 

The Council also adopted precautionary measures against 
fires, and, in 1835, enacted ordinances for the protection of 
property against fire. Three years later, a reservoir twelve 
feet square was constructed on the corner of Ship and 
State Streets, and buckets and ladders were provided. On 
the 21st of March, 1867, the Legislature empowered the 
village by a special act to borrow money, in sums not ex- 
ceeding $10,000, and to issue the bonds of the corporation 
to pay the same, to purchase a fire-engine and equipments, 
to build an engine-house, and to construct reservoirs. 

The purposes of this act were not immediately realized, 
but, in April, 1870, the Common Council accepted Hose 
Company No. 1 , which had been formed with 1 9 members, 
and Neptune Fire Company, No. 2, which numbered 35 
members. Of the latter company, D. W. Porter was the 
foreman, and W. A. Preston the treasurer. In 1876 both 
companies were disbanded. In 1877 the occurrence of two 
destructive fires caused the Council to provide for better 
fire-apparatus, and the formation of new companies. St. 
Joseph Fire Company, No. 1 , was approved by the Council 

f At the time the list was made out St. Joseph embraced Benton and 
Bainbridge. In the spring of that year Benton and Bainbridge were 
set off as separate townships. 




DR. LYMAN COLLINS. 




ji.-Pny»n ,-„:-Vat,....* ■ .^^,.viic»;<«^,^yi, „??'^r!- 



flESiOENCE OF DR LVMAN COLLINS, St Joseph Berrien Co M ch 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



317 



July 28, 1877. It had originally 52 members, and at 
present has about 60. T. T. Hansom, Chief Engineer ; C. 
C. Sweet, First Assistant ; E. B. Perkins, Second Assistant ; 
Gr. W. Piatt, Captain of the Hose Company. 

Since 1877 the corporation has owned a No. 3 Silsby 
steam fire-engine, a hose-cart with 1000 feet of rubber 
and 300 feet of leather hose. Four reservoirs, holding 
20,000 gallons each, have lately been constructed at conve- 
nient points in the village, and the entire outlay for protec- 
tion against fire since 1877 has been nearly $1000. The 
apparatus is housed in a small building near the City 
Hall. The latter was donated to the village authorities 
by the school board, in July, 1871, for the above purpose, 
and was formerly the school-house in the upper part of the 
village. It has been fitted up to contain the necessary 
village ofiices, and affords a large room for general meetings. 

In 1878 the receipts of the village from liquor licenses 
were S1646.09; and from all other sources $1158.01. The 
total disbursements were $2777.67. At present the finances 
of the village are in a healthy condition, the entire debt 
being less than $100. 

The principal oiEcers in 1879 were the following: Presi- 
dent, A. K. Webster ; Recorder, Hiram W. Ray ; Treas- 
urer, Edward D. Schnader ; Trustees, Daniel Chapman, 
Abel W. Wells, Montgomery Shepard, James Forbes, 
Henry Grimm. 

From 1834 to 1879 the ofiicers were as follows : 

PRESIDENTS. 

1834, Thomas Fitzgerald ; 1S35, Calvin Britain ; 1836, Thomas Con- 
ger; 1837-41, John F. Porter; 1842, Thomas Fitzgerald; 1843- 
44, Calvin Britain; 1845, Talman Wheeler; 1846-47, Thomas 
Fitzgerald; 1848-49, Talman Wheeler; 1850, William M. Listen; 
1851-53, B. C. Hoyt; 1854-55, J. W. Brewer; 1856-57, B. C. 
Hoyt; 1858, F. I. Parks; 1859, B. C. Hoyt; 1860-61, Oliver 
Stevens; 1862, B. M. Springstein ; 186.3, Oliver Stevens; 1864- 
65, Warren Chapman; 1866, Edward Kinsgley; 1867, 0. W. 
Oviatt; 1868, R. B. Duncan) 1869, J. H. Donaldson; 1870,0. 
W. Oviatt; 1871, J. J. Pearl; 1872, A. E. Perkins; 1873, Edward 
Pulver; 1874, A. E. Perkins; 1875, A. H. Morrison; 1876, A. E. 
Perkins; 1877, A. K. Webster; 1878, George B. Smith; 1879, 
A. K. Webster. 

RECORDERS. 

1834, B. C. Hoyt; 1835, Thomas Conger; 1836, James Randies; 1837- 
41, Charles A. Morton; 1842-43, J. N. Rogers; 1844, W. H. 
Sullivan; 1845, W. C. Hammell; 1846-47, Dexter Straight; 
1848-52, A. P. Stinson ; 1853, Damon A. Winslow; 1854, J. H. 
Sutherland; 1855-58, H. W. Guernsey; 1859-62, J. W. Brewer; 
1863, A. P.Stinson; 1864-69, J. W. Brewer; 1870, Hiram Brown; 
1871-75, J. W. Brewer; 1876-78, H. C. Rockwell; 1879, Hiram 
W. Ray. 

MARSHALS. 

1834, Fowler Preston; 1835, J. Wittenmeyer; 1836, A. M. Brownell; 
1837, William M. Stewart; 1838, Bill Jones; 1839-4.3, Fowler 
Preston; 1844, J. Fitzgerald; 1845, Robert Wilson; 1846, W. 
Chapman; 1847, William Bradford; 1848-53, D. 0. Ramsay; 
1854-55, William Bradford; 1866-57, E. Kingsley ; 1858, W. J. 
Boioe; 1859, E. Kingsley; 1860, A. J. Barlight; 1861, D. 
Nicholson; 1862-64, Conrad Noate; 1865-66, T. H. Botham ; 
1867, Conrad Noate; 1868-70, N. H. Terry; 1871, S. Hannum; 
1872, L. M. Alas; 1873, Daniel Loftus ; 1874, J. J. Pearl; 1875, 
C. Rigney; 1876, J. J. Pearl; 1877, C. Rigoey; 1878, John 
Slattery; 1879, Samuel Hannum. 

GENERAL COMMERCE. 

The commerce of St. Joseph has been an important ele- 
ment in promoting its early growth, and received the pro- 



tection of the government soon after the village was founded. 
In the latter part of 1831 a lighthouse was commenced 
opposite where the mouth of the river then was, and in 
front of the present lighthouse. A. P. Stinson was one 
of the early keepers of the light. The present lighthouse, 
built after the model so common on the great lakes, — a 
combined tower and keeper's house, — was erected in 1859. 
The light is elevated about ninety feet above the surface of 
the lake, and can be seen about ten miles away. For many 
years John M. Enos was the keeper of this lighthouse, 
and since his death it has been in charge of his widow. 

The mouth of the river was formerly narrow, and more 
or less obstructed with sand. It was very difficult to 
enter the harbor, if the wind blew from the north or 
west, and many lives were lost in such attempts. On ac- 
count of the shoal water the heavier vessels were obliged to 
anchor outside, where they were unloaded by means of 
lighters. In 1836 the government commenced the im- 
provement of the harbor. The workmen located them- 
selves on the sand-banks on the north side of the present 
harbor, and began building the north pier. This had the 
efiect of directing attention to that locality as the possible 
site of a village, and as the speculative spirit was then rife, 
Messrs. Gurdon S. Hubbard & Co., capitalists from the 
East, secured the tract of land lying between the Paw Paw 
River and the lake, which they laid out into lots, calling 
the place North St. Joseph. At that time some of the 
sand-hills were sixty feet high, and from $15,000 to $18,000 
was expended in reducing them to a grade, building docks, 
and making other improvements. The plat contemplated a 
place of large proportions ; and for the accommodation of 
the manufacturing interests of the embryo city a canal was 
projected from the Paw Paw to the lake, which was to be 
lined with factories. A warehouse and a few other build- 
ings were erected on the north side ; but the location was 
unfavorable for a good business point, and it soon reverted 
to its original condition. On the south side real estate was 
held at fabulous prices by a few owners, whose avaricious 
policy prevented the village from making a substantial 
growth at a most favorable period. A large amount of 
capital which sought investment at St. Joseph was thus 
diverted to other points, and not until many years later did 
a more liberal policy prevail. 

Since 1836 the harbor has been very much improved by 
extending the piers several hundred feet into the lake and 
dredging the bed of the river. A light has been placed on 
the farthermost point of the southern pier, and as there is 
about thirteen feet of water over the bar, the harbor is one 
of the best on the eastern shore of the lake. 

About 1836 the river trade began to assume importance. 
At first, keel-boats and scows were employed to carry the 
exports from Niles, Berrien, and other points to the mouth 
of the river, but in 1832 the first attempt was made to 
navigate the St. Joseph by steam. A small craft, named, 
after the village, the " Newburyport," commanded by Capt. 
John F. Wight, proceeded up the river as far as Berrien, 
where she ran aground and was brought back to the village 
in a damaged condition. The following year E P. Deacon 
and William McKaleb built a steamboat at St. Joseph, 
which they called the " Matilda Barney." Joseph Fish- 



318 



HISTOKY OF BBKRIBN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



baugh, of Pittsburgh, was the carpenter, Philip B. Andrews, 
now of Chickamiug, built the engine, and Leverett Plumb 
put it in and served as engineer the first season. Daniel 
T. Wilson was the captain of the boat. It plied about ten 
years between St. Joseph and Niles, and occasionally went 
to South Bend. It soon had a competitor for the river 
trade in the " Davy Crockett," which was brought to this 
port in 1834 by John Griffith & Co. In the spring of 
1835, Benjamin Putnam took command of the " Davy 
Crockett," and in August of that year the boat ran upon a 
rock several miles above Berrien Springs, damaging it so 
badly that it had to be dismantled. The locality is 
yet known as " Crockett's Defeat." A little later the 
" Patronage" was built by Hull & Co., who used the 
machinery of the old " Davy Crockett." Capt. Hull was 
in command, and the boat ran a few seasons. About 
1838 the " Pocahontas" was built by James Randall for 
Wheeler & Porter. It was an excellent boat, with an 80 
horse-power engine, but could not be profitably used on 
account of its large size, and was withdrawn after several 
sea.sons. In 1843 the " Indiana" was launched at Constan- 
tine, and navigated the waters of the St. Joseph until 1848, 
when she was taken to Chicago as a tug-boat. Joseph W. 
Brewer was in command of this boat, which was one of 
the few that were able to make the trip from St. Joseph to 
Niles and return in a day. At the same time the " Algoma," 
Edward Smith commander, plied between Mishawaka and 
St. Joseph. The " Niles" was placed on the river about 
1845, by Beeson & Co., of Niles, and was employed between 
that city and St. Joseph until about 1853. 

From 1835 till 1848 the river trade was so large that 
not only the foregoing boats were employed, but also a 
number of keel-boats and small steamers. Among the 
latter were the " Mishawaka," the " John F. Porter," and 
the " Michigan." 

In 1834 the first cargo of wheat was .shipped from the 
port by Hiram Brown, of the firm of John Griffith & Co. 
In 1842 more wheat was shipped from St. Joseph than 
from Chicago, and the village was the second shipping port 
in the State, Detroit being the first. The following year, 
however, Chicago was the greater grain market, the ship- 
ments from that port being 688,907 bushels, while those of 
St. Joseph were only 418,114. After the railroad was built 
through the eastern part of the county, but little wheat was 
shipped from the port ; and as the mercliants availed them- 
selves of the more speedy transportation, the entire shipping 
business on the St. Joseph and Paw Paw Rivers declined 
to so small an amount that only a few small boats were 
retained. 

After 1850 the lumber trade became quite important, 
and many million feet were shipped from St. Joseph annu- 
ally. The country began to settle up about this period, 
and since the timber supply has been exhausted, the prin- 
cipal exports have been farm products, mechanical work, 
and fruit, the latter constituting the chief article. The 
river trade is carried on by a small steamer, which plies 
between St. Joseph and Berrien Springs, and several fine 
steamers and propellers sail daily between St. Joseph and 
Chicago. The first boat between these ports, the " Pioneer," 
went to pieces on the bar at St. Joseph in July, 1834. 



Some years later Capt. Ward placed the " Huron" on the 
lake to make connection with a line of stages from the 
East, whereby the trip from Detroit to Chicago was made 
in thirty-six hours. Since that time there have been many 
vessels of good capacity and fine accommodations, and but 
few casualties have occurred which involved loss of life. 
The destruction of the " Hippocampus," in the fall of 1868, 
was one of the most disastrous. It was occasioned by her 
being overloaded (the cargo being composed of .some 8000 
baskets of peaches), and by leakage round her propeller 
shaft, which filled her after compartment, and caused her to 
go down, stern foremost. 

At present the " Corona," one of the fine steamers belong- 
ing to the Goodrich Transportation Company, makes six 
trips per week between Chicago and St. Joseph, and other 
boats from the first-named place touch at St. Joseph daily. 

In 1868, before Benton Harbor became a port, the num- 
ber of vessels which entered the harbor of St. Joseph was 
892, and their tonnage 138,093 ; in 1878 the number of 
vessels was only 287, but the tonnage amounted to 101,534. 
For many years R. B. Duncan was the collector of the port, 
but in 1860 the custom-house was discontinued. Upon its 
re-establishment, in 1862, Hiram Brown was appointed col- 
lector, and still fills that position. In 1878 a United States 
life-saving station was located at St. Joseph] and provided 
with the most approved apparatus. A full crew is main- 
tained, in command of Captain Joseph A. Napier. 

Amos B. Hinckley erected the first warehouse on the 
harbor at St. Joseph, in 1830, near where was afterwards 
the well-known " Checkered Warehouse." It was a small 
building, having only one room, and was built on a log 
foundation, laid up " cob-house" fashion. The " Yellow 
Warehouse" was also a prominent business place, and for 
many years a conspicuous landmark. There are at present 
at St. Joseph several thousand feet of dockage, and ware- 
hou.se capacity sufficient for the business of the place. 

The forwarding and commission firm of John Griffith & 
Co., which began business at St. Joseph in July, 1834, 
was one of the first in the place, and continued a number 
of years. Hiram Brown was the resident member of the 
firm. In a year or two John F. Porter & Co. became a 
contemporary forwarding firm, and at a little later period 
came Britain, Chester & Co., in the yellow warehouse. 
Subsequently Holt, Palmer & Co., whose business was 
managed by Otis Clapp, were forwarders at this place. R. 
C. Paine, Mathias Teatzel, and Wheeler & Porter were also 
prominent commission merchants and general forwarders. 
The latter firm was succeeded in 1850 by A. H. Morrison, 
who is still interested in this branch of business. H. M. 
Williams is also in the forwarding business. 

GENERAL BUSINESS INTERESTS. 
As early as 1785, William Burnett established a trading- 
post on the St. Joseph, in the upper part of the village, for 
traffic with thg Indians. This was continued by himself, 
or son James, until 1829 ; and it is said that they amassed 
fortunes. In 1800 their exports of furs and peltries 
amounted to more than $100,000. In July, 1829, Benja- 
min C. Hoyt came to St. Joseph, and soon after established 
a trade which extended through foity years. Other early 




A,W WEUS. 
H.CWARD, 



THE MICHIQAN BASKET FACTORY aF^.W. WELLS &Co. 
ST. JOSEPH, MICH. 
/U,4 /U ty^/ C/U/? £/^ S Of B/iSI<iTS i'i'fpuij f/^Cf^AQES Of I^Ll KlfJDS. 



W.W.CDOPEfl 
JOHN HtQUAH,JK 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



319 



merchants were William Huff, Dudley & Holloway, John 
F. Porter, John Wittenmeyer, Amos S. Amsden, Stewart 
& Sanger, Samuel Potter, Daniel Olds, Lathrop & Butler, 
Sullivan & Fish, Daniel T. Wilson, R. B. Duncan, and 
Samuel R. Russell. Among the principal merchants since 
ISiO have been the following: James E. Stevens, J. E. & 
J. B. Sutherland, B. F. King, John Martin, F. A. Potter, 
C. C. Sweet, W. B. 0. Sweet, Piatt & Brother, Charles 
Stewart, J. Jacobson, James Forbes, T. T. Ransom, Z. 
Rice & Son, George E. Smith, John Yaw, H. M. Zekind, 
E. C. Palmer, E. D. Crane, John Leach, and M. & A. 
Shepard. Some of these are yet in trade, and the general 
mercantile houses of the village are large and well stocked. 
In the different branches of trade there are about fifty 
stores and shops. 

Augustus B. Newell had the first public house in the 
place, in a log building at the foot of the hill. In 1831 he 
erected the " Mansion House," near the site of the present 
" St. Charles Hotel," and kept it several years. The " Mich- 
igan House" was the second hotel. It stood at the foot of 
the hill, on the west side of State Street, and was opened in 
1834. The landlords in 1837 were Wm. McKuleb, Axtell 
& Chauncy, and James Dalton, the latter of whom was on 
the north side. In 1840 the present " Perkins House" 
was built and opened by William Huff. It is the oldest 
public house in the village. About 1867, B. C. Hoyt 
erected a very fine three-story brick hotel on the bluff near 
the harbor, which was known by his name until recently, 
when it received its present title, — the " Lake View House." 
In its appointments it is a fine house. On the opposite 
side of the street Charles Kreiger erected the fine four- 
story brick hotel — the " St. Charles" — a year after the Hoyt 
House. It was kept by him a few years, but is at present 
unoccupied. The " Park Hotel" was erected as a private 
residence by James E. Stevens, and was adapted to hotel 
purposes a few years ago by the present proprietor, Samuel 
Brown. Besides the foregoing, travelers are also well en- 
tertained at the " National Hotel" and the " Guernsey 
House," and at other small hostelries. 

A branch of the " Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of 
Michigan" was established at St. Joseph about 1835, in 
charge of Thomas Fitzgerald. He was succeeded by R. 
C. Paine, and the bank was in the present residence of 
Hon. A. H. Morrison. At a little later date a banking com- 
pany was formed and a " wild-cat" bank established in a 
building which stood on the site of the present National 
Bank. It was called the " Commercial Bank of Michigan," 
and Talman Wheeler was the president. Its existence was 
of short duration. In 1856, B. C. Hoyt began a banking 
busmess, which was afterwards shared with E. C. Hoyt. 
A fine office was occupied and the bank was successfully 
conducted for ten or twelve years. 

The First National Bank of St. Joseph was established 
in September, 1871, with a capital stock of $50,000 and 
the following directors: W. E. Higman, F. Jordan, S. F. 
Heath, C. H. Sherwood, E. Niokerson, W. H. Tryon, and 
C. Stewart. W. E. Higman was the first president and is 
still serving in that capacity. P. Jordan was the first 
cashier, and the present ones are James Baley and 0. 0. 
Jordan. The bank does a flourishing business. The fol- 



lowing are the present directors: H. C. Higman, E. Nick- 
erson, J. Baley, John Higman, Jr., and W. E. Higman. 

In 1831 the first post-oflice was established, with Calvin 
Britain postmaster. The present incumbent is B. F. King. 
Among others who have discharged the duties of postmaster 
are Reuben Scott, Wm. H. Sullivan, Thomas Fitzgerald, C. 
C. Sutton, B. C. Hoyt, Horace W. Guernsey, James N. 
Witherell, Henry M. Gustin, Theodore L. Reynolds, and 
Charles Stewart. St. Jo.seph was designated and made a 
postal money-order office in 1866. The business of the 
office is large, and four daily mails are received. 

Damon A. Winslow states that the St. Joseph Herald, 
A. E. Draper editor and publisher, was the first paper pub- 
lished in the village, and that its existence ceased after a 
few numbers had been issued in 1836. The subsequent 
history of the press is given in a general chapter. At 
present the papers are the Traveler and Herald, Republican 
(both weekly), and the Lake Shore Daily News. 

In 1832, Thomas Fitzgerald came to St. Joseph as the 
pioneer attorney, and soon after James Randies, Jabez N. 
Rogers, and Cruger Walton resided in the place. Fitz- 
gerald moved to Niles. Thomas Conger, E. E. Cady, C. 
R. Brown, C. W. Ormsbee, James H. Canfield, J. E. 
Chamberlain, and others were formerly attorneys in the 
village ; and the present resident members of the bar are 
Damon A. Winslow, Geo. S. Clapp, C. B. Potter, A. H. 
Potter, W. R. Lyon, N. A. Hamilton, T. J.. De Puy, Law 
C. Fyfe, and J. C. Watson. 

In 1833, Dr. Amos S. Amsden located at St. Joseph, 
and was probably the first physician in the place. He re- 
mained until his death, about 1849. Among other physi- 
cians of the regular school were Drs. Lillibridge, Johnson, 
Murray, Camp, Wheeler, and Corydon Parker. At present 
there are in practice Drs. R. D. Parker, David B. Crane, 
Lyman Collins, A. K. Webster, R. F. Stratton, and A. H. 
Scott. 

Dr. E. M. Pettit was the first homoeopathic practitioner, 
and still continues. Dr. J. L. McLin, of that school, is 
also iu practice. Drs. R. Pengelly and Louis Ludwig for- 
merly resided here. Dr. Samuel W. Holland, an eclectic 
physician, has been at St. Joseph since 1852. 

Among the dentists of St. Joseph have been Drs. Wil- 
son, Bidwell, Stump, and Shepard. The present dentists 
are Drs. H. C. Rockwell, H. H. Ray, and H. W. Ray. 

MANUFACTURING INTEREST!?. 

Most of the manufactories of St. Joseph are of recent 
origin, and until a few years ago only the common indus- 
tries were carried on. Lately, considerable attention has 
been directed to manufacturing, and proper encouragement 
has been given by local improvement societies and the vil- 
lage authorities, giving the place a promising future in this 
respect. 

The first machinery was operated in a saw-mill which 
was put up iu 1832 by Edward P. Deacon and William 
McKaleb, between Main Street and the Bayou Bridge. 
The engine was built and set up by Philip B. Andrews 
(now of Chickaming) and Leverett Plumb. 

Five or six years afterwards a man named Scott had a 
small foundry in the village, and later a tannery was car- 



320 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ried on by Swartwout, aud a brewery by Charles 

Krieger. 

At a more recent period the village has had a boiler- 
factory and the shops of the Michigan aud Lake Shore 
Railroad Company. The latter have been moved to Mus- 
kegon. The only iron-working establishment is the ma- 
chine-shop of Anderson & Colman, on Water Street, which 
was put in operation in the fall of 1878. A two-story 
building 24 by 60 feet is occupied, and 7 men are em- 
ployed. 

The St. Joseph Merchant- Mills, Lee & Wells proprie- 
tors, are located on the opposite side of the street, having 
their rear on the river. They were built about 1858, by 
John Swartwout, and enlarged by John P. Edwards. A 
frame building 60 by 75 feet is occupied, and there are 
five runs of stones driven by an 80 horse-power engine. 
The capacity of the mill is 100 barrels per day, and em- 
ployment is given to 10 men. 

Ubikley, Higman & Co.'s Lumber-, Stave-, and Heading- 
Mills are on the site of a saw-mill which was built and 
operated years ago by the Pew brothers. About 50 men 
are employed, and the product is 4,000,000 feet of lumber 
per annum and 120,000 staves per week. A large quantity 
of burrel-heads are also cut, and much of the material is 
manufactured into barrels in a cooperage which is also car- 
ried on by the firm. 

II. W. Williams' Lumber- Mills, in the same locality, 
were built in 1870, by Smith & Brown, but have been 
operated by the present proprietor since 1875. It is sup- 
plied with good machinery, and is capable of cutting 15,000 
feet in ten hours. The power is furnished by a 45 horse- 
power engine, and 26 men are employed. 

The Champion Planing-Mill, and Sasli- and Blind-Fac- 
tory, W. A. Preston proprietor, has been operated on the 
present site since 1872, and was begun in the southeast 
part of the village in 1862. Fourteen men are employed in 
the manufacture of all kinds of builders' materials, and lately 
a shop for making boxes for canned goods has been added, 
which employs 8 men more. All these mills are operated 
principally on hard woods, and are favorably located for busi- 
ness on the St. Joseph River and the ship-canal. 

The Michigan Basket- Factory of A. W. Wells & Co., 
on Water Street, was established near the south pier in 
1867, by Wells, Ward & Wilcox, and was first operated in 
the manufacture of fruit-packages. Changes in the firm 
followed, some of the members retiring, and W. W. Cook 
and John Higman becoming connected. In 1874 the firm 
of A. W. Wells & Co. purchased the interests of the 
" St. Joseph Basket Manufacturing Company," on Water 
Street, which had been organized some time previously, and 
has since carried on its business there. The works have 
been enlarged, and at present embrace a shop three stories 
high, 50 by 60 feet, and a large iron warehouse, 40 by 90 
feet. The best machinery is used, aud a large variety of 
work is manufactured, which finds a ready sale. One hun- 
dred and twenty-five men are employed, and three car-loads 
of baskets and fruit-packages are shipped daily. 

William R. Wilcox & Co.'s Fruit-Package and Veneer- 
ing-Faclory is the pioneer of this branch of industry in 
Berrien County. In 1864, Mr. Wilcox began making 



fruit-packages by hand, in the township of Lincoln, cutting 
the .splints from planks. Other improvements followed, and 
horse-power was used. In the fall of 1865 he patented a 
berry-box, the use of which became very general, and which 
solved the problem whether it would pay to grow small 
fruits, as it was furnished to growers for the nominal sum 
of one cent, and by its use fruit remained in good condition 
until it reached the consumer. Mr. Wilcox is also the 
patentee of other useful machinery for making fruit-pack- 
ages and cases, and has lately devised an ingenious machine 
for the manufacture of planed shingles. The present steam- 
factory is located near the railroad depot, and gives employ- 
ment to 40 men. 

The Industrial Spinning- and Knitting- Works are in the 
same locality. They were established in 1878 by S. P. 
Cooper & Sons, and have since been managed by J. W. 
Hart. The main factory is 40 by 100 feet, two stories 
high, with large engine-house, dry-rooms, and store-houses 
connected. The machinery has been in operation since 
October, 1878, and embraces two sets for making cotton 
and woolen yarns, and knitting- and weaving-machinery for 
the manufacture of hosiery, mittens, and underwear. More 
than 100 operatives are employed, and the products of the 
factory have been received with much favor by dealers. 

A. H. Morrisons Wooden- Ware Works have also been 
in operation since 1878. The factory is on the canal, in the 
eastern part of the village, and embraces eight buildings, 
namely, the main shop, 40 by 120 feet, two stories high; 
turning-shop, 36 by 70 feet, three stories high ; dry-kilns, 
24 by 144 feet, three stories high; warehouse for manu- 
factured goods, paint and varnish shops, office, etc., which 
are warmed by steam and hot air. The motive power is 
furnished by a 120 horse-power engine, and 150 hands are 
employed in the daily production of 2000 pails, 360 tubs, 
broom-handles, clothes-pins, and pail and tub handles. The 
capacity of the factory admits of a larger product, and is in- 
creased from time to time. 

THE RAILROAD. 
St. Joseph was the first contemplated terminus of the 
Michigan Central Railroad, as is shown in the chapter on 
internal improvements in the general history. There also 
will be found a full description of the Chicago and West 
Michigan, originally the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore 
Railroad. It is sufficient to say here that the completion of 
the road between New Bufi'alo and St. Joseph was celebrated 
by a grand jnbilee on the 2d of Februai'y, 1870, and that 
it was extended northward the following year. The station 
is located at the foot of the bluff, below the village. 

ST. JOSEPH SECRET ORDERS. 

It was the purpose of the writer to make the following 
society sketches more complete, but the absence of the 
proper records, and the indifference of the official members 
who were asked for information, necessitates him to limit 
the accounts to a simple statement of the facts connected 
with their organization. 

Occidental Lodge, No. 56, F. and A. M., was the first 
established in the place. It was instituted in 1852, with 
L. Church, W. M. ; J. Enos, S. W. ; A- P- Stinson, J. 
W. ; A. B. Leeds, Sec. ; and Phiueas Pearl, Treas. 




A. H. MORRISON'S MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENT, ST. JOSEPH, MICH. 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



321 



The lodge at present has 66 members, and its principal 
officers are A. H. Scott, Jr., W. M. ; H. M. Zekind, S. W. ; 
C. H. Moulton, Sec. ; and John Wallace, Treas. 

Pomona Lodge, No. 28, F. and A. M., has held its meet- 
ings as a chartered body since Jan. 13, 1871. 0. W. Oviatt 
was the W. M. at that time ; A. K. Webster, S. W. ; and 
R. B. Duncan, J. W. These offices are at present filled 
by John F. Gard, W. M. ; L. C. Fyfe, S. W. ; Samuel 
Richey, J. W. ; T. J. De Puy, Sec. ; H. W. Guernsey, 
Treas. The membership of the lodge is small. Its meet- 
ings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. 

Calvin Britain Chapter, No. 72, R. A. M., was insti- 
tuted April 20, 1870, with the following original members : 
Lawrence Phillips, Samuel G. Langley, H. M. Zekind, A. 
B. Leeds, Joshua Feather, Fred A. Potter, Alfred Shep- 
ard, P. D. Montgomery, and A. J. Brush. 

In 1879 the chapter had 40 members, and H. M. 
Zekind, H. P. ; Alfred Baldrey, K. ; Horace W. Guernsey, 
S. ; Law. C. Fyfe, Sec. ; and John Wallace, Treas. 

St. Joseph Council, No. 44, R. and S. 31. A., was insti- 
tuted Nov. 23, 1875, with the following officers : F. A. Pot- 
ter, T. I. M. ; J. J. Pearl, D. I. M. ; C. S. Boyle, P. C. W. ; 
Alexander Elon, C. of G. ; A. B. Bisbee, G.S. and S. ; H. 
M. Zekind, C. of C. ;'J. W. Brewer, Recorder; and John 
Bell, Treas. The council has at present (1879) 22 mem- 
bers, and the following officers in the order named above : 
Alexander Elton, J. H. Fassett, Geo. S. Clapp, Alfred Bal- 
drey, J. J. Pearl, E. P. Piatt, J. W. Brewe>, and Law. C. 
Fyfe. 

Burnett Lodge, No. 119, 1. 0. 0. F.—On the 26th of 
May, 1868, a charter for a lodge with the above name and 
number was granted to A. H. Morrison, A. E. Perkins, C. 
H. Chamberlain, 0. W. Oviatt, and W. 11. Graham. The 
lodge has maintained a flourishing existence ever since, and 
assembles in a neatly-furnished hall. 

St. Joseph Encampment, No. 37, /. 0. 0. F. — This 
order received a dispensation from the Grand Encamp- 
ment of Michigan, Dec. 30, 1869, and on the 18th of Feb- 
ruary, 1870, received a charter from the same source. 
The coQstitutent members were Lawrence Phillips, H. M. 
Zekind, Orrin W. Oviatt, Joseph J. Pearl, C. H. Cham- 
berlain, J. W. Smith, H. Noel Elkington, John M. West, 
John P. B. Thompson, Edward M. Edwards, and Charles 
H. De Witt. The encampment has prospered, and enjoyed 
a liberal increase of membership. 

.S'^. Joseph Lodge, No. 92, /. 0. G. T. — This temperance 
organization was instituted March 11, 1879, with 31 char- 
ter members and the following principal officers : William 
B. Plumb, W. C. T. ; Miss Adelia Smith, W. V. T. ; E. 
M. Plumb, W. R. S. ; Henry Reder, W. F. S. ; Miss Jen- 
nie Clapp, W. Treas. ; Will Hart, W. Marshal ; and George 
Jennings, P. W. C. T. The lodge has been very prosper- 
ous, having already, in August, 1879, more than 100 mem- 
bers, and promises to be a valuable agency in promoting 
the temperance cause. 

A few other societies have had an existence in the vil- 
lage, but as they have long since disbanded, and the re- 
cords have not been preserved, no account of them can here 
be given. 
41 



ST. JOSEPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The people in the settlement were early interested in the 
cause of education. A log school-house was erected in the 
southeast part of the village, where the ground begins to 
descend eastward on Church Street, between Pearl and 
Market. The following passage from the village records 
indicates that the school-house was built before 1832 : " At 
a meeting of the freemen of the village of St. Joseph, 
held at the school-house (it being the usual place of holding 
town-meetings), on the first day of May, 1834." This 
meeting was the first village election. Edwin Richardson 
came in this year, and taught in this log school-house. 

At a meeting of the village council, Nov. 25, 1835, it 
was, on motion, ordered, " That all proceedings heretofore 
had on the subject of building a school-house in the village 
of St. Joseph be declared void. On motion, Fowler Preston 
is hereby authorized to purchase lumber and contract for 
building a school-house in the village of St. Joseph, that 
shall not cost to exceed $500." The building then erected 
has long been known as the " Old White School-House," 
and stands now on the corner of Ship and Main Streets, 
and is used as a marble-shop. It still belongs to the corpo- 
ration. 

About 1840 a dwelling-house belonging to Charles Ranous 
was purchased by Dr. Talman Wheeler, moved down on the 
lot where the 31ethodist church now stands, fitted up for 
a school, and donated by him for that purpose. The Rev. 

Hawley, a clergyman, now of Van Bureu County, 

was the first teacher, and remained three years, preaching 
occasionally in the Old White School-House. Among the 
early teachers were Donald C. Snyder, Miss McNamana, 
and Miss Clarinda Searles. It is remembered as the " Old 
Red School-House." The building now used as a city hall 
was erected by the district in 1858-59, and used as a 
school-house until the completion of the present brick 
structure. It stood on the site of the present school 
building. 

The first records of the board of school inspectors of the 
township of St. Joseph that are preserved are found in an 
old volume in the township clerk's office. The first recorded 
meeting of the board was held on the 10th day of April, 
1837. There were present Benjamin C. Hoyt, Thomas 
Fitzgerald, and James Randies, who composed the board. 
After organization the board adjourned until Saturday, 
May 16th. 

At the time appointed the board was in session, and it 
was ordered, " That all that part of St. Joseph in Fractional 
Township No. 4, South of Range 19 west, be formed into 
a School District, and designated as Dist. No. 1," and that 
the first meeting of the inhabitants of District No. 1 be 
held at the school-house in said district, on Saturday, the 
27th day of May. It was also ordered, " That all that part 
of St. Joseph set off by the State Legislature as Paw Paw 
township be formed into a school district, and designated 
as No. 2, the first meeting to be held at the house of I. 
Moffatt, on the first Monday of June next." It was fur- 
ther ordered, " That Benton Township, as set off by the 
State Legislature, be formed into a school district, and des- 
ignated as No. 3, and the first meeting to be held at the 
house of Jehial Enos, on the first Monday of June next." 



322 



HISTOKY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The school inspectors' report, dated Oct. 17, 1837, showed 
as follows : " Number of districts iu St. Joseph township, 3 ; 
districts which had reported, 1, viz., district No. 1 ; number 
of scholars in district No. 1 of school age, 110; number 
attending school under five and over seventeen years of age, 
10 ; whole number attending school, 107 ; length of time 
a .school has been taught by a qualified teacher, five months 
and two weeks ; amount of money received of school in- 
spectors, none ; amount received for use of library, none ; 
amoun,t raised in each district, $185 ; purposes for which 
it was used, $90 for teachers, $20 for bookcases, $50 for 
incidental expenses, $15 for desk, $10 for library ; books 
used in each district school, Murray's Reader, American 
First Class Book, Hale'.s History of the United States, 
First Book of History, Olney's Geography, Parley's Ge- 
ography, Peckham's Grammar, Comstock's Philosophy, 
Blake's Philosophy, Daboll's Arithmetic, Adams' Arith- 
metic, Colburn's Arithmetic, Webster's Spelling-Book, 
Walker's Dictionary. 

" School in the above-mentioned district was taught by 
two experienced and qualified teachers, one male and one 
female. A school has been taught most of the year by one 
of the teachers ; a tuition school is in the district. 

" L. S. LiLLIBRIDGE, 

" Geo. C. Thompson, 
" Ira C. Doe, 

" Inspectors of Schools in the Township of St. Joseph." 

Nov. 8, 1838, District No. 4 was formed from District 
No. 3, and comprised sections Nos. 13, 14, and east half of 
15, in township 4 south, range 18 west. 

March 1, 1829, at a meeting of the Board of Inspectors 
the collector of school-tax reported as collected $80.67 ; 
the township received, from primary-school fund, $70. It 
was ordered that both these sums be applied to District 
No. 1.* 

The report for 1842 has reference to but one district, 
containing 97 scholars between five and seventeen years of 
age, and 113 attending school. In 1843 three districts 
were reported, and in 1846 the sum of $42.16 was appor- 
tioned to District No. 1, " there being no other district in 
the township." 

Fractional school districts were made with Royal- 
ton and Benton in 1854-55. At the present time the 
township comprises one district. The report for 1879 
shows as follows : number of districts, 1 ; Director, R. F. 
Stratton ; number of children between the ages of five and 
twenty years, 884; whole number of children attending 
school during the year, 663 ; number of school-houses and 
construction, 1 brick and 1 frame ; number of pupils who 
can be seated, 800 ; value of school property, $40,000 ; 
number of qualified teachers, 1 male, 13 females; total 
wages paid teachers during the year, — males, $806 ; females, 
$2715.95. 

The financial report of same date shows, — 



* It will be remembered that in the report made in 1837 the town- 
ship claimed three districts, — Paw Paw and Benton, as first organized. 
In this report Districts Nos. 1 and 4 only are claimed, the latter set 
off from District 3 the November previous. 



KECEIPTS. 

Money on hand Sept. 2, 1878 $685.25 

Two-mill tax 488.20 

Primary-school fund 410.44 

District taxes for all purposes 1,042.03 

Raised from all other sources 162.68 

Total resources for the year 12,182.65 

EXPENDITUEES. 

Paid male teachers .$806.00 

Paid female teachers 2,715.95 

Paid for building and repairs 2110.00 

Paid on bonded indebtedness 5,782.00 

Paid for all other purposes 1,777.80 

Amount on hand Sept. 1,1879 900.09 

Total expenditure for the year 12,282.65 

Bonded indebtedness of the district Sept. 1, 

1879 36,600.00 

Total indebtedness of the district Sept. 1, 1879 36,600.00 
Numberof private or select schools in township 1 

Number of pupils attending private or select 

schools 20 

Early Teachers. — The first examination and certificate 
granted by the school inspectors was that of Harry Lyon, 
Nov. 6, 1839 ; and others followed as they are here given : 
John I. Beaup, Nov. 14, 1839; Amos Gray, Nov. 28, 1839 ; 
William Jones, Oct. 2, 1841 ; William L. Jakeway, Nov. 
11, 1842 ; John Mitchell, Dec. 9, 1843 ; A. S. Burt, May 
18, 1844; Miss Ruth Mead, March 27, 1845; Donald C. 
Snyder, Nov. 12, 1847; A. Van Sawn, Oct. 26, 1848; 
Angeline Woodruif, April 28, 1853 ; Oscar McClaugherty, 
Jan. 4, 1854; Romelia M. Spencer, March 30, 1854; E. 
E. Fish, May 15, 1 854 ; Seymour L. Butes, May 18, 1855 ; 
Miss E. Butes, June 11, 1855; L. J. Brown, June 13, 
1857 ; Marcelia Brown, July 25, 1857 ; A. D. Brown, Nov. 
21, 1857 ; A. Aldrich, Elizabeth Dunn, Belle Chapman, and 
Mary J. Condon, April 3, 1859 ; Flavilia Quint, Delia A. 
Brown, L. Valeria Abbott, A. J. Wood, Nov. 12, 1859 ; 
Miss Abbott, Nov. 26, 1859 ; A. L. Aldrich, April 13, 
1861 ; William R. Lyon, Helen Haight, Sept. 7, 1861 ; 
Adaline Brown, Mira Abbott, Nov. 2, 1861. 

Library. — The following is taken from the records, and 
is the first record of any action being taken thereto, but in 
the school report of 1838, under the head of " Purposes 
for which it was used," is noted " $10 for library." 

" At a meeting of the Board of School Inspection, held 
at the ' National,' on Saturday, March 22, 1845, present, 
A. Murray, Chairman, R. E. Ward and A. M. Church : 
'whereas, upon mature deliberation, and assisted by advice 
of eminent council, the Board unanimously agreed to expend 
$47 j'^ in purchasing books for a school library. The Board 
selected the Massachusetts School Library, consisting of 38 
volumes, and 62 volumes from Harper's Library, in all 
amounting to 100 volumes, for the sum of $47.50, for 
which an order was given on the treasurer.' 

" A. M. Church, Township Clerk. 

The books were received April 9, 1845. July 13, 1845, 
27 volumes were added by purchase. Additions were again 
made in 1861, and May 14, 1868, 75>olumes were added. 
In the spring of 1874 the library was given to the Union 
District, and has increased by purchase by students and do- 
nations of citizens and the use of library fund to 487 vol- 
umes. 

The Union School. — In 1859 all that part of the town- 
ship south and west of the St. Joseph River was organized 
as a district for the maintenance of a union school, which 
was opened under the principalship of Dr. A. D. Brown, 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



323 



and other early principals were A. L. Aldrich and W. R. 
Lyon. In 1871 the present school building was begun, 
and it was completed in 1872, at a cost of $40,000. The 
plans were prepai'ed by Rufus Rose, and the builders were 
Daly S. Moore and Harrison Paine. The superintending 
committee were W. S. Maynard and John Whittlesey, and 
the other members of the Board of Education were Wm. 

C. Stewart, Geo. S. Clapp, B. Williams, and J. W. Brewer. 
The edifice has a fine location on a spacious lot, and is built 
of brick and stone, 86 by 102 feet, three stories high, with 
basement. There are fourteen school-rooms and a number 
of recitation-rooms, which are heated by hot-air furnaces. 
The building presents a fine appearance, and its erection 
reflects great credit on the village and township. 

In 1879 the Board of Education was composed of E. 

D. Crane, Moderator ; Wm. E. Higman, Assessor and 
Treasurer ; R. P. Stratton, Director ; and John H. Lee, 
James A. Canavan, and Geo. E. Smith. The entire enroll- 
ment of pupils in the district was 850, and the expense of 
maintaining the schools $5550. 

J. H. Fassett, A.M., has been the superintendent of the 
schools for the past four years. He has been assisted by an 
able corps of ten teachers, and the instruction imparted has 
been thorough and extensive, giving the people excellent 
educational advantages at home. 

In the Heath neighborhood, which forms a joint district 
with that part of Benton township lying east and south, is 
a very fine school-house, in which excellent schools are 
maintained for the people living east of the St. Joseph 
River. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

In St. Joseph, as well as in most other places in Western 
Michigan, the Methodist missionaries were the first to 
proclaim the gospel to the early settlers. It is believed 
that the Rev. Erastus Felton, a member of the Detroit 
district of the Ohio Conference, visited this part of the 
State in 1829, and preached several times as part of his 
work in the St. Joseph Valley. In 1830 the Rev. L. R. 
Gurley was his co-laborer. In the following year a sepa- 
rate mission was formed, .still bearing the name of St. 
Joseph, which was attached to the Laporte district of the 
Indiana Conference, and retained that connection until 
1839, when it became a part of the Michigan Conference. 
That year (1831) the missionaries were the Revs. Benja- 
min Cooper and William Sprague. A number of changes 
in the districts and circuits followed. Since 1856 the ap- 
pointment has constituted a station. The ministers who 
have preached at St. Joseph, as appointees of Conference 
or other authority, from 1832 till the present time (1879) 
have been the following : 

1832, Revs. R. S. Robinson, G. L. Bostwick; 1S33, Rev. Newell S. 
Smith; 1834, Rev. R. S. Robinson; 1835, Rev. E. L. Kellogg; 
1836, Revs. Thomas P. MeCool, R. C. Meek : 1S37, Rev. W. Todd; 
1838, Revs. J. Ercambrack, F. Arnold; 1839-42, Revs. F. Gage, 
D. Burns, F. B. Bangs; 1843, Rev. T. Jakeway ; 1S14, Rev. 
Charles Barnes; 1845, Rev. E. L. Kellogg; 1840, Rev. R. Pen- 
gellej; 1847-48, Rev. R. Goodale; 1849, Rev. George King; 
1850, Rev. E. R. Kellogg; 1851, Rev. T. Clark; 1852, Rev. J. 
W. Robinson ; 1853, Rev. W. T. Jenkins ; 1854, Rev. T. H. Big- 
nail; 1855, Rev. T. Jakeway; 1856-57, Rev. W. C. Bliss; J858- 
59, Rev. Thomas Lyon; 1800-61, Rev. R. Pengelly; 1862, Rev. 
A. Y. Graham; 1863-64, Rev. L. M. Edmunds; 1864-65, Rev. 



J. I. Buell ; 1866, Rev. T. Edwards ; 1867-70, Rev. Joseph Jones ; 
1871, Rev. J. T. Iddings ; 1872-73, Rev. R. C. Crawford; 1874, 
Rev. W. H. Perrine; 1875, Rev. G. S. Barnes; 1870-79, Rev. I. 
R. A. Wightman. 

The labors of Father McCool in 1836 secured a perma- 
nent place for Methodism in St. Joseph. The members of 
the class which was formed about that time constituted the 
germ from which sprang the present 

JFirst Methodist Episcopal Church. — So encouraging was 
its future in 1836 that it was proposed to at once build a 
meeting-house, the project being encouraged by many people 
who did not belong to the class. An unfortunate circum- 
stance* caused the withdrawal of the latter support, which 
prevented the project from being carried out, and for many 
years the purpose to erect a place of worship consecrated to 
Methodism could not be given effect. Neither did the 
members of the class increase proportionately, there being 
in 1846 only 18 persons belonging to it. 

In Ransom Goodale's pastorate (1847-48) 16 persons 
were added, but the members were poor, and the interest in 
religious matters at St. Joseph was very meagre.f The 
meetings were held in the school-house and other places, 
and all those years the village had no church edifice. In 
1856 the idea to provide a .special place of worship again 
took hold of the minds of the people, and for this purpose 
a board of trustees was selected, which was composed of 
Theodore Pew, Franklin Pew, John Spink, Leicester Olds, 
and Charles Marsh. They entered upon their duties June 
13, 1857, and the various plans for building a house were 
considered. It was finally determined to build a frame 
edifice, 38 by 58 feet, and provide it with a tower and bell. 
This house, built after many sacrifices and efforts, was ap- 
propriately dedicated, Aug. 18, 1859, by the Rev. Hooper 
Crews, of Illinois. About the same time a parsonage was 
begun, but was not completed until several years later. The 
aggregate value of the property was set at $6500. 

"^■' Some of the members of the congregation wished to introduce 
instrumental music as a part of the service, and it was proposed to 
introduce a bass viol. This proposition met with decided opposition 
on the part of the minister and some of the members of the church, 
and disaffection and lack of interest in the proposed church was the 
result, 

t The religious condition of the people of St. Joseph in the early 
years of the settlement is exemplified by the following incident, re- 
lated by Hiram Brown, Esq., of St. Joseph : 

In 1843 the Rev. Hiram Kellogg, of Oneida Co., N. Y., was .appointed 
president of Knox College, Galesburg. While on his way to assume 
his duties he arrived at St. Joseph by stage early one Sunday morn- 
ing, and stopped at the '* Mansion House," then kept by Judge Daniel 
Olds. Not wishing to travel Sunday, he decided to remain. It did 
not seem to him that the day was observed as it should be by the 
people, for they were engaged as on week-days, and many were pitch- 
ing quoits in front of the tavern. Mr. Kellogg, on inquiring if there 
was a church in the place, was informed there was not. Wishing to 
be quiet, he inquired of Judge Olds if there was any person in St. 
Joseph who feared the Lord. The judge replied, "No," but after a 
moment's reflection, said, " Well, yes ; there is Hiram Brown, up the 
street a little ways; I guess he fears him a little," and directed him 
to the residence of Mr. Brown, where he called, and was invited to 
stay. He related the incident, and, after a little conversation, they 
found that both were from the same section in the East, and that the 
reverend gentleman was well acquainted with the friends of Mrs. 
Brown. He was requested to preach, and accepted the invitation. 
Notice was sent out to the people, who gathered at the old white 
school-house and listened to a good sermon. Mr. Kellogg remained 
two days before continuing his journey. 



324 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The church soon suiFered from a disaster, whicli greatly 
retarded its prosperity. On the 21st of June, 1866, the 
meeting-house was destroyed by fire, involving an almost 
total loss. Chastened but uot disheartened, the society took 
immediate steps to rebuild. In the spring of 1868 the 
basement of the present handsome brick edifice was ready 
for occupancy, and in the summer of 1869 the church was 
formally dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Hatfield, of Chicago. 
The entire cost was nearly $23,000, which left a debt that 
was not fully liquidated until within a few years. The 
church presents an attractive appearance, and has ample ac- 
commodations for the congregations which assemble at this 
place. It is at present controlled by Trustees G. S. Clapp, 
Francis Jordan, S. T. Cooper, W. P. Ward, and W. S. 



The church has enjoyed many revivals, from whicli have 
generally resulted large additions to the membership. The 
season of religious awakening which occurred in the win- 
ter of 1876-77, under the pastoral labors of the Rev. 
I. R. A. Wightman, especially is notable in this respect, 
about 130 persons being received into membership. Al- 
though the aggregate membership of the church has been 
very large, so many changes have taken place that at pres- 
ent there are only 190 persons in full connection ; yet the 
work of the church is in a flourishing condition, and con- 
stitutes an important factor in the religious history of the 
village. 

A Methodist Sunday-school has been maintained at St. 
Joseph nearly as long as the church has had an existence 
there. It has 2-10 members, and W. P. Ward is the super- 
intendent. 

The Congregational Church of St. Joseph was organized 
by a council of ministers and laymen from the neighboring 
churches, April 27, 1854. The meeting was held in the 
old school-house, which was also the place of worship until 
a church was built, and the constituent members were the 
following : James B. Sutherland and wife, David B. Crane 
and wife, Samuel Maynard, Mrs. John King, Ann Olmstead, 
Fannie Stowe, Isabel Mahue, and Jane Vanderbeck. On 
Sunday, April 29th, after the formation of the church, the 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by the 
Rev. Thomas Jones, Rev. William Osborne assisting. 
There was also a baptism of children, and James B. Suth- 
erland was ordained to the oiSce of deacon. On the 3d of 
May, 1854, the church applied for connection with the 
Kalamazoo Association, and being received, has remained 
a part of that body. 

The first few years of the history of the church were un- 
eventful. The pulpit was supplied by Revs. Osborne, Lu- 
cas, and others, and at the end of four and a half years but 
11 additions had been made to the membership. About 
this period, Aug. 29, 1858, the Rev. Edward Anderson 
became the pastor of the church, but was not installed until 
Feb. 1, 1860. On the 19th of September following he 
was dismissed ; but after a short vacancy he was succeeded 
in the pastorate by the Rev. Cherry, who remained with 
the church two years, and whose labors gave the congrega- 
tion a good increase of members. 

From 1863 till the beginning of 1865 the pulpit was 
supplied by the Rev. George H. Miles, a young man, whoso 



preaching was attended with success. As the fruits of two 
revival seasons, 28 new names were added to the church roll. 
Mr. Miles' earthly career was closed by death, Aug. 2, 1874. 

Early in 1866 the Rev. J. B. Fairbanks commenced 
preaching for the church, and on the 3d of June began 
a pastorate which was terminated in July, 1870. In this 
period 13 members were dismissed to help form the church 
at Benton Harbor. 

Towards the close of 1870 the Rev. M. M. Colburn be- 
came the pa.storof the church, and faithfully served it until 
his death, in the sixth year of his pastoral connection. His 
special mission appears to have been to build up the Chris- 
tian character of his congregation, and he died greatly es- 
teemed for his piety and worth. Soon after his decease the 
Rev. John Cunningham began to supply the pulpit, con- 
tinuing his ministrations a year. His labors resulted in 
many conversions and 24 additions to the church mem- 
bership. 

On the 1st of January, 1878, the Rev. A. S. Wood began 
his duties as pastor, and yet gives the congregation accept- 
able service. His labors have not been fruitless, but have 
brought more than 40 into the fold of the church, which 
is at present in a very prosperous condition. The entire 
membership of the church, from its organization to the 
present, has been nearly 250, about one-half of whom 
remain to constitute the present members. Of these, 4, 
namely, James B. Sutherland, L. Whitney, J. H. Lee, and 

D. J. Wells, are deacons of the church ; and the functions 
of this oflice have also been performed by Messrs. Bur- 
bank, Richardson, B. Comings, Daniel Cook, F. Pannell, 

E. Kuapp, A. L. Aldiich, and A. E. Brush. 

The first meeting-house was completed during the pas- 
toral connection of the Rev. Edward Anderson, but being 
too small to accommodate the growing congregation, it was 
enlarged in 1870, a fine pipe-organ supplied, and a confer- 
ence- and prayer-room constructed. It forms a plain, com- 
modious frame edifice, affording a pleasant spiritual home 
for the congregation. The trustees at present controlling 
these temporalities are J. H. Lee, Clerk ; M. Shepard, 
Treasurer; H. A. Truax, Z. Rice, J. B. Sutheilaud, and 
W. R. Lyon. 

Prayer-meetings and a flourishing Sunday-school have 
for many years been sustained, both being recognized as 
valuable auxiliaries in the promotion of the work of the 
church. 

St. Joseph Roman, Catholic Church. — It is known that 
Jesuit Fathers established a mission whore is now the vil- 
lage of St. Joseph about the year 1700, but its history is 
involved in almost complete obscurity. The present Cath- 
olic congregation of St. Joseph, as we learn from Father 
Thiesen, was established in 1849, with six families as its 
congregation. The services were first held in the old school- 
house, now used as a marble-shop, on Ship Street. In the 
course of a few years the frame building at present used as a 
school-house by the church became the place of worship. 
In this services were lield about once a month by priests 
belonging to the congregation of the Holy Cross, Notre 
Dame, Ind. Some of these priests were Rev. Fathers Sau- 
rin, Quints, Baroux, and Schilling. 

Commencing about 1857, the Rev. John De Neve, re- 




ST" JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 

ST JOSEPH, MICH. 



TOWNSHIP OF ST. JOSEPH. 



325 



siding at Niles, attended St. Joseph several years. Being 
recalled to Europe, his successor at Niles, the Rev. J. Cap- 
pon, and his assistants, the Revs. Charles Quinkelberger 
and Joseph Van Waterschoot, continued to attend St. Jo- 
seph regularly once a month until 1865. By this time the 
congregation had increased to about 100 families, all the 
Catholics living within fifteen miles of St. Joseph attending 
its services. It now became necessary to have a resident 
priest to supply all their wants, and the Rev. Joseph Van 
Waterschoot came in that capacity. Through his energy 
and good management the congregation continued to pros- 
per, and in 1869 the foundation was laid for the substan- 
tial and attractive brick church which stands on the corner 
of Ship and Church Streets. It is 45 by 114 feet in di- 
mensions, being the largest public building in the village. 
The corner-stone was laid July 21, 1869, by the Right 
Rev. Henry Luers, Bishop of Port Wayne. All but the 
steeple of the church was completed in 1871, and on the 
28th day of April, 1872, the church was appropriately 
dedicated by Rt. Rev. C. H. Borgess, Bishop of Detroit. 
The cost of the church and its furniture has been about 
$18,000. Its trustees in 1879 were John Martin, Robert 
Hosbein, Patrick Finnegan, Joseph Hauser, and Colomb 
Rigney. 

In November, 1874, Father Van Waterschoot was re- 
lieved from the charge of the congregation, at his own re- 
quest, and the Rev. Joseph Thiesen, the present priest, was 
appointed to take his place. He left St. Joseph esteemed 
by all who knew him. Under Father Thiesen's tutelage 
the congregation continues to prosper, numbering at present 
125 families, with 400 communicants and 60 Sunday-school 
children. 

The First Regular Baptist (^German) Church of St. 
Joseph was organized Jan. 30, 1860, with 21 members, by 
the Rev. William Grrimm. He also became the first pastor 
of the church, remaining about twelve years. In 1872 
the Rev. Carl Domm entered upon a pastorate, which con- 
tinued a little longer than a year. His successor was the 
Rev. David Zwink, who sustained the pastoral relation to 
this congregation about five and a half years. Since Sep- 
tember, 1878, the pastor has been the Rev. A. Freitag. 
The church has enjoyed an encouraging degree of pros- 
perity, and has at present 150 members. W. Smith and 
W. Binning are the deacons. 

In February, 1860, a .small frame meeting-house was 
begun for the congregation, and was dedicated iMay 6th in 
the same year. It has since been improved and a gallery 
added, giving it seating capacity for 300 persons. The 
present trustees are H. Grimm, W. Binning, and F. Ewalt. 
A Sunday-school of more than 100 members is maintained 
by the church. W. Smith is the present superintendent. 

The Church of the Evanyelical Association was organized 
about 1860. Its members held their first meetings at the 
houses of those composing the class, — some 12 or 15 in 
number. The church prospered, and in 1868 the brick 
meeting-house which had been erected by an English Bap- 
tist society was purchased as a place of worship, and has 
since been used for that purpose. The property is valued 
at $1000. The controlling board of trustees are Philip 
Madinger, Peter Rister, and H. Eckert. 



The aggregate membership of the church has been more 
than 100, but at present there are only 35 members. These 
are under the pastoral direction of ministers appointed an- 
nually for St. Joseph circuit, which embraces, also, appoint- 
ments in Royalton, Lake, and Weesaw townships. Since 
1860 the preachers in charge have been the Revs. C. Ude, 
B. Rub, E. M. Houk, E. H. Hess, Jacob Young, 0. Rag- 
detz, John Meek, William Remka, Reuben Riegel, Peter 
Burch, Peter Bitner, and, since 1878, C. Ude. 

The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Joseph. 
— This congregation was organized in 1867, of members who 
had previously belonged to the Lutheran Church in Bain- 
bridge and others, and embraced originally about 25 persons. 
The Rev. John Fiertagg was called to serve as the first 
pastor, and served a year. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
Nicholas Sorgel, who remained until 1875. Since April, 
1876, the Rev. E. C. Georgie has been the minister of the 
church, which has, in the main, had a pro.sperous existence. 
At present it embraces 40 families and 150 communicants. 
The official members are Deacons J. Shafer, J. Henning, 
and C. Kroeniug ; Trustees A. Priebe, F. Steeb, and J. 
Keller. 

Worship is regularly held at St. Joseph in a small frame 
meeting-house, which was built soon after the congregation 
was organized. In Lincoln township a place for meetings 
and school purposes was secured in 1878, and at both 
points catechetical instruction is imparted, and from four to 
eight months of school maintained, in which secular and 
religious instruction is given. The congregation has 
adopted, and is governed by, the Unaltered Augsburg Con- 
fession. 

The First Universalist Church of St. Joseph was formed 
some time about 1865, of several dozen members, but dis- 
continued after about ten years. Its history, consequently, 
is meagre, and gleaned from unofficial sources. The meet- 
ings were first held in the school-house, but a brick edifice 
was soon after erected as a place of worship on Broad and 
Court Streets, which was used, although never fully com- 
pleted. In 1877 it was destroyed by fire. Among the 
trustees of this building were James E. Stevens, Simeon 
Wilson, Samuel G. Langley, and Warren Chapman. The 
church at one time had more than 50 members, but the 
number declined to so few that the organization could not 
be kept up. Among the ministers are remembered the 
Revs. Button, Lang, and Wood. 

Christ Episcopal Church has also become extinct. 
It was organized some time after 1870, and had B. F. 
Pixley and William J. Nott as the first wardens ; and ves- 
trymen, C. C. Sweet, Thomas Archer, John Reeder, Damon 
A. Winslow, J. H. Perkins, E. C. Palmer, A. H. Morri- 
son, and William Ricaby. The services were held in the 
" City Hall," and the Rev. V. Spaulding was the rector. 
An abated interast in the welfare of the new church and 
the removal of members caused it to decline before it had 
become fairly established. A Baptist society which for- 
merly flourished in St. Joseph transferred its interests to 
the township of Benton, where its history is fully given. 

The St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church 
was organized in 1871, with six members, by Rev. W. T. 
Langford, presiding elder. Rev. Mr. Jason was appointed 



326 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



to take charge of the spiritual interests of the new body, 
which hiis maintained a slow but constant growth, and at 
present has 25 members, under the pastorship of Rev. 
John Myers. Other preachers have been Revs. George W. 
Benson, H. H. Wilson, Johnson Burden, L. D. Crosby, 
and John A. Jordan. 

A small frame meeting-house was built in 1871, which 
was placed under the tru.stee^hip of P. Lound, Stephen 
Busby, and William Hart. The present trustees are 
Thomas Phillips, Nathan Lynch, and Robert Singer ; and 
the stewards are N. E. Miller, Alexander Jones, and Nathan 
Lynch. A Sunday-school is maintained, at which the 
average attendance is 35. 

The Young Men's Christian Association closes the list 
of religious societies in St. Joseph. It was called into life 
in December, 1875, and had originally 12 members, with 
John E. Sutherland, President, and James G. Jennings, 
Secretary. At present the members number 150, and E. 
W. Bovee is President ; J. E. Roberts, Vice-President ; 
Law. C. Fyfe, Secretary ; and O. C. Jordan, Treasurer. 
Besides those already named, Willis W. Cooper served 
as president in 1878, being Mr. Sutherland's successor. 

The a.ssociation has prospered, and not only sustains reli- 
gious meetings but since January, 1876, has maintained a 
free reading-room, supplied with select literature, which is 
open daily from eight a m. till ten p.m , and is well patron- 
ized. 

CEMETERY. 

The only cemetery in St. Joseph is controlled by the 
township authorities, and is kept up by appropriations made 
from time to time. It contains about five acres, and is lot 
55 on section 26. -It was purchased May, 1849, and has 
naturally a good location. There are some fine monuments, 
but the general appearance of the grounds is not in keep- 
ing with the improvements of the township. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DR. LYMAN COLLINS. 

At the close of a long and useful life, it must be a pleas- 
ure to be able to transmit to our children and friends a his- 
tory of a life well spent, a good character formed and main- 
tained. As an instance of this we present to the readers 
of this work Dr. Collins. Few men have spent as many 
years, and all of them so worthily, in the pursuit of their 
profession as he who has given forty-one years of faithful, 
intelligent labor in the service of his fellow-men. Dr. 
Collins is of English descent. His father, Benjamin CollinS; 
emigrated from Cape Cod, Mass., to Herkimer Co., N. Y., 
in 1802. In 1819 moved to Stafi"ord, Genesee Co., N. Y. 
In 1832 to Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio. The doctor was 
born in Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1803. 
He spent his early life at home, leaving at nineteen years of 
age to engage in teaching ; he taught six years. While en- 
gaged in teaching his leisure hours were employed in the 



study of medicine, reading with Professor Jared P. Kirtland, 
of Poland, Trumbull Co., Ohio; attending lectures at Fair- 
field College, Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. Received a 
diploma from college in 1828. February, 1829, commenced 
the practice of medicine at Ravenna, Ohio, remaining there 
thirty-one years. Received an honorary degree from the 
medical college at Cleveland. Moving to Michigan in 1860, 
he engaged in the practice of his profession ten years 
longer, then retired from his profession. When the doctor 
moved to St. Joseph, Mich., he engaged quite extensively 
in the fruit-growing business. July 21, 1830, married 
Miss Harriet, daughter of Hon. Elisha Whittlesey. Four 
children have been born of this union ; two only are living, 
one in St. .Joseph, the other in Chicago. In 1841, Dr. 
Collins was appointed postmaster in Ravenna, which ofiBce 
he held four years. Mrs. Collins was born in Trumbull Co., 
Ohio, Oct. 13, 1810. This noble couple have walked life's 
journey together for nearly fifty years ; they have passed 
through sunshine and shadow in their home, but no dis- 
cordant sound has been heard, and to-day, more than ever, 
they enjoy each other's society. They received a letter, 
soon after they were married, from an intimate friend living 
in Batavia, N. Y., by the name of C. Gilman, giving them 
advice, which they have attempted to follow, and many 
others might be benefited by the same advice, — that is, 
" To keep up a little courtship so long as they live." 
They can review the past with satisfaction, and look into 
the future with no apprehension. 



J. C. CALDWELL 



was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, June 11, 1841; from 
1849 until 1854 lived in Westmoreland Co., Pa. ; from 
1854 until 1858 in Van Buren Co., Mich. Up to this 
time had been with his father, Hugh Caldwell. He then 
commenced life for himself by hiring for six dollars per 
month to Mr. Isaac Schnorf, a farmer in Niles township. 
At the end of six months made an arrangement with his 
employer to work for his board, and go to school during 
the winter. When the year closed he had so faithfully and 
willingly done the work assigned him that he was again 
hired by Mr. Schnorf, and remained with him eight years, 
except one year of this time which he served in the Rebel- 
lion, enlisting in the 12th Regiment Infantry as a private; 
was discharged in 1862. 

In 1864 he married Lizzie, daughter of Jacob Schnorf 
Of this union were born three children, the eldest dying be- 
fore being named ; the other two are Imogene and Elliott. 
After his marriage Mr. Caldwell engaged first in the grocery 
business, then farming, — first on a rented farm for two 
years, and six years on a farm of fifty acres, which he 
bought in Niles township. At the end of the six years went 
into livery business, — first at C;issopolis, Cass Co., one year, 
then at Niles three months, finally settling at St. Joseph 
in the same business. There, at this time, he can be found, 
an active business man, one whom his neighbors and the 
citizens of the place speak of as a man reliable and trust- 
worthy. 




J. CALDWELL. 



TOWNSHIP OF SODUS. 



327 



WALTER DONALDSON. 

The gentleman whose name is seen at the head of this 
sketch was born in Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio, May 17, 
1848. In the spring of 1860 his father, with his family, 
moved from Ohio to Michigan ; buying land, he went into 
fruit-growing. Walter was then a lad of twelve years; he 




Photo, by Sesser. 






assisted his father here on his fruit-farm until he was 
twenty years old, when he left home and engaged in the 
harness business. At the expiration of two years he was 
employed as an agent representing fire insurance, and at 
this time represents several leading companies, doing a large 
business. 

Jan. 2, 1872, he married Miss Frances B., daughter of 
Derastus and Mary H. Harper. They have two children, 
viz., Bessie, born Aug. 17, 1873; Raymond B., born Oct. 
15, 1875. 

In the fall of 1878 he went into the boot and shoe busi- 
ness in St. Joseph, where we find him engaged at this time 
running a large business. Mr. Donaldson is an active busi- 
ness man ; he has received no assistance from any one ; he 
owes his present position to his own exertions, his perse- 
verance, integrity, and uprightness in all his business rela- 
tions, retaining the confidence of all with whom he is 
associated. 

CHAPTER XLIL 

SODUS TOWTNSHIP.* 

Description, Settlement, and Settlers — Roads — Township Organiza- 
tion and List of Officers — Religious Worship — Sodus (Jrange, Pa- 
trons of Husbandry. 

SODUS, a fractional township (known as town 5 south, 
range 18 west), lying on the east bank of the St. Joseph 
River, contains but about twenty sections, which, however, 

* By David Schwartz. 



cover a fine farming region. The surface of the territory 
is generally level, and the soil being well adapted to the 
culture of fruit, that branch of agriculture is extensively 
pursued, although the peach yield, formerly a source of con- 
siderable annual revenue, has latterly failed for a few years. 
The township is bounded on the north by Benton, on the 
south by Berrien, on the east by Pipestone, and on the 
west by Royalton, from which latter it is separated by the 
St. Joseph River. Pipestone Creek, which flows through 
the northern part of the township into the river, furnishes 
good water-power for three grist-mills and two saw-mills. 
No railway has yet traversed the township, and as at a re- 
cent election the citizens opposed aid to a projected line, 
railway communication is scarcely to be regarded as a thing 
of the near future. Indeed, the market-towns of Benton 
Harbor and St. Joseph are so convenient of access that no 
urgent need of a railway is apparent. 

Sodus possesses an important milling interest, which has 
been encouraged by the fine water-power of Pipestone 
Creek, although that power, abundant until lately, is said 
to be decreasing. The site of James B. Larue's saw-mill, 
the first mill erected in the township, is occupied by Or- 
lando Cowles' grist-mill, besides which there are on Pipe- 
stone Creek the grist-mills of Kinney & Rector and Has- 
kins Brothers. These mills drive a flourishing trade, and 
gain considerable business from even Royalton, whose in- 
habitants prefer in many instances to go to mill in Sodus 
rather than in St. Joseph, which latter is at least somewhat 
more convenient. Besides the mills named, there are, on 
Pipestone Creek, Orlando Cowles' saw-mill and John Ran- 
dall's saw-mill and bending-works. 

As to postal facilities, the town has a daily mail, and has 
had a post-office since the township organization, in 1860. 
Francis Finnegan was the first postmaster ; the second was 
De Golyer King, the third David Daniels, and the fourth 
Robert Hogue, who is the present incumbent. The town 
has no village ; neither has it a store or place of trade of 
any description within its limits. This condition of things 
is, however, of but trifling inconvenience, since Benton 
Harbor is quickly and easily reached, and since, too, jour- 
neys to that point are frequent and necessary in the general 
course of events. 

SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS. 
In the summer of 1835, William H. and David S. Rec- 
tor, two brothers, living in the town of Sodus, N. Y., con- 
ceived the project of traveling westward for the purpose of 
prospecting for the improvement of their fortunes. They 
made a journey by way of the great lakes as far as St. 
Joseph, and engaged at once in the business of boating on 
the St. Joseph River. Of that method of gaining a live- 
lihood David soon grew weary, and in the autumn returned 
to New York, followed in December by his brother Wil- 
liam. In the spring of 1836 they determined to return to 
Michigan, and took with them a younger brother named 
Hiram. At Buffalo they bargained to take charge of the 
keel-boat " Niles," which was to be towed to St. Joseph, 
and David, Hiram, and three other men embarked on board 
the " Niles." Soon after leaving Buffalo a violent storm 
arose, and the " Niles," parting company with the steamer 



328 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



that was towing her, drifted upwards of one hundred miles. 
When the storm abated the five drifting mariners manned 
the oars, and brought the " Niles" safely into port at 
Cleveland, after what may be easily understood to have 
been a somewhat perilous time. 

Finally, the three brothers reached St. Joseph, and after 
a brief season spent with William and Hiram in river- 
boating, David made an engagement to assist in the erection 
of a saw-mill on Pipestone Creek (in what is now section 
3 of Sodus township) for James B. Larue, then employed 
in the lumber-trade in St. Joseph. David Rector worked 
for Larue three years, and in 1839 moved upon a tract of 
120 acres, now in section 14 of Sodus, where he now 
lives. That piece of land he had entered in 1837, and at 
odd times during his three years' service with Mr. Larue 
he did something towards clearing it. 

In 1836, David Rector, the father of the three brothers, 
came from Sodus, N. Y., to St. Joseph with the rest of his 
family, and, entering 40 acres of land adjoining his son 
David's fiirm, moved out with his family in the fall of 
1837, Hiram also accompanying him. There the elder 
Rector lived until his death, in 1862. Hiram lived with 
his father a few years, and then moved to a farm upon sec- 
tion 23, where he has since continued to reside. William 
H. Rector lived in St. Joseph until 1842, when he too 
became a pioneer, and settled upon a farm adjoining those 
of his father and brother David. There he died Dec. 6, 
1878. The only children of David Rector now living in 
Sodus are David S. and Hiram, — the oldest residents in 
the township and worthy representatives of Sodus' pioneer 
settlers, — themselves in the very front rank of those who 
came to make homes within the forest wilds. 

James B. Larue, of whom mention has been made in the 
foregoing, migrated from New Jersey to Michigan in 1835, 
and located at St. Joseph. He purchased considerable land 
in what is now Sodus, and, as already observed, built a saw- 
mill on Pipestone Creek in the year 1836. At this mill, 
which was the first mill erected in the township, and in 
short the first improvement of any kind, he sawed lumber 
and transported it to St. Joseph, where he lived and traded 
as a lumber merchant. In 1841, Mr. Larue gave up his 
residence in St. Joseph, and located, with his family, upon a 
farm near his Pipestone Creek saw-mill. There he re- 
mained, milling and farming, until 1850, when he took the 
California gold fever, and emigrated, with liis family, to the 
Pacific slope, where he died. 

When Larue put up his mill, in 1836, there was one 
white settler in the town, and he was the pioneer of that 
region. His name was Scott, and his location was on 
section 22, near the river, where Luke Sharrai now lives. 
There he put up a log cabin and cleared a few acres of land, 
but he moved away after a brief sojourn. Closely follow- 
ing Scott was Charles Palmer, who came from New York, 
with his wife, in 1837, and located upon a 40-acre farm in 
section 15. He too grew tired of his new home very soon, 
and trading his forty acres to William H. Rector for a gun 
and an old horse, departed for other scenes. Scott and 
Palmer were .settlors, it is true, but they remained so short 
a time that their historical prominence in that direction 
cannot be considered as very important. David Rector the 



elder, who was next to Palmer in order of settlement, must, 
accordingly, be regarded as the pioneer among the perma- 
nent settlers. 

For some years after David Rector located in the town- 
ship settlements were few and slowly made. Mr. David S. 
Rector says that when he was married, in 1843, he had no 
neighbor, save his father and brother, nearer than two miles. 
He says that the settlers were exceedingly few in number 
at that date, and that when a resident could, upon arising 
in the morning, hear the distant crow of a rooster, it made 
him feel as if matters were indeed getting pleasant and 
neighborly after all. Land along the river was in the hands 
of speculators, who, deeming that section worth a trifle 
more per acre than that of the interior, held it at first at 
such high figures as to frighten away all purchasers. About 
1840, the speculators receded from their original views, and 
the river lands then began to receive inhabitants. 

Joseph W. Brewer, from Ohio, was among the first to 
locate in that region. He had been living at St. Joseph, and 
boating on the river. About 1840 he bought a tract upon 
section 16, where Mr. Thaddeus Drew now lives. About 
that time, too, Ebenezer Farley located land on section 22, 
but continuing; himself to run on the river, as he had been 
doing for .some time, he engaged laborers to clear his land 
for him. Upon his marriage, soon afterwards, he moved to 
his farm, and there continued to reside with his fiimily until 
1854, when he left for California. 

James McDougall, of Montgomery Co., N. Y., made a 
journey in 1837, with his son Elijah, aged fifteen, from 
New York State to Michigan, via the Erie Canal and the 
lakes. He purchased of one Noyes 40 acres of land in 
Royalton township, and with his son went upon the place 
at once and began to clear it. He sent word to his wife 
to join him, and she, with seven children, traveled in 1839 
to their new Michigan home, by way of the canal and lakes, 
and found upon her arrival that her husband had busied 
himself to some purpose in preparing a comfortable house 
and in making the laud productive. Unfortunately for 
Mr. McDougall, he failed to obtain a good title from 
Noyes, and so, despite the fact that he had paid money on 
account of the purchase and had expended much labor 
upon the farm, he was obliged to relinquish it in 1840, 
and lost both his labor and the purchase-money he had 
paid. He remained in St. Joseph a short time, and in 
1841 purchased of James B. Larue 130 acres of land on 
the St. Joseph River, in partnership with Francis Versaw, 
formerly of Canada, later engaged in the West in cutting 
out State roads and boating on the river, and at the time of 
his land purchase with Mr. McDougall living in St. Joseph. 
McDougall and Versaw went together to the land, began 
to clear it, and put up a cabin. Soon after, Versaw married 
one of McDougall's daughters, and dividing the 130 acres 
with his father-in-law, took that part now owned by James 
A. Kright, on section 10 in Sodus. Mr. McDougall's part 
is now owned by David Moore. McDougall lived there 
until 1872, when he moved to Nebraska, and there he still 
resides. Ilis children now living in Sodus are Mrs. Francis 
Versaw and Mrs. Hannah Fiunegan. Mr. Versaw remained 
on his farm until 1853, when he removed to his present 
place of residence, on section 15. 



TOWNSHIP OF SODUS. 



329 



When McDougall and Versaw moveJ in there was no 
river-road, and they were the first ones to cut out anything 
like a thoroughfare in that vicinity. At that time Luke 
Sharrai had a farm on the river, where he now lives, but he 
was not occupying it himself. Sharrai came from Canada 
when but eight years old, with his father's family, which 
consisted of the parents and eight children. They journeyed 
by water to Detroit, and from that point they traveled al- 
most the entire distance on foot to Bertrand, in Berrien 
County, where they settled in 1828. When Luke became 
a stout lad he took employment on a St. Joseph River keel- 
boat, and followed the river for several years. As already 
mentioned, he purchased a farm on the river, — a place 
where Scott, the first settler, squatted, and where, after Scott, 
one Foster took up his habitation, — and engaged his brother 
Tenos, then living in Bainbridge, to occupy and cultivate it 
for him, while he (Luke) continued to follow the river. Tenos 
lived upon the place about a year, and then moved upon a 
place of his own, adjoining that of Luke. The latter gave 
up his river employment soon after, and settling on his farm, 
has lived there until the present time. Previous to occu- 
pying it himself, he employed his brother-in-law, a Mr. 
Lapham, and after him Benjamin Beny, to cultivate the 
place, but neither remained long, Mr. Sharrai eventually 
taking possession in 1847. 

Asa T. Tinkham came from New York in 1844, and 
located, with his family, in Sodus, where he had purchased 
40 acres. Mr. Tinkham resided there until a few years ago, 
when he moved to Hagar township. 

Peter Shook, an aged man, visited what is now Sodus 
in 1844, in the interest of an Ohio nursery, and sold quite 
a number of fruit-trees in this region. Believing the river 
lands to be capable of producing liberally, he bought a farm 
from Edward Smith, a resident of Royalton, and set out an 
orchard. He .sent to Ohio for his wife and four children, 
and began to devote himself to fruit culture with consider- 
able energy, but death ended his projects in 1846. His 
widow moved to St. Jo.seph County, and died there in 1877. 
Shook's farm was purchased by Peter Sharrai (brother to 
Luke), of Bainbridge, who settled upon it with his family 
in 1846. He remained there until 1854 (selling his farm 
to Wallis Tabor, who still resides upon it), when he emi- 
grated to Kansas, but returned in 1868 to Sodus, where he 
has since continued to reside. 

Luke Versaw — brother to Francis — moved from New 
York State in 1845, with his wife, to Michigan, and bought 
of Napoleon Smith 40 acres of land on the river, the farm 
being the one now occupied by Ernest Tabor. In 1850 
Versaw left Michigan for the Pacific, whence, however, he 
returned in 1851 and settled upon the farm which he 
now occupies. 

Other early settlers on the river were a Mr. Ferguson 
and his son-in-law, Jacob Young, who subsequently left the 
township and have to-day no descendants therein. John 
Cowen, who settled near Ferguson, sold his place to Hiram 
Herrick and moved to Royalton. S. H. Salpaugh and 
Cicero Towner, of New York, located on the river in 1851. 
Mr. Salpaugh still lives on the place he first occupied. In 
the part of the township removed from the river, mention 
may be made of Benjamin Clifton, of South Bend, Ind., 
42 



who in 1845 purchased 500 acres of land on section 24, 
and with his femily moved upon his possessions. He lived 
there until 1856, when he moved to Berrien, after selling 
the larger part of his purchase of 500 acres to Mr. John 
Gano. 

In 1844, Isaac W. Chadwick, a young man living in 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., started from home for Wisconsin, 
where he intended to locate. When he reached Buffalo 
he became so favorably impressed with the reports he heard 
there of the advantages of Michigan, that he resolved to 
go to that State instead of Wisconsin, and journeying by 
way of Lake Erie to Detroit, walked from that place to 
Pipestone township, where he found one Mr. Abbott, a 
friend, with whom he stopped. There Isaac was joined 
soon afterwards by his father and mother, with whom came 
also two children. They all lived with Mr. Abbott until 
May, 1845, when Isaac bought 40 acres of land on section 
11, now in Sodus township, the place being the present 
property of De Golyer King. The land was new, and 
Isaac with his father entered at once upon the business of 
clearing it. All lived there until 1854, when they removed 
to Iowa, where they remained three years, but, disliking that 
region, returned again to Sodus, where Isaac bought the 
place he now occupies, and with him there his father lived 
until his death, in 1873. Isaac's brother William, who 
came out in 1844 with his father, worked in various places 
until 1847, and then settled upon a place now occupied by 
the United Brethren church in Sodus, his purchase having 
been made from Hickson W. Field, who had sold land to 
Isaac, and who was the speculative owner also of large 
tracts of land in the vicinity. William followed Isaac to 
Iowa in 1855, returned to Sodus in 1860, went back to 
Iowa in 1862, and now lives there. 

Abner Buckman, a young man living in Ohio, walked 
to Michigan in 1844, and visited Pipestone town,ship, where 
he remained two years, and then located in the present 
township of Sodus, upon the place he now occupies. The 
country was new, and Mr. Buckman was a pioneer in that 
part in every sense of the word. His brother Edward, 
who settled near him about 1842, died there in 1860. 

James Haskins, now of Pipestone, was then a settler 
upon the place now occupied by John Buckman ; and ad- 
joining Abner Buckman on the west was Hiram Ryther, 
who soon moved away after selling out to Daniel Law- 
rence, who died there. The property is now occupied by 
his heirs. 

Jonathan Foster and his father Solomon worked at 
Larue's saw-mill when it was being erected, and subse- 
quently settled in the town, although not permanently. 
Jonathan was a strong Methodist, and frequently preached 
on Sundays at the town school-house. He was radical in 
his religious views, and sought upon every occasion to urge 
them upon whoever chanced to be near. One day, sitting 
with other laborers at dinner, he took occasion to lecture 
one Doyle, a Catholic, and persistently attempted to con- 
vert him to the Methodist faith. Doyle was much an- 
noyed but not convinced by Foster's arguments, and more 
than once requested him to desist. Foster, however, plied 
his persuasive efforts all the more, until his victim, be- 
coming incensed beyond endurance, suddenly put his hand 



330 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



into the gravy-dish, and with one swoop of his arm so be- 
spattered Poster with the greasy liquid that he fled in con- 
fusion and dismay from the scene, and never after attempted 
to argue theologically with the emphatic Doyle. 

Among the early settlers of Berrien County who are 
now living in Sodus is John B. Rush, who came with his 
father, Henry Rush, from Virginia to Berrien township in 
1835 ; George Keigley, who settled in the county in 1840 ; 
and Wallace Tabor, who settled at about the same time. 
Sarah Dunbar, wife of Lyman Dunbar, and daughter of 
John Johnston (who settled in Berrien County, 1825), was 
the first white female child born in Berrien County, and 
now lives in Sodus. Her brother, born at the same place 
and two years earlier, died at the age of twelve years. 

Many of the early settlers in Sodus followed the river for 
a. livelihood, even after becoming settlers, for that avenue 
of industry ofiered a means of obtaining funds to supply 
pressing necessities, of which the pioneers invariably stood 
in need without possessing the means to obtain them. As 
a general rule, what ready money they could command 
went for their land, and while awaiting the growth of crops 
they were of course compelled to labor for others to obtain 
the needed cash for the family support. Employment on 
the river was almost always obtainable, for the river carry- 
ing trade in the pioneer days engaged many boats and many 
people, and so it was that the Sodus pioneers, like the 
pioneers in all the river townships, were boatmen to a 
greater or less extent. 

Luke Sharrai, who has been mentioned as having followed 
the river for some time after he bought land in Sodus, 
built the first finished frame house in the town. Ebenezer 
Farley, also a boatman and a steamboat captain, erected the 
first frame for a house, but he did not finish it, and thus 
Sharrai's seems entitled to the precedence. 



The State opened roads in 1842, running north and south 
through the township, but town roads were at that time 
exceedingly few. Even at that date many settlers were 
compelled to cut out roads to the farms upon which they 
proposed to locate. Along the river this want of roads 
was not so badly felt, because the river itself offered an ex- 
cellent thoroughfare by which pioneers could reach river 
farms, and for this reason there appeared to be no haste 
towards laying out roads in that region. 

. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

Upon the application of John Gano and 243 other citi- 
zens of Pipestone, a portion of that territory was set off 
and organized, Oct. 11, 1859, into a separate township with 
the name of Sodus. At a preliminary meeting of the ap- 
plicants, Mr. David S. Rector was called upon to suggest a 
name for the proposed township, and when he presented the 
name of Sodus, in recollection of Sodus, N. Y., whence he 
came to Michigan, that designation was adopted. The first 
township meeting was held at the Rector school-house, on 
the first Monday in April, 1860, and from that time to 
1879, inclusive, the offices of supervi-sor, clerk, and trea.s- 
urer have been filled by the following-named persons : 



I860.— Supervisor, B. S. Carpenter; Clerk, K. E. Hull; Treasurer, 
James Trowbridge. 

1861-62. — Supervisor, Josephus Fisher; Clerk, James S. Twitehell ; 
Treasurer, P. W. Webb. 

1863. — Supervisor, Josephus Fisher; Clerk, Luther Hemingway: 
Treasurer, P. W. Webb. 

1864-66. — Supervisor, Josephus Fisher; Clerk, Charlci^ T. Hogue : 
Treasurer, N. C. Brown. 

1867. — Supervisor, Josephus Fisher ; Clerk, Luther Hemingway ; 
Treasurer, Charles T. Hogue. 

1868.^Supervisor, Josephus Fisher ; Clerk, Charles T. Hogue ; Treas- 
urer, P. W. Webb. 

1869.— Supervisor, Frederick T. King; Clerk, Charles T. Hogue;. 
Treasurer, Orrin Brown. 

1870.— Supervisor, Josephus Fisher; Clerk, Frederick F. King; 
Treasurer, David Daniels. 

1871. — Supervisor, Luther Hemingway; Clerk, Frederick F. King; 
Treasurer, F. R. Cowles. 

1872-73.— Supervisor, Frederick F. King; Clerk, Charles T. Hogue; 
Treasurer, AVilliam L. King. 

1874-75.— Supervisor, Frederick F. King : Clerk, Charles T. Hogue ; 
Treasurer, Josephus Fisher. 

1876. — Supervisor, Robert iVI. Hogue; Clerk, Charles T. Hogue; 
Treasurer, Josephus Fisher. 

1877.— Supervisor, Robert M. Hogue; Clerk, Charles T. Hogue; 
Treasurer, Orrin Brown. 

1878. — Supervisor, Orson Ingalsbee; Clerk, Joseph H. Davis; Treas- 
urer, John F. Hogue. 

1879. — Supervisor, Orson Ingalsbee; Clerk, John G. Fisher; Treas- 
urer, .John F. Hogue ; Commissioner of Highways, Josephus 
Fisher; Superintendent of Schools, Robert M. Hogue; 
School Inspector, Charles T. Hogue ; Constables, Allen .T. 
King, John Deaner, A. W. Sherwood. 

The justices of the peace serving in 1879 were Orson 
Ingalsbee, William L. King, and Robert M. Hogue. The 
township board was composed of John G. Fisher, Orson 
Ingalsbee, and Robert M. Hogue. The assessed valuation 
of the township in 1879 was $136,878. 

SCHOOLS. 

In 1845 a town school was established in that part of 
Pipestone now known as Sodus, and from that date the 
educational interests of the youth of that section have re- 
ceived libenil attention. 

Sodus contained in 1879 seven .school districts, of which 
two were fractional. The board of inspectors comprised 
R. M. Hogue, Charles T. Hogue, and John G. Fisher. 
The school report made Sept. 1, 1879, gave the following 
statistics for the year ending at that date : Number of 
districts, 7 ; number of children of school age, 355 ; total 
value of school property, $3925 ; amount paid for teachers' 
wages, $1142. 

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

Settlements were so few during the years preceding 1845 
that neither teaching uor preaching were demanded, since, 
in the one case, there were but few children to receive such 
benefit, and in the other the little community was not able 
to provide adequate support for a minister however much 
religious worship might be deemed a necessity. The his- 
tories of the churches of the township are given below. 

United Brethren Church. — A class of this denomination 
was organized in Sodus, in 1861, at the Rector school-house, 
with a membership of upwards of 30. The class worshiped 
at the school-house until 1869, when, a union with the 
United Brethren class of Shanghai being effected, a house 
of worship was built in Sodus, and in it services have since 



TOWNSHIP OF SODUS. 



331 



been held. The membership is now 40. The class-leaders 
are John Q. Buckinan and John Franz. The pastor is 
I. W. Pattee, and the trustees John Q. Buckman, John 
Rush, and John Franz. 

The Sodus Methodist Episcopal Class was organized as 
the Lower Pipestone Class, March 31, 1858, with the fol- 
lowing members : James A. Kright, leader, and Cynthia 
A. Kright, Luke, Sophia, Frank, Rebecca, Levi, and Mich- 
ael Versaw, Samuel, Grace, and Emma Garrett, Leander 
McDougall, Frank and George Williams, Theda Franklin, 
Lois Hemingway, Mary Jane and George Hemingway, 
Nancy Ann McDougall, Martha Jane Hemingway, Nehe- 
miah and Polly Ann Baboock. 

Rev. Thomas T. George was the preacher in charge of 
the cla.ss, which was attached to the Berrien circuit, Kala- 
mazoo district, Michigan Conference. In 1860 the name 
of the class was changed to that of Sodus, and in 1878 it 
was attached to the Millburg circuit. 

The preachers in charge following Mr. George were Revs. 
S. D. McOmber, George A. Van Horn, D. S. Haviland, 
E. D. Bacon, Francis Glass, J. H. Richards, E. L. Kellogg, 
David Burns, N. M. Steele, J. N. Odin, and A. N. Eldred, 
the latter being the pastor at present. Services are held in 
the Tabor school-house once every two weeks. The class 
has a present membership of 20. Joseph Wyrick is the 
leader, and Horace Tabor steward. 

The Bethel Class was organized by Rev. J. R. Odin, in 
the union church, March, 1877. In September, 1878, 
when Rev. A. N. Eldred, the present pastor, took charge, 
the members numbered 19, as follows : Orriu Brown, Daniel 
and Rebecca Moore, Mary Stump, W. S., Elizabeth, and 
Clarence Burdick, Adeline Earl, Amanda Nye, Frank, Re- 
becca, Melinda, and Marian Versaw, Celia Barker, Harriet, 
Bessie, and David Clinton, Levi Deaner, and Mrs. McGold- 
rick. 

Orrin Brown has been the class-leader since the organi- 
zation'. The membership is now 17. Services are held 
once every fortnight in the union church. 

The Christian ijh^irch. — The Christian, or Disciple, 
Church was organized about 1867, in the Mount Pleasant 
school-house, by Elder William Roe, of Buchanan. The 
articles of faith adopted at the organization read as follows : 
" We, the undersigned, pledging fidelity to Jesus as the 
Messiah, being planted upon the foundation of the apostles 
and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- 
stone, and taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and 
practice, do band ourselves together as a congregation of 
disciples of Jesus, and do covenant with God and each 
other to observe the ordinances of the Lord's house and to 
the best of our ability to attend to all duties and obligations 
devolved upon us in the Word of life." 

The signers were Josephus Fisher, Charles T. Hogue, 
William Gano, John Calvin, Sarah Garrison, Jane Gano, 
Sarah Stevens, Harriet Carpenter, Roby A. Olney, Sarah 
0. Merrill, Anna Garrison, Mary Kelsey, Lucinda Gano, 
Phoebe A. Fisher, Mary Evans, Hannah Brehart, Louisa 
Gilbert, Hannah Hogue, Hester A. Davis, Joseph A. Davis, 
John Carpenter, Eliphaz Stephens, Samuel Roberts, Nathan 
Olney, John Gano, Abram Evans, John Fisher. 

The first elders chosen were Josephus Fisher and Charles 



T. Hogue, the deacons John Calvin and William Gano, 
and the secretary Charles T. Hogue. The pastors succeed- 
ing Mr. Roe were Revs. Edmondson, Reese, and Lucas. 
There is at present no pastor, but the vacancy is likely to 
be filled soon. Preaching is ordinarily provided once every 
two weeks in the Mount Pleasant school-house. The 
church membership is now 90. The deacons are Charles 
T. Hogue, Orlando Hart, and Alva Pegg. The elders are 
Josephus Fisher, Joseph Davis, and Henry Burton, and 
the secretary Charles T. Hogue. 

The Union Sunday-school meets every Sabbath in the 
union church. Joseph Strome is the superintendent, and 
he is assisted by five teachers. The attendance of scholars 
has reached as high as 100, but numbers at present only 
about 50. 

The Church nf God. — This society was organized in 
1855, at the Stump school-house, by Rev. Mr. Gillespie, 
and had as members the following: John Stump, Sr., and 
wife, J. B. Harman and wife, George Crall and wife, George 
Deerdufi", Daniel Stauff'er and wife, John B. Stauffer and 
wife. The first elders chosen were John Stump, Sr., and 
George Crall, and the first deacon George Deerdufi'. The 
pastors of the church following Mr. Gillespie have been Elder 
R. H. Bolton, — the general evangelist, who preached for 
the society four years, — Revs. Bright, Bassore, Hull, White, 
Redding, and Oliver. In 1871 the society completed a 
house of worship in the northern part of the township, 
designated it as the Union Church, and dedicated it Feb- 
ruary 6th of that year. The trustees then chosen were 
George Deerduif, George B. Crall, Joseph Strome, James 
A. Kright, and Jacob B. Harman. 

The church grew in strength during the first decade of 
its existence, and in 1865 numbered 72 members. Sub- 
sequent to that period removals weakened it, and latterly it 
has for some time been without a pastor. Efibrts are now 
being put forth looking towards a revival of the society, 
with a good promise of success. 

SODUS GRANGE, No. 123, P. OF H. 

This grange was organized Nov. 10, 1873, with the fol- 
lowing members : F. F. King, M. ; Josephus Fisher, 0. ; 
Henry Burton, L. ; John E. King, Chaplain ; Charles t. 
Hogue, Sec. ; Orlando Hart, Treas. ; William Burton, 
Steward ; Samuel Roberts, Assistant Steward ; Ernest 
Tabor, G. ; Jennie Burton, Ceres ; Louisa King, Pomona ; 
Lizzie Tabor, Flora; Sarah Stump, Lady Assistant Steward, 
and Israel M. Allen, John J. Murphy, Abraham Likes, 
Albert Shell, Phineas Brant, John C. Fisher, John K. 
Calvin, Leonard M. Keen, Edwin Burton, Wallis Tabor, 
F. King, Julia Tabor, Hannah Hogue, Phoebe A. Fisher, 
Urania Fisher, Mary J. Shell, Nettie Murphy, Ellen Snow. 

The grange meets every fortnight at the Mount Pleasant 
school-house. The oflScers are now Jacob Helmick, M. ; 
Charles Rector, 0. ; Louisa King, L. ; William Burton, 
Chaplain ; Charles Hogue, Sec. ; Josephus Fisher, Treas ; 
Edwin Burton, Steward; Israel Allen, Assistant Steward; 
Charles Lamore, G. : Mary Burton, Ceres; Georgiana 
Lamore, Flora ; Hannah Hogue, Pomona ; Alice Fisher, 
Lady Assistant Steward. Oct. 1, 1879, the membership 
of the grange was 50. 



332 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JOHN B. RUSH. 

Among the representative farmers of Sodus township 
we find John B. Rush, who was born in Frederick Co., 
Va., July 18, 1825. The father— Henry Rush— moved 
to Ohio about one year and a half after the birth of John 
B., settling in Greene County, seven miles from Xenia, the 
county-seat, where he purchased eighty acres of land, and 
engaged in farming for ten years. In 1836 he moved to 
Berrien township, Berrien Co., Mich., where he entered 
ninety-nine acres of land. June 8, 1851, John B. Rush 
married Mahala, daughter of Joses and Ilulda Reamcs. 
Of this union were born eight children, viz., Hulda J., born 
July 2, 1852; Uceba B., born Sept. 20, 1854; Naney E., 
born Aug. 15, 1856; Ida E., born Oct. 8, 1858; Henry 
J., born June 5, 1861 ; John F., born May 18, 1863, 
died June 27, 1867; William E., born July 12, 1865; 
Almeda K., born June 1, 1871. After his marriage, Mr. 
Rush rented his father's farm for four years. In 1853 he 
bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Iloyalton 
township, now Sodus; moved on this farm in 1855; built 
a small frame house, which is .still standing, and can be 
seen just in the rear of his new home, a view of which, 
accompanied by the portraits of himself and wife, can be 
seen on another page of this work. He settled in Michi- 
gan when to be a farmer here required something more 
than plowing the ground and sowing the grain ; for felling 
the timber, rolling logs, burning brush, etc., was the work 
that preceded the easier and more desirable work in farming. 

Mr. Rush has been a member of the district school 
board ever since be has been in the township. For thirty- 
two years he has been connected with the United Brethren 
Church ; ten years of that time has served as trustee of 
that church. Is in politics a Democrat. Mahala Rush 
died Jan. 11, 1873, in Berrien Co., Mich. In her fifteenth 
year she joined the United Brethren Church, of which she 
remained a faithful member until she heard the welcome 
summons, " Come up higher." She was ever ready to help 
the atHicted, and had a kind word for all. The careworn 
servant of God always found a home at her house. Her 
husband and children deeply feel their loss. 



JOSEPHUS FISHER. 

No citizen of Sodus township is more closely allied with 
all its interests than the subject of this sketch, Josephus 
Fisher, who was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1828. 
His educational advantages were limited. Schools of that 
day were not good, and if they had been of the best, farm- 
ers' sons were then needed at home, and usually went to 
school only a few months in the winter. On July 4, 1850, 
Josephus married Miss Fhebe Ann, daughter of John and 
Jane Gano. They have had six children, the first-born 
dying before being named ; John, — at this time clerk of 
Sodus township ; Usania, Alice, George, and Edna. Four 
are living, two married and two living at home. After his 
marriage, Mr. Fisher farmed in Ohio ibur years on a fiirni 
given him by his father. In January, 1854, he moved to 



Sodus, purchasing ninety-six acres on section 24. He 
found .some difterenco in fiirming this land and the culti- 
vated farm he had lefl in Ohio. His first home here was 
such as all the early settlers had, — a log house. He has 
made an addition of one hundred and eight acres to his 
farm, and many improvements on it. 




JOSEPHUS PISUER. 

In 1861 he was elected supervisor of Sodus township, 
and filled this position ten and a half years and resigned. 
He was elected treasurer, which office he filled five years. 
In 1879 he was elected highway commissioner. He is a 
member of the Grange Lodge, No. 123, of Sodus township, 
and was Master one year. At this time he is Treasurer of 
the lodge. 

He is a Republican in politics. He has been a member 
of the Disciples Church for twenty-.six years, serving as 
elder of this body for ten years. His father's family con- 
sisted of nine children, — six girls and three boys, — all 
living in diflFerent States. Mrs. Fisher's father was one 
of the early settlers of the county. Her father's family con- 
sisted of six children, — three boys and three girls, — four of 
whom are living in Sodus township. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

THBEE OAKS TOWNSHIP.* 

Looation nnd Natural Features — Original Entries of Land — Settle- 
ment of the Township — Organization and List of Township Officers 
— Village of Throe Oaks — Avery Station — Post-Offices in the Town- 
ship — ^Town-Hall and Library — Schools — Churches — Societies and 
Orders. 

LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES. 
The territory now embraced in Three Oaks township 
was originally a part of New Buffalo, but was set off in 
1856 by the Board of Supervisors. 

The name of Three Oaks was first given when the post- 
office was established in 1854, in consequence of three very 
large oak-trees standing on the south side of the railroad, 

* By Austin N._llungerford. 



TOWNSHIP OF THREE OAKS. 



333 



near the west line of section 2, and near enough together to 
give, when in full leaf, the appearance of being one tree. 

The teri'itory of Three Oaks comprises all (except the 
west range of sections) of township 8 south, in range 20 
west, and all (except the western one) of the south tier of 
sections in township 7 south, of range 20 west. 

The .surface in the south and southeast part of the town 
is high and rolling, and the soil is warm and loamy. The 
northeasterly part of the township, embracing parts of sec- 
tions 1, 12, and 13, are marsh lands. The remaining por- 
tions of the township are undulating, with a rich clayey 
soil. For grass the township is not excelled by any section 
of the county. It is also good for corn, and as the country 
is improved and worked, the adaptability of these lands for 
wheat production is more and more apparent. 

The territory of Three Oaks was originally covered with 
timber, with no openings or prairies. The kinds of timber 
were, as in order named, maple, beech, elm, bass, ash (^white, 
black, blue, and gray), sycamore, oak, cherry, hickory, but- 
ternut, black walnut, whitewood or tulip, tamarack, black 
mulberry, cucumber, hackberry, ironwood, soft maple, with 
a little pine. The timber was of large growth, with thick 
underbrush. The marshes on section 13 supplied the early 
settlers with a fair quality of hay. Those in parts of sec- 
tions 11 and 12 produced many bushels of cranberries each 
year until 184G, when the vines were nearly destroyed by 
fires set by hunters. 

From the first settlement up to the hard winter of 1812 
-43, the common red deer were quite abundant, but that 
winter nearly exterminated them. In 1853, '54, '55 deer 
were again very abundant, and large numbers were killed 
each year. From 1855-67 they were common ; as many as 
40 to 50 were killed each year. From 1867 to 1874 they 
were less common, from 5 to 20 only killed each year. 
They are occasionally seen now. Black, red, and striped 
foxes and gray squirrels, partridges, quails, and pigeons 
were common, though not abundant. Until the marshes 
were improved massasaugers were plenty, but they are quite 
rare now. 

The township is well watered by the south branch of 
Galien Iliver, which rises in Indiana and flows northerly 
and westerly to the southwest quarter of the township, 
when it runs northwestly and joins a smaller branch in the 
southwest corner of section 8. The main branch runs west- 
erly through the northwest corner of the township. 

ORIGINAL ENTRIES OF LAND. 

The following list is of original purchaser.s of land IVom 
the government on the difi'erent sections in Three Oaks 
township. 

TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 20 WEST. 

Section 32.— B. M. Sholton, V. L. Bradford, J. M. Curtis, Rathbono 
& Chapin. 

Section 33.— V. L. Bradford, A. Curamings, R. Brown, Jr., ,J. Soule, 
W. B. Clark, Sherwood & Co., D. Robb. 

Section 34.— S. Piorco, William llammond, 'A. .lohnson, N. WillarJ, 
J. Pierce, F. Camp. 

Section 35. — J. Pioroe, Gilbert, G. B. Avery, Conrad KImendorf, 

Moses Chamberlain, R. C. Brayton. 

Section 3fi.— Sherwood & Co., N. Willard and H. Bishop, K. S. Morri- 
son, N. Willard. 



TOWNSUIl' 8 SOUTH, RANGE 20 WEST. 
Section l.—Q. B. Avery, H. Rounds, D. Robb, Elkanah Rythor, 

Alonao Bonnott, II. M. Boyco, Thomas Stranage and Seymour B. 

Sprague. 
Section 2. Ilaminond, B. Stoner, D. Robb, M. Chamberlain, 

John Stauffer. 
Section 3. — Truman A. Cloiigh, W. Hammond, J. .Stiiufl'or. 
Section 4. — Rathbone ife rhnpin, D. Robb, Wiseman & Laflin, .1. Tom- 
pie, D. Robb. 
Section 5.— W. Hammond, .F. Littlo, .Insoiih Arohor, Wisi'mai. A Laf- 

fin, .1. Temple. 
Section 8.— Alton Buel. 

Section 9.— J. Temple, T. Maudlin, D. Rubb, W. B. Clark. 
Section 10. — Benjamin Carver, D. Andrews, D. Robb, R. Love, N. 

Willard. 
Section 11.- D. Andrews, T. Kenworthy, Scth Smith, Othniol Husscll. 
Section 12.— H. Chamberlain, B. Brandon, B. Newell, E. Ilytlier. 
Section 13. — H. Chamberlain, W. P. O. MoMagness. 
Section H.— V. Nash, N. Johnson, D. Andrews, B. Collin, R. B. 

Hughes, J. Henderson, E. Ryther, G, Smith. 
Section 15.— D. Robb, J. Fuller, D. Andrews, M. Chamberlain, J. 

Love, J. Haas. 
Section 16. — Isaac Love, Ira L. Banes, K. Goit, Daniel Smith, Davis 

tt Warren. 
Section 17.— J. Love, T. Maudlin, D. Robb, (!. Taylor, B. Maudlin, 

R. Love. 
Section 20.— J. Haas, G. Schuiebel, F. Bronson, Bonjaiiiin B. Ki-reh- 

eval. 
Section 21.— F. Bronson, C. Jowctt, D. Robb, C. K. Green. 
Section 22. — J. Love, Isaac 0. Adams, M. Chamberlain, William N. 

Smitzer, Wessel Whittaker. 
Section 23. — ^F. Bronson, W. Whittaker, D. Andrews, T. Bronson. 
Section 24.— S. Shead, R. Love, J. Hatfield, T. K. Green, W. P. G. 

Magness, W. Goit. 

SETTLEMENT OP THE TOWNSHIP. 

The supposed harbor advantages of New IJullalo led 
many of the early settlers of that village to buy up the 
lands adjoining, with a view to speculation rather than set- 
tlement, and of course these were held at speculation prices. 
The financial disasters of 1837 defeated the hopes of making 
New Buffalo a great business centre. During a few suc- 
ceeding years non-residents held the land, and but few sales 
were made until 1850, when more rapid emigration com- 
menced. The land was wet by reason of the large timber 
and heavy underbru.sh. Upon the building of the Michigan 
Central Railroad, the consequent demand for cordwood and 
lumber made large openings, and the lands began to be re- 
claimed. It is estimated that the average annual cut of 
cordwood in the township from 1850 to 1875 was 12,000 
cords, valued from $18,000 to 830,000. 

The timbered lands were covered largely with leeks, 
which often started in the spring before the snow was ofi', 
and were of great assistance to the early settlers in furtiish- 
ing pasturage for cattle. If milch cows fed upon them the 
butter made from their milk had a strong leeky taste, and 
no one unless accustomed to it could eat it. To accomplish 
the feat with success it was said to be necessary to cat an 
onion first. For many years butter-buyers were very care- 
ful in buying to be sure that the butter was not thus of- 
fensively flavored. A story in point is told of Jacob 
Luther, who was for a long time a merchant, both at Day- 
ton and Buchanan. A woman came to his store one morn- 
ing with a package of butter which she asked him to pur- 
chase. He replied that he would like it very much if it 
was not " rampy." She answered by saying .she had often 
heard about ramps, and drawing one from her pocket, which 



334 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



she had plucked from the roadside, asked him if that was a 
ramp. He said it was. She replied she wanted him to 
make sure, and asked him to taste it and tell her. He did 
so and told her it certainly was one. She then opened her 
package of butter for his examination. He declared it to 
be the finest butter they had taken in for some time, pur- 
chased it, and sent it to his own home. Upon reaching 
home at noon his wife met him with the remark, " Jacob, 
why did you send up such rampy butter?" He then dis- 
covered how neatly the old lady had deceived him. 

The first settler in the township was Richard Love, a 
native of Ohio, who in the spring of 1835 bought land 
in the east half of the northwest quarter of section 24, at 
the foot of a high hill and near a large spring. His son, 
William M. Love, owns a part of the original farm. 

Sylvester Shead, and his son, Erasmus N. Shead, natives 
of New York, settled here about 1836. Harry H. Shead 
now lives where his father, Sylvester, settled, on the east half 
of section 23. William H. Valentine, living on section 24, 
is a son of William Valentine, who was an early settler in 
Galien township, adjoining. 

John Hatfield, a native of Virginia, settled about 1836 
in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 
24, where George Ray now lives. P. G. Magness, of 
North Carolina, also settled on section 24, where Daniel 
Savage lives. Vincent Nash and Enoch Lewis, of Vir- 
ginia, settled on section 14. D. F. McCaskey owns where 
Mr. Nash settled. Levi Paddock, a native of New York, 
settled on section 22, now owned by E. Sherwood Martin, 
a native of Indiana. Mr. Paddock was for several years 
justice of the peace, and was supervisor in 1844 ; he was a 
man of great physical strength. He died in 1873, at the 
age of ninety years, a few miles .south, in Galena, Ind. 
Jo.seph Love, a brother-in-law of Richard and Elkanah 
Ryther, and Robert R. Laine, of Tennessee, settled on sec- 
tion 17. Mr. Osgood lately owned the property settled on by 
Laine. Geo. Fisher settled adjoining Wm. Hammond, on 
section 34. John Love, a son of Joseph, settled on sec- 
• tion 15, where Judson Sawin lives. The land settled by 
Love and Ryther is now principally owned by the heirs of 
Thomas McKie. 

Jo.seph Love, who settled on section 17 prior to 1840, 
was a man of good judgment and strong sense, but with- 
out education. He had been involved in several petty law- 
suits, and was not always satisfied with the decision of the 
justice who tried the suits. He desired to be elected a 
justice of the peace, and asked one of his neighbors to sup- 
port him for that oiEce. His neighbor replied, " Uncle 
Joe, you may know law enough, but you cannot read or 
write." " No matter about that," said Uncle Joe ; " Jake 
(his son) can read and John can write, and I can judge 
them all like the d — I." The people, however, did not like 
the idea, and Uncle Joe was not elected. 

William Hammond, one of the early settlers, was a man 
of great energy and one of the local politicians, who was 
officious in the town caucuses, and sometimes was a delegate 
to the Democratic county conventions. 

Vincent Nash, now living on Rolling Prairie, Ind., was 
a good talker. Many years ago, Mr. Henry Chamberlain 
called at Sylvester Shead's, and making inquiry as to the 



health of the family, was informed that Mrs. Shead was 
quite ill. Expressing some surprise, and asking what the 
matter was, Mr. Shead, with a laugh, for which he was 
noted, said, " Well, Na.sh came up here yesterday morning, 
and he and the old lady had a talking-match and Nash 
beat her, and she was so ashamed of being out-talked by a 
Hoosier that she went to bed sick ;" and the old gentleman 
had a hearty laugh. 

Moses Chamberlain, a native of New Hamp.shire, came 
to New Buffalo in 1836, and located ten 80-acre lots in the 
present townships of New Buffalo, Three Oaks, and Chick- 
aming. He intended to settle on the lake-shore, but 
soon after the prospects of New Buffalo were ruined, and 
he did not settle until 1843, and then moved to the .south- 
east quarter of section 15, Three Oaks. He reserved the 
southwest quarter of section 2, where the village of Three 
Oaks now stands, and the northeast quarter of section 20, 
in Chiokaming, on the lake-shore, and the southwest quar- 
ter of the northwest quarter of section 23, in Chickamiffg 
township, now owned by Thomas McKie. A saw-mill, the 
first in the township, was early erected on this section by 
David H. Cottrell. Mr. Chamberlain did not remove to 
this place with his family until 1843, when he came around 
by the lakes and landed at Chicago, and then moved by 
teams to New Buffalo, arriving Oct. 7, 1843. He stopped 
with Jacob Gerrish, and in the winter following came to 
the lot on section 15, Three Oaks. Here he erected the 
first frame house in the township, and on the place now 
owned by his son, the Hon. William Chamberlain. The 
children of Mr. Chamberlain now living are the Hon. 
Mellen Chamberlain, of Boston ; Mary F., now Mrs. Hale 
E. Crosby, of New Buffalo ; and Henry and William Cham- 
berlain, now living in Three Oaks. The Hon. Mellen 
Chamberlain was at one time chief justice of the municipal 
court of Boston, and is at present librarian of the Boston 
City Library. The Hon. Henry Chamberlain, who in 
1854 commenced the settlement of the village of Three 
Oaks, was supervisor of New Buffalo township in 1845, be- 
fore Three Oaks and Chickaming were set off; was elected 
to that position when only two weeks past twenty-one years 
of age, and held the office for many years. He was a mem- 
ber of the Legislature of Michigan in the session of 1849 ; 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 1852; 
was nominated for Governor, in opposition to Governor Bag- 
ley, in 1874, by the Democratic and Liberal parties, and de- 
feated by only 5000 votes, against a Republican majority of 
57,000 the year before. The Hon. William Chamberlain, 
the youngest son, is living at Three Oaks, and engaged in 
mercantile business. He was elected township clerk when 
twenty-one years of age, was postmaster six years, county 
superintendent of the poor nineteen years, president of the 
Berrien County Pioneer Society, president of the village 
of Three Oaks, elected to the House of Representatives 
in 1870-72, elected to the Senate in 1876-78, and 
prominent as member of various committees on charitable 
and penal institutions. He was president j^^'" tempore of 
the Senate, Jan. 17, 1879. 

In the same year that Moses Chamberlain came in 
Samuel P. Webb and Asa H. Jacobs settled on section 35, 
where Jacobs built a saw-mill, to which, in 1846, a small 



TOWNSHIP OF THREE OAKS. 



335 



grist-mill was added. The property is now owned by Henry 
Piatt and Levi Morrow. No other settlers came in until 
after the opening of the Michigan Central Railroad, when, 
in 1850, Honrj Chamberlain settled on section 2, where he 
built a cabin and commenced clearing up the land where 
the village of Three Oaks now stands. Thomas Stanager 
settled on the southeast quarter of section 1, now Avery's 
Station, where he still lives. Soon after, 10 or 15 families 
located near them, on the line of the railroad, but few or 
none of them became permanent settlers. 

In the fall of 1852, John Louis Hess, a native of Swit- 
zerland, after living in Penn.sylvania, Chicago, and other 
places, bought of Henry Chamberlain 80 acres of the east 
half of the northeast quarter of section 9, and 20 acres of 
the east half of southeast quarter of section 3, lying south 
of the railroad, where he still lives. His son, Samuel Hess, 
has long been justice of the peace, and was county treasurer 
six years. He is now living at Three Oaks. 

Frederick Rhulow settled in the village. His property 
was purchased by Henry H. Pike, and was laid out as part 
of the village plat. Jacob Houser, Joseph Strahle, Max 
Wetzer, and others from Bavaria and Switzerland, became 
permanent settlers, and were forerunners of the large Ger- 
man settlement in the township. 

Dr. Hiram B. Wilcox, a native of New York, came to 
an adjoining township in Indiana in 1834. He attended 
lectures at Chicago and at Cleveland, graduating at the 
latter place. He practiced his profession at Galena, Ind. ; but 
for twelve years previous to his removal to Three Oaks, in 
1860, his practice reached into the southern tier of Berrien 
County. He still lives in Three Oaks. 

E. Sherwood Martin, a native of New Jersey, bought 
the farm of Levi Paddock in 1846, and is still living on 
the farm. Three sons are in business at Three Oaks. 
Abram, a brother, settled on section 23. A son, Isaac, is 
living in Three Oaks. There were six of the brothers, — 
Martin, who came about 1848 ; John Abram and Sher- 
wood settled in this township ; Isaac, Jacob, and William 
settled on land adjoining in Indiana. 

Gilbert B. Avery, a native of Connecticut, came here in 
1854, with Thomas Love, and built a steam saw-mill at 
Avery's Station. At that time he was master mechanic of 
the Michigan Central Railroad, a position which he held 
for twenty years. He lived in Detroit until 1859, when 
he removed to Avery's Station. He was afterwards master 
mechanic of the Chicago, Burlington and Quiiioy Railroad. 
His widow still lives at Avery's. 

Thomas Love, a native of Virginia, was clerk of the 
county from 1844 to 1848, acting treasurer of the county 
for many years, and is now county surveyor. He built the 
mill at Avery's Station, with Mr. Avery, in 1854, and then 
moved to the place where he still lives. He first settled at 
Berrien Springs, the county-seat, where he was largely en- 
gaged in lumbering, and he was early one of the foremost 
men of the county. 

Six brothers — John, Thomas, Anthony, William, Charles, 
and Edward McCarten — all settled near the intersection of 
New Buffalo, Chickaming, and Three Oaks about 1863. 
John settled in this township, in .section 32, purchasing the 
greater portion of the section. His family are still living 



there. The brothers are near the township line, — William 
and Thomas living in New Buffalo, and Anthony, Charles, 
and Edward in Chickaming.* 

OR«ANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 
The township of Three Oaks, with that of Chickaming, 
was taken from the territory of New Buffalo and organized 
by action of the Board of Supervisors in the year 1856, 
the order of the board directing the holding of the first 
election being as follows : 

"Notice is iiereby given that the first annual town-meeting for the 
election of township officers in each of the townships of Three Oaks, 
Chickaming, and New Buffalo, in the county of Berrien, State of 
Michigan, will be holden on the first Monday in April, a.d. 1856, as 
follows, to wit: 

"In the township of Three Oaks, at the school-house near Cham- 
berlain's side-track; and that Abram Martin, J. D. Fitch, and Henry 
Chamberlain are duly authorized to preside at such township-meet- 
ing, and to perform all the duties required by the statute in such case 
made and provided. 

"By order of the Board of Supervisors of Berrien Co., Mich., 
March 10, 1856. 

" William S. Merrill, f'lerk of the Board of Supervisors." 

The first township-meeting was held in accordance with 
the above order. Ninety-one votes were cast, and the fol- 
lowing-named ofiicers were elected, viz. : Henry Chamber- 
lain, Supervisor ; E. Sherwood Martin, Henry Chamber- 
lain, Thomas Love, Justices of the Peace ; Cyrus C. Ryther, 
Township Clerk ; Samuel K. Donovan, Township Treasurer ; 
Nathaniel Finch, William Chamberlain, Erasmus N. Shead, 
Commissioners of Highways ; George W. Shead, Nathaniel 
Finch, Richard A. Newell, Henry M. Blair, Constables ; 
J. D. Fitch, School Inspector ; Samuel P. Webb, John C. 
Collins, Directors of the Poor. Overseers of Highway : 
District No. 1, Harry H. Shead; No. 2, Abram Martin; 
No. 3, William Nash ; No. 4, Daniel Smith ; No. 5, George 
Myers ; No. 6, Thomas Love ; No. 7, George Hatfield ; No. 
8, Nathaniel Finch ; No. 9, John Hess ; No. 10, Robert 
R. Sawin. 

The following is a list of the supervisors, town clerks, 
treasurers, school inspectors, and justices of the peace of 
the township from 1857 to 1879, inclusive : 

SUPERVISORS. 

1857-58, Thomas Love; 1859, Henry Chamberlain; 1860, Jonas L. 
Hicks; 1861, Thomas C. Bradley; 1862, Henry Chamberlain; 
1863-64, James L. McKie ; 1865, Samuel W. Chamberlain; 1866, 
Henry Chamberlain; 1867-68, Samuel Hess; 1869, James L. 
McKie; 1870, J. M. K.Hilton; 1871, Edward K. Warner ; 1872- 
73, Isaac W. Martin; 1874, John D. Greenamyer; 1875-76, 
Peter Strehle; 1877-78, William H. Breece; 1879, James L. 
McKie. 

TOWN CLERKS. 

1857, William Chamberlain; 1858, James L. McKie; 1859, Jacob M. 
Smee; 1860, Samuel W. Chamberlain; 1861, Samuel lless; 1862, 
Frederick P. Warren: 1863, Hiram B. Wilcox; 1864, William 
Chamberlain; 1865-66, Hiram B. Wilccv ; 1867, Thomas C. 
Bradley; 1868-76, William H. Breece; 1876-77, Daniel F. Brom- 
morscheim; 1878, Henry N. Chamberlain ; 1879, Daniel F. Brom- 
merscheim. 

TREASURERS. 

1857, Samuel K. Donovan; 1858, Luther Sage; 1859-60, Samuel 
Hess; 1861, Thomas C. Bradley; 1862, James L. McKie; 1863, 
John Martin; 1864, Samuel W. Chamberlain; 1865-66, Horace 

* The history of Three Oaks and New Buffalo.is largely prepared 
from information furnished by the Hon. Henry Chamberlain. 



336 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



R.Pike; 1867, Luther Sage ; 1868-6'J, William K.Sawyer; 1870- 
71, Isaac W. Martin; 1872-73, Peter Strelile; 1874, Thomas Mo- 
Cann; 187.'J-76, Henry N. Chamberlain; 1877, Lycurgus JeflVies; 
1878-79, Peter Strehle. 

SCHOOL INSPECTOES. 

1857, Jonas L. Hielss; 1858, William Chamberlain; 1859, Jonas L. 
Hicks; 1860, William Chamberlain; 1861, John S. Martin; 
1862, William Chamberlain; 1863, .Jacob M. Smee; 1864, Julius 
D. Fitch, John S. Martin ; 1865, Isaac W. Martin ; 1866, Porter 
B. Parry; 1867, Isaac W. Martin; 1868, Frederick P. Warren; 
1869, Julius D. Fitch; 1870, James W. Ransom ; 1871, Perry G. 
Drew; 1872, Joshua Chatterson; 1873, (leorge M. Valentine; 
1874, James L. McKie, Henry Bennett; 1875, Henry H. Ben- 
nett; 1876, Thomas Love; 1877, Isaac W. Martin; 1878-79, 
James H. Hatfield. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1876, Porter B. Parry; 1876-77, Calvin W. Conner; 1878, Frederick 
F. Sovereign; 1879, Porter B. Parry. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1857, Erasmus N. Shead; 1858, Henry Chamberlain, Abram Martin; 
1859, Thomas Love; 18G0, Thomas C. Bradley; 1861, Erasmus 
N. Shead; 1862, Henry Chamberlain, Samuel Hess; 1863, Eben- 
ezer S. Martin; 1864, Samuel Hess, Thomas Love; 1865, Erasmus 
N. Shead; 1866, Robert D. Cross, Julius D. Fitch ; 1867, Thomas 
Love ; 1868, Samuel Hess : 1869, William K. Sawyer, Dewitt C. 
Miller; 1870, Jacob M. Smee, Thomas C. Bradley ; 1871, Thomas 
Love; 1872, Jacob M. Smee; 1873, William K. Sawyer, Dwight 
Warren; 1874, Dwight Warren; 1875, Thomas Love; 1876, 
Samuel Hess; 1877, William K. White; 1878, James Atwell; 
1879, Dwight Warren. 

VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS. 

In January, 1850, Henry Chamberlain, then living on 
the farm with his fatlier, about a mile and a half south of 
the present village, had an oifer to furnish 2000 cords of 
wood, at 7s. Hd. per cord, to be delivered on the cars at the 
side-track where the village of Three Oaks now stands. 
Owning land at that place, he took the contract, and while 
fumi.shing the wood was enabled at the same time to clear 
his lands without additional expense. In the year 1854 
he, with Joseph G. Ames, erected a store at this place, and 
commenced selling goods. The Michigan Central Railroad 
passing this point made it a business centre. A post-office 
was established, under the name of Three Oaks, from three 
large oak-trees standing near each other. The township 
upon its organization assumed the name. In the same 
year a shoe-shop was opened by Samuel Hess, a blacksmith- 
shop by Simeon Turner, and a saloon by Nathaniel Finch. 
The first plat of the village was made by Henry Chamber- 
lain, Dec. 30, 1857. Its growth was slow until 1863. 
Saw-mills were built in 1857, by Nathaniel Pinch ; 1863, 
by John M. K. Hilton, Asahel W. Fitch ; and 1866, by 
Duncan McNichol. A stave- and heading-mill was built 
in 1862 by Frank Smith, on lot 30. It was known as the 
" Coffee-Mill." Handle-factories were built in 1868, by 
Budlong & Bennett; in 1869, by Jesse Sheffield; in 1874, 
by N. D. Lovely. 

The first school-house was built of hewn logs, on lot No. 
1, and is still standing. The house now in use was built 
in"1877. One was built in 1857, an addition in 1867, and 
it is now used as a Lutheran church. The town hall was 
erected in 1866, the Congregational church in 1870, the 
Methodist Episcopal church in 1878. 

From 1863 to 1876 a large number of business houses 
were erected and occupied. The present population is 



about 500 within the village limits, and about 200 near the 
limits. The village at present contains four churches (Con- 
gregational, Baptist, German Lutheran, and Methodi.st), a 
post-office, school-house, depot, express-office, three general 
stores, two drug, two hardware, four groceries, two saloons, 
two milliner, two wagon, and two blacksmith-shops, one 
livery-stable, two meat-markets, one bakery, one photo- 
graph-gallery, three boot- and shoe-stores, one barber-shop, 
one cooper-shop, two harness-shops, one saw-mill, two 
handle-factories, one printing-office,* two jewelry-shops, 
and five physicians. 

The act of incorporation of the village of Three Oaks 
was approved March 20, 1867. By that act it was pro- 
vided that " All that tract of country situate within the 
township of Three Oaks, in the county of Berrien, in the 
State of Michigan, which is known and described as fol- 
lows, to wit, the southwest quarter of the northwest 
quarter and the west half of the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 2 ; the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter 
and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 3 ; 
the east half of the northeast quarter of section 10 and 
the west half of the northwest quarter of section 11, town- 
ship 8 south, of range 20 west, be and the same is hereby 
made and constituted a town corporate, by the name, style, 
and title of the village of Three Oaks." 

In accordance with the act of incorporation, an election 
was held on the 2d day of April, 1867, for the election of 
officers. At that meeting 61 votes were polled, and the 
following village officers were elected : William Chamber- 
lain, President ; Horace R. Pike, Robert D. Cross, Benja- 
min Sheffield, Rudolph B. Goit, Trustees ; Thomas C. 
Bradley, Recorder ; Luther Sage, Treasurer. 

At the first meeting of the council the streets on the 
village plats were named, and it was ordered that the re- 
corder make, or cause to be made, a map of the village, for 
the use of the council. 

The following is a list of presidents, trustees, recorders, 
and treasurers from 1867 to the present time: 

PRESIDENTS. 
1868, William Chamberl.ain ; 1869, William K. Sawyer; 1870, Robert 
D. Cross; 1871, Henry Chamberlain; 1872-7.3, Thomas McCann; 
1874, John D. Miller; 1875, Owen Churchill; 1876, William 
Chamberlain; 1877-78, James L. McKie; 1879, Edward K. 
Warren. 

TRUSTEES. 

1868, Isaac W. Martin, M. F. Wilcox; 1869, John D. Miller, James L. 
McKie; 1870, Jesse Sheffield, John M. K. Hilton; 1871, E. L. 
Miller, Charles Close; 1872, B. G. Ely, Henry Landers; 1873, 
Isaac W. Martin, Jacob M. Smee; 1874, Simeon Francis, Peter 
Strehle; 1875, Rudolph B. Goit, Charles Close; 1876, Joshua 
Chatterson, Samuel Hess; 1877, Emanuel G. Ely, Isaac W. Mar- 
tin ; 1878, Samuel Hess, Joshua Chatterson; 1879, William H. 
Breece, Owen Churchill. 

RECORDERS. 

1868-70, William H. Breece; 1871, James McKie; 1872-74, William 
H. Breece; 1875-78, D. P. Bommerscheim; 1879, Henry N. 
Chamberlain. 

TREASURERS. 

1S6S, Luther Sago; 1869, Josiah Martin; 1870, Edward K. Warren; 
1871, E. G. Ely; 1872, Erasmus N. Shead ; 1873-74', Emanuel G. 
Ely; 1875, Jacob M. Smee; 1876-78, Peter Strehle ; 1879, Henry 
N. Chamberlain. 

»■ The Michit/au Independent is published here. Its history is found 
in the " History of the Press" in the general history. 




F\Es.QF FRANK JERUE,Q>^uen,BerrienCo.,Mich. 




Hfs-OF Mrs. EDWARD VEITERLY, Th r tE Oahs,B ERR i en Co.,MiChigan. 



TOWNSHIP OP THREE OAKS. 



337 



Village Plats and Additions. — The first plat of the village 
made by Henry (Jhaniberlain, dated Dec. 30, 1857, con- 
sisted of about five acres, on the south side of the railroad. 

The first addition was by Cyrus Ryther, Jan. 24, 1860, 
of two acres south from first plat. 

Second addition by Henry Chamberlain, Nov. 10, 1863, 
12 acres north of the railroad. 

Third addition by Henry Cliamberlain, Dec. 13, 1864, 
20 acres north and east of last mentioned. 

Fourth addition by Mrs. Henry Chamberlain, Aug. 4, 
1865, 10 acres east of Ryther's addition. 

Pifth addition by Benjamin Sheffield, Nov. 20, 1866, 15 
acres north of last. 

Sixth addition by Henry H. Pike, Nov. 28, 1866, 10 
acres west of Chamberlain's third addition. 

A seventh addition, known as Friedel's addition, has been 
made since the last named. 

The I'empest Fire Company/ of Three Oaks was organ- 
ized May 5, 1875, with Charles Close foreman. A hand- 
engine was purchased by the corporation in the same year. 
The present members of the company are 30. The officers 
are Peter Strehle, Poreman ; C. VoUman, Assistant Pore- 
man ; A. F. Martin, Secretary and Treasurer. 

AVERY'S STATION. 
This settlement is located on the east line of the town- 
ship. The first improvement was made there in 1854, by 
Gilbert B. Avery and Thomas Love, who built a large 
steam saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1859, but 
was rebuilt and is still standing. A post-office was estab- 
lished in 1856. Mr. Avery was the first postmaster. The 
settlement contains a post-office, about 20 houses, and has a 
population of about 100. 

POST-OFFICES IN THE TOWNSHIP. 

The first post-office was established in the township in 
1849, and was called Spring Creek. It was situated in the 
northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 23. 
The mail was received weekly from New Bufl"alo. Samuel 
P. Webb was the first postmaster. The office was also held 
by George Drake. It was discontinued in a few years. 

The post-office at Three Oaks was established in 1854. 
Joseph G. Ames was the first postmaster. He was suc- 
ceeded by Henry Chamberlain, William Chamberlain, 
Charles M. Valentine, and Wm. K. Sawyer, who is the 
present incumbent. 

The post-office at Avery's, a station on the Michigan 
Central Railroad, was established in 1856. The post- 
masters of that office have been Gilbert B. Avery, Thomas 
Love, and Edward Avery, who still holds the office. 

TOWN HALL. 
It was voted to raise $800 to build a town hall at the 
town-meeting, April 4, 1864. H. Chamberlain presented 
a deed of two lots for that purpose in the village of Three 
Oaks, situated north of the school-house. On these lots the 
town hall was erected. 

TOWNSHIP BOUNTY TO VOLUNTEERS. 

A meeting of twelve electors, held Aug. 2, 1864, peti- 
tionCtl the township clerk to call a special meeting, to take 
43 



into consideration the propriety of raising a bounty for 
volunteers serving in the Union army in the war of the 
Rebellion. 

In accordance with this petition, a special meeting was 
held Aug. 18, 1864, at which it was voted to offer a bounty 
of $100 to each accepted recruit on the township quota 
under the call of July, 1864; alid the township board was 
authorized to issue bonds for that purpose. The same 
action was taken on the call of December, 1864. 

TOWNSHIP LIBRARY. 

The first action towards the establishment of a township 
library was taken at the township-meeting, April 4, 1859, 
when it was voted to raise $25 for the purpose. In 1860, 
$25 was raised for library purposes, and the amount received 
from fines (113.36) was added. The amount of fines for 
1861 was $17.40. Since that time the sum of $25 has 
been raised annually for library purposes. The present 
number of volumes belonging to the library is 369, as 
shown by the last report. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house in the township was built about 
the year 1840, near the northeast corner of the northwest 
quarter of section 23. It was built of cherry logs, and was 
known for years as the Cherry school-house. It was 10 by 
14 feet inside, and 8 feet to peak of roof, with puncheon 
floor, one window, and flattened logs set on pins for seats. A 
school had been taught for a few weeks in some of the cabins 
of the early settlers. The first teacher of whom anything 
is now known was Elizabeth Chamberlain (daughter of 
Mo.ses), who taught in the summer of 1844. 

The first frame school-house in the western part of Berrien 
County was built in District No. 3, in this township, in 
1847. Moses Chamberlain, his son Henry, and Vj. Ryther 
were the persons who, after much effort, succeeded in getting 
a tax voted for the purpose. Thomas M. Bennett was the 
first teacher. The first school-house built in the village of 
Three Oaks was of hewed logs, and is still standing, on the 
corner of Elm and Ash Streets. It was built by subscrip- 
tion, Henry Chamberlain paying three-fourths of the cost. 

The following items are taken from school reports, as filed 
in the township clerk's office: April 11, 1857, at a meet- 
ing of the school inspectors the districts were numbered 
anew for the township, they having held prior the numbers 
of New Buffalo. 

District No. 5 was changed to No. 1. Districts Nos. 2 
and 3 remained the same. September 11th of the same 
year District No. 4 was forrned ; and Oct. 29, 1857, at a 
meeting of the school inspectors of New Buffalo and Three 
Oaks, a new district was formed, part in each township, to 
be called No. 5. 

May 20, 1857, the primary-school fund amounted to 
$89.57, and was apportioned as follows: District No. 1, 
$37.63; No. 2, $28.62; No. 3, $23.32. 

The following school statistics of the town.ship are from 
the school report for 1879 : number of districts, 5 ; number 
of scholars, 479 ; number of school-houses, District No. 
1, 1 frame and 1 brick, valued at $5960 ; No. 2, 1 frame, 
valued at $500 ; No. 3, 1 frame, valued at $350 ; No. 4, 
1 frame, valued at $300 ; No. 5, 1 frame, valued at $500. 



338 



HISTORY OP BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



District No. 1, Three Oak.s, has an indebtedneiss of $1700. 
The remaining districts are free from debt. 

CHURCHES. 

The Congregational Church. — The church of which 
this is a record was first organized in New Buffalo as the 
" Union Church of New Buffalo," and was formed Sept. 18, 
1844, under the charge of the Rev. Elnathan Davis, who 
was assisted by Moses Chamberlain, Theron J. Wilcox, 
David M. Hunt, Jacob Gerrish, and Joseph D. Oates. 

The original members of the church were Moses Cham- 
berlain, Mary F. Chamberlain, I]lizabeth Chamberlain, 
Theron J. Wilcox, Jacob Gerrish, Maria A. Gerri.sh, 
Helen Wilcox, Julia B. Pressey, Lavinia Howe, Joseph D. 
Oates, and David M. Hunt. At a subsequent meeting, 
held in October of the same year, eight members were 
added to the church, and December following four more. 
The name of the church was changed by consent, March 
12, 1848, to that of the " First Congregational Church.'' 

The first pastor was the Rev. Elnathan Davis, who re- 
mained about one year. In May, 1851, the Rev. P. B. 
Parrey, who was pastor of the church at Buchanan, preached 
at Spring Creek and at New Bufi'alo occasionally. In 1852 
he removed to New Buffalo, and presided over both con- 
gregations a year or two. The Rev. Josiah D. Crosby, of 
Ashburnham, Mass., spent parts of 1857-58 preaching 
both at Three Oaks and New Buffalo, closing his labors in 
July, 1858, and was succeeded in October of that year by 
the Rev. Waters Warren, who preached about two years. 
The Rev. J. D. Crosby again resumed charge of the church 
in October, 1861, and remained about one year. April 30, 
1805, the Rev. P. B. Parrey became pastor over the Con- 
gregational Church at Three Oaks, and has occupied the 
pulpit mostly till the present time. The church member- 
ship is 103. The church edifice was erected in 1870 at 
Three Oaks, and was dedicated by the Rev. H. A. Reed, 
of Marshall, Mich. A Sabbath-school was first started in 
1858, and has at the present time about 75 pupils. E. K. 
Warren is the superintendent, and A. B. Wright librarian. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first class in 
the township was organized at Spring Creek school-house 
about 1850. The first members of the class were Abram 
Martin and wife, Richard Love and wife, William Valentine 
and wife, and Elkanah Ryther and wife. Among the first 
preachers at that place was the Rev. J. W. Robinson. The 
Rev. Daniel Smith was a minister of the Protestant Metho- 
dist Church, and also pi'eached here at an early day. 

During the summer of 1852 the Rev. J. W. Robinson, 
then stationed at New Buffalo, preached where the village 
of Three Oaks now stands, in the house of Henry Cham- 
berlain. 

Another Methodist class was organized in Three Oaks, 
in 1867, by the Rev. Daniel C. Woodward, who was also 
the first pastor. The first members of the class were Eben- 
ezer McGee, leader, Diadama McGee, R. B. Goit, Lucretia 
Goit, William R. Levy, Julia Levy, Rachel S. Anderson, 
Daniel Savage, John Redman, Luuinda Redman, Mary 
Edson, Mary J. Hopkins, E. Ryther, Catherine Ryther, 
Samuel Pinnell. A church edifice was built in 1878, of 
brick, at a cost of $2000. 



The present membership is 50. The Sabbath-school 
contains an average of 85 pupils. J. R. Hill is superin- 
tendent. The first minister who preached in this section of 
country was the Rev. J. W. Robinson, at the Spring Creek 
school-house, where the first class was formed. The minis- 
ters who succeeded him were the Revs. Beach, Hendrick- 
son, Chapin, Beard, Kellogg, Valentine, Van Horn, Van 
Wyck, Hicks, Woodward, Hoyt, Gray, Van Sire, J. T. 
Tanner, W. S. Goslin, and Isaac Wilson, who is the present 
pastor. 

The Baptist Church. — This church was organized in 
1867, in district school-house No. 3, Chiekaming township, 
with about 15 members. 

Rev. Charles G. Manly was the first pastor. He was 
succeeded by the Revs. E. S. Millis, Israel Wilkinson, Sher- 
man Hendricks, R. H. Spafford, and Israel Wilkinson, who 
is the present pastor. 

The church has at present 85 members, and a Sunday- 
school containing 60 pupils, with Charles C. Sherrill as 
superintendent, who also has charge of two Sunday-schools 
connected with the church; one is located in district No. 1, 
with 20 pupils, the other in district No. 3, Chiekaming 
township, with 80 pupils. There are also two others in 
charge of tlie church: one in southeast corner of section 
30, and numbers 35 pupils (M. S. Sherrill is superintendent), 
and district No. 5, Three Oaks township, contains 30 pupils, 
C. C. Brown superintendent. 

The church was built at Three Oaks village in 1869-70, 
at a cost of about $3000. 

The First German United Evangelical St. John's Con- 
gregation was first organized, November, 1866, at the village 
of Three Oaks, with 15 members. The church was built 
in 1877, and the congregation at present numbers 38. 

The first pastor was the Rev. W. Braumwarth, who has 
been succeeded by Revs. Julius Schumm and A. Debus, the 
present pastor. 

The Church of the Disciples. — This society was or- 
ganized at the house of Dr. H. B. Wilcox, Feb. 19, 1868, 
with 25 members. Josiah Martin was elected elder, which 
office he retained until his death, in 1878. David Martin 
was elected deacon, and still holds the office. Services were 
held from house to house until the completion of the Ger- 
man Lutheran church, when they occupied the church with 
that society. Among the ministers who preached occa- . 
sionally were the Revs. Wm. M. Roe, P. T. Russell, and 
Mitchell. In the fall of 1877 the Rev. C. P. Mor- 
timer became pastor and remained six months. They were 
without a pastor until May, 1879, when the Rev. C. F. 
Cole assumed charge, and is the present pastor. The church 
now numbers 59 members. They were in a low condition 
from 1872 to 1875, and were then reorganized. The 
elders of the society are Dr. H. B. Wilcox and Abram 
Martin ; deacons, David Martin and Andrew Carpenter. 

The German Methodist Church. — The first meeting for 
organization of a class was held in a small log house that 
stood in the field of Frederick Rickerts, in section 10, near 
the village of Three Oaks, and was at the time unoccupied. 
Meetings were held there lor some time, and then at private 
houses. Upon the completion of the English Methodist 
church services were held at that place, and preaching is 



TOWNSHIP OF WATERVLIET. 



339 



now had there once in three weeks. The Sunday-school 
enrolls 20 pupils. John Berkhart, Superintendent. 

The constituent members of the first class were Charles 
Wagner and wife, Jacob Kriess and wife, Frederick Rick- 
erts and wife, and L. Rickerts. Charles Wagner was the 
leader. The first minister was the Rev. Jacob Reichter, 
and he was succeeded by the Revs. K. A. Lober, Carl 
Kluckhohn, Richard Fiekenscher, Jacob Bletoch, Peter 

Schaeffer, William Wilke, Itermann, F. Fertkon, 

William Keller, Philip Walker, F. Werth, Henry Lemka, 

and Hanka, who is the present pastor. The church 

is in the Michigan city charge. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 
Three Oaks Lodge, No. 239, F. and A. M.—The charter 
was granted to this lodge Jan. 8, 1868. The oSioers were 
Henry Chamberlain, Worshipful Master; Owen Church- 
ill, Senior Warden ; James S. Bird, Junior Warden ; 
Rudolph B. Goit, Treas. ; Christopher Loney, Sec. ; A. A. 
Archer, Senior Deacon ; Daniel Savage, Junior Deacon ; 
Silas Russell, Tiler. 

The membership, Jan. 10, 1879, was 85, and the officers 
for 1879 are Henry N. Chamberlain, Worshipful Master; 
William H. Breece, Senior Warden ; Henry M. Russell, 
Junior Warden ; Thomas MeCann, Treas. ; John A. 
Thursby, Sec. ; William H. Dakin, Senior Deacon ; Orrin 
L. Churchill, Junior Deacon ; William Decker, Tiler. 

Three Oaks Lodge, No. 842, L 0. of G. 7".— This lodge 
was instituted April 4, 1875. The present membership is 
about GO. The present officers are A. B. Wright, Worthy 
Chief Templar; Nellie Martin, Worthy Vice-Templar; 
Henry L. Hess, Worthy Sec. ; Mattie Reeves, Worthy 
Financial Sec. ; Simeon Sutherland, Worthy Marshal ; 
Emma Hill, Worthy Inside Guard ; Charles Bradley, 
Worthy Outside Guard. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

EDWARD VETTERLEY 

was born on the 15th day of September, 1833, at Wagen- 
hausen, a village in Switzerland. In 1844 his parents 
emigrated to the State of New York, bringing Edward, 
two brothers, and one sister with them. There he remained 
a number of years, and then removed to Three Oaks, Ber- 
rien Co., Mich. On the 13th of June, 1SG9, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Heosi, daughter of Samuel 
and Elizabeth Heosi. Mr. Vetterley was in the employ 
of the Michigan Central Railroad Company over ten years, 
always proving himself worthy of the trust and confidence 
placed in him. The remainder of the time he carried on 
his farm with good success. He had a good German edu- 
cation, although his advantages were rather limited, as he 
never attended school in America. He was in politics a 
Democrat. He was a member of the German Evangelical 
Church from 1849 until the time of his death, and was 
ever found ready to do his duty as a zealous Christian. He 
was an aflFectionate husband and loving father, as well as an 



estimable man and worthy citizen. His death occurred on 
the 23d day of March, 1874. His widow, Mrs. Vetterley, 
is one of the few women who are capable of acting as the 
head of a family, and she has successfully managed the 
estate since the decease of her husband. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

■WATERVLIET TO-WNSHIP.* 

Description — Early Settlements — Watervliet Village — Coloiua Village 
— New Coloma — Settlements in Watervliet after 18i2 — Soldiers of 
1812 — Physicians — Townsbip Organization and Civil List — Re- 
ligious Societies — Schools — Societies and Orders — Curious Relic. 

Watervliet, the extreme northeastern township of 
Berrien County, retains the original town allotment of six 
miles square, and occupies a fruitful agricultural territory, 
peopled by a community of thrifty and prosperous agricul- 
turists. The township boundaries are the Van Buren 
County line on the north and east, Bainbridge township 
on the south, and Hagar township on the west. Its desig- 
nation is town 3 south, range 17 west. 

The surface of the country is generally level or gently 
undulating, and, near the centre of the township, diversi- 
fied by two moderately large sheets of water, known respect- 
ively as Paw Paw Lake, and Little Paw Paw Lake, while 
numerous water-courses and ponds, scattered here and there, 
provide a picturesque prospect and bountiful irrigation. 
Paw Paw Lake occupies nearly the whole of section 15 
and portions of sections 10, 11, 14, 16, and 21, and 
covers upwards of 1200 acres. Its waters are clear and 
well stocked with fish. It has upon its borders an inviting 
stretch of country, and is, during the pleasant season of the 
year, a place of popular resort for picnic parties, anglers, 
and others in search of recreation. 

The Paw Paw River, an exceedingly crooked stream, 
flows through the centre of the township, from east to west, 
and empties into the St. Joseph River at Benton Harbor. 
The Chicago and West Michigan Railroad passes through 
Watervliet, generally along the river's course, and, having 
stations at Coloma and Watervliet, gives the town excel- 
lent railway conveniences. 

The two villages of Coloma and Watervliet are the 
centres of considerable trade ; they have valuable mill inter- 
ests, and annually send forward by railway large .shipments of 
fruit and grain, — -Watervliet especially making a fine show- 
ing in respect to the latter commodity. The township, al- 
though largely devoted to the cultivation of fruit, is also a 
rich grain-producing region. Among the farmers are a 
few families of Indians, who are located in the north, and 
who, in common with their brethren of adjoining townships, 
have sought to make a mark as tillers of the soil, but their 
success, as a rule, is not great. Water visit's assessed valu- 
ation in 1879 was $260,000. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The first settlement made by the white man in what is 
now Watervliet township was begun in 1832, at a point on 

••"By David Schwartz. 



340 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the Paw Paw River about three-quarters of a mile above 
the present village of Coloma, and on the opposite shore. 
Shingle-raakers first invaded that locality, and the place was 
therefore known as " Shingle Diggings." The narrative of 
the rise and progress of the Diggings, as gathered from Mr. 
Stephen R. Gilson, now living in Coloma (and himself a 
resident in Watervliet longer than any one in the township), 
is given as follows : 

In October, 183-4, Mr. Gilson, of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
in which his father was a pioneer, rode, in company with 
a friend, to Sandusky, Ohio, intending to stop a while in 
Michigan, and then to push on to Chicago, which he pro- 
posed to make his future home. From Sandusky young 
Gilson traveled on foot via the Maumee country, and so bar- 
ren was that region of population that in thirty miles' travel 
he saw but one house. Happening to know Stephen Purdy, 
who was living at Berrien Springs, in Michigan, Gilson bent 
his steps thither and visited his friend, with whom he re- 
mained several days, during which time he tried, but un- 
successfully, to obtain employment. Learning that Levi 
Ballengee, then stopping at Wilson's tavern, in St. Joseph 
village, was in want of a shingle-maker for his place on the 
Paw Paw, Gilson went down and bargained with Ballengee 
to a.ssist him in getting out 125,000 shingles. Together 
they set out for Mr. Ballengee's place in November, 183-t, 
and there in due time Mr. Gilson began his Western career 
as a shingle-maker. 

Mr. Ballengee's location, as already indicated, was a short 
distance from the present village of Coloma, across the 
Paw Paw, and there he had been living with his wife some 
time. How he came to be there may be told in relating 
the story of the first white settlement there and the circum- 
stances immediately following it. 

In 1832, Job Davis, of Cass County, made the first land- 
entry in the territory now occupied by Watervliet town- 
ship. His purchase embraced 150 acres on section 21, 
and he went upon the place intending to get out lumber 
and shingles for the St. Joseph market. Tiring of his en- 
terprise, however, before he had fairly tried it, he disposed 
of his interests to Messrs. GrifiBth, Hoyt & Hatch, who 
joined for the purpose of digging a canal from Paw Paw 
Lake to the Paw Paw River, building a saw-mill on the 
Paw Paw, and engaging to a liberal extent in lumbering, 
B. C. Hoyt (a St. Joseph merchant) being the managing 
partner of the firm. 

Davis had already got out a frame for a saw mill, had it 
on the ground ready to put up, had begun the construction 
of a dam, and had dug a mill-pit, so that Griffith & Co. 
found matters in such a state of progress that they looked 
forward to a speedy completion of the projected improve- 
ments. At this juncture, however, one Sumner stepped 
in and disarranged their plans. Mr. Hoyt, of the lumber- 
ing firm, had sued Sumner on a store account, and Sumner 
determined to be revenged. Knowing that Griffith & Co., 
by a singular oversight, had failed to acquire a right to the 
land opposite their mill property, where their dam must 
necessarily touch, Sumner entered the land in question, 
and then forbade Griffith & Co. building their dam on his 
land. This was something which Griffith & Co. had not 
contemplated, and an obstacle which they were powerless 



to remove, for Sumner utterly refused to sell his land to 
the mill firm at any price, and thus, unable to prosecute 
their work, Griffith & Co. were compelled to abandon it. 
Upon first beginning operations they surveyed and laid out 
a t6wn near the proposed mill-site, and sought to induce 
settlements, with the implied understanding that the canal 
and mill would make the neighborhood a lively and valu- 
able business point. One of the first to act upon the 
promise of future advantage held forth by Griffith & Co. 
was Levi Ballengee, who -bought of Mr. Brown, of St. 
Joseph, 80 acres of land near the site of the new town, 
and put up, first, a log cabin and then a frame of consider- 
able size, of which he proposed to make a house in which 
to board the men to be employed by Griffith & Co. The 
failure of Griffith & Co. (their lands, etc., being transferred 
to the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of St. Joseph) left. 
Mr. Ballengee with his boarding-house frame on his hands 
as a piece of useless property. Being there, however, he 
resolved to remain, and thus it happened that, being in St. 
Joseph in search of a workman, he found Mr. Gilson, and 
entered upon the business of shingle-making as the founder 
of " Sliingle Diggings." 

The narrative returns now to the time — November, 
1834 — when Gilson joined Ballengee in shingle-making. 
Ballengee and Gilson worked industriously at that busi- 
ness through the winter, visiting St. Joseph occasionally, 
by way of the river, in canoes. During the winter, Rumsey 
Christy of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., came to the Dig- 
gings, with his wife and three children, " squatted," put 
up a cabin, and commenced making shingles on his own 
account. In the spring of 1835, Hiram Ormsby, with his 
ftimily, joined the little colony, and shingle-making began 
to be lively. About this time Mrs. Christy died. This 
was the second death in that locality, and the first in the 
Diggings proper. Job Davis' wife had died soon after his 
settlement, in 1832. Her remains were at first deposited 
near the mill-site, but afterwards conveyed to the Sumner- 
ville cemetery. The next shingle-maker was Isaac Youngs, 
who came in with his family in 1835, followed by Era.stus 
Barnes, Henry H. Seller, and others. 

In 1835, Gilson went back to New York State for his 
family, brought them without delay to the Shingle Dig- 
gings, and becoming a resident there, commenced making 
shingles on his own account ; he, like a majority of the 
shingle-makers, " squatting" where it suited him, and mak- 
ing shingles where he could find desirable timber. For 
three years the business of shingle-making was carried on 
with much spirit, quite a number of people were engaged 
in it, and the Diggings grew to the dignity of an impor- 
tant settlement. In 1837, Gilson had prospered so well that 
he purchased that year all the shingles made in the Dig- 
gings. He bought at one time 1,300,000, and employed 
Indians to run them down the river to St. Joseph, upon 
reaching which place he had a force of 20 redskins, whose 
performances in taking the shingles out of the river and 
landing them on the dock are said to have been very lively 
and interesting. All the shingles made at the Diggings 
were thus transported to St. Joseph to market, and as there 
was a good demand for them the Diggings became a thriv- 
ing place. 



TOWNSHIP OP WATERVLIET. 



H41 



So well did it flourish as a settlement that in 1837 a 
school was desired, and the inhabitants of the Diggings ap- 
plied to the township (St. Joseph) for assistance in support- 
ing a school. The application being denied, the shingle- 
makers remembered that E. P. Deacon had agreed to clear 
the " school land" near the Diggings, and that he had failed 
to complete the work. They proceeded therefore to take 
possession of the timber remaining on the land, worked it 
up into shingles, and, with the proceeds of the sale thereof, 
started a school by engaging Mary Youngs (a daughter of 
one of the shingle-makers) as teacher. She taught about 
six months in the log cabin used by Job Davis as his resi- 
dence when he first settled there. Lydia Kingsley, of St. 
Joseph, was afterwards engaged, and taught in a log school- 
house put up in the woods. That school, however, was the 
last one taught in that neighborliood. 

The Diggings was not without the benefit of public re- 
ligious teachings. In 1837, Simeon Woodruff, a Presby- 
terian minister and settler in Bainbridge, preached occa- 
sionally at Mr. Giison's house. The first child born in the 
Diggings was Mr. Chri.sty's, the .second wa.s Mr. Ornisby's, 
and the third Mr. Giison's 

In 1838, the material for shingles being exhausted, the 
shingle-makers departed for other places, — Mr. Ballengee 
to Missouri, Gilson, Youngs, and Selter to Bainbridge, and 
the others farther east and west. Shingle Diggings became 
therefore an abandoned settlement, and at this point drops 
out of the history of the township. 

Moses Osgood, living at Perch River, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., in 1836, engaged that year to accompany Isaac 
Mofiatt — Smith & Merrick's land-agent and manager — to 
Michigan, and upon his arrival in Watervliet worked about 
the mills. In the following year he sent for his family, 
and after that continued to live in Watervliet village about 
two years, working meanwhile for the mill firm. He then 
bought 40 acres of laud on section 19, a mile and a half 
west of the Me of Coloma, and after living there five years 
sold out, in 1842, to James Paul, who had just come from 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and who lived upon the place until 
his death, in 1872. The farm occupied by Paul is the one 
now owned by William Merrifield. 

Upon selling out to Paul, Mr. Osgood bought a place 
directly oppo.site, and in 1844 sold that to John Merrifield, 
of New York State, just then arrived. Mr. Osgood then 
moved to a farm a half-mile east, changed again a mile 
farther eaist, went to Schoolcraft, Mich., where he remained 
about four years, returned to Watervliet township, where 
he settled, near the Coloma burying-ground, and lastly 
moved to a place on section 20, where he died, in 1876. 
His widow lives on the place now with her son-in-law, Mr. 
Glidden. Mr. Osgood was the pioneer of the territory into 
which he moved in 1838, after leaving Watervliet village, 
between which place and his farm there was not a single 
settler. 

WATEKVLIET VILLAGE. 
The first improvement made at what is now known as 
Watervliet village was effected in 1833, by Sumner & 
Wheeler, who put up a saw-mill on Mill Creek, near the 
present site of Swain & Olney's saw-mill. It will be re- 
membered that in the history of Shingle Diggings, reference 



is made to Mr. Sumner as having interfered materially with 
Griffith & Co 's mill-building enterprise. After that affair 
Sumner & Wheeler built the saw-mill on Mill Creek, and 
employed two brothers named Van Dusen, from Prairie 
Ronde, to run the mill for them. The mill was a small 
one, propelled by a " flutter wheel," but managed to turn 
out considerable lumber, some of its first work being the 
timber for the boarding-house frame which Mr. Levi Bal- 
lengee erected at Shingle Diggings. The Van Du.sen 
brothers lived in a slab shanty near the mill, and were, 
beyond question, the first white inhabitants at that point. 
The Van Dusens managed the mill until 1835, when one 
Crocker, a mill-wright, rented it, and moving, with his 
family, upon the place, took po.sse.ssion. 

In 1836, Jesse Smith, of the firm of Smith & Merrick, 
of French Creek, Jefferson Co., N. Y., visited this section 
to make arrangements for clearing large tracts of land 
which the firm owned in what are now the townships of 
Bainbridge, Watervliet, and Hagar, the greater portion 
being in Bainbridge, in that district now covered by the 
German settlement. Mr. Smith was accompanied by Israel 
Kellogg and several laborers, the latter of whom, under the 
direction of Mr. Kellogg (who acted then and afterwards as 
Smith & Merrick's representative and land-agent), did some 
work at clearing land and built a saw-mill near Sumner & 
Wheeler's, which latter Smith purchased, and leased that, 
as well as the new one, to Crocker. Lumber was low, and 
as Smith preferred to turn his attention to clearing land 
and putting in wheat, — which he did to a great extent, — 
he paid but little heed to the firm's milling interests. 

Smith returned to New York in 1836, leaving Kellogg 
to look after the firm's interests, and in that same year 
Smith & Merrick sent out Isaac Moffatt with thirty-two 
Frenchmen to finish the work on the Michigan lands. 
Moffatt and his men sailed from Buffalo in a vessel belong- 
ing to the firm, and loaded with all sorts of supplies for 
the new settlement. Moffatt got his men and supplies 
safely to Watervliet, and at once put up a store about op- 
posite where Walden's store now stands. He built also a 
grist-mill, which, with the saw-mills, he rented to Crocker. 
His men were set to work digging a tail-race (the one now 
used), building a dam, and clearing land, and as his force 
numbered upwards of forty, there was already a community 
worthy the name of a settlement. It is said of the thirty- 
two Frenchmen brought out by Moffatt that they used to 
eat a barrel of pork every three days. Of them only two are 
known to be living in the vicinity of Watervliet, — Edward 
Eber, a farmer, in Hartford township, and Felix Rossette, 
a tavern-keeper, in Hartford village. A third — John La- 
deaux — died in the county almshouse in 1879. 

The mills soon pa.ssed from Crocker to John Stronner, 
who was, in 1846, succeeded as tenant by James Redding, 
who was running them in 1848, when Smith & Merrick 
sold out their entire mill property to Isaac N. Swain, then 
living in Concord, Jackson Co., Mich., but previously of 
Jeffenson Co., N. Y. Besides the mill property, Mr. Swain 
bought 960 acres of land thereabout, and further converted 
a tannery building that had been put up at that point by 
William Tilman, into a grist-mill, into which he put two 



342 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



run of stones, the old grist-mill being abandoned and af- 
terwards moved into the village, one-half being now used 
as a residence and the other as a cooper-shop. 

Mr. Swain soon found an opportunity to sell his mills to 
Medbury & Aldrich, and removed then to Monson, Mass. 
Medbury & Aldrich replaced the saw-mill with the large 
mill now used by Swain & Olney, and during their pos- 
session the grist-mill was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. 
They sold out to Jason Carr, who in turn sold the saw-mill 
to a Mr. Shanks, and continued to operate the grist-mill 
himself In 1858 there came a great flood that washed 
away the dam, bulkheads, etc., damaged the mills seriously, 
and overflowed the surrounding country. When Carr saw 
the ruin that had been wrought to the mill property he was 
so affected that he fell down and died. Shank was made a 
bankrupt, and became, it is said, a tish-uierchant (the first 
available business he could turn his hand tol, in his desire 
to do something. 

Carr & Shanks having carried the property along under 
mortgage to Mr. Swain, the latter was compelled to take it 
back after the disaster, and from 1858 to 1862 he permitted 
it to remain in the condition brought about by the flood. 
In the last-named year, however, he organized the firm of 
Swain, Olney & Fisher, who built a new dam, made neces- 
sary repairs, and set the mills in motion once more. Mr. 
Fisher sold his interest to Parsons & Baldwin, when the 
firm-name was changed to Swain, Olney & Co., and as such 
remained until 1874, when Parsons & Baldwin retired, 
leaving the firm of Swain & Olney to continue the business, 
which they have done until the present time. 

The firm have at times employed as many as 40 or 50 
men in their mills, but have at present a force of only 15. 
Their saw-mill is fitted with 52 saws, including 1 gang 
and 1 slabber, capable of sawing 30,000 feet of lumber 
daily. At present the cut is about 6000 feet per day. The 
grist-mill has three run of stones, and is devoted chiefly to 
custom work. 

In 1856, H. R. Holland built a saw-mill on Mill Creek, 
east of the village, and in 1870 sold it to Justus Sutherland, 
who added a grist-mill with three run of stones, which began 
to grind wheat March 4, 1873. These mills have been 
operated by Mr. Sutherland since 1870. 

Jonas Ivery was the pioneer blacksmith at Watervliet, 
the date of his .settlement being 1837. His daughter was 
married to Martin Tice, of Bainbridge, in 1838. Ivery 
moved from Watervliet to Millburg, and afterwards to the 
far West. 

Stores. — The first store opened in Watervliet was the 
one started by Isaac Mofi"att in 1836, when he came to the 
country with his company of 32 Frenchmen. His store 
was called the " Mill Store," and the stock put into it was 
the cargo of supplies Moffatt brought in his vessel from 
Buffalo. This mill store was kept by Moffatt and Israel 
Kellogg, in the interest of Smith & Merrick while that firm 
controlled the mill property, and when they sold out to 
Swain of course Swain took the store also. When Swain 
came in. Redding retired from the mills, and .started in a 
store known as the" Variety Store." Thus there were two 
stores — this was in 1848 — for the first time in the history 



of Watervliet. When Redding died (in 1849) he was 
succeeded by Clay & Ensign, and after a time Ed. Good- 
ale, who had been a clerk at Swain's, commenced on his 
own account as a storekeeper. He sold to Wheeler & Gates, 
and afterwards the succession of storekeepers was Holland 
& Smith, W. W. Allen, U. C. Matran, Matran & Burnside, 
and Parsons & Baldwin. The mill store was continued by 
Swain until Swain, Fisher & Olney came in, and after that 
Parsons & Baldwin took it, — the latter firm opening their 
present store when they retired from the mill business. 

The general stores now in the village are those of L. D. 
Walden, Parsons, Baldwin & Co., and W. W. Allen. 
Tucker & Jaffrey have a drug-store, Pierce & Welsh a 
hardware-store, Daniel Woodward a meat-market, A. G. 
Wigeant a furniture-store, Silas Tooley a harness-shop, and 
Mrs. Pierce a millinery. Besides these stores, there are 
blacksmith shops, cooper-shops, shoe-shops, etc. 

Taverns. — The first house of entertainment in Water- 
vliet was a boarding-house for mill hands, opened by W. 
W. McKee in a building which stood opposite the site of 
Walden's store. This building was afterwards sawed in 
two, and is still doing duty, — one-half as Bradt's black- 
smith-shop and the other as Mr. Teetzel's residence. When 
Mr. Swain became the mill proprietor, he built a store and 
tavern upon the lot now occupied by Walden's store, the 
mill store having to that time been on the opposite side of 
the road. The tavern built by Mr. Swain was, like Mc- 
Kee's house, primarily intended as a boarding-place for the 
mill hands, but as both places accommodated travelers 
they were taverns, although not called so. In 1867, Swain's 
store and tavern were destroyed by fire. The store only 
was rebuilt, and it is still standing. 

The public-house now kept in the village by Samuel 
Wolcott was built for a tavern by John Lake in 1847, but 
not opened as such until ten years afterwards. Andrew 
Bartlett was the first landlord. His successors have been 

Abram Smmi, Hibbard, Pockett, William 

Brown, and Samuel Wolcott, the present proprietor, who 
has been in possession since 1870. 

Post- Office. — The post-office at Watervliet village was 
established in 1849, when Isaac N. Swain was appointed 
postmaster. Prior to that time Mr. Swain had a contract 
with such of the inhabitants as favored the arrangement 
to obtain their mail at the Bainbridge post-oflBce twice a 
week. At the close of the first year of the contract, Mr. 
Swain succeeded in inducing the government to establish 
the Watervliet office. James B. Liudsley succeeded Mr. 
Swain, and in 1856, B. B. Tucker took possession of the 
office, to relinquish it, in 1860, to Wm. Brown, the tavern- 
keeper. W. W. Allen was appointed in 1868, and kept 
the office in his store until 1877, when he resigned, and 
E. R. Welsh, the present incumbent, received the appoint- 
ment. 

Railway Depot. — Upon the completion of the Chicago 
and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, to Watervliet, in 1869, 
L. A. Mason was appointed depot agent. In 1871 he was 
succeeded by W. E. Walden, who still occupies the place. 
In 1869 a grain-elevator was attached to the depot. Large 
quantities of grain are annually shipped from this station, 
while the shipments of fruit during the season are consid- 



TOWNSHIP OF WATERVLIET. 



343 



erable, one shipper alone having forwarded 2000 barrels of 
apples in 1878. Peach shipments have risen to such an 
aggregate that 3000 baskets were sent out on one train 
during the busy era. In 1878 about 15,000 baskets were 
shipped to Chicago from Watervliet. 

The Village Plat. — Smith & Merrick laid out the vil- 
lage, and gave to it originally the narrow strip occupied 
by Main Street between the creek and the river. Mr. 
Swain made several additions, notably the addition south of 
the railway-track known as " Newtown," where great im- 
provements in the way of a blast-furnace and other manu- 
factories were promised. For some reason the schemes 
failed, although the town lots were sold and improvements 
to some extent were made there. 

COLOMA VILLAGE. 

About 1840, John Williams, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
made his appearance in Watervliet with his family, and 
being unable to purchase a farm, agreed with Israel Kel- 
logg, resident land-agent for Smith & Merrick, to work a 
tract of land on what is now the site of Coloma village. 
Kellogg put up a log house for Williams upon the spot now 
occupied by Dr. Baker's house, and built for him also a 
frame barn, which stood a little west of where the liberty- 
pole stands. Williams worked the place about two years, 
but with little success. He afterwards removed to Bain- 
bridge, and died there. Adam Prouty took the place after 
Williams' departure, but remained only two years and then 
moved away. George Becker, of Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
who had traveled with his wife and six children from 
Buffalo to St. Joseph by way of the lakes, happened along 
about the time Prouty moved out (May, 1844), and took 
possession of the cabin. He pui-posed, however, remaining 
there but a short time, as he had before leaving his New 
York home exchanged his farm there with Smith & Mer- 
rick for 80 acres in the southern portion of Watervliet, 
near Michael Humphrey's farm. To that place Becker 
soon moved his family, but shortly afterwards exchanged 
it for a farm south of Coloma, where he died in 1873, and 
where his widow now lives. 

James S. Johnson (a tailor), of Yates Co., N. Y., settled 
in St. Joseph Co., Ind., in 1837, and in May, 1844, in 
company with George C. Merrifield, of that place, visited 
Michigan. In partnership they bought of Smith & Mer- 
rick 320 acres of land, that embraced the tract upon which 
Williams and Prouty had worked, and of which they had 
cleared about 140 acres. Johnson and Merrifield sowed 
the land to grain and returned to Indiana for their families. 
Merrifield's family refusing to move, he sold his interest in 
the Michigan farm to Johnson, and the latter packed up, 
and with his wife and three children set out for Watervliet. 
Upon their arrival they occupied the log house in which 
Williams, Prouty, and Becker had lived, and there they 
continued to reside until Johnson's death, in 1847. Abner 
Grossman, of Bainbridge, took a portion of Johnson's farm, 
married Johnson's widow, and after living on the place a 
little while, moved to a farm just east of Watervliet, where 
he died, and where his widow still survives him. 

Stephen R. Gilson, of whom mention was made in the 
history of Shingle Diggings, who turned the first furrow in 



Watervliet, and who in 1838 became a settler in Bain- 
bridge, went afterwards to Chicago, and in 1 844 returned 
to Watervliet, where, on section 20, he bought of Arthur 
Bronson, of New York, 60 acres of land, upon which tract 
(at Coloma) he is still living. When Gilson settled there 
the only inhabitants in the vicinity were George Becker 
and his family, to whom allusion has already been made. 
The Johnsons did not come on until a little later, and lived 
there until 1847. In 1849, Stephen R. Gilson and Gilson 
Osgood made the first important improvement there in the 
"* erection of a water saw-mill on " Tannery Creek." In 
1850, Gilson sold out his interest in the mill to Austin 
Boyer, who sold in turn to Gilson Osgood, who, becoming 
then sole proprietor of the concern, changed it to a steam- 
mill. 

Gilson Osgood, alluded to in the foregoing, was a man 
of considerable importance in the early settlement of Water- 
vliet, and was connected in an especially conspicuous way 
with the history of Coloma. He moved from Ohio to 
Battle Creek, Mich., in 1839, and in 1841 left that place 
to settle in Watervliet township, in response to the solicita- 
tions of his brother Moses, who had preceded him. Gilson 
came on with his wife and three children, bought 60 acres 
of land of Smith & Merrick, adjoining his brother Moses' 
place on the south, in section 30, and remained with him 
until his own log cabin was completed. While living on 
his farm he undertook, in 1849, the erection on Tannery 
Creek of a sawmill, in company with S. R. Gilson, and at 
the same time removed his family to a place near the mill. 
He had been appointed the agent for Israel Kellogg, who 
had been the representative of the land-owning firm of 
Smith & Merrick, but had removed to Kalamazoo. Osgood 
also joined Martin Musser, Odell, and Clark in building a 
tannery on Tannery Creek, and put up a shanty, into which 
he put a small stock of goods, and called it a store. Al- 
though not a very extensive one, it was nevertheless a great 
convenience to the neighboring settlers, and deserves, more- 
over, distinct mention as the first store opened in the place 
now known as the village of Coloma. Israel Kellogg kept 
a store in that neighborhood before Osgood opened business, 
but Kellogg's store was a quarter of a mile or more west of 
the site of Coloma. 

BickerviUe. — The story goes that when Gilson Osgood 
opened his store his first day's trade was a heavy one, for 
the announcement had gone forth, and many gathered from 
far and near. Money was at that time an exceedingly 
scarce article in the backwoods, and the customers brought 
generally an assortment of farm produce to exchange with 
Mr. Osgood for his " store-goods." Indeed, fully nine- 
tenths of his business on that first day was in " dicker," 
and the idea being started that the just budding village 
should be called '• Dickerville," popular opinion recognized 
the appropriatene.ss of the designation, and "Dickerville" it 
was christened, and so remained until 1855, when Stephen 
Gilson changed it to Coloma. Mr. Osgood's store stood near 
the present Osgood House, and in time was replaced by a 
store of much more elaborate pretensions, in which Mr. Os- 
good carried on business some years. The Osgood House 
property he bought in 1858, and materially improved, since 
which time it has remained in the possession of the family. 



344 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



— his widow and son (Marcus) now residing there. In 
1867, Mr. Osgood removed to the village of St. Joseph, 
where he was landlord of the Perkins House until his 
death, in 1868. Prominently identified, during his residence 
in Watervliet township, with the history of that portion of 
Berrien County, he occupied a conspicuous place in the 
local events of his time, and as the agent for the sale of 
Smith & Merrick's extensive landed property, he came to 
be widely known, and much respected. 

Merchants. — Israel Kellogg has already been mentioned 
as having kept a store at Watervliet village, and later near the 
site of Coloma village ; but, as he was not on the site of the 
village, he cannot be considered as one of its pioneer traders. 
Gilson Osgood opened the first store, which, with his saw- 
mill, gave " Dickerville" a start in 1849. The storekeepers 
at Coloma, dating from Mr. Osgood's time, may be named 
in their order of location, as follows: Henry L. Harris, 
B. P. O.sgood, Perry & Marvin, Redding & Gilson, J. H. 
Marvin, G. W. Longwell & Co., Dickinson & Stoddard, 
Marvin & Osgood, Marvin & Woodward, William Stoddard, 
Minot Ingraham, A. D. Allen, John Sherman, Hamilton & 
Miller, Luce Bro.'s, Alonzo Vincent, John Brough, John 
Thomas, Theodore Russell, R. Hewsons & Co., T. J. West 
& Co., Lysander Vincent, Hewson & Grant, Vincent & 
Gammer, H. W. Peck & Co., R. R. Hewson, Ryno & Gil- 
son (drugs), Mrs. I. T. Howe, H. W. Peck, Mrs. Miller. 
The storekeepers of Coloma are now Minot Ingraham, 
John Thomas, Ryno & Gilson, Vincent & Gammer, R. R. 
Hewson, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. I. J. Howe, H. W. Peck. 

Mills and Tannery. — It has already been observed that 
Stephen R. Gilson and Gilson Osgood put up a saw-mill on 
Tannery Creek, at Coloma, in 1849, and that Martin Mus- 
ser and others built a tannery on the same stream. Osgood 
put steam-power into his saw-mill in 1850, and in 1852 
the explosion of its boiler, April 19th, entailed a sad calam- 
ity in the killing of two children, — Charlotte Osgood and 
Shumway Musser, — who, with other children, were playing 
about there at the time. Other people were injured and 
the mill was badly damaged, but no further loss of life was 
occasioned. 

• Upon his return from California, Stephen Gilson erected 
a steam saw-mill at Coloma, on the bank of the Paw Paw. 
After that Ira Wilks began the construction of a grist-mill 
on Tannery Creek, but got no further than the completion 
of the frame. Roland Osgood and John W. Knapp fin- 
ished it, put in the machinery, and started it in 1861. It 
changed owners several times until 1866, when Sawyer Ball 
came into po.ssession. In 1876 it was damaged by a flood, 
and in 1877, Mr. Ball replaced it with the present steam 
mill, which has three run of stones, and does a flourishing 
custom business. 

The tannery built by Musser and others has been in 
disuse since 1878. Its last occupant was John Thomas, 
who carried it on from 1865 to 1878. P. C. Weimer has 
a saw-mill in Coloma, in connection with which he operates 
a basket manufactory, and between the two enterprises 
carries on a lively trade. 

Pioneer Blacksmith. — Abram Smith, who opened the 
pioneer blacksmith-shop on the south side of the Paw Paw, 
in Hagar, was also the pioneer blacksmith in Coloma. He 



settled near the place in 1845, and when Gilson & O.sgood 
built their saw-mill, in 1849, Smith did all the mill black- 
smithing. He put up the frame of the house built by Ives 
Wallingford in 1850, — the first frame house in Coloma. 
The lumber of which that house was built was the first lot 
sawed by Gilson & Osgood's mill. Mr. Smith is still pur- 
suing his old business of blacksmithing in Coloma. 

The Coloma Post- Office. — Prior to 1857 the people at 
Coloma and vicinity received their mails at Watervliet vil- 
lage'. In that year an ofiice was established at Coloma, and 
Dr. H. M. Marvin appointed postmaster. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1859 by J. H. Marvin, who retired in 1861 in 
favor of C. C. Perry. Mr. Perry's successors have been 
J. H. Marvin, A. I. Bru.sh, J. H. Marvin (third term), 
and Lysander Vincent, who was appointed in 1874. 

The Name Coloma. — In 1850, Stephen R. Gilson, his 
son Warren, and one Anton Timart, a tanner, of St. Joseph, 
fitted out a team and wagon for California, and at the same 
time Calvin Dickson, of Watervliet, and Wallis Taber, of 
Baiiibridge, fitted out another, both parties starting in com- 
pany for the land of gold. When Gilson left for California, 
in 1850, " Dickerville" contained, besides his own, the 
families of Gilson Osgood, Ira Wilks, Martin Musser, 
Abram Coleman, Charles Bo.stwick, and Abner Crossman. 
In 1853, Mr. Gilson returned from California, conveyed 
his family to Benton (they had remained behind in Dick- 
erville), and after a two years' sojourn there he returned 
to his old place in Watervliet township, made a purchase 
of considerable property in that vicinity, put up a steam 
saw-mill on the bank of the Paw Paw, platted the village, 
and setting aside the time-worn and not very euphonious 
appellation of Dickerville, gave it the name of Coloma, in 
remembrance of the village near which he lived during his 
stay in California. Coloma is the Spanish name of a fra- 
grant and beautiful flower that grows on the Pacific slope. 

The Taverns of Coloma. — In 1851, Charles Bostwick 
discontinued the select school he started in 1849 and sold 
the school building to Moses Sargent, who converted it into 
a tavern. One Hibbard was the landlord after Sargent's 
time, and in 1858 Gilson Osgood bought the property, 
materially added to and improved it, and opened it as the 
Osgood House. As such it has been known ever since, 
and has been conducted by an Osgood ; Marcus, a son of 
Gilson Osgood, being now the landlord. In 1871, Minot 
Ingraham built the St. Cloud Hotel at the railway depot, 
and is still its proprietor. 

NEW COLOMA. 
In 1869, pending the completion of the railroad to that 
point, certain land-speculators, to secure the location of the 
railway-station on its present site, donated the ground for 
it, and having, in anticipation of such a move, purchased 
quite a land-tract near there, laid out village lots, and used 
extraordinary eflforts to sell them and to convince prospect- 
ive purchasers that the building of the railway-station at 
that point would create a new village which would entirely 
extinguish old Coloma and enrich those who were fortunate 
enough to secure their village lots. Some sales were made, 
dwellings and stores began to embellish the plain, and every- 
thing seemed to indicate that the new Coloma would really 



TOWNSHIP OP WATERVLIET. 



345 



eclipse the old town. But its growth was suddenly checked 
by the reluctance with which the neighboring people pa- 
tronized the business enterprises of the new town, and by 
the persistency with which everybody, except owners of 
lots in the new village, stood by the old town. As a result. 
New Colonia closed its stores for want of patronage ; people 
who had promised to pay for lots forfeited them, and the 
original speculators, having advanced much money to pay 
for improvements, found them left on their hands. Natu- 
rally, they were bankrupted, and New Coloma became a 
barren reminder of promised greatness, which is much its 
aspect to-day. 

SETTLEMENTS IN WATERVLIET AFTER 1842. 
The hard winter of 1842-43 is still vividly recollected 
as a season of exceedingly cold weather and deep snows. 
Much hardship and suiFering were experienced by settlers, 
and upon their stock especially the rigors of that period 
entailed considerable loss of life. Traveling about the 
country was oftentimes a matter of difficult undertaking, for 
the heavy snows frequently made the roads impassable for 
days. Game perished for lack of food, and instances are 
related by dwellers in Watervliet of wild turkeys coming 
into the village and feeding tamely upon corn thrown to 
them, — the depth of the snow in the country and its long 
continuance having deprived them of their usual means of 
subsistence. One man tells how he went out into the 
woods one day in search of his cows and found no less than 
seven deer lying upon the snow, dead of cold and hunger. 
Altogether the " hard winter" was a memorable one, and 
will scarcely be forgotten by those who passed through it. 

During the hard winter of 1842-43, Alonzo and Austin 
Beaman came to Watervliet from New York, with their 
families, and settled on adjoining farms, — Alonzo on what 
is known as the Yates place, and Austin on section 1, the 
farm being now known as the Stickney place. Austin sold 
to Stephen Hastings, moved to Watervliet, where he kept 
Swain's boarding-house a year, went to Hartford, and in 
1865 returned to Watervliet, where he died in 1874. Ste- 
phen Hastings, above spoken of, was from Massachusetts, 
and upon purchasing Beaman's farm was joined by his 
brother Rufus, both of them living on the place together. 
Stephen afterwards bought another farm on the same sec- 
tion, and died there in 1851. Rufus now lives in Hart- 
ford. Alonzo Beaman sold his farm in 1851 to Abram 
Yates, who lives on it now, Beaman removing to Iowa, 
where he has since remained. The farm once occupied by 
Rufus Hastings is now owned by Zephaniah Stickney. 
When the Beamans settled they had no neighbors nearer 
than Watervliet village. That part of the country was un- 
broken, and as to roads they were, of course, out of the ques- 
tion. Lucy, daughter of Austin Beaman, the first white 
child born in the township on that side the river, lives now 
in Watervliet village. 

In the summer of 1844, James I. Redding, of St. Jo- 
seph Co., Ind., came to Watervliet, with his wife and seven 
children, and moved into a building which Israel Kellogg 
had been using for a store and dwelling, but which was 
then abandoned, Kellogg having gone to Kalamazoo to live. 
This old store just stood west of the present Osgood House, 
44 



and there Kellogg lived and traded a short time after he 
removed from Watervliet village, although from all reports 
he could not have traded very extensively since his stock 
of goods was small, as was his store. Redding had bought 
his farm of Smith & Merrick through Gilson Osgood, but 
he did not like the place, and after remaining about a year 
and a half gave it up and moved to Watervliet, where he 
rented Smith & Merrick's mill, and afterwards opened a 
store there, which he continued to keep until his death, in 
1849. Of the seven children who came to Michigan with 
him in 1844, the only one living in the township is Mrs. 
Russell McKee. 

Simeon Hawks, of Franklin Co., N. Y., started for 
Michigan in 1844, with his wife and eight children. At 
Rochester the old folks and four of the youngest children 
halted a while, the four eldest children going on, and the 
parents following soon afterwards ; all met at Watervliet, 
according to previous understanding. They lived in the 
village long enough to enable Mr. Hawks to buy of Smith 
& Merrick a farm on section 24, east of the village, and to - 
put up a cabin, when all moved out there. In the following 
year — that is to say, 1845 — Erasmus D. Earl and wife, the 
latter being Mr. Hawks' daughter, came to Watervliet and 
located on a farm near the Hawks family. The elder 
Hawks died on the old place in 1864, and there his son 
Cortes now lives. Of the eight children who came with 
the paternal Hawks in 1844, those living in the township 
are Mrs. Henry Hutchins, Cortes, and Azar Hawks. Mr. 
Earl moved to Iowa in 1857, and still resides there. 

John Merrifield, of New York State, was a settler in 
Watervliet in 1844, and upon his arrival bought Moses 
Osgood's 80-acre farm, on section 30, upon which 25 acres 
had been cleared and broken ; 0.sgood having also set out 
an orchard of 100 trees. The elder Merrifield died there 
in 1851. Of the .sons who came out with him, William 
and S. P. now live in the township. 

The spring of 1844 brought also Jarrett Ingraham and 
his family to Berrien County from New York State. They 
journeyed overland to Bainbridge, where Mrs. Joseph Vin- 
cent (one of Ingraham's daughters) lived, and remained 
with her until fall. Ingraham located in Watervliet, where 
he had bought several hundred acres of land, on sections 4 
and 5. At the time of Mr. Ingraham's location there 
no settlers were on that side of the river except Austin 
and Alonzo Beaman. Mr. Ingraham had intended half 
of his land-purchase for his son Minot, who, with his 
wife and child, joined his fiither in the fall of 1845, by 
which time the elder Ingraham had underbrushed a road 
from the river to his place, and on the latter had put up a 
log cabin, into which Minot moved for a temporary home. 
When Minot came, the only roads thereabout were the St. 
Joseph and Paw Paw road, passing east and west between 
Coloma and Riverside. In the following spring he was 
chosen a highway commissioner, and did some effective 
work in laying out much- needed roads. It is worthy of 
note that the two-horse carriage in which Minot Ingraham 
and his family traveled from Detroit to Watervliet (having 
shipped it vid Lake Erie from Bufi'alo) was the first vehicle 
of that description ever owned in the township. 

In the spring of 1845, besides assisting in laying out 



346 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



roads, Minot Ingraham joined with Stephen R. Gilson in 
establishing a ferry across the Paw Paw River at Coloma. 
The elder Ingraham exchanged his Watervliet farm, in 
1848, with George Peters for a farm in Bainbridge, where 
he died in 1852. Peters sold the Ingraham tract to An- 
drew Pitcher in 1850. Minot lived on his farm until 
1869, when he moved to Coloma, where, in 1871, he built 
a hotel and store, near the railway-depot, and where he now 
lives. The original 280 acres he bought through his father 
Tie still owns, and leases to his sons. 

Ives Wallingford, with his wife and four children, moved 
from St. Joseph Co., Ind., to Watervliet in the spring of 
1844, having bargained with Alfred Sensebaugh for land 
on section 19, which Sensebaugh had taken from Smith & 
Merrick on contract, cleared and broke 20 acres, and then 
turned the contract over to Wallingford. The latter moved 
his family into a log school-heuse, and lived there until his 
own shanty was finished. Mr. Wallingford lived on the 
farm until 1850, when he moved into what is now the vil- 
lage of Coloma, and there, in that year, built the first frame 
house erected there. It stands yet, adjoining the Osgood 
House on the southwest, and is occupied as the residence 
of Mr. Shaner. Since 1850 Mr. Wallingford has resided 
in Coloma. 

Abner Bratton, of Genesee Co., N. Y.. was a settler in 

1844, having moved into Calhoun County in 1838, and 
from there to Watervliet in 1844. He bought 80 acres on 
section 19, adjoining William Merrifield on the east, of 
Smith & Merrick, and after living there three years 
moved to a farm on section 30, where he died in February, 
-1876. His son Milo lives in the township, on section 31. 

In April, 1845, a party of 13 entered Watervliet in 
company from Elkhart, Ind., whence they had journeyed 
in wagons. The party included Crain Valentine, his wife, 
and five children, Martin Musser (Mrs. Valentine's 
brother), his wife, and four children. Valentine bought 
40 acres on section 28, on the Watervliet and Coloma road, 
and Musser 80 on the same road half a mile west. Musser 
put, with Gilson Csgood, Odell, and Clark, a tannery on 
Tannery Creek, and removing afterwards to 40 acres east, 
near Watervliet, put up a second tannery. Musser went to 
Nebraska in 1864, and now lives in Kansas. Mr. Valen- 
tine still lives upon the place he settled in 1845. When 
Valentine and Musser settled there was no inhabitant on 
the east-and-west road passing from Watervliet to Coloma, 
except the Redding family. The road itself was but a 
single wagon-track through a wilderness of blackberry 
bushes, and passable only with considerable difficulty. 

In October, 1844, Ira Wilks, of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., 
Ohio, engaged with William Fairbanks to take a drove of 
cattle from Orange to Berrien Springs, Mich., and while 
there he bought 93 acres of land on section 21, in Water- 
vliet, belonging to one Williams, a lawyer of Cleveland. 
He visited Chicago, and returning to Ohio, prepared to 
remove as a settler to his Michigan purchase. In October, 

1845, accordingly, he set out from Orange with his father, 
Nathan, his mother, his brother-in-law, Abram Coleman, 
and the latter's wife, — the company traveling overland in 
wagons drawn by horses and oxen. Arriving in Watervliet, 
they moved into a cabin on land previously occupied by 



Martin Musser, and lived there until places of their own 
could be prepared for habitation. Coleman and the elder 
Wilks bought of Smith & Merrick 40 acres each on section 
28. Wilks died there about a year after his arrival. Cole- 
man died on his farm in 1870. Ira Wilks lived in Water- 
vliet until 1870, and then went to Iowa, whence, returning 
not long after, he resumed his residence in Watervliet, and 
still lives there. He relates that when he came, in 1845, 
the only traveled road was the St. Joseph and Paw Paw road, 
which in Watervliet was at best a rough thoroughfare, con- 
fined by a high growth of bushes to a single track just wide 
enough for one wagon, and provided at stated points with 
" turn-outs." 

Harvey Kingsbury was a settlor in 1845 upon a farm 
east of Watervliet village, and in the same year William 
Duvall, with his family, moved from Bainbridge to section 
31 in Watervliet, where he had bought a farm of a Mr. 
Aogell in 1844. At the same time he bought 80 acres 
south of Watervliet village, which he sold to John Tyler. 
He lived upon section 31 until his death, in 1878. His 
children now living in the township are Mrs. Briggs Gould 
and G. G. Duvall. 

Henry R. Holland, originally of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
went to Chicago in 1844, and in 1846 came to Watervliet 
village, where he put up a blacksmith-shop opposite the 
saw-mill, and purchased also an unfinished dwelling-house 
begun by Cornelius Williams, the house being now the 
residence of Mr. Van Natter. Mr. Holland became some- 
what famous as a maker of axes, and people came frequently 
from Paw Paw and points equally distant to buy Holland's 
axes. In 1849 he went to California, but soon returned, in 
1850, and entered a farm near Watervliet village, on sections 
23 and 26, where his son Edward lives. In 1856 he opened 
a store in Watervliet village, as one of the firm of Holland 
& Smith, and continued in the trade until 1859. Mr. Hol- 
land removed to Missouri some time ago, but visits Michi- 
gan frequently to look after his interests in the State. 

Delos Bryant settled in Hagar in 1845, coming from 
Calhoun Co., Mich. He located in 1847 upon section 29 
in Watervliet, and after living there until 1870 removed 
to Coloma, which is now his home. 

W. W. McKee (a brother in-law of Isaac N. Swain), 
now a resident on the Watervliet and Coloma road, came in 
February, 1848, to Watervliet village, with his wife and 
seven children, having traveled by team from Ohio, in 
which State he had been a settler two years. Mr. McKee 
bought a farm of I. N. Swain, but during the ensuing seven 
years continued to reside in the village, meanwhile cultiva- 
ting his place. In 1855 he moved there with his family, 
and since then has made it his home. Mr. McKee says 
that when he became a resident of Watervliet village, in 
1848, there were living there the Beddings, Dr. Wheeler, 
H. R. Holland, Cornelius Williams, Philo Woodruff', and 
the Stoughtons. On the present road to Coloma were the 
Wilks, Valentines, and Colemans. On the east were the 
Tamlins, Hawks, Kingsburys, and Smalls. On the south 
the nearest neighbor was distant three miles. 

Jesse Woodward, a Vermonter, came West in 1849, and 
joined his brother Abner in Hagar township. He remained 
there a few days, and then established his family in Dicker- 



TOWNSHIP OF WATERVLIET. 



347 



ville, while he busied himself with the task of clearing a 
tract of 120 acres of land on section 21, which had be- 
longed to Grififith, Hoyt & Co. In 1850 he moved his 
family, and there made his home until 1876, when he 
changed his residence to Coloma, where he now lives. Ab- 
ner, his brother, just mentioned, left Hagar in 1854 and 
settled upon a farm adjoining Jesse, where he died in 1857. 

In the fall of 1850, Uriah Harris, of Ohio, settled with 
his family upon 118 acres of land formerly occupied by 
Gilson Osgood. He died there in 18t)5, leaving a widow, 
who now resides in Coloma. In 1850, also, Andrew Pitcher, 
of Bainbridge, bought of George Peters :i80 acres of land 
on sections 4 and 5, which Peters had bought of Jarrett 
Ingraham. Pitcher lived on the place until 1873, when 
he moved to Coloma, which has since been his residence. 
When Pitcher settled there the only family in that region 
north of the river was that of Minot Ingraham, and the 
only house between Pitcher's and South Haven was that 
of a Mr. Youngs. 

Elkanah Carter, who lives just west of Coloma, was in 
1838 a resident of Watervliet, having in that year come 
from New York State to work for Smith & Merrick. He 
returned to New York in 1840, and in 1865, making his 
second trip to Watervliet, became a permanent settler. 

SOLDIERS OF 1812. 
On section 6, in the northwest corner of the township, 
lives William H. Shiver, whose father, John, living, at the 
age of ninety-four, near his son's place, was a soldier of the 
war of 1812, during which conflict he served as teamster. 
He was at a later period in the employ of the Hudson Bay 
Company, and occasionally tells of his rugged experience 
while in the latter service, — -a service, he says, full of dan- 
ger, hardship, and suflFering, although not devoid of a certain 
kind of interest. William Shiver settled on section 6 in 

1858, and at that late day there were but three houses be- 
tween his place and Coloma, — the houses of Mr. Van Hoe- 
sen, Charles Roome, and Mo.ses Osgood. Shiver bought 
his land of Isaac K. Finch, and when he moved upon it 
it was all a forest except one acre. Deer were exceedingly 
plentiful, roads were few and poor, and the pioneer's exist- 
ence in that quarter brought quite as much of privation as 
it had in other portions of the township fifteen years before. 

Another old soldier living in Watervliet is George Smith, 
father of Sebastian Smith. He came to the township in 

1859, since which time he has lived with his son. He 
' served eight months in the war of 1812-15, and although 

in his eighty-eighth year is a man of fine, commanding 
physique, promising iair to enjoy at least another decade of 
life. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. J. H. Wheeler was the first physician to locate at 
Watervliet (in 1846J, although before his time Dr. J. H. 
Crawford, the first settled physician in the township, used 
to practice at Watervliet occasionally, but at no time did he 
live there. Dr. Wheeler moved subsequently to Coloma. 

Dr. B. B. Tucker commenced medical practice in Water- 
vliet in 1857, and since that time, until recently, he has 
pursued his profession in the village. He is now virtually 
retired from active practice, although still conducting a pro.s- 



perous drug business, with which he has been concerned for 
many years. 

Following Dr. Tucker the physicians in Watervliet may 
be named as Drs. Lamb, Lindsley, Dunning, R. B. Law- 
rence, L. B. Foster, and S. D. Walden, the latter three 
being now the practicing physicians of the place. 

The first physician to practice in Watervliet has already 
been named in Dr. J. H. Crawford, who in 1841 settled 
about a mile south of the site of Coloma, near Becker's 
Lake. Dr. Crawford did not intend to practice medicine 
when he became a settler, but circumstances, aided by fre- 
quent appeals for his services, led him to take it up, and he 
soon acquired a practice that employed about his whole 
time and took him over a wide range of territory. Al- 
though business was good, the country did not agree with 
Dr. Crawford, — -that is to say, sickness began to fasten it- 
self upon him as well as upon others, and succumbing even- 
tually to illness and the loneliness of his situation in a wild 
country, he returned to Ohio, his place of former residence. 
So anxious was he to get away that, being too ill to walk or 
sit up even, he caused himself to be conveyed eastward 
upon his sick-bed. 

Dr. Crawford's successor as a practitioner in the town- 
ship was Dr. J. H. Wheeler, who settled in Watervliet vil- 
lage about 1846. Upon the death of his wife he removed 
to Coloma, and after practicing there for a time occupied a 
farm west of the village, and not long after left the township. 

In 1855, Dr. H. M. Marvin came to Coloma, and with 
the exception of one year, spent in the government service, 
has practiced continuously in the village until the present 
time. 

While Dr. Marvin was .serving as surgeon in the United 
States army, in 1864, Dr. Hamilton practiced in Coloma 
about four months, until his death. The physicians are 
Drs. Marvin, Wakeman, Ryno, and Baker. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

Watervliet, originally a part of St. Joseph township, was 
set oiF as a part of Paw Paw township March 7, 1834, at- 
tached to Bainbridge April 2, 1838, and was set off in 
1846 from the latter as a separate township. The township 
records dating from 1846 to 1868 were destroyed by fire 
in 1867, and thus much documentary evidence bearing 
upon Watervliet's early history is lost, while the list of 
township officials can be given only from 1868 to the pres- 
ent time. The township was named from Watervliet vil- 
lage, which was originally known as Waterford ; but that 
name being borne by another postal station in the State, a 
change was made to Watervliet, a Dutch term signifying 
" flowing water." 

The affairs of the township are directed by a township 
board, whose members in 1879 were W. M. Baldwin, 
Supervisor; W. A. Baker, Township Clerk, and Abram 
Smith, Justice of the Peace. The school inspectors were 
R. R. Lawrence, Sawyer Ball, and Wm. A. Baker. The 
justices of the peace were Sawyer Ball, Abram Smith, O.s- 
car Terry, and B. H. Goldman. The following list is of 
persons who have filled the offices of supervisor, clerk, 
treasurer, and justice of the peace from 1868 to the present 
time : 



348 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1868. — Supervisor, James II. Marvin ; Clerk, H. C. Matran ; Treasurer, 
James W. Weimer ; Justices of the Peace, William Brown, 
Isaac B. Staudish. 

1869.— Supervisor, James H. Marvin; Clerk, W. M. Baldwin ; Treas- 
urer, J. W. Weimer; Justice of the Peace, Austin Bcaman. 

1870. — Supervisor, James H. Marvin; Clerk, Charles C. Perry; 
Treasurer, J. W. Weimer ; Justice of the Peace, J. H. Mar- 
vin. 

1871. — Supervisor, William H. Merrifield; Clerk, Charles C. Perry; 
Treasurer, J. W. Weimer; Justice of the Peace, George A. 
Ray. 

1872. — Supervisor, Joseph W. Weimer; Clerk, Edwin R. Havens; 
Treasurer, Marcus Osgood: JusticL- of the Peace. Charles C. 
Perry. 

187.'!. — Supervisor, Sawyer Ball; Clerk, Edwin R. Havens; Treas- 
urer, Marcus Osgood ; Justice of the Peace, Austin Beamau. 

1874.— Supervisor, S. P. Merrifield; Clerk, Edwin R. Havens; Treas- 
urer, Charles Kennicott; Justice of the Peace, Edwiu U. 
Havens. 

1875. — Supervisor, S. P. Merrifield; Clerk, Edwin R. Havens; Treas- 
urer, Charles Kennicott; Justices of the Peace, Elias R. 
Welsh, George A. Ray, Sawyer Ball. 

1876.— Supervisor, P. A. Bowe; Clerk, E. R. Havens; Treasurer, 
John W. Knapp : Justices of the Peace, Sawyer Ball, Oscar 
Terry. 

1877. — Supervisor, S. P. Merrifield ; Clerk, Sawyer Ball; Treasurer, 
W. M. Baldwin ; Justice of the Peace, Abram Smith. 

1878. — Supervisor, S. P. Merrifield; Clerk, John Thomas; Treasurer, 
AVilliam Baldwin ; Justice of the Peace, R. N. Van Matter. 

1879. — Supervisor, W. M. Baldwin; Clerk, William A. Baker; Treas- 
urer, John W. Knapp; Justices of the Peace, E. H. Gold- 
man, Oscar Terry. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Columa. — The 
early records of the Coloma Methodist Episcopal Church 
are lost, and the fragments of history obtainable about the 
first days of the organization are necessarily meagre. About 
the year 1844 a Methodist class was formed at a school- 
house about a mile west of Coloma, and from the fact that 
a hill near there, known as Mount Hope, was donated to 
the church for a cemetery, the class was named Mount 
Hope. It may be here observed that the soil of Mount 
Hope proving unsuitable for the purpose, the proposed 
cemetery was not established there. Among the members 
of the Mount Hope class whose names can be recalled 
were Martin Musser and wife, Robert and Eliza Merri- 
field, James S. Johnson and wife, Jeremiah Smith and 
wife, Alfred Sensebaugh and wife, J. H. Crawford and wife, 
— Martin Musser being the class-leader. 

After Coloma began to assume the dignity of a village, 
the class changed its place of worship to that point, and 
continued to use the township school-house until the com- 
pletion at Coloma, in 1859, of the Congregational church 
edifice, which from that time until October, 1879, served 
as the place of meetings. At the time last mentioned, the 
Methodists dedicated a handsome church of their own, 
which they had built at Coloma during the summer. From 
1844 to 1847, when the church was attached to the Silver 
Creek circuit, the pastors were Revs. A. C. Shaw, I. C. 
Abbott, and E. House. From 1847 to 1856, when it was 
attached to the St. Joseph circuit, the pastors were Revs. 
T. P. McCool, E. L. Kellogg, Ransom Goodall, Geo. King, 
B. F. Doughty, Charles Barnes, Thomas Clark, J. W. Rob- 
inson, W. F. Jenkins, Milo Corey, T. H. Bignall, R. Wat- 
son, S. Hendrickson, T. G. Jakewtiy, Charles Barnes. Since 
1856 the church has been attached to the Coloma circuit. 



and the pastors have been Wm. Stafford, T. G. Jakeway, 
E. L. Kellogg, J. Hoyt, H. M. Joy, A. J. Eldred, H. 
Caldwell, Rowland Soule, G. S. Harder, H. Penfield, D. 
C. Woodward, E. D. Bacon, F. Glass, H. Hall, T. Edward, 
J. P. Force, C. C. Olds, V. Mason, I. B. Tallman, G. C. 
Elliott, G. W. Gosling. A. R. Boggs, — the latter being the 
pastor, October, 1879. 

The membership is now 60, and church affairs are pros- 
perous to a gratifying extent. The officers are as follows : 
Class-Leader, Delos Bryant; Trustees, J. M. Guy, T. 
Becker, J. M. Worden, T. R. Gilson, 8. Bachman, E. 
Carter, A. W. Crumb, D. Bryant, T. Carter ; Stewards, 
J. M. Guy, T. Becker, S. Bachman, J. M. Worden, A. 
E. Kingsley. The pastor holds services each Sunday, and 
preaches each Sunday also in Watervliet village. 

A Union Sunday- School^ supported by the Congrega- 
tioualists and Methodists, has sessions each Sunday in the 
Congregational church. The scholars number 40, and are 
under the charge of Sawyer Ball, superintendent, and a 
corps of 8 teachers. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Watervliet. — The 
church now worshiping at Watervliet village, and attached 
to the Coloma circuit, was organized about the year 1846, 
although the exact date of that event, as well as early 
events of interest, cannot be recited, for the reason that the 
early church records are lost. James I. Redding was the 
first class-leader, and for twenty-three years, or until 1869, 
the church met for worship in the Watervliet school-house. 
In the year mentioned the church edifice now in use was 
erected. The list of pastors who have served the church 
will be found identical with that given in the history of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Coloma, since both 
churches have always been in the same charge. The 
church trustees are now W. W. Allen, Oscar Terry, S. C. 
Price, Sebastian Smith, and J. J. Brooks. W. W. Allen, 
Oscar Terry, and A. N. Woodruff are the Stewards, C. H. 
Johnson the Class-Leader, and John Worden the District 
Steward. The church membership is 69. 

A Union Sunday- School, vixxh a flourishing membership 
of from 80 to 100 scholars, meets in the church every 
Sabbath. Mr. George Parsons is the superintendent, and 
is assisted by 12 teachers. 

The First Congregational Church. — Pursuant to a call 
to organize a Congregational Church in Watervliet, a coun- 
cil convened in Coloma, June 16, 1853, with Rev. Wm. C. 
Denison as moderator and Rev. Eleazer Andrus as secretary. 
Certificates were presented by Rev. William H. Osborn, 
Charles C. Johnson, Ives Wallingford, James Scott, Lucina 
Marvin, Lucina Marvin Osborn, Maria Wallingford, Mrs. 
Scott, Lucy Ann Crumb, Sarah M. Johnson. Rev. William 
H. Osborn, formerly a Free-Will Baptist minister, was en- 
gaged as pastor, and Charles C. Jolinson chosen deacon. 
The first sacrament was administered by Rev. Thomas 
Jones. Preaching was at first held in the " Dickerville" 
school-house. March 26, 1854, 10 members were received 
into the church. Rev. Mr. O.sborn ceased his labors with 
the church in June, 1856, from which time to June, 1857, 
there was no minister. Elder A. Rowe was then called to 
the charge, at which time the church membership was ex- 
ceedingly feeble and scattered, and, to quote from the church 



TOWNSHIP OP WATERVLTET. 



349 



records, " religion was in a low state." Jan. 9, 1858, there 
was an upward movement, when 13 members were added, 
and James Patterson elected deacon. In 1855 the erection 
of a church edifice was begun, but the completion lagged 
until 1859, when the house was dedicated: the Home Mis- 
sionary Aid Society eventually coming to the assistance of 
the church in the matter, while membei's of the Methodist 
Church lilfewise gave some aid, wherefore the structure was 
known as the Union Church. Elder William B. Campbell 
began his term as pastor in 1860. From 1865 to 1867 
there was no regular pastor, but in the latter year Rev. 
E. M. Shaw assumed charge, and remained one year. 
Upon the retirement of Mr. Shaw the church ceased its 
active existence, although still retaining its organization, 
and this condition of affairs endured until December, 1876, 
when Rev. W. B. Williams, superintendent of missions, 
revived the church, preached a few times, restored a measure 
of the lost strength, and in September, 1877, secured Rev. 
N. D. Lamphear as pastor. Mr. Lamphear was in charge 
October, 1879, when the membership was 25. At that 
time, E. P. Luce and J. L. Marvin were ofiBciating as 
deacons. 

Christian Church. — In 1857, 35 persons met in the red 
school-house, just over the river from Coloma, and by Elder 
B. I. Curtis were organized as the Christian Church of 
Coloma. Jesse Woodward, who was then chosen deacon, 
has continued in that office to the present, James Stalker 
being now a deacon with him. Succeeding Elder Curtis 
the pastors have been Elders Ira B. Winch, — ■ — Mc- 

George, Wilson, McDaniel, G. W. Sherman, 

Norman, and Reason Davis. Upon beginning his 

term of service, in March, 1878, Mr. Davis inaugurated a 
spirited revival, and so fruitful were his labors that at the 
close of the revival 130 persons had been received as mem- 
bers of the church. Mr. Davis still serves as pastor, and 
preaches in the school-house " across the river" ; and al- 
though the membership of the church is claimed to be 125 
no church edifice has yet been erected. Previous to 1875, 
when the members of the faith in Deerfield worshiped 
with this congregation, the membership reached at times as 
high as 200. A flourishing Sabbath-school, in charge of 
James Stalker, is attached to the church. Jesse Wood- 
ward, one of the first members of the church, served as su- 
perintendent of the Sabbath-school fifteen years previous to 
1876. 

BURIAL-GROUND. 

The village grave-yard first used is still to be seen, but it 
has long been a disused, forlorn-looking place. Four or 
five weed-covered graves, surrounded by a picket fence, are 
there, and near there is what is said to be an Indian mound, 
where Indian bodies were once buried, and where bones 
have been turned over by the pioneer plowshare. In the 
old grave-yard John Stronner buried two children, and there 
also Mr. Miller, a brother of James Redding's wife, was 
buried. 

SCHOOLS. 
Reference has already been made elsewhere to the first 
school and first school-teacher in Watervliet. Especial at- 
tention is called to the fact that in its earliest days Dicker- 
ville was chosen as the location of a select school of some 



pretensions. Charles Bostwick erected in 1849 a good- 
sized building, which he opened as a school, and of which 
he promised something more than ordinary in the way of 
educational achievements. Bostwick himself was a teacher, 
and to assist him in conducting the school he engaged S. 
P. Merrifield, then, as now, a resident in the neighborhood. 
Under their administration the institution flourished for a 
time, but upon the establishment of common schools it lost 
its prestige, and being discontinued, was succeeded in the 
same structure by a tavern, now the O.sgood House. The 
condition of the schools of Watervliet, Sept. 1, 1879, as 
shown in the report for that year, was as follows : Number 
of districts, 7 (5 whole, 2 fractional). Number of children 
of school age, 570. Average attendance, 442. Value of 
school property. District No. 1, $1500; No. 2, $2500; 
No. 3, $100 ; No. 4, $500; No. 5, $250; No. 7, $600; 
No. 8, $800 ; total, $6350. Whole number of teachers, 
16. Amount paid for teachers' wages, $1693.50. School 
directors, District No. 1, S. Shoup ; No. 2 (graded school), 
Oscar Terry; No. 3 (fractional), Ch. Becht ; No. 4, Perry 
Johnson; No. 5 (fractional), Milo Baker; No. 7, J. H. 
Jones ; No. 8 (fractional), G. W. Blackman. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Coloma Lodge, No. 162, F. and A. M., was chartered 
Jan. 13, 1865, with the following members : John L. Mar- 
vin, W. M. ; W. W. McKee, S. W. ; Milo Bratton, J. W. ; 
Archibald Stewart, A. I. Brush, Gilson Osgood, Marcus 
Osgood, J. C. Pike, J. H. Marvin, and B. B. Tucker. 

The Worshipful Masters who have served since 1865 
have been J. L. Marvin, B. B. Tucker, J. H. Marvin, W. 
W. McKee, Milo Bratton, H. M. Marvin, Archibald 
Stewart. The membership Oct. 1, 1879, was 34, when 
the officers were J. L. Marvin, W. M. ; Archibald Stew- 
art, S. W. ; James Hanna, J. W. ; Marcus Osgood, Sec. ; 
Jesse Woodward, Treas. ; H. M. Marvin, S. D. ; Thomas 
Becker, J. D. ; George Golden, Tiler. 

Henry Cha.mherlain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 308, was 
organized Jan. 17, 1873, when B. B. Tucker was chosen 
Master, B W. Sutherland, Senior Warden, and J. W. 
Knapp, Junior Warden. The Masters of the lodge since 
organization have been B. B. Tucker, B. W. Sutherland, 
and S. D. Walden. The membership is now 22, and the 
officers are S. D. Walden, M. ; B. W. Sutherland, S. W. ; 
John Hammill, J. W. ; L. J. Barnard, Sec. ; J. S. Burnside, 
Treas. The lodge holds its sessions in Watervliet village. 

Coloma Lodge, No. 140, /. 0. 0. F, received its charter 
Jan. 20, 1871, and as charter members had I. B. Winch, 
J. 0. Keith, Jesse Woodward, George Strong, and E. 
Brant. There are now 45 members, and officers as follows : 
G. G. Duvall, N. G. ; R. R. Hew.son, V. G. ; M. V. Bu- 
chanan, R. S. ; J. M. Luce, P. S. ; Martin Miller, Treas. 
Regular sessions are held every Wednesday. 

Degree Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, No. 19, was char- 
tered Feb. 22, 1879, with 20 members, but worked from 
February, 1874, under dispensation, as Lodge No. 73. 
The membership was 30 in October, 1879, when the officers 
were Mrs. S. E. Miller, N. G. ; Mrs. M. V. Buchanan, 
V. G. ; Agnes Duval, R. S. ; Mrs. George Hewitt, Treas. ; 
Mrs. S. Shupe, F. S. ; J. H. Jones, D. G. M. 



350 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Oviatt Lodge, No. 160, /. 0. 0. F., was organized 
April 27, 1871, with the following members: II. C. Brown, 
N. G. ; T. A. Pockett, V. G. ; W. W. Allen, Sec. ; Cortes 
Hawks, Treas. ; and H. E. Holland, Wesley Vincent, and 

C. H. Johnson. Members received at the first meeting 
were S. D. Walden, D. C. Johnson, H. B. Bradt, J. V. 
Hone, Darius Chatfield. The lodge worked under dispen- 
sation until Jan. 18, 1872, when a charter was granted. 
The Noble Grands of the lodge since its organization have 
been R. C. Brown, T. A. Pockett, S. D. Walden, C. H. 
Johnson, D. S. Newton, H. B. Bradt, S. C. Price, Darius 
Chatfield, D. C. Johnson, H. E. Holland, Henry Gammer, 
J. D. Wigeant, D. A. Wright, D. Randall, and Darius 
Chatfield. 

The membership is now 28 and the officers as follows : 

D. Randall, S. P. G. ; D. Chatfield, N. G ; P. 0. Bowe, 
V. G. ; H. B. Bradt, Sec; Lute Jaffrey, P. Sec. ; Charles 
Johnson, Treas. ; Duane Wigeant, I. G. Regular meet- 
ings are held every Monday night in Watervliet village. 

The Watervliet Silver Cornet Band flourished briskly 
for a space of six years. It was organized by S. D. Wal- 
den in 1872, with 13 pieces, and until 1878, under the 
leadership of Mr. Walden, was an affair of some conse- 
quence. In that year the band was dissolved and the 
property sold. 

Home Grange, No. 188, P. of H., was organized Dec. 
30, 1873, at the house of Michael Smith, in Hagar town- 
ship. The charter members were Lyman Cole, Lucinda 
Cole, William Jeffrey, Ahnira Jeffrey, De Witt Guy, A. 
Barnum, S. A. Barnum, Alfred Smith, Mary Smith, Isaac 
Farnum, Angeline Farnum, Michael Smith, Margaret 
Smith, George Merrifield, Belle Merrifield, Roswell Curtis, 
C. H. Curtis, Emma Curtis, C. D. Stanley, M. R. Stanley, 
Franklin Ripley, Leonard Dade, Sarah Dade, J. C. Lewis, 
Porter Buckley. 

May 12, 1877, Coloma was declared to be the centre of 
jurisdiction, and the grange domicile was therefore removed 
to that village, where it lias since remained. The member- 
ship Oct. 1, 1879, was 30 ; the officers were Miram Fish, 
Master; J. L. McKean, Lecturer; H. W. Peck, Steward; 

E. Buckley, Assistant Steward ; 1. K. Shimer, Overseer ; 
Mrs. Deetrick, Chaplain ; William Collier, Treas. ; Helen 
Finch, Sec; R. Lee, Gate-Keeper ; Mrs. Jane Huyck, 
Ceres; Sarah Fish, Pomona ; Mahala Collier, Flora ; M. M. 
Shimer, Lady Assistant Steward. 

Watervliet Grange, No. 149, was organized in 1873, and 
in 1876 losing much of its membership to newly-organized 
granges in the neighborhood, was dissolved that year 

Watervliet Lodge, No. 903, /. O. G. T., was organized 
Oct. 28, 1875, with members as follows : S. M. Shirey, L. 
Reuseau, C. A. Hawks, Mrs. Delano, E. Shirey, F. Grif- 
fith, A. Griffith, H. Gammer, S. H. Dill, E. Delano, L. 
Delano, E. N. Delano, M. S. Slater, G. Hutchinson, E. 
Hutchinson, E. R. Holland, D. C. Johnson, Mrs. Gammer, 
S. L. Randall, D. S. Wigeant, C. F. Teetzel, W. Griffith, 
S. S. Dill, D. A. Wright, L. E. Dill, L M. Dill, W. Teet- 
zel, J. E. Dill, Flora Johnson, P. L. Delano. The Past 
Worthy Chief Templars are D. C. Johnson, S. L. Randall, 
S. H. Dill, Mrs. Knapp. The present membership is 45. 
The officers are D. C. Johnson, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Delano, W. 



V. T. ; Mrs. Bradt, W. Chap. ; Hayes Dill, W. Sec ; L. 
E. Delano, W. A. S. ; R. E. Wigeant, W. F. S. ; Uriah 
Wood, W. T. ; Mertie Burke, W. M. ; John McDonald, 
W. D. M. ; Temple Wigeant, W. I. G. ; Perry Newcomb, 
W. 0. G. ; Minnie Brooks, W. L. H. S. ; Myra Spencer, 
W. R. H. S. ; Mrs. Knapp, P. W. C. T. 

Coloma Lodge, J. 0. G. T., No. 652, was organized in 
1859, but thriving poorly, lapsed into inactivity. In 
1869 there was a reorganization, with 14 members, and for 
a few years matters prospered ; but in 1877 another era of 
inaction set in, and from that tinie to the present the lodge 
has had no meetings. 

The Order of United American Mechanics, said to be 
the only one of its kind in the State, was organized March 
9, 1878, with 24 members, and for a time held regular 
sessions at Watervliet village, while a permanent pros- 
perity appeared to be assured. After a time, the interest 
of the members flagged, and sessions of the organization 
have been very few during the past year. Efforts are being 
made to revive the matter, but the show for success is by 
no means flattering. 

CURIOUS RELIC. 

A curious relic was discovered at Watervliet in 1837, 
during the digging of the race for Smith & Merrick's mills. 
Joseph Matran, one of the workmen, and now a farmer of 
Bainbridge, turned up with his spade a tooth of enormous 
size. It passed into the hands of scientific men, and was 
produced for discussion in numerous assemblies of the 
learned, who decided that it had belonged to some creature 
larger by far than the elephant or any other beast of the 
present day, and among whom it created for a time a very 
marked sensation. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



EDWARD BRANT. 

This gentleman is the son of Mason and Almira (Tobias) 
Brant, and one of a family of six children. He was born 
in Ionia Co., Mich., May 7, 1845. His father was a na- 
tive of New York, and his mother of Ohio. The elder 
Brant was a farmer by occupation, and removed to Ionia 
Co., Mich., in 1838. He went to California in 1849 and 
died there, leaving his wife and children to struggle for 
their own maintenance. Mrs. Brant again married, sold 
her home in Ionia, and came to Berrien County, accom- 
panied by four of her children. 

Edward Brant remained with his mother until he had 
reached the age of thirteen years, when his services were 
hired by a man named Andrews, and for six months' work 
he received a shirt and a pair of overalls ! His stipulated 
wages were five dollars a month, but were never paid. His 
subsequent experience was more encouraging, Messrs. Ciis- 
sidy and Pearl paying him in full for his labor. For six 
years he was in the employ of Pierce & Co., extensive 
lumber dealers, who furnished work for sixty men, Mr. 
Brant being their foreman. At the age of twenty-one he 
married Miss Martha Carpenter, of Covert township. Van 




^ '■'^i ^s-^ 



TOWNSHIP OP WATERVLIET. 



351 



Buren Co. Her parents, who were natives of Canada, had 
a family of eight children, and settled early in Michigan. 
Her mother died when the child was but three years old, 
and her father's death occurred in 1869. About the time 
of his marriage Mr. Brant purchased twenty acres of land, 
which is included in his present farm of three hundred and 
sixty-three acres. This place has an excellent grain-pro- 
ducing soil, and is well adapted also to the raising of stock. 
Its owner has at present a fine flock of sheep, and besides 
his farming operations is extensively engaged in lumbering. 
His possessions in timber-land aggregate about eight hun- 
dred acres, in Berrien and Montcalm Counties, and he gives 
employment during the entire year to about forty men. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brant are the parents of four children, viz. : 
Mason, born Jan. 7, 1867; Carrie, born Nov. 11,1869; 
Ida, born Aug. 7, 1871 ; Mertie, born May 15, 1879. 
The meaning of the appellation " self made man'' is often 
perverted, but in the case of Mr. Brant the title is deserv- 
edly ;ippropriate, and the result of his labors is an excellent 
example of what may, through industry, perseverance, and 
shrewd business tact, grow from a small beginning. 



HARVEY C. SHERWOOD. 

Mr. Sherwood, who is the son of Amos and Mary 
(Campbell) Sherwood, and the seventh in a family of eleven 
jhildren, of whom six are now living, was born Feb. 9, 
1835, in Onondaga Co., N. Y., of which his mother, who 
was of Scotch descent, was also a native ; his father was 
born in Connecticut, but was of English descent. His 
parents were married in Onondaga County, Jan. 25, 1821. 
Mr. Sherwood remained at home until he was of age, and 
was given a thorough academical and scientific education, 
attending different seminaries and the academies at Homer 
and Onondaga Valley, graduating in the year 1853. His 
father, who in early life was a merchant, became afterwards 
a farmer, but remained an active business man, and died 
about the time his son reached his majority. H. C. Sher- 
wood then went to Syracuse and engaged in business with 
his brother, Le Grand Sherwood. In 1865 their copart- 
nership was dissolved by mutual consent, and H. C. Sher- 
wood continued in business as a wholesale and retail grocer 
until 187U, being quite successful. In the latter year he 
disposed of his business in Syracuse and came to Michigan, 
and began improving his present fine farm, known as " Lake 
View," on the bank of Paw Paw Laka. Until 1875 he 
only spent his summers here, returning for the winters to 
Syracuse, but in that year he removed with his family — 
consisting of his wife and one son, Robert H., born Jan. 
12, 1864, who is now at Olivet College — to Michigan, 
where he permanently located. 

Mr. Sherwood was married, Sept. 4, 1861, to Elizabeth, 
youngest child of D. Alvord, one of the first to engage in 
the manufacture of salt at Syracuse, and who settled in 
Onondaga County in 1796. 

The present home of Mr. Sherwood consists of four hun- 
dred acres, lying on sections 11 and 12, in the township of 
Watervliet, and is especially adapted to fruit-raising. Mr. 
Sherwood already has forty acres set with peach, apple, 



and pear-trees, and sixteen acres of peach-trees are in fine 
bearing condition, the net profit from this source alone 
having been over ten thousand dollars in three years. 
This farm, when it became the property of Mr. Sherwood, 
was covered by a thick growth of timber, but at present 
about three hundred and fifty acres are improved and in a 
state of cultivation. Mr. Sherwood also pays considerable 
attention to the introduction of fine stock, which none ap- 
preciate better than he, and he is the present owner of two 
hundred Merino sheep, thirty head of cattle, and nine 
horses, some of the latter being of the famous Percheron 
Norman breed of draft horses. He raises considerable 
grain of various kinds ; also owns a tract of fine timber- 
land lying in Allegan and the southern part of Berrien 
Counties. He takes great pride in his farm, and labors to 
make it a model of its class. He is a member of the State 
Pomological Society, and takes deep interest in its aflfiiirs. 
He is also a member of the executive board of the Western 
Michigan Agricultural and Industrial Society. Politically, 
he has been a life-long Democrat. He and his wife united 
with the First Presbyterian Church of Syracuse, N. Y., 
soon after their marriage. 



W. W. ALLEN 



may be justly ranked among the self-made men of Water- 
vliet township. He was born Aug. 28, 1836, in Stafl^ord, 
Genesee Co., N. Y., and was the oldest in a family of four 
children. His parents — Albert and Sophronia (Tanner) 




"■i^f 



W. W. ALLEN. 



Allen — were natives of New York. In 1837 his father 
came to Michigan and located at Jackson, where he re- 
mained about one year and removed to Geauga Co., Ohio, 
where he died in 1844. His occupation had been that of 
a miller. Two of his children, a son and a daughter, also 
died within the same time, and his widow was left with two 
children and but little means. She returned to Genesee 



352 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



County, N. Y., and W. W. Allen made his home with an 
uncle, on the latter's farm. His mother with her youngest 
child moved to Paw Paw, Mich., where she was married to 
Mr. N. R. Woodruff, and settled in the town of Bainbridge, 
Berrien Co. Her son remained with his uncle until he 
was twelve years old, when he followed his mother to 
Michigan, and for seven years lived with them in Bain- 
bridge. At the end of that time — or at the age of nine- 
teen — he engaged as clerk in the store of E. Smith & Co., 
at Paw Paw, and remained with them five years. In 1860, 
in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., he was married to Miss Jennie 
Irving, who was the youngest in a family of four children. 
Her parents had formerly resided in Canada, but were of 
Scotch descent, and removed to New York when the 
daughter was quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the 
parents of two children : Irving W., born April 26, 1863, 
and Blanche W., born Feb. 4, 1867. After his marriage 
Mr. Allen settled in Watervliet, and engaged in the mer- 
cantile business, which he has since continued, with marked 
success. His stock has been enlarged at various times until 
he has at present one of the finest stores in the county, and 
its name — " The Centennial Store" — is familiar to all. Mr. 
Allen began with a limited capital, but his credit was ex- 
cellent and he was proved worthy of confidence, and his 
success in business is indeed gratifying. His early educa- 
tional advantages were extremely limited, and beyond " suh- 
tractio7i" the principles of arithmetic were a blank to him. 
Politically he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for the 
lamented Lincoln. For nine years he held the office of 
postmaster, and finally resigned, as his business affairs 
occupied his time too fully to admit of his attending to the 
office. Mr. Allen and his wife united with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1874. The parents of Mrs. Allen 
died when she was young. Mr. Allen is now the only 
living representative of his father's family, — except his 
mother, — his brother's death having occurred in the winter 
of 1873. 



JOSEPH KNAPP, 

son of Nathan Knapp, is one of a family of ten children, 
and was born in Tioga Co., Pa., July 18, 1835. His 
parents were natives of New York, and his father was a 
soldier in the war of 1812. The son remained at home 
until he was twenty-seven years of age, acquiring a fair 
education. In 1853 his father removed to Michigan and 
located at Berrien Springs, and two years later changed his 
residence to Watervliet township, and purchased land on 
section 17. He died Sept. 12, 1877, his wife's death hav- 
ing occurred April 12, 1874; both are buried in the Co- 
loma Cemetery, and a fine monument to their memory has 
been erected by their son, Joseph Knapp. Joseph was 
married March 19, 1862, to Mrs. Maria Clark, of this 
township, and by her is the father of three children, — Ed- 
ward, born April 30, 1863; Hiram, born July 6, 1865; 
Annette, born Oct. 20, 1867. After his marriage, Mr. 
Knapp settled on forty acres on section 17, where he still 
resides, having since added to it ninety-six acres. Mrs. 
Knapp had three children by her first husband, and 
Elisha, the oldest, is now living with Mr. Knapp. In 



1871, Mr. Knapp engaged in the manufacture of fruit- 
baskets, and has been very successful in that business. In 
1874 his building, with all its machinery, was destroyed by 
fire, but was rebuilt within sixty days, and he now gives 
employment to a number of persons, varying from twenty- 
five to thirty-five. In April, 1875, he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife. Feb. 27, 1876, he was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Josephine Warner, a native of Vermont, from 
which State her parents — also natives thereof — removed to 
Michigan in 1856, after having spent a few years in Mas- 
sachusetts. By her first husband she had one child, — Olive 
H. Warner, who was born in Williams Co., Ohio, Nov. 26, 
1863. 

In political matters, Mr. Knapp is a Republican, although 
he claims the privilege of voting for the persons who seem 
to him best fitted for office. He is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church, and donates liberally to all religious denomi- 
nations. 



S. P. MERRIFIELD. 

This gentleman was born Sept. 12, 1827, in Benton 
town.ship, Yates Co., N. Y., and is one of a family of eleven 
children, — seven sons and four daughters,^all now living. 
His mother's maiden name was Simmons, her family being 




S. p. WEIIEIFIELD. 

very highly esteemed. When the son was five years of 
age, his father removed to Potter, in Yates County, where 
he remained until 1844. In that year he emigrated to 
Michigan, and settled on section 30, Watervliet township, 
Berrien Co., where he died, in October, 1851, having reached 
the age of sixty-six years. S. P. Morrifield assisted on the 
home-farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he 
left for the purpose of attending school, but was prevented 
by sickness from so doing. Returning to the old neigh- 
borhood in New York, he remained two years, working on 
a farm summers and teaching school winters. In the fall 
of 1851 he began attending school at Oberlin, Ohio, where 
he remained six months. He subsequently spent two years 
in traveling, visiting several Western States, and occasion- 
ally obtaining employment at teaching. In 1857, while in 



TOWNSHIP OF WEESAW. 



353 



Ohio, he was married to Miss S. A. Dayton, the only 
daughter in a family of six children. Her mother, a native 
of Connecticut, died in 1856, and her father, whose native 
State was New York, died in the spring of 1859. After 
his marriage Mr. Merrifield remained on the farm of his 
father-in-law, in Ohio, nearly fourteen years. His only 
child, Adin, was born Oct. 14, 1858, and in March, 1879, 
journeyed to California, where he is now residing. In 1871, 
Mr. Merrifield removed to Michigan, and settled on the 
place he now occupies, in Watervliet township. Mr, Mer- 
rifield was formerly a Republican in politics, and held the 
positions of supervisor and school inspector five years. He 
has more recently united with the Greenback party. For 
seven years he attended to his duties as an ordained min- 
ister of the Univer.salist Church, in connection with his 
occupation as a farmer, but is at this time a liberal Spiritu- 
alist. His entire life has been a busy one. 



SEBASTIAN SMITH. 

This gentleman, the son of George Smith, is the third 
in a family of five children, and was born May 11, 1826, 
in Redfield, Kennebec Co., Me., of which town his parents 
were also natives. When he was thirteen years of age 
Sebastian Smith went to New Brunswick, where he lived 
and worked with his uncle, Oliver Smith, until he was 
twenty-four. July 9, 1850, while in the province named, 
he was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of John and Re- 
becca Barker, and by her was the father of five children, 
three of whom are now living. In 1849, before he was 
married, his uncle died and left him executor of his will. 
In 1854, after the final settlement of hi.s uncle's business, 
he came to Michigan, and selected a site for a future home, 
and sent for his family, which arrived in the fall of 1855. 
His uncle's afiairs were in such a state that he could pay 
his nephew nothing, and the latter, upon his arrival in 
Michigan, was the possessor of the very small sum of fifty 
cents ; but he soon found employment at rafting lumber for 
the firm of Medbury & Aldrich, who had just become 
proprietors of the Watervliet Mill. He remained in their 
employ nearly two years. In the fall of 1856 he formed 
a copartnership with Henry R. Holland, and together they 
built a saw-mill on Mill Creek, and operated it two years, 
when they dissolved partnership. At that time Mr. Smith 
had accumulated one hundred dollars in cash, as the result 
of his extreme labor. The panic of 1857 dealt roughly 
with him, he only saving one hundred and sixty acres of 
land (on which was an incumbrance of fifteen hundred dol- 
lars), ten thousand feet of lumber, and five bushels of corn 
(which he never received), and seventy-five cents in cash. 
He again found employment in rafting lumber, and in 1868 
built a house on his place which cost sixteen hundred dol- 
lars, his father furnishing him with means to pay ofi' the 
indebtedness upon his land. In 1859 his house was de- 
stroyed by fire, but was replaced in ninety days. To this 
farm he has made numerous additions, and now owns five 
hundred and thirty-two acres, of which two hundred and 
fifty are improved, sixty being included in an apple orchard. 
Mr. Smith has been an extensive shipper of fruit ; in 1878 
45 



one car-load of apples — one hundred and fifty barrels — was 
shipped from his orchard direct to London. The farm 
shown in the view accompanying this notice is located on 
section 14, about two miles from the homestead, and one 
mile north of the village of Watervliet ; it contains one 
hundred and twenty acres, twenty of which are set to fruit, 
and twenty more will be utilized in the same way in 1880, 
when Mr. Smith's entire orchard will contain one hundred 
acres. 

Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics and belongs to no 
religious body. Until he was thirteen his years were spent 
on his father's farm, where he found plenty of hard work 
and but small opportunity to obtain an education. By per- 
severance, however, aided by his mental and physical vigor, 
he became possessed of much practical knowledge, which 
fitted him for the duties of life in no small degree. 



CHAPTER XLV. 



■WEESAAV TOVlTNSHIP.i 



Description and Original Land-Entries — Tlie Early Settlers — Land- 
Owners in 1844 — Township Organization and List of Officers — • 
New Troy Village — Hill's Corners — Schools — Religious Societies. 

The township of Weesaw contains 36 full sections, and 
is bounded on the north by the township of Lake, east by 
Buchanan, south by Galien, and on the west by the town- 
ships of Chickaming and Three Oaks. It is quite destitute 
of abrupt elevations, and is more nearly level than any town- 
ship in the county. The northwesterly and central portions 
of the township are low and marshy, much of which has 
been reclaimed, making excellent grass-land. The eastern 
portion is high rolling land, well adapted to grain crops. 
The western part embraces rich loamy lands of very fine 
quality. West and southwest of New Troy there is a large 
admixture of sand. Originally the township was heavily 
timbered with beech, maple, ash, basswood, whitewood, and 
black walnut, largely the two latter. The township was de- 
layed many years in its settlement from this fact, and sections 
were purchased for the timber by parties owning mills, and 
who held the land until the timber was cut ofl^. The land 
is now in fine condition, and in the possession of an enter- 
prising, thrifty people, and the future prosperity of Wee- 
saw is assured by the energy of its inhabitants. The town- 
ship has but few lakes, and its roads are nearly all straight 
and in excellent condition. Its principal water-course is 
the Galien River and the branches that form it. The 
northern branch rises in the north part of Buchanan town- 
ship, and flows westerly, with many windings mainly through 
the second tier of sections from the north line, and joins the 
main stream formed there by the confluence of this and 
other branches. The largest branch rises in Galien and 
flows northerly. Thence the river flows west through New 
Troy and passes into Chickaming township. Blue Jay 
Creek rises in the southwest part and flows westerly, and 
joins the large branch on section 20. 

The original entries of government land on the several 

■* By Austin N. Hungerford. 



354 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



sectioBS of Weesaw township were made by the following- 
named persons, viz : 

Section 1. — R. W. Landon, G. Kimmel, W. Stephens, J. Hickman. 
Section 2.— G. Kimmel, Mary J. Gould, Henry Blinn, Chas. P. Beard, 

J. H. Armstrong, W. Bardin, W. Stephens. 
Section .3.— Chas. F. Beard, J. W. AVillis, R. W. Landon, John Orris, 

M. J. Gould, P. Humphrey, T. Dennison. 
Section 4. — R. W. Lnndon, Isaac Sherwood, Elisha Alvord. 
Section 5.— D. Murry, J. Smith, Townsend & Co. 
SnUon 6.— J. Sherwood, S. Gould. 
Section 7. — S. Gould, R. S. Morrison, E. Hitchcock, A. Edwards, B. 

Redding, C. W. Reed. 
Section 8.— W. Stevens, Townsend <t Co., B. Redding, H. Gould, C. J. 

Lanman, J. Front. 
Section 9.— Wm. Smith, Elisha Alvord, E. Grice, W. Stephens. 

Section W. — W. Stephens, John H. Armstrong, Kimmel. 

Section 11. Armstrong, Stephens, J. Garwood, S. Garwood, 

J. Rush. 

Sectio7i 12.— J. Hickman, W. Dodd, W. Stephens, Martin. 

Section U.—J. Harris, T. D. Vail, J. Rush, J. Maple. 

Section 14.— Wood & Roof, T. D. Vail, Andrew Caton, W. &. L. C. 

Redding, Arthur Squim, Ozman Eddy. 
Section 15. — .1. Turner, J. Darwin, J. Turner and J. Redding. 
Section 16.— School lot. 

Section 17.— J. Rush, N. Willard, B. Buttorworth, H. Gould, J. Red- 
ding, H. A. Ranslead, J. Murphey. 
Section 18. — B. Butterworth, J. Murphey. 
Section 19.— H. A. Ranstead, Stephens, S. Gould, C. Hoag, B. 

Butterworth, S. Edes, D. G. Jones. 
Section 20.— N. Willard, J. Rush, S. Cannon, J. Mitchell, H. Bement. 
Section 21.— W. Scott, T. H. Richardson, Patrick Sullivan, John Mc- 
Donnell, Daniel Darby, L. L. Harding, Morris Dulin. 
Section 22.— Wm. Hollabrough, Wm. Stephens, D. G. Bouton, S. L. 

Maynard, M. Turner, Lewis Benton, J. B. Phyle. 
Section 23.— Elisha Alvord, J. Wills, Sr., Lydia IngersoII, W. Ern- 

hart, Eli Hubbell, J. P. IngersoII, B. F. Pennell. J. W. Utley. 
Section 24.— J. Parole, J. Wills, N. Millard, W. Ernhart, J. Ryan, J. 

Jack. 
Section 25.— W. Stephens, J. Allen, N. Wilson, T. Helves, J. A. 

Stokes. 
Section 26.— J. Wills, J. A. Stokes, J. H. Rugg, D. Sharp, J. Davis. 
Section 27. — V. h. Bradford, Silas Stearns, Henry B. Hoffman. 
Section 28.— V. L. Bradford, J. Snyder, M. Dulin, E. Murdock. 
Section 29.— J. Mitchell, W. Scott, Ruel Blackman, Jas. Smith, T. M. 

Bennett, J. Bennett, N. Millard. 
Section 30.— Townsend & Co., N. Millard, W. Massar, J. Turner, J. 

Gerrish, W. White, N. Turner. 
Section 31.— G. B. Avery, J. Gerrish, Wm. Scott, John Burch, J. 

Curry, C. Thomas. 
Section 32.— W. Cash, W. B. Gray, R. Hunt, N. Millard, V. L. Brad- 
ford. 
Section 33.— V. L. Bradford, John Hunt, J. Snider, H. B. Hoffman. 
Section 34.— E. Murdoek, Sally Batts, M. M. Price, 0. Paddock, Vail 

Smith, Wm. Stearns, M. Paddock, C. Clopp. 
Section 35.— Simeon Berry, S. S. Ford, J. L. Allen, A. Dow & Co., H. 

B. Hoffman, W. Cash, B. Redding. 
Section 36.— W. Stephens, F. Hutchinson, J. W. McKinley, 

Cochran, J. Front, B. Redding. 

THE EARLY SETTLERS. 

The territory that comprises this township remained en- 
tirely unsettled until about 1836, when the fir.st pioneers 
came in. Squatters had been on the land in diiFcrent parts, 
but left no permanent improvements. Among the first to 
settle were Phineas Stratton, Timothy Atkins, and others, 
about 1836. Phineas Stratton was a native of New York, 
and located on 40 acres in the southwest quarter of section 
7. His son James lived on the homestead. Another son, 
Nathaniel, married, in 1843, a daughter of Mrs. Murdock, 
who lived for some time on section 34, and is now at Sau- 



gatuck, Allegan Co. Harvey lives at New Troy, and John 
at Michigan City. 

Timothy Atkins was a native of Southern Ohio, and 
came here about the same time as Stratton. He lived in 
what is now New Troy. Several of those who came in 
about that time did not locate on farms, but lived near the 
mills and worked in them. 

Charles McCracken was also at New Troy, and was town- 
ship clerk in 1844-46. He died mysteriously at that place, 
and parties were arrested, but nothing was proved and they 
were released. 

Sidney S. Ford located in the village. He was a justice 
of the peace in 1839. 

Stephen Hobart settled also at Troy, and was elected 
treasurer of the township in 1839, and in 1847 moved to 
Buchanan and died there. He was from Ohio. William 
H. Gould settled first at New Troy. He was supervisor in 
1842, 1844^7. He moved west to Missouri. John Rugg 
lived in the township, on the northeast quarter of section 
20. He was a justice of the peace in 1839. He after- 
wards removed to Niles township. Erastus Hart al.so lived 
in the township, and was justice of the peace in 1847. 
George Brong was a blacksmith, and lived about a mile 
north of Hill's Corners, on the northeast quarter of section 
2. He was a justice of the peace in 1843. Rugg. Hart, 
and Brong were the only families who lived out of New 
Troy in the township before 1840. Ezra Stoner was the 
first town clerk, in 1837, and justice of the peace in 1839. 
Joseph G. Ames and Hiram Gould (a brother of Solomon 
and William) were commissioners of highways. Samuel 
Garwood also filled that ofiBce, but he was located in what 
is now Galien township. Solomon Gould, a brother of 
Hiram, was located at the settlement of New Troy, and he, 
with Hiram, built the first mill. He was one of the first 
justices. John J. Knapp was also here before 1840, and 
located on the southeast quarter of section 18. 

During and after the year 1840 settlers came in rapidly. 
Pitt J. Pierce, a native of Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., went 
to Ohio when twelve years of age, and emigrated to Wee- 
saw in the spring of 1840. He located 160 acres on the 
east half of the southwest quarter and west half of the 
southeast quarter of section 9. He still lives on the farm. 
Arnold W. Pierce, the eldest son, lives at New Troy, and 
is the town clerk, a position he has held for nine years. A 
daughter, Lueinda, married Richard Jennings, and lives at 
New Troy. 

Alpheus Hill, a native of Connecticut, emigrated to 
Ohio, and in 1840 to Weesaw, settling in New Troy, where 
he remained until the spring of 1846, when he removed to 
what is now known as Hill's Corners. He was a justice in 
1841. Abner, the eldest son, cut the first trees at the 
Corners, and is now living at New Troy. P]dward, another 
son, kept the first store at Troy, and died there. His 
widow married A. A. Morley ; his daughter Mary married 
P. J. Pierce; Elmira married William S. Pierce; Maria 
married Henry H. Pike, of Niles ; Louisa lives in La Porte, 
Ind. 

William S. Pierce, a brother of Pitt J., came in about 
the same time, and located on the northwest (juarter of 



TOWNSHIP OF WEESAW. 



355 



section 10, adjoining his brother. His son lives on the 
place. A son, Albert, is in California. He was town 
clerk in 1847-49. 

William Strong, in 1841, settled on the northeast quaiter 
of section i, where his son now lives. Henry Searles set- 
tled at the Corners in 1845. Samuel Washburn settled, 
in 1842, on the southea,st quarter of section 3. He was 
treasurer in 1844-4G and 1849. Hiram Wells located on 
the northwest quarter of section 11, in 1845, where Peter 
Smith now owns. He was town clerk in 1848. 

All the .settlers mentioned above located in the north 
part of the township before 1845. 

In June, 1840, Matthew M. Paddock, a native of Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., bought 200 acres of land in the south 
half of section 34, in the township of Weesaw, and 40 acres 
adjoining, in the northwest quarter of section 2, now in the 
township of Galien, and built a cabin on the 200 acres. 
He still lives on the farm. He was justice of the peace in 
1844, and town clerk in 1850. When he settled there 
were no families west of him. John Unrugh, John P. 
Johnson, and Richard Huston lived south of his place, in 
Galien. Settlers were few in that section for ten years 
succeeding 1840. 

About 1842 the family of Ephraim Murdock located the 
northwest quarter of section 34, where his widow, with her 
youngest sou, still lives. Her eldest son, John, lives on 
the southeast quarter of section 32. Robert Eaton settled, 
about 1846, on the southwest quarter of section 25, now 
owned by A. T. Hall. 

Hugh Lamb, with his wife and sons, emigrated from 
New York State, and purchased the John Rugg farm, on 
the northeast quarter of section 26, in October, 1851. His 
son William .settled on the northwest quarter of section 25, 
east of his father, where he still lives. Alexander lives 
on the southwest quarter of section 36, and Thomas lives 
south of his brother Alexander, on the same quarter section. 
Curtiss lives on Terre Coupee Prairie. 

Elijah Hall purchased 120 acres in Weesaw, in the 
southeast quarter of section 36, and 80 acres adjoining it 
on the east, in Buchanan township. He lived on the 80 
acre tract for a time, but now lives in Weesaw. 

Benjamin F. Pennell and Union Pennell, brothers, emi- 
grated to this township about 1849, and located in the 
northeast quarter of the township, near New Troy. Ben- 
jamin F. was supervisor from 1850 to 1858; Union was 
treasurer from 1853 to 1859, and justice of the peace two 
terms, from 1852. 

Ambrose A. and Thomas Morley came to New Troy in 
1853, and built a mill on the river. Ambrose was the first 
postmaster ; he is still living at Troy, and keeps the hotel. 

Dr. A. B. Herman, a native of Ohio, came to Niles town- 
ship, where he lived a short time, and in 1855 came to Troy 
and established practice there as a physician. He now 
lives in Buchanan. 

Alonjo Sherwood is a son of Seth Sherwood, one of the 
earliest settlers on the St. Joseph River, in Niles township. 
He settled on the north half of section 5, originally entered 
by D. Murray. He engaged largely in lumbering and 
farming. A horse-railroad was run for several years from 
his Oak Grove saw-mill, along the line of the township, to 



Brown's Station on the railroad and to Brown's Pier on the 
lake. Mr. Sherwood purchased 240 acres in Weesaw, and 
240 acres in Lake township. He was supervisor in 1869, 
'70, and is now (1879) a member of the Legislature. 

The Land- Owners in Weesaw in 1844, as shown by the 
assessment roll of that year, were as follows : Stephen 
Hobart, William Strong, Joseph Thornton, Alpheus Hill, 
George Brong, Samuel M. Washburn, Joseph Williams, P. 
G. Stratton, Samuel Stratton, C. Wheeler, Pitt J. Pierce, 
William S. Pierce, William H. Gould, John J. Knapp, 
Erastus Hart, John Rugg, W. M. Maynard, S. C. May- 
nard, Mary Murdock, M. M. Paddock, N. Stratton, T. 
Atkins, John Porter, Charles McCracken, Francis Finne- 
gan, J. H. Armstrong, J. Hickman, W. Stephens, T. Den- 
nison, Isaac Sherwood, H. Alvord, U. Murry, J. Smith, 
Townsend & Co., Sherwood Gould, John Law, E. Hitch- 
cock, A. Edwards, C. W. Reed, B. Redding, C. J. Land- 
mann, E. Alvord, W. M. Smith, J. Garwood. S. Garwood, 

J. Rush, W. Dodge, Martin, J. Harris, T. D. Vail, J. 

Maple, Wood & Rapp, W. Redding, L. C. Redding, Osmer 
Eddy, J. Redding, J. Turner, J. Dawson, R. Butterworth, 
H. A. Ranstead, N. Willard, S. Gould, C. Hoag, S. Edes, 
D. G. Jones, J. Mitchell, H. Bennett, W. Scott, Rich- 
ardson, J. B. Uhle, J. Willison, W. Earnhart, M. Willis, 
P. Y. Parrote, M. Ryan, M. Jack, N. Will.son, T. H. Ives, 
M. A. Stokes, J. Davis, V. L. Bradford, H. F. Hoffman, 
Y. Mitchell, T. M. Burnett, A. Bennett, W. Massey, Y. 
Garrish, W. White, Y. Bursch, T. Thomas, R. Hunt, W. 
Cash, Paul Smith, Sally Butler, A. Daw & Co., T. Barry, 
J. W. McKinly, T. Hutchinson, W. Stephens, Y. Frost, 
W. Hall. 

The lands in the village of New Troy were at that time 
held as follows : N. Willard & Co., the larger part of blocks 
1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24. Francis Finnegan 
on block 3; R. C. Payne on blocks 3, 4, 18, 10, and 11 ; 
A. Hill on block 3; Stephen Hobart, 10 and 11 ; Samuel 
Stratton, 3; Charles McCracken, 11 ; W. H. Gould, 11 and 
13 ; A. Calvin on block 11 ; Strand on 3 ; P. Castle, blocks 
3, 4, 5 ; Sanford on 11 ; Strand on blocks 12, 13, 17, and 
18. Valuation for 1844, $25,401. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND LIST OF OFFICER!?. 

The act that created the township of Weesaw, approved 
March 20, 1837, provided that " All that portion of the 
county of Berrien designated by the United States survey 
as townships 7 and 8 south, of range 19 west, be and the 
same is hereby set off and organized into a separate town- 
ship by the name of Weesaw, and the first township-meet- 
ing therein shall be held at such place in said township as 
the sheriff of the county of Berrien shall designate and 
appoint." 

In the organization of the township of Bertrand, in the 
previous year, the territory now known as Galien — being 
township 8 south, of range 19 west — was attached to Ber- 
trand. In the erection of Weesaw this was taken from 
Bertrand and became part of the territory of Weesaw, to 
which it belonged till Feb. 29, 1844, when it was set off as 
Galien. 

The township in 1840 contained but 142 inhabitants ; 
1845, 155 ; 1854, 404 ; 1860, 753 ; 1870, 1243. 



356 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The records of the township were kept ou loose sheets 
of paper until 1841, and the names of officers prior to that 
time are gleaned from highway reports, oaths of office, and 
other papers. 

The officers of the year of organization are not known, 
except Ezra Stoner, the first township clerk, who, as such, 
entered a record of a road Nov. 15, 1837. Joseph G. 
Ames, Hiram Gould, and Samuel Garwood were commis- 
sioners of roads; John P. Johnson, justice of the peace. 
The principal township officers from 1839 to the present 
time have been as follows : 

1839. — Joseph G. Ames, Supervisor; Ezra Stoner, Town Clerk ; Ezra 
Stoner, John Rugg, Solomon Gould, and Sidney S. Ford, 
Justices of the Peace; Stephen Hobart, Treasurer. 

1841. — James Edson, Supervisor; James H. Willson, Jr., Town Clerk"; 
James Edson, Treasurer; John P. Johnson and Alpheus 
Hill, Justices of the Peace; Matthew M. Paddock,* School 
Inspector. 

1842. — William H. Gould, Supervisor; Daniel Bellinger, Town Clerk; 
Samuel Garwood, Treasurer; M. IM. Paddock' and William 
H. Gould, School Inspectors. 

1843. — William Burns, Supervisor; Daniel Bellinger, Town Clerk; 
Samuel Garwood, Treasurer; George Brong, Justice of the 
Peace ; Daniel Bellinger, Samuel M. Washburn, and Wil- 
liam Burns, School Inspectors. 

1844.— Wm. H. Gould,Supervisor: Charles McCracken, Town Clerk; 
Erastus Hart, Matthew M. Paddock, Justices of the Peace; 
Samuel M. Washburn, Treasurer and School Inspector. 

1845. — Wm. H. Gould, Supervisor ; Charles McCracken, Town Clerk; 
Samuel M. Washburn, Treasurer; Joseph Thornton, Justice 
of the Peace ; Lorenzo Thornton, School Inspector. 

1846. — Wm. H. Gould, Supervisor; Charles McCracken, Town Clerk; 
Samuel M. Washburn, Treasurer ; B. F. Penncll, M. M. Pad- 
dock, Justices of the Peace. 

1847.— AVm. H. Gould, Supervisor; Wm. S. Pierce, Town Clerk; 
Stephen Hobart, Treasurer ; Samuel Stratton, Erastus Hart, 
Justices of the Peace; Lorenzo Thornton, School Inspector. 

1848.— Wm. H. Gould, Supervisor; Hiram Wells, Toyvn Clerk; John 
H. Kugg, Treasurer; Pitt J. Pierce, Justice of the Peace; 
B. F. Bennett, School Inspector. 

1849. — Benjamin M. Lyon, Supervisor; Wm. S. Pierce, Town Clerk; 
Samuel M. Washburn, Treasurer; William S. Pierce, Levi 
Logan, Benjamin M. Lyon, Justices of the Peace; Truman 
Royer, John J. Knapp, School Inspectors. 

1850.— Benjamin F. Pennell, Supervisor; Matthew M. Paddock, Town 
Clerk; Union Pennell, Treasurer ; Daniel B. Mead, School 
Inspector; James W. Wells, Justice of the Peace. 

1851.— B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; Daniel B. Mead, Town Clerk; 
James W. Wells, Treasurer; Hiram Wells, Justice of the 
Peace ; Benjamin M. Lyon, School Inspector. 

1852.— B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; D. G. Brown, Town Clerk; Sam- 
uel M. Washburn, Treasurer ; Union Pennell, Justice of the 
Peace ; D. B. Mead, School Inspector. 

1853. — Samuel M. Washburn, Supervisor; Wm.S. Pierce, Town Clerk; 
Union Pennell, Treasurer; Samuel Stratton, Justice of the 
Peace ; B. F. Pennell, School Inspector. 

1854 — Benjamin F. Pennell, Supervisor ; Wm. S. Pierce, Town Clerk ; 
Union Pennell, Treasurer; Otis Stearns, John J. Knapp, 
Justices of the Peace; Thomas Mnrley, School Inspector. 

1855. — B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; Robert Eaton, Town Clerk; Union 
Pennell, Treasurer; Daniel Holmes, David Beard, Justices of 
the Peace; B. F. Pennell, School Inspector. 

1856.— B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; Wm. H. Strceter, Town Clerk; 
Union Pennell, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace; A. B. 
Herman, School Inspector. 

1857.— B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; Robert Eaton, Town Clerk; Union 
Penncll, Treasurer; Daniel Oyler, Hiram Wells, Justices of 
the Peace ; B. F. Pennell, Robert Eaton, School Inspectors. 

1858.— B. F. Pennell, Supervisor; Benjamin McDauiels,Town Clerk; 
Union Pennell, Treasurer; Benjamin McDaniels, Job Gaunt, 
Justices of the Peace; W. W. Fuller, School Inspector, 



1859. — Theodore A. Hoskins, Supervisor; Wm. S. Pierce, Town 
Clerk; Union Pennell, Treasurer; B. F. Pennell, School 
Inspector: M. M. Paddock, John Brown, Justices of the 
Peace. 

The records from 1859-67 are missing. Prom the latter 
year to 1879 the officers have been as follows: 

1867. — Ebenezer P. Morley, Supervisor; Reuben M. Shafor, Town 
Clerk; Samuel Smith, Jr., Treasurer; Richard V. Clark, 
Thomas J. Osborn, School Inspectors; John C. Marks, Jus- 
tice of the Peace. 

18fi8.— Ebenezer P. Morley, Supervisor; W. W. Kempton, Clerk; 
vSamuel Smith, Jr., Treasurer; William S. Morley, Justice 
of the Peace ; Peter Smith, School Inspector. 

1869. — Alouzo Sherwood, Supervisor; W. W. Kemjiton, Town Clerk; 
Samuel Smith, Jr., Treasurer; Henry Searls, Justice of the 
Peace ; John S. Painter, School Inspector. 

1870. — Alonzo Sherwood, Supervisor; W. W. Kempton, Town Clerk ; 
Samuel Smith, Jr., Treasurer; Burr Benton, Justice of the 
Peace; William R. Gondar, School Inspector. 

1871.— Benjamin C. S.andford, Supervisor; Arnold W. Pierce, Town 
Clerk ; L. Francis, Treasurer ; B. C. Sandford, Justice of 
the Peace; Union Pennell, School Inspector. 

1872. — Benjamin C. Sandford, Supervisor ; Arnold W. Pierce, Town 
Clerk; Lothrop Francis, Treasurer; Levi Logan, Justice of 
the Peace ; William Spooner, School Inspector. 

1873. — George Pierce, Supervisor ; Henderson Ballengee, Town Clerk ; 
Lothrop Francis, Treasurer; John T. Beckwith, Justice of 
the Peace; Evan L. Fitch, School Inspector. 

1874. — E. P. Morley, Supervisor; A. W. Pierce, Town Clerk; Austin 
Adams, Treasurer; Otis Stearns, Justice of the Peace; Al- 
vin Morley, School Inspector. 

1875.— E. P. Morley, Supervisor; A. W. Pierce, Town Clerk; Hen- 
derson Ballengee, Treasurer ; Alvin Morley, Superintendent 
of Schools; Otis Stearns, School Inspector; James E. Bor- 
den, Justice of the Peace. 

1876.— George Pierce, Supervisor; A. W. Pierce, Town Clerk; H. 
Ballengee, Treasurer; L. H. Dunning, Superintendent of 
Schools; Reuben Shafer, School Inspector; Milton Morley, 
Justice of the Peace. 

1877. — George Pierce, Supervisor; A. AV. Pierce, Town Clerk; Gott- 
lieb Hagerly, Treasurer ; Daniel Holmes, Justice of the 
Peace; Joseph M. Rogers, Superintendent of Schools; Wil- 
liam R. Gondar, School Inspector. 

1878. — George Pierce, Supervisor; Gottlieb Hageley, Treasurer ; A. 
W. Pierce, Town Clerk; Otis Stearn.=, Justice of the Peace; 
Joseph M. Rogers, Superintendent of Schools; Peter Smith, 
.School Inspector. 

1879.— John T. Beckwith, Supervisor; A. W. Fierce, Town Clerk; 
Peter Smith, Treasurer; James E. Borden, Justice of the 
Peace; George H. Riley, Superintendent of Schools; An- 
drew J. Norris, School Inspector. 

NEW TROY VILLAGE. 

About 1836, Solomon and Hiram Gould located the 
southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of .section 7, and 
the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 
8, and built a .saw-mill at what is now the village of New 
Troy. It was known as the " North Mill." Nelson Willard, 
of Buffiilo, N. Y., Joseph G. Ames, of New Hampshire, and 
Ezra Stoner, a native of Maryland, bought an undivided 
half of the land and the water power, and built ou the 
other side of the stream a mill which was known as the 
" South Mill." 

At that time the residents of the village were Solomon 
Gould and wife, Hiram Gould and wife, William H. Gould, 
and the mother of the Goulds. Stouer and Ame.s were 
single men. Timothy Atkins, Charles McCracken, Sidney 
S. Ford, and Alanson and John Pidge were also residents. 



TOWNSHIP OF WEESAW. 



357 



Phineas E. Stratton lived a short distance from the settle- 
ment. 

The village of New Troy was platted in 1837. The lots 
were divided between Goulds, Willard, Stoner, and Ames, 
the mill property known as the " mill reserve" being held 
in common, each occupying their mill-sites. Solomon and 
Hiram lefl the village about 1838. Joseph G. Ames was 
supervisor in 1839, and the same year bought a farm on 
Terre Coupee Prairie, in Bertrand, where he was super- 
visor in 1841 and member of the Legislature in 1844. He 
afterwards moved to New Buffalo, and thence to Three 
Oaks, where he died. Ezra Stoner was the first township 
clerk, but soon after left there. The mill property became 
virtually abandoned. It came afterwards into possession 
of Luman Northrop and Francis Finnegan, and was for 
many years the subject of litigation, which ceased when, 
in 1853, it came into the possession of the Morleys, who 
re-erected a saw-mill on the site of the Gould mill. The 
lumber manufactured by the Gould mill was rafted down 
the river to New Buifalo, and lightered to vessels on the 
lake. 

Edward Hill, son of Alpheus Hill, started the first store, 
and soon after kept a tavern. Anson Hays started the first 
public-house. 

The post-oiEce was established about 1860. Ambrose 
A. Morley was the first postmaster, and was succeeded by 
Dr. C. Bostwick, George B. Hiller, and Charles Smith, 
who is the present postmaster. The village now contains 
about 170 inhabitants, 35 dwellings, a public hall, a church, 
post-ofiice, hotel, school-house, four general stores, a drug- 
store, two blacksmith-shops, wagon-shop, wooden ware-fac- 
tory, saw-mill, grist-mill, and one physician. 

HILL'S COKNERS. 

This settlement is located at the intersection of sections 
1, 2, 11, and 12, and was first settled upon by Alpheus Hill 
in 1846. A post-oflice was started in 1854, with Wm. S. 
Pierce as postmaster. He was succeeded by Elijah Strong, 
Charles Beard, and Aaron E. Gardner. It has since been 
removed. Henry Searles settled near the Corners in 1845. 
Hiram Wells also settled here the same year. The settle- 
ment now contains a store, a church (Baptist), post-office, 
blacksmith-shop, and a few dwellings. 

SCHOOLS. 
The first school of which anything can be learned was 
taught in Troy about 1842, by Miss Louisa Hill, now of 
Laporte, Ind. It was taught in a log house standing 
on the bank where Ambrose A. Morley's barn now stands. 
The first record of schools is in 1843, when the districts 
were recorded as given below : district No. 1, composed of 
sections 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 ; district No. 2, 
of sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, both in 
township 8, range 19 ; district No. 3, of sections 22, 23, 
24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36, in township 7 ; district No. 
4, of sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33, same 
township ; district No. 5, of sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 
17, and 18 ; district No. 6, of sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 
13, 14, and 15, the last two being also in township 7 ; dis- 
tricts No. 3, 4, 5, and 6 were in what is now GaUen. 



A new school district was formed Jan. 29, 1846, com- 
of sections 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35. The 
township was redistricted June 19, 1847. 

Sarah Ogden was examined and received a certificate to 
teach school in District 5, Dec. 26, 1843. William M. 
Willson received certificate Dec. 5, 1844, and John John- 
son, Jan. 13, 1845. 

The following school report was recorded Aug. 5, 1 853 : 

Scholars. Money RecM. 

District No. 1 44 $28.75 

" 2 18 17.71 

■' " 3 44 28.75 

The township was redistricted March 20, 1854. The 
apportionment of mill-tax for schools May 1, 1855, was as 
follows : 

Scholars. Money Rec'd. 

District No. 2 (fractional with Lalie) 3 S1.20 

'< "5 23 9.16 

" '< fi 22 8.76 

•' 1 35 13.94 

" 3 32 12.75 

" " 4 (fractional with Buchanan) 24 9.56 

Totals 139 $55.37 

The school report for 1879 shows as follows: number 
of children of school age : District No. 1, 70 ; No. 3, 144 ; 
No. 4, 51 ; No. 5, 55 ; No. 6, 36 ; No. 7, 50 ; No. 8, 62. 

Value of school-houses: District No. 1, frame, $3000 
(Hill's Corners) ; No. 3, frame, $4500 (Troy) ; No. 4, frame, 
1500 ; No. 5, frame, $1300 ; No. 6, frame, $400 ; No. 7, 
frame, $1000 ; No. 8, frame, $100. Districts Nos. 3, 5, 6, 
7, and 8 are whole districts, and 1 and 4 are fractional. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of New Troy. — As early as 
1840 preaching was held occasionally in this section by the 
Kev. William Morley, of Portage Prairie, and a class was 
soon after formed. No organization was perfected for several 
years, and preaching has been only occasional. In 1863 
the present church was built. The society now has three 
classes, and numbers about 75 members. They are sup- 
plied with preaching by the ministers having Dayton and 
Galien in charge. Their names will be found in the history 
of the Dayton Church, in the township of Bertrand. 

The Baptist Church of Weesaw. — A meeting was held 
in the school-house at Berrien, Feb. 8, 1845, for the pur- 
pose of consultation as to the propriety of organizing a 
Baptist Church. It was decided to call a council, and let- 
ters were sent out to difi'erent churches to meet on Satur- 
day, February 22d, at ten o'clock. Meeting was called, but 
as no delegates appeared it was adjourned until March 29th, 
when the council convened, — Elder Pratt, of South Bend ; 
Elder Price, of Cassopolis ; Elder Stecker, of Edwards- 
burg ; Elder Tenbrook, of Niles ; and brethren Deacon J. 
Rudd, J. Warren, J. B. Corey, B. D. Townsend, and 
others. Sermon by Elder Pratt. It was unanimously 
agreed to organize a Baptist Church, to be known as the 
First Baptist Church of Berrien. 

The constituent members were John S. Foot, Clark 
Boss, John B. Nixon, Morris Frost, Union Pennell, Oliver 
Spaulding, Adna Hinman, Hiram Wells, Levi Logan, 
Thomas Freed, Silas Stearns, Julia Foot, Nancy Nixon, 
S. M. R. Nixon, Catherine Green, Amanda S. Pennell, Jo- 



358 



HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



anna Spaulding, Ruth Hininan, Juliet Frost, Sabey Frost, 
Amy A. Carpenter, Wealtliy Wells, Martha Caton, Caro- 
line Logan, Mary Boss, Elizabeth B. Pennell, Zilpah A. 
Stevens, and Sarah Freed. John S. Foot was chosen deacon 
Aug. 11, 1845. 

The society held their meetings for several years at school- 
houses in the different parts of the country, and in 1854 
it was decided to build a house of worship at Hill's Cor- 
ners. This was done, and the edifice was first used June 
3, 1854. It was called Galien Church for several years, and 
in 187(i the name was again changed to the Baptist Church 
of Weesaw. The first pastor was Daniel B. Mead, who 
commenced his labors in June, 1848. He was succeeded 
by the Revs. John Master, S. L. Bulls, A. E. Simons, D. 
D. Joslyn, William Simons, Charles D. Manley, Joseph 
Goodrich, B. P. Russell, Moses M. Meacher, R. H. Spaf- 
ford, and Charles A. Smith, who is the present pastor. The 
present membership is 36. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GABRIEL F. PENWELL 

was born Oct. 3, 1826, and is a son of A. C. and Sarah 
Penwell. His father was born December, 1797, in New 
Jersey. His mother. Miss Sarah Rope, was a native of 
North Carolina, was born Nov. 20. 1801, and married Mr. 
Penwell in Indiana in 1825. To them were born ten chil- 
dren, Mr. G. F. Penwell, the subject of this sketch, being 
the oldest. He remained at home with his father, assisting 
on the farm until twenty-one, when he was married to Miss 
Eda Ann Morris. After marriage Mr. Penwell moved to 
Missouri, remaining there about two years, and during that 
time buried his wife and the two children who were born to 
them. He then settled in South Bend, Ind., where he was 
again married, in 1852, to Miss Rebecca Reeves. In the 
spring of 1858 he came to Michigan, settling in the town of 
Galien ; he engaged in the lumbering business, and built a 
mill the same year. Mr. Penwell was divorced from his 
second wife, and in June, 1855, was again married, this time 
to Miss Harriet Harner. They have had ten children, four 
now living. This wife died Aug. 19, 1874, and, Deo. 31, 
1874, Mr. Penwell was again married to Mrs. Maria J. 
Dutton, widow of the late George Dutton, a native of Mich- 
igan. She was a daughter of Salem and Harriet Taylor. 



Mr. Taylor was a native of Kentucky, Mrs. Taylor, of Ver- 
mont, and were married in South Bend, Ind., in 1837, — 
Mrs. Penwell being the oldest in a family of nine children. 
Mrs. Penwell had four children by her first husband, Mr. 
G. D. Dutton, only two of whom survive, burying her hus- 
band and the other two during the year 1869. In politics 
Mr. Penwell is an unswerving Democrat. Socially, he is 
affable and genial, possessing an ardent attachment to 
friends, and gives to deserving objects with an open hand. 
Since he came to Michigan in 1853, he has by industry and 
perseverance accumulated considerable property, successfully 
carrying on farming and lumbering, owning at one time two 
thousand two hundred acres of laud in this town. He is 
at present the proprietor of the handle-factory shown in his 
sketch, is still enjoying good health, and has every reason 
to feel gratified over his eventful and succe.ssful life. 



GEORGE BOYLE 

was born Dec. 3, 1835, in Lake township, of this county. 
His father's fauiily consisted of thirteen children. His 
parents were Germans, and came over to America about 
1831, settling on a farm, where George first learned to love 
the life of a farmer. He assisted his father on the farm 
until he was twenty years old. At that time he married 
Ann, daughter of Mary and John Husted, settling on a farm 
of seventy-five acres, given him by his father, in Oronoko 
township. He sold this land in 1864, and bought where 
he now resides. His first purchase was one hundred and 
fifty-one acres, to which he afterwards added one hundred 
and two acres, making for himself a home of which any 
man should be proud. This farm has been well managed, 
he being one of the largest and best fiirmers in this part of 
the country. His early educational advantages were limited. 
In politics he is a Republican, in religion a liberal. 

Mr. and Mrs. Boyle have had seven children, viz. : 
Samantha L., born May 12, 1858, died Oct. 10, 1859; 
Thomas E., born Aug. 1, 1859 ; Laura A., born June 27, 
1861 ; Sarah A., born June 29, 1864 ; Ira G., born Oct. 
17, 1869; Melvin G., born July 12, 1874; Myra M.,born 
Aug. 19, 1876. 

Mr. Boyle has been a successful business man. His 
capital has been his health, his industry, and his ambition. 
With a proper use of these no man could fail. These 
qualifications were just what was required in a new 
country, and by their practical application his success was 
insured. 







COURT HOUSEandCOUNTY Off/C£S,V/iN Buren Co. PawPaw.Mich. 



VAN BUREN COUNTY; 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

EKECTION AND ORGABTIZATION OF THE COUNTY 
—LOCATION OF COUNTY-SEAT. 

Erection, Boundaries, and Organization of the County — Location of 
the County-Seat — Organization of Townships— Township Changes. 

The early history of Van Buren County, which is syn- 
onymous with that of the Indians who roamed through its 
forests, is given in the chapters devoted to both counties 
which begin this volume, while the account of its settlement 
by the whites is to be found in the various townships ; this 
and the following chapters are devoted to those matters 
which concern Van Buren County at large, but have no 
connection with Berrien County. 

The county of Van Buren was formed by an act of the 
Legislative Council of Michigan, approved Oct. 29, 1829, 
which created no less than thirteen counties at once, viz. : 
Washtenaw, Ingham, Easton, Barry, Jackson, Calhoun, 
Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, 
Cass, and Berrien. Eight of these were named after the 
President, the Vice-President, and the six cabinet officers. 
This county, it is hardly necessary to say, took its name 
from Martin Van Buren, of New York, subsequently Pres- 
ident of the United States, but then just becoming prom- 
inent in national politics, having been called to the office of 
Secretary of State by President Jackson on his inauguration 
in the month of March preceding. The section (of the act 
before mentioned) erecting and bounding this county reads 
as follows : 

" Sec. 8. That so much of the country as is included 
within the following limits, viz. : beginning where the line 
between ranges 12 and 13 west of the meridian intersects 
the base line, thence west on the base line to the shore of 
Lake Michigan, thence southerly along the shore of said 
lake to the intersection of the line between townships 2 and 
3 south of the base line, thence east between said townships 
to the intersection of the line between ranges 16 and 17 
west of the meridian, thence south on the line between said 
ranges to the intersection of the line between townships 4 
and 5 south of the ba.se line, thence east on the line between 
said township to the intersection of the line between ranges 
12 and 13 west of the meridian, thence north on the line 
between said ranges to the base line, be and the same is 
hereby set off into a separate county, and the name thereof 
shall be Van Buren.""]" 

The formation of a county at that period, however, by 
no means necessitated the exercise of the usual functions 
pertaining to a county, or even made it certain that there 

•* By Crisfield Johnson. 

t Territorial Laws, vol. ii. page 736. 



were any people living within boundaries designated by the 
Council or Legislature. It merely indicated that in the 
opinion of the State authorities the territory described in 
the act would make a good county at some future time. 

On the 4th of November, 1829, the Governor of the 
Territory approved an act of the Legislative Council tem- 
porarily attaching Van Buren and several other counties to 
Cass County for judicial and legislative purposes. The 
following day, Nov. 5, 1829, the territory of Van Buren 
County, already described, with a large territory lying north of 
it, and several survey townships of Ca.ss County, were formed 
into the township of Penn. On the 29th of March, 1833, 
the north part of that portion of Penn lying in Cass County 
was formed into the township of Volinia, and the territory 
of Van Buren County was attached to it for township pur- 
poses. That territory was formed into the township of 
Lafayette on the 26th of March, 1835. The details in 
relation to these changes are given in the sketch of the 
organization of the townships. 

It was not until the year 1837 that the people of Van 
Buren County were deemed sufficiently numerous to justify 
them in assuming the responsibilities of local self-govern- 
ment. On the 18th day of March in that year an act or- 
ganizing the county was approved by the Governor of 
Michigan, which had then become a State. The sections 
pertinent to our history read as follows : 

" Sec. 2. That the county of Van Buren be and the 
same is hereby organized, and the inhabitants thereof 
entitled to all the rights and privileges to which by law 
the inhabitants of the other counties of this State are en- 
titled. 

" Sec. 3. All writs, prosecutions, and other matters 
now pending before any court, or before any justice of the 
peace, to which the said county is now attached for judicial 
purposes shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execu- 
tion ; and all taxes heretofore levied shall be collected in 
the same manner as though this act had not passed. 

" Sec. 5. The Circuit Court for the county of Van 
Buren shall be held for one year from the first day of No- 
vember next, at such place as the supervisors of said county 
shall provide in said county, on the first Monday in June 
and December in each year, and after the first day of No- 
vember, 1838, at the seat of justice in said county. 

" Sec. 8. There shall be elected in the county of Van 
Buren on the second Monday of April next all the sev- 
eral county officers to which by law the county is en- 
titled." 

The act by its terms went into eflf^ect on the first Monday 
of April, 1837. The first election of county officers was 
held, in accordance with the law, on the second Monday of 

359 



360 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



April, 1837. The following oflScers were elected : Wolcott 
H. Keeler and Jay R. Monroe, Associate Justices ; Jere- 
miah H. Simmons, Judge of Probate ; Samuel Guntou, 
Sheriff; Daniel 0. Dodge, Treasurer; Nathaniel B. Stark- 
weather, County Clerk ; Jeremiah H. Simmons, Register 
of Deeds ; Junia Warner, Jr., John R. Haynes, and Hum- 
phrey P. Barnum, Coroners ; Humphrey P. Barnum, Sur- 
veyor. 

In the September following, at a special election, Andrew 
Longstreet was elected sheriff in place of Samuel Gunton, 
resigned, and Joshua Bangs, treasurer, in place of Daniel 
0. Dodge, resigned. 

Not only was the county formed seven and a half years 
before its organization, but a county-seat was provided for 
it more than a year previous to that event. In 1835 the 
Governor, acting under a general law, appointed three com- 
missioners — Charles C. Hascall, Stillman Blanchard, and 
John W. Strong — to locate the county-seat of Van Buren 
County. These commissioners selected the site of the 
present village of Lawrence as the proper place for the 
county-seEtt. Deacon Eaton Branch, of Lawrence, says 
the commissioners stuck the stake designating the site of 
the court-house in the centre of the public square in the 
village of Lawrence. 

Whether there was some informality in the proceedings 
or whether it was necessary to pass a supplementary act 
we know not, but on the 28th of March, 1836, a law was 
enacted authorizing the Governor to confirm the action of 
the commissioners, which reads as follows : 

"Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of 
Representatives of Michigan that the Governor be and he 
is hereby authorized to issue his proclamation confirming 
and establishing the seat of justice of the county of Van 
Buren at the point fixed for said seat of justice in said 
county by Charles C. Hascall, Stillman Blanchard, and 
John W. Strong, commissioners appointed for that pur- 
pose, as appears by their report on file in the ofiice of the 
Secretary of State ; provided that the proprietors of said 
seat of justice for said county shall pay into the treasury 
of this State the amount advanced from the Territorial 
treasury for said location, with interest thereon from the 
date of such advance, and shall produce the certificate of 
said payment to the Governor within sixty days from the 
passage of this act." 

But when the county was organized most of the few in- 
habitants lived in the western part, and Paw Paw was 
more convenient for them than Lawrence. Moreover, few 
and poor as were the accommodations at Paw Paw, they 
were still fewer and poorer at Lawrence. So, as will have 
been observed, section 5 of the act organizing the county 
provided that the Circuit Court should be held at such place 
as the supervisors might direct until the 1st day of Novem- 
ber, 1838, and after that at the seat of justice of the county. 

At the first meeting of the supervisors, on the 27th of 
March, 1837, a resolution was adopted (quoted under the 
head of " Organization of the County") which " decided that 
the courts of said county be held at the school-house in 
the village of Paw Paw." 

On the 18th of March, 1838, an act amending the act 
organizing the county was approved, which reads as follows : 



" Sec. 1. That all Circuit Courts to be held in and for 
the county of Van Buren previous to the first day of 
January, one thousand eight hundred and forty, shall be 
held at such place within the said county as the Board of 
Supervisors for said county shall direct. 

" Sec. 2. This act shall take effect and be in force on 
and after the first day of November next." 

At the meeting of the supervisors on the 25th of Octo- 
ber, 1838, the board adopted the following resolution : 

" Pursuant to an act entitled 'An act to amend an act to 
organize the counties of Ionia and Van Buren,' approved 
March 18, 1838, the supervisors of said county of Van 
Buren decided that the Circuit Court for said county 
shall be held at the school-house in the village of Paw 
Paw." 

The courts were accordingly held at the place designated 
during the two succeeding years. As the time approached 
when the county business was to be done at the legal seat 
of justice, — viz., at Lawrence, — it was found that the 
weight of influence was still in favor of keeping it at Paw 
Paw. Petitions to that effect were accordingly sent to the 
Legislature, and that body was persuaded to pass, and the 
Governor to sanction, the following law : 

" An act to provide for the vacation of the present seat 
of justice of Van Buren County, and to locate the same in 
the village of Paw Paw, in said county. 

" Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of 
Representatives of the State of Michigan, that the county- 
site of Van Buren County be and the same is hereby va- 
cated and removed to the village of Paw Paw, in said 
county, upon such land as shall be deeded to the county 
for that purpose ; frovuled. That the quantity of land 
shall not be less than one acre, to be located under the di- 
rection of a majority of the County Commissioners or the 
Board of Supervisors, as the case may be, who are hereby 
required to make such location and fix the site for such 
county-seat in said village within one year from the passage 
of this law, and to take a deed of the land aforesaid, to 
them and their successors in ofiice, for the use and purpose 
of the county of Van Buren, and shall have the deed re- 
corded in the register's ofiSce in that county ; and pro- 
vided, further. That the title of said land so to be conveyed 
as aforesaid shall be good, absolute, and indefeasible, and 
the premises free from all legal incumbrances. 

" Sec. 2. All writs which have been or may be issued 
out of the Circuit Court of said county since the last term 
thereof, whether the same were made returnable at the 
village of Paw Paw or at the present county-seat, shall be 
returned to and heard and tried at the village of Paw Paw 
aforesaid, at the time they were made returnable. 

" Sec. 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from 
and after its passage. 

" Approved March 6, 1840." 

From that time to the present Paw Paw has been the 
legal as it had previously been the actual seat of justice of 
Van Buren County. 

There was, however, some difficulty in regard to the pre- 
cise place in Paw Paw where the court-house should be 
located, as appears by the records of the Board of Super- 
visors and commissioners. On the 1st day of April, 1840, 



ORGANIZATION OP TOWNSHIPS. 



3fil 



the County Commissioners, who were then exercising the 
functions of a Board of Supervisors, adopted the following 
resolution : 

" Regolreil, That the site for the seat of justice for the county of 
Van Buren be, and the same is hereby, located and fixed in that por- 
tion of block number eleven known as lots number one, two, three, 
four, five, six, seven, and eight, in the village of Paw Paw, being the 
same land appropriated for that purpose by the proprietors of said 
village, the aforesaid location being made agreeable and in conformity 
with the act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan approved 
March 6, 1840. 

" Resolved, That the clerk of said county be, and is hereby, required 
to procure quit-claim deeds from the proprietors of said village for 
the land mentioned in the foregoing resolution, and cau.«e the same to 
be recorded in the register's oflBce of this county." 

On the 30th day of January, 1841, the Board of Com- 
missioners adopted the following resolution : 

" It appearing that the title of the site for the county -seat, as located 
and fixed by the Board of Commissioners on the first day of April, 
1840, not having been perfected, therefore it is resolved that the act 
or resolution of the commissioners locating and fixing the site for the 
seat of justice in the county of Van Buren on block number eleven 
in the village of Paw Paw is hereby annulled and vacated." 

It was then resolved and determined by the board that 
the site for the seat of justice of the county of Van Buren 
(the title having been given j be located and fixed on block 
No. 40 in the village of Paw Paw. 

On the 8th of April, 1842, Isaac C. W. Millard gave 
the county a warranty deed of lots 5, 6, 7, and 8 in block 
12 in Paw Paw, and received in return a perpetual lease 
of block 41. 

On those lots the court-house was built, and there justice 
is supposed to have had its seat to the present day. 

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSUII'S. 

The first legislative action affecting the township organi 
zation of Van Buren County was a law passed by the Legis- 
lative Council of the Territory of Miciiigan, approved by 
the Governor on the 5th of November, 1829, one section 
of which reads as follows : 

" All that part of said county (Cass) known as townships 
Five and Six, and the north half of township numbered 
Seven south, in ranges Thirteen and Fourteen west, and 
the county of Van Bureu, and all the country lying north 
of the same which is attached to and composes a part of 
the county of Cass, shall form a township by the name of 
Penn, and the first township-meeting shall be held at the 
house of Martin Shields, in said township." 

It is evident that most of the inhabitants of the new 
township resided in Cass County, while Van Buren and the 
country north of it was included within its legal jurisdic- 
tion for the benefit of any straggling settlers who might 
locate there. On the 29th of March, 1833, an act was ap- 
proved organizing Allegan County into Allegan township, 
and attaching it temporarily to Kalamazoo County, which 
separated the northern country from Van Buren County. 
On the same day a law was approved setting off township 
5 in range 13, and also in range 14 (being the north part 
of that part of Pcnn township which was in Cass County), 
as the township of Volinia, leaving Penn township to the 
south and entirely separate from Van Buren. By the same 
46 



act Van Buren County was attached to Volinia town.ship 
for all township purposes. 

It remained thus until the 2(jth day of March, 1835, 
when it was formed into the township of Lafayette, the 
boundaries of which corresponded with those of Van Bu- 
ren County. Lafayette was organized by the election of 
officers in the spring of 1836, the county being still tem- 
porarily attached to Cass. 

On the 11th of March, 1837, just a week before the 
organization of the county, an act was approved dividing 
Lafayette into the seven townships of Antwerp, Clinch, La- 
fayette, Decatur, South Haven, Lawrence, and Covington. 
Antwerp comprised township 3 south, in range 13 west, 
having the same boundaries as now. Clinch comprised 
townships 1 and 2 south, in range 13 west, and the same 
numbered townships in range 14. Lafayette was com- 
posed of township 3 south, in range 14 west, its boundaries 
being the same as those of the present township of Paw 
Paw, except that the latter has received a small addition 
from Waverly. Decatur embraced township 4 in range 

13, and township 4 in range 14, being the present town- 
ships of Decatur and Porter. 

South Haven consisted of township 1 in range 15, 
townships 1 and 2 in range IG, and the same numbered 
townships in range 17, being the present townships of 
South Haven, Geneva, Columbia, Covert, and Bangor. 
Lawrence was composed of townships 2 and 3 in range 15, 
and township 3 in range IG, being the present townships 
of Arlington, Lawrence, and Hartford. Covington was 
composed of township 4 in range 15, and the same num- 
bered township in range 16, being the present townships 
of Keeler and Hamilton. 

The subsequent formations and changes have been as 
follows: Covington was discontinued by act of the Legisla- 
ture on the 22d of March, 1839. The east half of it 
(township 4, range 15) was made the township of Al- 
pena, while the western half (township 4, range 16), to- 
gether with township 3 in the same range (taken from 
Lawrence), became the township of Keeler. The name of 
Alpena was changed to Hamilton on the 19th of March, 
1846. On the same day Hartford was formed from 
Keeler, comprising township 3, range 16. 

Waverly, Almena, and Arlington were erected on the 
16th of February, 1842. The first two embraced the 
whole of the territory of Clinch, which was thus an- 
nulled. Waverly comprised townships 1 and 2 in range 

14, being the present Bloomingdale and Waverly ; while 
Almena occupied the same numbered townships in range 
13, being now known as Pine Grove and Almena. Arling- 
ton, taken from Lawrence, had the same boundaries as 
now, being township 2 in range 15. 

Bloomingdale, Columbia, and Porter were formed on 
the 19th of March, 1845. The first, taken from Waverly, 
consisted of township 1 south, in range 14 we.st. The 
second, taken from South Haven, occupied township 1 in 
range 15 and the same numbered township in range 16, 
being now known as Columbia and Geneva. The tiiird, 
taken from Decatur, consisted of township 4, range 13, its 
present territory. 

Pine Grove was formed by the Legislature from Almena 



362 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



on the 17th of March, 1849, its boundaries, which were 
the same then as now, including township 1 south, in 
range 13 west. 

Marion was the first town organized by the Board of 
Supervisors, and was formed from South Haven on the 
11th of October, 1853. Its name, however, was changed 
to Bangor by the board on the 14th of the same month. 
Its boundaries were the same as now, comprising township 
2, range 16. 

Geneva was formed from Columbia by the supervisors on 
the 5th of January, 1854, comprising its present territory, 
— township 1 south, range 16 west. 

Deerfield was formed from South Haven by the same 
authority on the 8th of October, 1855, consisting of town- 
ship 2, range 17. Its name was changed to Covert on the 
29th of March, 1877. 

The name of the township of Lafayette was changed to 
Paw Paw on the 15th of March, 1867. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 

COURTS -KECOKDS-COUNTY BUILDINGS- CIVIL 
LIST. 

Establishment of Courts — Circuit Court — County Court — Probate 
Court — The Register's and Treasurer's Offices — Record of Wolf 
Bounties — County Buildings and Property — The Old Jail — The 
Court-House — The Present Jail — Poor-House and Farm — The 
Present Fire-Proof Building — Van Buren County Civil List. 

ESTABLISHMENT OF COURTS. 

The following is quoted from the first record of the 
Board of Supervisors of Van Buren County, and is an ac- 
count of their action in accordance with the act organizing 
the county : 

" 1837. The supervisors of the towns of Van Buren met 
at the village of Paw Paw on the 27th day of March, a.d. 
1837, and organized by appointing D. 0. Dodge clerk, 
the business of said meeting being for locating the place 
for the Circuit Courts of said county. Whereupon it is 
decided that the courts of said county be held at the school- 
house in the village of Paw Paw. 

" D. 0. Dodge, Clerks 

In accordance with this action, the first court was held 
in the frame school-house situated on Gremps Street, Paw 
Paw, on a lot north of where John G. Sherman now lives. 
Court was held there until the court-house was completed, 
in 1844. 

The following is the first record of the Circuit Court in 
Van Buren County : 

" State of Michigan, ) 
"Van Bdken Cocntt. J 

" Be it remembered, that at a stated session of the Cir- 
cuit CourJ of the State of Michigan within and for the 
county of Van Buren, begun and held, pursuant to law, at the 
court-house in Lafayette, in said county, on the first Monday 
(being the 6th day) of June in 1837, present, Hon. Kpaph- 
roditus Ransom, Circuit Judge, Wolcott H. Keeler and 
Jay R. Monroe, Esqs., Associate Judges, the grand jury 



being called, the following persons appeared and answered 
to their names, to wit, Peter Gremps, Jeremiah H. Sim- 
mons, Jo.seph Woodman, Rodney Hinckley, Joshua Bangs, 
Edwin Barnum, John Reynolds, John D. Freeman, George 
S. Reynolds, Dexter Gibbs, Joseph Luce, Asa G. Hinckley, 
E. L. Barrett. 

'• Peter Gremps was appointed by the court foreman of this 
grand jury, and was authorized to issue .subpoenas for and 
administer oaths to witnesses. The grand jurors were 
sworn and received the charge of the court and retired ; 
after a few moments' deliberation they returned to court 
and reported that no business was brought before them, 
and they knew of none for their consideration. 

" No business was brought before the court, and the court 
adjourned without day. 

" Signed in open court the 6th day of June, 1837. 
" Epaphroditus Ransom, 

" Presiding Judge." 

The December term, 1837, was held before the same 
judges. A petit jury was called, consisting of Philotus 
Hayden, Zebina Stearns, Aaron Barney, Beman 0. 
Keeler, Hale Wakefield, George Ransom, Wells Gray, Joel 
Tomlinson, Daniel A. Alexander, Joseph Butler, Jacob S. 
Carrier, Lewis Johnson, Robert Nesbitt, and George S. 
Reynolds. 

The first case brought up for trial was that of Robert 
Nesbitt vs. George S. Reynolds, — an appeal from the judg- 
ment of a justice of the peace. Proofs and allegations were 
presented and the jury retired, and after due consideration 
returned and rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiiF, for 
the sum of sixteen dollars and forty-two cents. The court 
aifirmed the decision, and the costs were also directed to be 
paid by the defendant. There was no further business be- 
fore the court at that time. 

The circuit judges who have presided over the courts 
since the organization of the county are as follows : 
Epaphroditus Ransom, June term, 1837-48 ; Sanford 
M. Green, March term, 1848-49 ; Charles W. Whipple, 
April term, 1849-52 ; Abner Pratt, March term, 1852 
-57 ; Benjamin F. Graves, September term, 1857-66 ; 
George Woodruif, October term, 1866-67 ; Flavins J. 
Littlejohn, April term, 1867-69; Charles R. Brown, 
August term, 1869-74; Darius E. Comstock, July term, 
1874-75 ; Josiah L. Hawes, the present incumbent, from 
April term, 1875. 

COUNTY COURT. 

The County Court was established by law in 1846, and 
the first term was directed to be held on the first day of 
March, 1847. 

An election was held in Van Buren County in November, 
1846, when the Hon. A. W. Broughton was elected county 
judge and John R. Haynes second judge. 

The court convened at the day appointed in the court- 
house at Paw Paw. Present, Hon. A. W. Broughton, 
Judge. 

The first case brought up for trial was that of James 
Scott vs. George S. Reynolds. This court was discontinued 
in 1850. 



COURTS— RECORD OF WOLF-BOUNTIES. 



363 



PKOBATB COUET. 

Of the first proceediii<);s of this court no record can be 
found prior to 1858, as the early records of this office were 
destroyed by fire. 

The first probate judge was Jeremiah H. Simmons, who 
held the office for two terms. 

REGISTER'S OFriCE. 

This county being attached to Cass County prior to its 
organization, all deeds, mortgages, and other legal papers 
pertaining to Van Buren were kept at the county-seat of 
that county. 

Transcripts of such papers were made from the Cass 
County records, and are on file in the register's office at 
Paw Paw. 

The first deed on record bears date November 3, 1831, 
and was given by Jacob and Elizabeth Charles to Samuel 
Morris, conveying eighty acres, — the west half of the north- 
west quarter of section 35, township 4 south, in range 14 
west. 

The first deed recorded after the organization of the 
county was made April 7, 1837, by which Wolcott H. 
Keeler and Elizabeth, his wife, of Covington, conveyed to 
Truman Foster, of the same township, the northwest quar- 
ter of section 11, township 4 south, in range 15 west, for 
the sum of one thousand dollars. 

The first mortgage owned bears date Oct. 13, 1835, and 
was given by Martin Wolcott to William Corry. The land 
on which it was a lien was the northeast quarter and south- 
east quarter and the north half of the northwest quarter of 
section 1, township 3 south, in range 15 west. 

The marriage records contain as the first record the 
marriage of George S. Reynolds to Rebecca Luke, bearing 
date July 24, 1836. Signed, Daniel 0. Dodge, Justice of 
the Peace. 

TREASURER'S OFFICE. 

The earliest valuation of the property of the county by 
townships, on record in the treasurer's office, was made in 
1839, and is as follows : 

CLINCH. 

Non-resident real estate .$163,262 

Resident real estate 21,504 

" and personal 5,596 

Total $190,.352 

ANTWERP. 

Non-resident real estate 833,535 

Eesident and personal 30,521 

Total $64,056 

LAFAYETTE. 

Non-resijcnt real estate .$29,287 

Kesident and personal 28,016 

Total $57,303 

DECATUR. 

Non-resident real estate $60,806.77 

Resident and personal 23,781.00 

Total $84,587.77 

SOUTH HAVEN. 
Non-resident, resident, real estate and personal.. $160,219.10 

ALPENA. 

Non-resident real estate $52,241 

Resident and personal 21,384 

Tot.il $73,625 

LAWRENCE. 
Non-resident, resident, real estate and personal.. $123,649.90 



RECORD OF WOLF-BOUNTIES. 

In looking over the proceedings of the Board of Super- 
visors, we have found recorded numerous accounts of bounties 
voted and paid for the slaughter of wolves in the county. 
It has suggested itself to us that a list of the payments, 
with the names of the recipients, might be interesting to 
some of our readers, both as showing who were the wolf- 
hunters of the pioneer days, and as portraying the ad- 
vance of civilization corre.sponding to the decrease in wolf- 
slaughter. At the first meeting of the supervisors, on the 
27th of March, 1837, they adopted the following resolu- 
tion : 

" Voted to raise five dollars per head for each wolf and 
panther which may be killed the ensuing year, and that 
the county treasurer pay for each one so killed in said county 
out of any moneys remaining, after paying the county ex- 
penses, in his treasury." 

Although the vote provided a bounty for killing panthers, 
we have not been able to discover a single record of a pay- 
ment for that service. Either panthers were very scarce, 
or the hunters were not disposed to meddle with such very 
unpleasant subjects. 

Besides the county bounty of five dollars there was a 
State bounty of eight dollars, — which was paid by the 
county authorities and refunded by the State, — making in 
all thirteen dollars for each wolf. 

At the meeting in October the accounts were audited and 
allowed of Luther Branch, for four wolves, $52; John 
Condon, three wolves, $39 ; Joseph Butler, one, $13 ; Cah- 
Cah (an Indian), one, $13. 

By November, 1838, the county bounty had been raised 
to $8, and the commissioners voted $16 to Thomas Green, 
for the joint State and county bounty. 

By July, 1839, the State and county bounties had both 
been reduced to $4, making a total of $8 for each wolf. 
At the meeting of the commis.sioners in that month the 
accounts were allowed of John Williams, for two wolves, 
$16; John Condon, three ditto, $24 ; Henry Potter, two 
ditto, $16 ; Amos S. Brown, Jr., eight ditto, $64; Luman 
Brown, three ditto, $24. In November, 1839, the follow- 
ing accounts were allowed : John Little, one wolf, $8 ; Cah- 
Cah, ditto, $8 ; Daniel Wilcox, ditto, $8; Amos S. Brown, 
ditto, $8; James Scott, ditto, $8. In December, 1839, 
John Little, one wolf, $8. Total for 1839, twenty-four. 

In April, 1840, Daniel T. Pierce, one wolf, $8; Amos 
S. Brown, Jr., ditto, $8; John Little, ditto, $8 ; Wells S. 
Brown, ditto, $8 ; Luman Brown, ditto, $8. In June, 
1840, Amos S. Brown, Jr., one wolf, $8; Henry Mower, 
two ditto, $16. In October, 1840, Henry Mower, one 
wolf, $8. In November, Henry Coleman, one wolf, killed 
by A. Manly, $8 ; Daniel Wilcox, one ditto, $8. In De- 
cember, Austin Walden, one wolf, $8 ; James Johnson, 
ditto, $8. Total for 1840, thirteen. 

July, 1841, A. S. Brown, Jr., four wolves, $32; Wells 
S. Brown, one ditto, $8; Jonathan N. Howard, one ditto, 
$8. October, John Smith, one, $8. December, George 
W. Springer, one, $8; Harpman Salisbury, two, $16; 
Martin Allen, one, $8 ; Clark A. Lapham, one, $8 ; Simon 
0. Keeler, one, $8. Total in 1841, thirteen. 

January, 1842, Harpman Salisbury, two wolves, $16; 



364 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



John Smith, one, $8. March, 1842, G. W. Springer, one 
wolf, $8; Harvey Potter, two, $16; C. A. Lapham, two, 
$16; Theodore E. Phelps, one, $8; Horatio N. Phelps, 
one, $8. In September of this year the supervisors voted 
to pay $5 in addition to the bounty already allowed by law 
for each full-grown wolf, and $2.50 for each whelp. This, 
in December following, gave Hames Scott, for two wolves, 
$26 ; William Wilson, one ditto, $13; Cah-Cah, one ditto, 
$13. Total in 1842, fourteen. 

lu March, 1843, allowed Peter Dopp, one wolf, $13; H. 
Howard, ditto, $13. October, Notawa wis, one, $13 ; Cah- 
Cah, one, $13 ; Elizur Hogmire, one, $13. Total in 1843, 
five. 

In 1844 there is no record of any bounties being paid. 
The supervisors seem to have thought that it was not yet 
time to stop killing wolves, for they raised the reward so 
that the State and county bounties amounted to $20 per 
wolf Under this stimulus the hunters went zealously to 
work, and in October, 1845, acounts were allowed of John 
Longwell, one wolf, $20 ; John Condon, ditto, $20; Orson 
Atkins, ditto, $20; Joseph Brown, ditto, $20; William 
Impson, five young wolves, $50. This seems to have been 
considered rather too good a crop, and on the same day that 
the accounts were allowed the supervisors voted that $5 
county bounty should be paid for each grown wolf and 
$2.40 for each whelp, and no more. 

The State bounty was then evidently $10, and in Oc- 
tober, 1846, payments were made as follows: Nahum B. 
Eager, one wolf, $15 ; Harvey Barrett, three ditto, $45 ; 
Aaron Kinsman, two ditto, $30. On the 13th of October 
the county bounty was entirely abolished by the board, 
leaving only the State bounty. Total number killed in 
1846, six. 

As the State bounty was $10, however, there was still a 
considerable inducement to use the rifle or the trap, and on 
the 2d of October^ 1847, Aaron Kinsman received, for one 
wolf, $10 ; Francis McMinn, ditto, $10. About this time 
the State bounty seems to have been reduced to $8, for 
during the same month we find records of payment to 
Charles E. Michelson, for one wolf, $8 ; .James Wood, five 
wolf whelps, $20. Total for the year, three wolves and five 
whelps. 

In January, 1848, Oliver S. McOmber received, for one 
wolf, $8. From that time there were no more cases re- 
ported until the 13th of October, 1851, when Hiram Ewalt 
produced proof of having killed one full-grown wolf, for 
which he received $8. One year later Joseph Mimtucna- 
qua, an Indian, received the usual $8 from the State through 
the Board of Supervisors, and this ended the chapter. So 
far as appears, this was the last wolf slaugiitered in Van 
Buren County, the deed being very appropriately per- 
formed by one of the race of hunters who were long the 
lords of all this laud. 

THE COUNTY BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY. 
THE OLD JAIL. 

As early as the 23d day of June, 1838, before the 
county-seat was permanently located at Paw Paw, the 
Board of Supervisors, at a special meeting, took the following 
action : 



" Voted, that the sheriff be authorized to build a suitable 
building to serve for a jail for said county ; the expense of 
said building shall not exceed four hundred dollars. 

"Voted, that the jail shall be built on the ground ap- 
propriated for that purpose by the proprietors of the village 
of Paw Paw in said county." 

The same year the Board of County Commissioners super- 
seded the Board of Supervisors. At their first meeting, held 
on the 21st of November, 1838, they approved the vote of 
the supervisors directing the sheriff to build a county jail. 

At an adjourned meeting of the commissioners held on 
the 19th of .January, 1839, the amount allowed for build- 
ing a jail was extended to six hundred dollars. The struc- 
ture in question was accordingly erected in the spring of 
1839 ; and at a special meeting of the commisssioners held 
on the 3d of June, 1839, they audited the accounts of Ma- 
son and Avery for building jail, $450. Other accounts 
on jail, $124.05. Total, $574.05. This jail was built of 
hewed logs laid upon each other, and was about 30 by 20 
feet in size. It had two stories ; the lower one being occu- 
pied by three cells and a small hall, while the upper one 
was intended for the use of the jailer's family, and was 
reached by stairs on the south side. It was situated on the 
outside of St. Joseph Street, between Brown and Lagrave 
Streets. 

THE COURT-HOUSE. 

On the 1st of April, 1840, the site of the court-house 
was fixed on block 11 in Paw Paw, but on the 30th of 
January, as already mentioned, it was changed to block 40. 

The county otfioes were kept in a private building be- 
longing to Joshua Bangs, and in January, 1841, it was 
resolved by the commissioners to hire the building another 
year for fifty dollars. At the same time they allowed school 
district No. 1, in the township of Lafayette, the very mod- 
erate sum of three dollars for the use of the school-house 
by the Circuit Court. 

On the 8th of February, 1841, the commissioners met 
" for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety 
and measures for building a court-house," but adjourned 
without action. On the 1st of March, 1841, they passed 
the following resolution : 

" Jiesoloed, That the sum of four thousand dollars be, and the same 
is, hereby appropriated for the purpose of building a court-house in 
and for the county of Van Bureu." 

They then directed William Mason to draft, or cause to 
be drafted, the plan for a court-house. 

Nothing more was done until the 2d day of April, 1842, 
when the coiumissioners resolved to contract for building a 
court-house, provided that responsible parties would agree 
to furnish the materials and build it for not over three 
thousand dollars. On the 7th of April the commissioners 
gave notice that they would receive propositions for build- 
ing the court-house until noon of the 8th of that month, — 
an exceedingly short notice. 

On the 8th of April Reuben E. Rhodes and Staflbrd 
Godfrey entered into a stipulation with the commissioners, 
agreeing to build a court-house, according to the specifica- 
tions on file in the county clerk's office, within eighteen 
months from that date, and thereupon the commissioners 
gave them an order on the treasury for two thousand four 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



365 



hundred and ten dollars. Henry N. Rhodes gave a bond 
to finish the mason-work in the same time for four hundred, 
and ninety-four dollars. Isaac W. Willai'd, as before men- 
tioned, gave the county a deed of lots 5, 6, 7, and 8, on 
blojk 12, in Paw Paw, as a site for the court-house ; and the 
commissioners paid to J. T. Noyes three hundred and thirty- 
one dollars to clear the lots of incumbrances. Josiah An- 
drews was appointed to oversee the building of the court- 
house. 

The work of building the court-house was not completed 
within the specified time, but in the summer of 1844 it 
drew near its close. On the 14th of August, in that year, 
the Board of Supervisors (which had resumed its former 
authority) ordered the purchase of twenty-four chairs for 
the court-house. The following day the workmanship and 
material of the court-house, built by Churchill & Godfrey 
(who had taken the place of Rhodes & Godfrey as contrac- 
tors), was declared to be according to the contract. 

On the 18th of October, 1844, a resolution was passed 
allowing the citizens of Paw Paw to grub up such trees on 
the court-house lot as should be designated by a committee 
consisting of Major Heath, John Ramsey, and C. P. Shel- 
don, provided they would fill up the holes. Courts were 
held in the court-house in the autumn of 1844. 

The court-house thus built, which is still occupied for 
that purpose, is a plain white frame structure, on the south 
side of Main Street in Paw Paw, with a steeple upon it, 
and in size and appearance very much resembles a village 
church. 

THE PRESENT JAIL. 

During the October session, 1854, the Board of Super- 
visors passed a resolution designating the village of Law- 
rence as the location of the county-seat, and submitting the 
question of removal thither to the people. 

On account of this action, the leading citizens of the 
village of Paw Paw, for the purpose of retaining the 
county-seat at that place, presented to the board, at the' 
January session in 1855, an agreement, in which they 
pledged themselves to " erect, build, and complete, in a good 
and substantial manner, at our own expense, and without 
cost or charge to the county, a good and substantial jail, for 
the use of and to be the property of said county. The jail 
to be constructed of such materials and to be of such size, 
construction, and finish, and be located on such lot or place 
in the village of Paw Paw, as shall be designated or or- 
dered by the Board of Supervisors, or a committee of the 
board duly appointed by the board and authorized by 
them to make such designation, and to be fully completed, 
to the acceptance of the board, or its committee duly ap- 
pointed, by the first day of January, 1856, and which shall 
be worth, when completed, not to exceed $3000. Provided, 
that the Board of Supervisors will pass a resolution not 
to take any further proceedings to present the question to 
the vote of the people, and wholly abandon the same." 

This agreement wa.s accepted on the part of the super- 
visors, and the jail was erected on its present location. In 
January, 1856, the Board of Supervisors resolved itself into 
a " committee of the whole, to examine the jail building." 
After the examination it was moved and carried that the 
jail be accepted and the bonds canceled. 



POOR-HOUSE AND FARM. 

Some action had been taken previous to 1865, by the 
Board of Supervisors, in reference to a poor-house farm, but 
with no results. On the 8th day of October, in that year, 
the superintendents of the poor of the county urged upon 
the board, then in session, the necessity and importance of 
purchasing a farm for the use of the county paupers. On 
the 11th of October the committee on county buildings 
recommended the board to purchase one hundred and sixty 
acres of good farming land, partially under improvement, for 
poor-house purposes. 

After due consideration it was decided to purchase, and 
Robert Nesbitt, J. B. Potter, and Charles Sellick were 
chosen a committee to make a selection and report the 
location, price, etc. 

On the 3d day of January, 1866, this committee re- 
ported several farms, with description of location, soil, im- 
provements, and prices. Several of the farms were visited, 
and it was finally decided to purchase the farm of Rufus 
Tillou, in the township of Hartford, containing one hun- 
dred and seventy-three acres, for forty dollars per acre. The 
committee reported this farm as " containing one hundred 
and seventy-three acres, with one hundred acres improved, 
thirty acres chopped, and twenty-five acres timbered, a good 
orchard of fifty bearing-trees (mostly apples), a substantial 
house twenty-eight by twenty-eight feet, barn thirty-three 
by fifty, with addition fifteen by thirty-three feet. This 
farm is located on the south side of the Watervliet road, 
three miles west of the village of Lawrence, and is the 
northeast quarter of section 13 and the south part of the 
southeast quarter of section 12." The purchase was con- 
summated, and the place in question has since belonged to 
the county. The buildings were improved and enlarged 
from time to time to their present condition.* 

THE FIEE-PEOOF BUILDING. 

Efforts had been made several times to provide a safe 
repository for the county records, but not until Oct. 21, 
1873, was any action taken that promised success in that 
direction. At that time Messrs. Barnum and French were 
appointed a committee to draft plans and specifications for 
county ofiices. On the 13th of January, 1874, Mr. Cox 
was added to the committee. On the 6th of January, 1875, 
the records of the county were reported unsafe, and on the 
8th of the same month a resolution was passed by the 
supervisors appropriating one thousand dollars to erect a 
fire-proof building for the use of the county oflBcers, pro- 
vided the citizens of Paw Paw would raise the sum of two 
thousand dollars. 

The building was erected in the summer of 1875, and 
completed in September of that year, at a cost of four 
thousand dollars. 



-^ The supermtendent.s of the poor, in their report to the Board of 
Supervisors in December, 1879, earnestly urged upon the board the 
importance of greater facilities and increased accommodation for the 
poor of the county. The statistics given below are taken from that 
report. The poor-house contains twenty-seven paupers. Sixty per- 
manent paupers are kept by the county outside of the poor-house. 
Twenty-one insane persons are kept at the asylum at Kalamazoo, at 
an annual expense of $2U59.S0. The amount paid out for farm ex- 
penses in 1879 was $2299.57, with a credit from products of $583.82. 
Total expenses for the year, $9509.92. Value of farm, S6S40. Value 
of stock, $1131.55. 



366 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



VAN BUREN COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 
In this list are given the names of those citizens of the 
county who have held State or county offices, with the date 
of their election or appointment thereto. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR. 
1860, Philetus Hayden. 

STATE SENATORS. 
1849-50, John McKinney; 1851, Philetus Haydon ; 1853, Fitz H. 
Stevens; 1855, Lymau A. Fitch; 1859, Philetus Haydon; 1863, 
Samuel H. Blackman ; 1867-69, Nathan H. Bitely; 1871, George 
Hannahs; 1873, David Anderson; 1875, Albert Thompson; 1877, 
William 0. Packard. 

MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (STATE). 
1842, Fernando C. Annable; 1844-45, John Andrews; 1846, Josiah 
Andrews; 1847, Philetus Haydon; 1848, John McKinney; 1849, 
John Andrews; 1851, Morgan L. Fitch; 1853, Charles P. Shel- 
don; 1855, Joseph Gilman ; 1857, Blisha J. House; 1859, Fabius 
Miles; 1861, Jonathan J. Woodman; 1863-65, Jonathan J. 
Woodman, Buel M. Williams ; 1867, Jonathan J. Woodman, 
Amos S. Brown; 1869-71, Jonathan J. Woodman,* William H. 
Hurlbut; 1873, Samuel H. Blackman, Emory H. Simpson; 1875, 
Alexander D. Copley, George B. Ycckley, William Thomas ;t 
1877-79, James E. Ferguson, E. Parker Hill. 

MEMBERS OF STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 
Convention of 1836, Charles B. Avery; Convention of 1850, Isaac W. 
AVillard ; Convention of 1867, Samuel H. Blackman and Charles 
Buncombe. 

CIRCUIT JUDGE. 
1874, Darius E. Comstock, held till his death, in the year 1875. 

JUDGES OP PROBATE. 
1837-40, Jeremiah H. Simmons; 1844, Frederick Lord ; 1848-52, Eiisha 
Durkee; 1866-60, Augustus H. N.ash; 1864, Chandler Richards; 
1868-72, George W. Lawton; 1876, Alfred J. Mills. 

COUNTY JUDGES. 
1846, Aaron W. Broughton; 1850, Jason A. Sheldon. 

SECOND JUDGES. 
1846, John R. Haynes ; 1847, Frederick Lord ; 1850, Lyman G. Hill. 

ASSOCIATE JUSTICES. 

1837, Wolcott H. Keeler, Jay R. Monroe; 1841, Evert B. Dyokman, 
John R. Haynes ; 1842, John R. Haynes, Henry Coleman ; 1844, 
W. H. Keeler, David Van Antwerp. 

CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. 

1838, Wolcott H. Keeler, Peter Gremps, Morgan L. Fitch; 1840, 
Andrew Longstreet; 1841, Lyman G. Hill; 1852, John R. Baker; 
1854-56, Nathan H. Bitely; 1858, Samuel H. Blackman; 1860, 
Hiram Cole; 1862, John B. Upton; 1864, Joseph W. Huston; 
1866, George M^ Lawton; 1868, Ashbel II. Herron ; 1870, Wil- 
liam H. Tucker; 1872, Benjamin F. Heckcrt; 1874, Oran W. 
Rowland; 1876, Albert Jackson ; 1878, John Knowles. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.:]: 
1840, Aaron W. Broughton; 1842, Frederick Lord; 1844, Aaron W. 
Broughton; 1847, John R. Baker; 1849, Samuel H. Blackman; 
1850, Frederick Lord;? 1852, Win. N. Pardee; 1854, Frederick 
Lord; 1856, Nathan H. Bitely ;j] 1858-60, Chandler Richards; 
1862, Hiram Cole; 1864-70, John B. Upton; 1872, Darius E. 
Comstock ; 1874-78, Benj. F. Heokert. 

» Speaker in 1869 and 1871. 

f Elected to iill vacancy caused by death of Mr. Yeckley. 

J Walter Clark, a lawyer of Kalamazoo, was temporarily appointed 
by the court to act as prosecuting attorney at the terms held in Van 
Buren County in 1839, and perhaps earlier. On the 14th of Decem- 
ber, 1839, the supervisors of Van Bureu County voted Mr. Clark $50, 
as a year's salary as prosecuting attorney. 

(> First election of prosecuting attorney by the people. 

II Mr. Bitely was elected but could not qualify, as he was not a 
member of the bar of this State, although he had been admitted to 
practice law in Ohio. 



TREASURERS. 

1837, Daniel 0. Dodge; 1S3S, Joshua Bangs; 1810, Frederick Lord; 
1842-44, John McKinney ; 1840, Theodore E. Phelps; 1848-52, 
Emory 0. Briggs ; 1854, Alexander H. Phelps; 1856-58, John 
M. Redlan ; 1860-62, Aaron B. Dyokman; 1864, Samuel H. 
Blackman ; 1866-70, Edwin Barnum ; 1872-74, Stephen W. Dun- 
combe; 1876, Hannibal M. Marshall; 1873, Stephen W. Dun- 
combe. 

REGISTERS. 

1837-38, Jeremiah H. Simmons; 1840-42, Fitz H. Stevens; 1844, 
Emory 0. Briggs; 1846, Eiisha C. Cox; 1848, Joseph Cox, Jr.; 
1S50, Wm. H. Hurlbut; 1852, Eusebius Mather; 1854, Edward 
A. Thompson; 1856, Samuel G. Blackman ; 1858-60, Thomas B. 
Irwin; 1862-64, Stephen W. Duncombo; 1866, E. Parker Hill; 
1868, Don C. Rogers; 1870, Milan D. Richardson; 1872-74, Kirk 
W. Noyes; 1876-78, Samuel Ellis. 



1837, .Samuel Gunton ; 1838, Andrew Longstreet ;-i 840, John McKin- 
ney; 1842, William Hill ; 1844, John Smolk, Jr.; 1846, William 
Hill; 1848, Henry C. Clapp ; 18 50, William Hill; 1852, Henry 
C. Clapp; 1854, William Hill; 1856, Noble D. Richardson; 
1858, John H. Stoddard : 1860, Calvin Durkee; 1864, Noble D. 
Richardson ; 1866, Edwin K. Farmer; 1868-70, William R. Sir- 
rine ; 1872-74, John E. Showerman ; 1876, John Wachsmuth ; 
1878, Nathan Thomas. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

1837, Nathaniel B. Starkweather; 1838, Edward Shultz; 1840, Jere- 
miah H. Simmons; 1842, Joseph Gilman; 1844, James B.Crane; 
1846, Lyman H. Fitch; 1848-50,- S. Tulmiidge Conway; 1852, 
Franklin M. Manning ; 1854-56, Stillmiin F. Breed ; 1858, S. 
Talmadge Conway; 1860-62, Martin Ruggles; 1864-66, Ashbel 
H. Herron; 1868-70, Oran W. Rowland; 1872-74, Samuel 
Holmes; 1876-78, Henry S. Williams. 

SURVEYORS. 

1837, Humphrey P. Barnum ; 1838, John D. Compton ; 1840, Eleazer 
H. Keeler ; 1842, Alonzo Crane; 1844-46, Samuel H. Blackman ; 
1848-52, Jeremiah H. Simmons; 1854, William H. Harrison; 
1856-58, Samuel A. Tripp; 1860, Orville B. Abbott; 1862, Peter 
J. Speicher; 1864, Charles J. Monroe; 1866, Charles D. Lawton; 
1868-70, Almon J. Pierce; 1872, Augustus H. Teed; 1874-78, 
.Almon .1. Pierce. 

CORONERS. 

1837, Junia Warner, Jr., John R. Haynes, Humphrey P. Barnum; 
1838, Lyman G. Hill, Levi H.Warner; 1840, Junia Warner, Jr. ; 
1842-44, Charles U. Cross; 1846, Joshua Woodman ; 1848, Chas. 
P. Sheldon; 1850, Alexander H. Phelps; 1852, Harrison Dyok- 
man, Nathan Jaquish; 1854, John Hunt, Nelson H, Marshall; 
1856, John Hunt; 1858, Ashbel H. Herron; 1860, Jefferson Ed- 
munds, Stephen B. Morehouse; 1862, Albert R. Wildey, Asahel 
S. Downing ; 1864, John Andrews, Abel Brown; 1866, John An- 
drews, Loyal Crane; 1868, Thomas A. Granger, Geo. L. Seaver ; 
1870, Wm. R. Hawkins, Daniel Van Auken ; 1872, Oscar F. 
Thomas, William P. Bryan; 1874, Eiisha B. Moon, Loyal Crane; 
1876, Michael Mason, James P. Fox; 1878, Henry M. Brodriok, 
Albert S. Haskin. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

By a law passed in the spring of 1838 three county com- 
mis.sioners were elected, who superseded the supervisors and 
exercised their functions. The first three determined their 
terms of one, two, and three years by lot ; afterwards one 
was to be elected each year, holding three years. The Board 
of Commissioners was abolished, and the Board of Super- 
visors resumed their former functions by a law passed in 
the spring of 1842. 

1838, Peter Gremps (for three years), W. H. Keeler (for two years), 
Morgan L. Fitch (for one year); 1839, Silas Breed; 1840, An- 
drew Longstreet; 1841, Lyman G. Hill. 



THE PRESS OF VAN BUREN COUNTY. 



367 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

THE PEESS OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY. 

The Pioneer Newspapers of the County — Journalism at the County- 
Seat — The Press of South Haven — Newspaper Enterprises at Deca- 
tur, Lawton, Hartford, Bangor, and Lawrence. 

THE PAW PAW DEMOCRAT. 

The history of the press of Van Buren County began in 
January, 1843, when H. B. Miller, of Niles (known later as 
" Buffalo" Miller, of Chicago), sent his brother-in-law, one 
Harris, over to Paw Paw, with press and printing material, 
to start a newspaper, chiefly for the purpose of printing 
the county tax-lists. Harris got out a six-column folio 
weekly, which lie called the Paio Paw Democrat. Its poli- 
tics were Democratic, and its office of publication was on 
Main Street just east of the present bank building. Har- 
ris was consumptive and did very little work. He died 
during the winter of 1842-43, and his death ended the 
history of the Democrat, Miller carrying the press and 
material back to Niles. 

PAW PAW FREE PRESS. 

During the next two years Van Buren County was des- 
titute of a newspaper, but in January, 1845, a lawyer 
named Samuel N. Gantt and a printer named Geiger 
brought a " two-pull" wooden Raraage press, and the other 
necessary material for a printing-office, by wagon, from De- 
troit to Paw Paw. On their arrival, they issued a four- 
page five-column weekly, which they christened the Paw 
Paw Free Press. 

In the course of the season, however, Mr. Geiger became 
disgusted with the general course of events, and with Gantt 
in particular, and accordingly one night he carried off the 
screw of the press, threw it into the Paw Paw River, and 
fled to Detroit. Gantt mourned the loss of Geiger much 
less than that of the screw, the latter being indispensable 
to the working of the press. He offered a reward of ten 
dollars, and A. V. Pantland, who happened to know where 
Geiger had thrown it, fished it out of the river. 

Mr. Gantt continued to publish the Free Press until the 
spring of 1846, when he sold it to John McKinney, then 
county treasurer, and began the practice of law at Paw 
Paw. 

Mr. McKinney owned and published the paper until 
January, 1846, when he disposed of it to E. O. Briggs. 
After a newspaper experience of thirteen months Mr. 
Briggs sold the Free Press in January, 1848, to S. Tall- 
madge Conway, who had been a printer in the office .since 
August, 1846, and who had done a little new.spaper work 
on the Paw Paw Democrat as early as 1842. Mr. Conway 
retained the ownership for the previously unprecedented 
time of six years and a half. The paper then (July 10, 
1854) passed into the hands of a stock company. A few 
weeks' experience, however, was enough for the stockhold- 
ers, at the end of which they transferred the Free Press to 
I. W. Van Fossen. Soon after this gentleman went into 
possession the Paw Paw Free Press ceased to exist, so far 
as the name was concerned, though the publication still 
continued. 



PAW PAW PRESS. 
This was the new name by which the Paw Paw Free 
Press was baptized soon after Mr. Van Fossen became the 
owner. Even this did not satisfy him, and in the early part 
of 1855 he took the whole county into the scope of his 
paper's name. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY PRESS. 
Such was the appellation upon which Mr. Van Fossen 
finally settled, and this appeared to be satisfactory to all 
concerned, for under this name and by the same publisher 
the paper was issued for nearly thirteen years, until the 3d 
of January, 1868, when the office was destroyed by fire. 
This interrupted the publication for a few months, but in 
the summer of 1868 Mr. Van Fossen revived his paper, 
and continued to publish it until 1872. He then leased 
the office to Frank Drummond, who during the campaign 
of that year supported the cause of Greeley and Brown. 
In the winter of 1872-73, Mr. Van Fossen sold the prop- 
erty to E. A. Lanphere and G. VV. Mathews, who deter- 
mined on another change of name. 

PAW PAW COURIER. 

With the change came a change of politics, for Messrs. 
Lanphere & Mathews, eschewing the Greeley issue of the 
year, made the Courier an exponent of Republican princi- 
ples, and published it as such until the beginning of 1877, 
when they sold it to E. A. Blackman and E. A. Park. 
These gentlemen made it a Democratic paper, and published 
it until the 4th of August, 1877. Then they consolidated 
another journal with it and extended its name, as will be 
related below. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY PRESS (No. 2). 

During the ownership of the Courier by Lanphere & 
Mathews, Messrs. E. K. Park and George F. Sellick, job 
printers at Paw Paw, started a new Democratic paper there, 
to which they gave the old name of the Van Buren County 
Press. Perhaps Mr. I. W. Van Fossen was attracted by 
the name with which he had so long been identified, for he 
soon purchased the Press. He speedily transferred it to 0. 
D. Had.sell, who changed its name to another, which had, 
like that one, already seen service in the county. 

PAW PAW FREE PRESS (No. 2). 
Under this name Mr. Hadsell conducted his venture until 
the 4th of August, 1877, when he sold it to Blackman & 
Park, the owners of the Paw Paw Courier. 

PAW PAW FREE PRESS AND COURIER. 

The Free Press and the Courier were then consolidated, 
and in order to please the readers of both sheets Messrs. 
Blackman & Park consolidated the names as well as the 
papers, is.suing the new journal under the name of the 
Paw Paw Free Press and Courier. Like both its prede- 
cessors, this was a Democratic sheet, and has flourished in 
that faith to the present day. On the 23d of November, 
1878, Mr. Park withdrew, and Mr. E. A. Blackman has 
since been the sole editor and proprietor. 

It will be seen that the present Free Press and Courier 
is the legitimate successor of the first newspaper established 



368 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



in Van Buren County, except the old Paw Paio Denvjaat 
of 1842, as well as ot another line of papers now united 
in the same channel. We have, therefore, briefly sketched 
the journals of various names whose shades may be sup- 
posed to linger around the sanctum of their successor 
before delineating the career of others. 

THE TRUE NORTHERNER. 

This journal boasts a continuous existence under the same 
name of twenty-five years, and in that respect is the oldest 
paper in the county. It was founded in March, 1855, as 
a Republican weekly journal, on the very fir.st organization 
of the Republican party, by George A. Fitch, then pub- 
lishing the Kalamazoo Telegraph, and has maintained that 
political status since then without change. Mr. Fitch sent 
John B. Butler over to edit and publish the True North- 
erner, but in August of that year Butler retired and Fitch 
sold the material to John Reynolds and E. A. Thompson, 
pledging himself, however, to edit and publish the paper 
until March, 1857. R. C. Nash was employed as editor, 
but retired in January, 1856, and was succeeded by L. B. 
Bleecker and S. F. Breed. On the 19th of February, 1856, 
Samuel H. Blackman and S. F. Breed became the sole pro- 
prietors of the True Northerner. In 1858, Thaddeus R. 
Harrison purchased the paper from them and remained the 
owner until 1866, although during the latter part of that 
period it was leased to Charles P. Sweet. In the year last 
named Mr. Harrison sold the True Northerner to Thomas 
0. Ward, who retained posse,ssion until the 28th of August, 
1870. 

At that time S. Talmadge Conway, whose connection 
with the press of Paw Paw has already been noticed, 
became editor, publisher, and proprietor of the True 
Northerner, and has so remained to the present time. 

The T'rue Northerner has a circulation of about two thou- 
sand, and ranks among the leading Republican papers of 
Western Michigan. 

THE NATIONAL INDEPENDENT. 

In March, 1878, Charles S. Maynard founded the Na- 
tional Independent, at Paw Paw, as a Greenback organ, 
issuing the first number on the 8th of that month. Mr. 
Maynard conducted the paper until the 15th of January, 
1879, when he sold it to R. C. Nash. In April following 
the Independent was transferred to Smith & Wilson. Mr. 
Wilson soon retired, and W. E. Smith became sole editor 
and proprietor. The National Independent suddenly ceased 
to exist in the latter part of December, 1879. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY TRIBUNE. 

This paper, published by T. O. Street, was the pioneer 
of Decatur journalism, but its career was .so very brief that 
it is difficult to ascertain even the date of its existence. It 
was, however, about 186-t. 

DECATUR CLARION. 
The Tribune was succeeded by the Decatur Clarion, 
which flourished (or languished) for an equally brief period, 
under the editorship of Moses Hull, and then became 
forever silent. 



VAN BUREN COUNTY REPUBLICAN. 
This is the first permanent newspaper in Decatur, and 
was founded in 1867, by E. A. Blackman and C. F. R. 
Bellows (the latter being then the principal of the union 
school, and now the occupant of a professor's chair in the 
University of Michigan). Mr. Bellows retired after a 
brief experience, leaving the control of the paper to Mr. 
Blackman. Under his control the Republican expounded 
the principles of Republicanism until 1872, when it sup- 
ported Greeley and Brown. In 1873 it passed into the 
ranks of the Democracy. In 1876, Mr. Blackman sold 
his paper to H. C. Buffington (formerly of the Cass 
County Republican), who brought it back into the Repub- 
lican fold, where it has since remained. In December, 
1879, Mr. Buffington disposed of the paper to A. M. 
Wooster, the present proprietor. The Republican is a 
four-page, twenty- eight-column journal, issued every Wed- 
nesday, and is one of the prominent newspapers of the 

county. 

THE IRON CITY AGE. 

This was a weekly publication, established in Lawton in 

1860 by Joseph Twell. It expired in 1867. 

THE LAWTON GAZETTE. 

After the decease of the Age, George W. Lawton, Esq., 
began the publication at Lawton of the Lawton Gazette 
(weekly), which, however, was printed at Paw Paw. The 
Gazette lasted until 1869. 

LAWTON TRIBUNE. 

In September of the year last named J. H. Wickwire 
established the Lawton Tribune, a four-page, six-column 
journal, sixteen inches by twenty-two. It passed success- 
ively into the hands of Cowgill & Jennings, Ambrose 
Moore, Jr., Orris Strong, and Ezra Hayden, and expired in 
1873. 

HARTFORD DAY SPRING. 

The first number of this paper was issued Thursday, 
Nov: 16, 1871, by 0. D. Hadsell and Alonzo H. Chandler, 
the latter, however, retiring in a few weeks. It was con- 
tinued by Mr. Hadsell until Oct. 28, 1876, when it was 
purchased by Win. H. H. Earle. He edited and published 
the Day Spring about a year, when Luther Sutton assumed 
the editorship, since which time Mr. Earle has been the 
proprietor and publisher and Mr. Sutton the editor. 

SOUTH HAVEN SENTINEL. 

The South Haven Sentinel was founded in June, 1867, 
by Capt. David M. Phillips, of Albion, as a six-column 
neutral paper. In June, 1868, it was sold to Dr. Samuel 
D. Tobey, who transferred it to Capt. William E. Stewart 
in September of the same year, he having been in charge 
of the mechanical department since August, 1867. Capt. 
Stewart has successfully conducted the Sentinel during the 
period of almost twelve years which has elapsed since his 
purchase, and in 1870 was enabled to enlarge it from six 
to eight columns per page. 

SOUTH HAVEN RECORD. 
Tills paper was .started on the 12th of August, 1878, as 
a Greenback .sheet, by J. Donsmore. Mr. Densniore pub- 



THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS. 



369 



lished it until May, 1879, when he sold it to parties in 
Kalamazoo. It was then removed to tliat place, wliere it 
continues to support the interests of the Greenback party. 

FONETIC KLIPS. 
This curious little sheet, which is issued monthly by A. 
J. Pierce, was started on the 1st day of January, 1879. It 
is devoted to the introduction of phonetic spelling, which 
is now being used to a very limited extent by .some of the 
journals of the country. 

BANGOR JOURNAL. 
The journalism of Bangor is of recent date, and will 
occupy but a very brief space. In February, 1873, Charles 
Gillett began the publication at that place of a weekly 
paper, which was called the Journal. The venture was not 
a success financially, and with the autumn of the same 
year the pioneer newspaper of Bangor closed its brief career. 

BANGOR REFLECTOR. 
From the ashes of the Journal, however (that is, from 
its old type and press), arose the Bangor Reflector, the 
first number of which was issued in December, 1873. 
This paper was published by W. W. Secord, with limited 
success, until April, 1875, when it passed into the hands of 
its present proprietor, C. C. Phillips. Under his manage- 
ment its circulation has steadily increased, until it ranks as 
one of the leading weeklies of the county. It is a five- 
column, eight-page sheet, and is a staunch advocate of Re- 
publican principles. 

LAWRENCE ADVERTLSER. 

On the 1st day of February, 1875, Theodore L. Rey- 
nolds issued the first number of the Lawrence Advertiser, 
an independent, seven-column paper located at the village 
of Lawrence. After Mr. Reynolds' death, in November, 
1876, Mrs. Reynolds continued the publication until the 1st 
of March, 1877, when the Advertiser pas.sed into the hands 
of George A. Cross, John B. Potter being the manager. 
On the 20th of April, 1877, Mr. Cross sold the paper to 
Robert L. Warren, who has since been the editor and pro- 
prietor. Mr. Warren made the Advertiser a Republican 
sheet, and such it has since remained. On the 1st of Oc- 
tober, 1877, he leased the office to Messrs. Van Hoesen & 
Bates, who have since then published the Advertiser, while 
Mr. Warren has retained the editorial management. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS. 

Tile Van Buren County Bar — The Medical Prnfession in Van Biiren 
County — Van Buren County Medical Society — Homoeopathic and 
other Physicians. 

THE VAN BUREN COUNTY BAR. 
The first lawyer in Van Buren County was Aaron W. 
Broughton, who came previous to 1839. He, however, was 
engaged in the mercantile business in the township of Ham- 
ilton for several years, during which time lie ranily or never 
47 



practiced his profession. He was appointed the first pros- 
ecuting attorney of the county, and served from April, 
1840, to April, 1842, receiving fifty dollars for the first 
year's services and seventy-five for the second. He was also 
appointed prosecuting attorney for 1844 and 1845. He 
practiced at Paw Paw for several years after that, and was 
practically the only county judge of Van Buren County, 
holding the office from 1846, when it was established, until 
1850. A successor was elected in the latter year, but the 
office was abolished by the constitution of that year. 

Frederick Lord, who is still a resident of Paw Paw, was 
the second lawyer in the county and the first in Paw Paw. 
He became a resident of that village in the spring of 1839, 
taught school and studied law, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1840. ■ He was almost immediately elected county treas- 
urer, and in 1842 was appointed the second prosecuting 
attorney of Van Buren County. He was also the first 
person elected to that office by the people under the con- 
stitution of 1850, and was second judge of the county 
court, from 1847 to 1850. For .several years Mr. Lord has 
not been engaged in the duties of his profession. 

George L. Gale, a lawyer, settled in Paw Paw a little 
later, remained about ten years, and then went to California. 

Samuel N. Gantt, a lawyer, located in Paw Paw in 
1845, but for a little over a year he was engaged in pub- 
lishing a newspaper there. In the spring of 1846 he began 
practicing law there, but did not remain long. 

J. R. Baker located at Paw Paw in 1844 or '45. He 
was a very zealous, energetic man, and soon became prom- 
inent in the county. Besides taking an active part in 
politics and land business, Mr. Baker was a successful 
lawyer, and was employed in a large portion of the cases 
litigated in Van Buren County, and in some of the adjoin- 
ing counties. He was prosecuting attorney from 1847 to 
1849. He also bore a prominent part in the prosecution of 
Reynolds, for murder, in 1854, which resulted in sending 
the accused to the State-prison for life. 

In 1858, Mr. Baker formed a partnership with Chandler 
Richards, a new-comer in Paw Paw, the firm-name being 
Baker & Richards. The partnership continued ten years. 
During this* time Mr. Baker left the greater part of the 
law business to his partner, occupying himself much with 
other matters, but always being considered one of the lead- 
ing men of the county. The partnership between Messrs. 
Baker & Richards was dissolved in 1868. The former 
gentleman died in June, 1873. 

Elisha Durkee settled in Paw Paw, October, 1845. He 
was a native of Orleans Co., N. Y., and had been admitted 
to the bar of the Supreme Court of that State in 1843. 

When Mr. Durkee arrived at Paw Paw there were only 
the three lawyers before mentioned in the county, but these 
four were amply sufficient to do all the business. There 
were but two terms of the Circuit yearly, and at these the 
calendar would be cleared in one or two days. 

There was, however, considerable justice-court business, 
which, if less lucrative for the counsel, was more interesting 
to spectators than the statelier proceedings of the Circuit. 
The first case Mr. Durkee tried was before a justice of 
the peace who lived in the woods three miles from Paw 
Paw. Messrs. Broughton and Baker were both employed 



370 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



on the other side, and all three of the counsel had to make 
their way among the trees as best they could, for the road 
was only cut out a part of the distance. On their arrival 
they found a log house with one room, which served as 
parlor, dining-room, kitchen, bed-room, and court-room. 
The justice's wife lay sick on the bed in one corner, the 
court, counsel, and parties clustered thick around the table 
in the centre, and the jurymen disposed themselves as best 
they could against the wall. 

The trial began, and after a short time the jury asked 
to be excused, and all went out. In a few moments they 
returned and the trial proceeded. It was not long, how- 
ever, until the jury asked to be excused, and again unani- 
mously retired. When this had occurred the third time 
Mr. Durkee thought he would see what was going on. He 
followed the jurors to the barn, and found they had a jug 
of whisky there, furnished by the opposite party. He was 
at first inclined to object to this, but finally concluded that 
he could manage a drunken jury as well as his opponents, 
and kept still. And in fact, when the case was finished at 
midnight, the jury gave a verdict in favor of his client. 

Mr. Durkee practiced at Paw Paw until 1866, when 
(his health failing) he retired to his farm in Antwerp, 
where he still resides. He was judge of probate of Van 
Buren County from 1848 to 1856. 

Samuel H. Blackman located in Paw Paw shortly after 
Mr. Durkee. He soon became a successful practitioner, 
and in 1849 was appointed pro.seouting attorney, holding 
the office until it was made elective by the constitution of 
1850. Mr. Blackman has continued to keep an oflBce at 
Paw Paw until the present time, being now the senior prac- 
ticing member of the Van Buren County bar. 

William N. Pardee was a member of the bar, and served 
as prosecuting attorney from 1852 to 1854, but did not 
practice long after expiration of his term of office. 

For many years there seem to have been no accessions 
to the bar of Paw Paw, but in the latter part of 1857 
Joseph W. Huston opened an office at that place. He was 
a wide-awake lawyer and politician, and soon made his 
mark at the bar. During the war he entered the military 
service, and received a commission as major. After the 
close of hostilities he resumed practice at Paw Paw, and 
for a time was the postmaster of that place. About 1870, 
Maj. Huston removed to Idaho, and has since been ap- 
pointed the attorney-general of that Territory. 

In 1858 two more disciples of Blackstone made their 
home at Paw Paw, — M. S. Bowen and Chandler Richards. 
The former only remained two or three years, and then re- 
moved to Coldwater, Branch Co. 

Mr. Richards, as before stated, entered into partnership 
with Mr. Baker, and practiced with him ten years, taking 
the laboring oar in the management of cases in court. 
Having dissolved his partnership with Mr. Baker in 1868, 
Mr. Richards was absent from the county four years. Re- 
turning to Paw Paw in 1872 he resumed practice, and has 
ever since been one of the leading lawyers of the county. 

T. H. Stevenson was admitted to the bar in 1862, and 
practiced in Paw Paw until his death, which occurred in 
1872. Mr. Stevenson was a man of marked ability, both 
as to knowledge of law and as to skill in the manatrement 



of causes, and during the latter part of his career stood at 
the head of the Van Buren County bar. 

Calvin Cross located in Lawrence in 1857. He opened 
an office in Bangor about 1873, and has practiced there 
most of the time since then with marked success, being 
now the head of the firm of Cross & Withey. 

John B. Upton began practice in Lawrence in 1859. 
After carrying on business there successfully until 1867, he 
removed to Decatur. Mr. Upton was prominent in both 
law and politics, and was prosecuting attorney of the county 
four terms (from 1864 to 1872), the longest period that 
the office has been held by a single individual. Mr. Upton 
removed to Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., about 1875. 

A. W. Brown located in Lawrence in 1860, but removed 
to Lenawee County the following year. 

Hiram Cole, an able lawyer, a native of Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., opened an office in Decatur in 1857, and practiced 
there with decided success until his death, which occurred 
in April, 1870. Mr. Cole was prosecuting attorney of the 
county from 1862 to 1864. He was successively the head 
of the firms of Cole & Shyer, Cole & Parkhurst, Cole & 
Foster, and Cole & Upton. 

Charles Shyer, a promising young lawyer, and a gentle- 
man highly respected by the people, located at Decatur 
previous to the war, and became the partner of Mr. Cole. 
In 1863 he became the captain of Company K in the new 
battalion of the 1st Michigan Cavalry. He served with 
distinguished courage, and was killed at the battle of Cedar 
Creek, in the Shenandoah Valley, October 19, 1864. 

George W. Lawton was admitted to the bar at Detroit 
in 1861, and has been in practice since that time, except 
when in the army. He entered the service as second lieu- 
tenant in the 4th Michigan Cavalry in 1862, served 
throughout the war, was severely wounded at Dallas, Ga., 
and was brevetted major in the Atlanta campaign. He 
has practiced successfully at Lawton since the war, and was 
probate judge of Van Buren County from 1872 to 1876. 

Jonathan S. Parkhurst, a native of Oswego Co., N. Y., 
who was admitted to the bar at Detroit in 1858, located at 
Decatur in 1863, and practiced there until 1870. He then 
removed to Kansas, but returned to Decatur in 1876, where 
he has since been in active practice. 

We have now given brief sketches of the lawyers who 
began practice in Van Buren County before the close of 
the war of 1861-65, and of two or three others. We 
next transcribe from the records of the county clerk a list 
of those who have been admitted to the bar of Van Buren 
County (with the dates of admission) since the first day 
of April, 1864, back of which time those records do not 
extend. 

Ashbel Harrison Herron, April 20, 1864; Newton Fos- 
ter, April 16, 1867; Isaac E. Barnum, April 16, 1867; 
Joseph Herron, Oct. 31, 1867 ; William H. Tucker, Jan. 
19, 1869; Wm. C. Chubb, April 19, 1869; Oscar W. 
Field, Aug. 16, 1869; George L. Linden, Aug. 16, 1869; 
John Knowles, Aug. 16, 1869 ; Orris G. Lathrop, Oct. 20, 
1869; W. Scott Beebe, April 11, 1870; Theodore E. 
Hendrick, April 11, 1870 ; John R. Carr, April 19, 1870 ; 
James M. Davis, Nov. 26, 1870; Jay J. Sherman, April 
13, 1871 ; Oscar F. Januasch, April 15, 1872; Oran W. 



THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS. 



■Ml 



Rowlaud, Nov. 13, 1872 ; Edgar A. Crane, March 29, 
1873; James B. Judson, March 31, 1873; James S. 
Maury, Jan. 20, 1875; C. H. Engle, Jan. 20, 1875; 
Wm. H. Buchanan, May 24, 1875 ; 0. N. Hilton, June 
22, 1875; David K. Prentice, Oct. (3, 1875; Wm. H. 
Mason, Sept. 5, 1876; Samuel Holmes, April 10, 1877; 
Thornton Hall, Jan. 30, 1878; Elias J. MacEwan, March 
27, 1878 ; Charles A. Harrison, Jan. 30, 1878 ; Frank E. 
Withey, Dec. 10, 1878. 

Of the gentlemen above named, Messrs. Knowles, Row- 
land, Hilton, Mason, Holmes, and Harrison are now prac- 
ticing at Paw Paw ; Messrs. Tucker and Sherman are at 
Decatur ; Mr. Engle at Hartford ; and Mr. Withey at 
Bangor. Newton Foster, after being in partnership for a 
time with Franklin Muzzy, of Niles, returned to Decatur, 
where he had studied, and practiced there with marked suc- 
cess until his death, in 1877. W. S. Bebee also practiced 
at Decatur from his admission until 1877, when he removed 
to Portland, Oregon, where he is now engaged in the duties 
of his profession. 0. W. Field, who studied with Mr. 
Foster, and was at one time in partnership with him, was 
in practice at Decatur from his admission until his death, 
in the winter of 1874-75. Mr. Lathrop located in South 
Haven on his admission, but removed to Illinois in 1875. 

Besides, there have been several disciples of Blackstone 
who were admitted outside of the county, and who have 
located in it, either temporarily or permanently, since the 
war. H. M. Lillie began practice at South Haven in 1867 
or 1868, practiced there most of the time for five or six 
years, and subsequently died. A. H. Chandler came to 
South Haven about the same time as Lillie, practiced there 
a few years, left the county, returned, and is now practicing 
at Hartford. A Mr. Fordham, a lawyer, was at South 
Haven prior to Mr. Chandler, but did not practice, and re- 
moved to Kentucky. Benjamin F. Heckert located at 
South Haven in May, 1869, practiced there until he was 
elected prosecuting attorney, in the fall of 1875, when he 
removed to Paw Paw, where he still holds that office. 
Darius E. Comstock opened an office at South Haven in 
July, 1870, and remained until the 1st of January, 1874, 
when, having been chosen prosecuting attorney, he removed 
to Paw Paw. He was appointed circuit judge in 1874, 
but died while holding the office, in January, 1875. Je- 
rome Coleman, though long a resident of this county, was 
admitted elsewhere soon after graduating from the Univer- 
sity of Michigan, in 1871, but has since practiced at Decatur. 
Alfred J. Mills, one of the later accessions to the bar of 
Paw Paw, is now the probate judge of the county. 

We close this sketch with a list of the lawyers now re- 
siding in Van Buren County, with their places of business : 
Paw Paw, E. R. Anuable, S. H. Blackman, C. A. Harrison, 

B. F. Heckert, 0. N. Hilton, Samuel Holmes, John 
Knowles, W. H. Mason, A. J. Mills, Chandler Richards, 
and 0. W. Rowland ; Decatur, Jerome Coleman, J. S. Park- 
hurst, J. J. Sherman, and W. H. Tucker ; Bangor, Calvin 
Cross, Austin Herrick, James F. Maury, and F. E. Withey ; 
South Haven, William N. Cook, James H. Johnson, and 

C. J. Monroe ; Hartford, C. H. Engle and A. H. Chandler ; 
Lawton, George W. Lawton and S. A. Tabor ; Lawrence, 
Robert L. Warren. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

It is hardly necessary to say that the life of the early 
physicians in Van Buren County, as well as throughout the 
State of Michigan, was one of great hardship. All their 
traveling was necessarily done on horseback, and the set- 
tlements were so widely scattered that they were obliged to 
traverse immense distances in order to visit their patients. 

Rising early and retiring late, the pioneer doctor rode 
from one lone log cabin to another, now following a scarcely 
perceptible roadway, where the boughs met clo.se above his 
bending head, now striking boldly through the untrodden 
woodland, now struggling through a marshy interval, and 
anon urging his tired steed into a bridgeless stream, per- 
chance compelled to swim a part of the way across, and 
emerging drenched to the skin on the opposite shore. 
Practicing medicine was no holiday work in Van Buren 
County from 1835 to 1850. 

According to the oldest residents, the first physician in 
Van Buren County was a Dr. Barrett, who was invited to 
Paw Paw from Stone Arabia, N. Y., in the summer of 
1835. He- practiced at Paw Paw only three or four years 
(perhaps less), and then removed to Kalamazoo, where he 
died. 

The first physician who settled permanently in the county 
was Dr. Levi H. Warner, who came with his family from 
Sweden, Monroe Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1835, with the 
families of John Hill, Theophilus Bangs, and Joshua and 
Joseph Luce. These families all settled at Paw Paw or 
vicinity. Dr. Warner practiced his profession in the county 
until 1847 or 1848, when he returned to New York. 

The next was Dr. Harvey Manley, a native of Ashta- 
bula Co., Ohio, who located at Breedsville in the spring of 
1837. He purchased a farm of two hundred and forty 
acres on section 29, in the immediate vicinity of Breeds- 
ville, where he lived for many years, and followed his pro- 
fession. 

Dr. Torrey, a graduate of a medical college in one of the 
Eastern States, came to Paw Paw in 1837, and practiced 
medicine for several years. His health fiuling, he returned 
to New England, where he soon after died. 

Josiah Andrews is a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y. He 
studied medicine in that State, and graduated at Fairfield 
Medical College, Herkimer Co., N. Y. He came to this State 
in 1838, located at Paw Paw, and commenced the practice 
of his profession. His ride embraced all the settled por- 
tions of the county. He was associated in after-years with 
Dr. H. C. Clapp, and is now associated with Dr. L. C. 
Woodman. In later years Dr. Andrews has mostly been 
engaged in office-work and consultation. He represented 
his district in the Legislature in 1846. 

Dr. Joel Camp, a native of Ohio, came to this county as 
early as 1846, and was practicing at South Haven in that 
year. He soon after settled at Breedsville, where he prac- 
ticed till the fall of 1853, when he removed to Lawrence. 
He subsequently went to Kalamazoo to reside, but about 
1867 returned to Bangor, where he is still engaged in the 
duties of his profession. 

Dr. John W. Emory, a native of Alstead, N. H., gradu- 
ated at Woodstock Medical College, in that State. He 
practiced many years before coming to this State. 



372 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



In 1848 he came to Paw Paw and engaged in his former 
business. With the exception of four years spent in Ver- 
mont, he has hved and practiced in Paw Paw to the present 
time. 

Dr. Geo. Bartholomew, a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
came to Keeler in 1846, and bouglit a farm, where he re- 
mained two years. He then removed to Paw Paw, and 
spent three years in that place. He was in the employ of 
the Panama Railroad Company as a physician five years, 
but returned to Keeler in 1869, where he is still in practice. 

Dr. C. P. Prindle came to Lawrence in the year 1848, 
and practiced till the fall of 1852. 

Dr. J. T. Keables, a native of Norwich, Conn., studied 
medicine, and commenced practice in 1849, at Joliet, 111. 
In 1851 he came to Decatur, and has practiced in that 
place till the present time, with the exception of three 
years' service as surgeon in the 3d Michigan Cavalry. 

Dr. Charles T. Baker is a native of Howard, Steuben 
Co., N. Y. He graduated in the medical department of 
the University of Michigan in 1854, and in the fall of that 
year came to Decatur. He has been in practice in that 
village ever since, except during a term as surgeon in the 
army in the war for the Union. 

Dr. Wm. B. Hathaway, a native of Jefferson County, 
N. Y., studied medicine with Professor Trowbridge, in 
Watertown, N. Y., graduated at Castleton College, Vt., in 
1851 ; came to Allegan in the fall of the same year, moved 
soon after to Breedsville, and in 1853 located at South 
Haven. He was the first regular physician in that town- 
ship, and remained there till 1861, when he removed to 
Paw Paw, where he still resides and practices. 

Dr. G. W. Rogers is a native of Cortland Co., N. Y., and 
studied medicine with^Dr. Curtiss, of Geneva College, N. Y. 
He practiced five years in that State, and in May, 1857, 
came to Decatur, where he is still engaged in his profession. 
He attended lectures at Chicago, and is a member of the 
State Medical Society. 

Dr. Charles M. Lee graduated at the medical college in 
Geneva, N. Y. He was a native of Fulton, N. Y., and 
came to South Haven in 1856. He remained three years 
and then returned to New York. 

Dr. Henry C. Clapp, a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., came 
to Paw Paw in 1842. After teaching school a short time 
he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Andrews, of 
that village. He attended lectures and graduated at La- 
porte, Ind., in 1846. He returned to Paw Paw, where he 
practiced seven or eight years, and then removed to Chicago. 
He afterwards went from that city to California, where he 
died. 

Dr. M. F. Palmer was the first resident physician of 
Hartford. He located at the village about 1852, and com- 
menced a practice which he still continues. 

Dr. Nelson Howe, a well-educated physician, came to 
Lawrence in the spring of 1853, and practiced there until 
his death, in January, 1864. 

Dr. A. S. Haskin came to Lawrence in 1857. He has 
been in constant practice to the present, and is secretary of 
the County Medical Society. 

The Van Bureii County Medical Hociclj/. — The tbllow- 
ing is the first record of this association : 



" At a meeting of a number of the physicians of Van Buren 
County, unnvened according to previous notice, April 15, 1856, at the 
office of Dr. Josiah Andrews, at Paw Paw, it was on motion re- 
siilved that a medical society be organized for this county. A pre- 
liminary organization was etfected, and an adjournment to April 29th, 
when a permanent organization was perfected by the election of the 
i'ollowing officers, and the adoption of a constitution : Josiah Andrews, 
Paw Paw, President; H.O. Clapp, Paw Paw, Vice-President; J. El- 
liot Sweet, Keeler, Secretary; J. Andrews, Treasurer. The persons 
whose names are given below are the constituent members: J. An- 
drews, J. Elliot Sweet, L. C. Woodman, C. T. Baker, G. B. Davidson, 
H. C. Cliipp." 

Dr. Sweet remained secretary until January, 1878, when 
he was succeeded by A. S. Haskin. Meetings of the society 
are held every three months, in January, April, July, and 
November. 

The officers in 1879 were L. C. Woodman, of Paw Paw, 
President; T. H. Briggs, Vice-President ; A. S. Haskin, 
of Lawrence, Secretary. 

The following is a list of the members in 1879 : Paw 
Paw, Josiah Andrews, John W. Emory, William B. Hath- 
away, L. R. Dibble, L. C. Woodman ; Hartford, J. Elliot 
Sweet, M. P. Palmer, William A. Engle, A. E. Palmer ; 
South Haven, J. 0. Gunsolly, G. V. Hilton ; Decatur, J. 
T. Keables, C. T. Baker ; Lawrence, A. S. Haskin, 0. B. 
Wiggin, E. S. Cleveland ; Watervliet, B. B. Tucker ; Mat- 
tawan, T. H. Briggs, David Brown ; Dowagiac, C. W. 
Morse; Bangor, J. E. Ferguson; Keeler, George Barthol- 
omew ; Breedsville, N. J. Cranmer ; Gobleville, A. E. Bul- 
son ; Bloomiugdale, H. R. Bulson, W. B. Anderson. 

Regular physicians resident in the county not members 
of the society are Drs. Rose and Dillon, Decatur; Dr. Wil- 
liam E. Rowe, Lawrence ; Dr. John L. Cross, Bangor ; Dr. 
E. B. Dunning, Paw Paw ; Dr. Joel Camp, Bangor ; Dr. 
M. E. Bishop, South Haven ; Dr. William C. Freese, South 
Haven ; Dr. Charles Carnes, Covert ; Dr. L. A. Barber, 
Bloomiugdale ; Dr. Rankin, Bloomiugdale. 

Homoeopathic and other Physicians. — The physicians of 
this practice have no county society. The names of those 
who have practiced and are still practicing in the county are 
given as well as can be ascertained : 

Dr. C. M. Odell, a native of Canada, graduated at 
Queen's College, Toronto, as an allopathic physician in 
1835, and practiced there in both allopathy and homoeopathy 
before coming to this State. He came to Mattawan in 
1850, and to Paw Paw a little later. After the establish- 
ment of the Homoeopathic College at Detroit he attended 
lectures there, and graduated in 1873. He is still in prac- 
tice at Paw Paw. 

Dr. Eugene Bitely, a native of New York, graduated at 
Cleveland in 1853,and settled at Paw Paw. where he prac- 
ticed till his death, March 31, 1873. 

Dr. S. Rowe, an eclectic physician, came to Lawrence in 
1853, and still practices there. 

Dr. Zenas Sikes came to the township of Keeler, and 
was one of its earliest settlers. He was a physician of the 
Tliompsonian school, and for several years was the only 
practitioner in the township. 

The homoeopathic physicians now in practice are Dr. 
West, of Lawtou; Dr. H. M. Brodick, of Decatur; Dr. 
A. M. Hcndrick, of Paw Paw ; Dr. C. D. Gibson, of Ban- 
gor ; and Dr. J. W. Megan, of Pine Grove. 



COUNTY SOCIETIES. 



373 



CHAPTEK L. 

COUNTY SOCIETIES. 

Van Buren County Agricultmal Society — Paw Paw Valley Agricul- 
tural Society — Van Buren County Pomona Grange. P. of H. — Van 
Buren County Pioneer Association — Farmers' Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company of Van Buren County. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The early records of this society, if there were any such, 
are not to be found, but the following facts concerning it 
have been obtained from some of its early members. 

The society was organized in the summer of 1850, with 
Jay R. Monroe as president. The first fair was held in 
the court-house square, the stock being tied to the trees 
and the court-room being used as a floral hall. The fair 
was held in the same place in 1851. In 1852 it was held 
in the village of Lawrence, south of where the Methodist 
church now stands. In 1853-55 the annual expositions 
were held at Paw Paw. 

In 1855 the people of the western part of the county 
furnished lumber, and built sheds, stalls, and stands on the 
public square at Lawrence, and the fair of that year was 
held at that place. 

In 1856 the lumber was taken down and removed to 
Paw Paw. The society leased of Peter Gremps lands west 
of the river, which were fenced, and on which the neces- 
sary buildings were erected with the lumber brought from 
Lawrence. 

Prom that time the fairs of the society were held on the 
leased grounds until 1870, when the directors purchased 
twenty acres of land half a mile west of the village of Paw 
Paw. The grounds were fenced, and a floral hall and com- 
modious stalls were erected that year. In 1872 a judges' 
stand and grand stand were erected. The society is now 
in a prosperous condition, and the property is valued at 
$10,000. 

The oflicers of the society for 1879 are as follows: 
David Woodman (2d), President ; Joseph Kilburn, Vice- 
President ; C. A. Harrison, Secretary ; N. M. Pugsley, 
Treasurer. Directors for two years : 0. P. Morton, J. T. 
Bangs, Aaron Van Auken, E. P. Mills, C. W. Youngs, T. 
W. Vallean. 

The following is from a report of the secretary, and is 
a comparative statement of the society : 

INDEBTEDNESS OF THE VAN BUEBN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL 
SOCIETY, Oct. 10, 1878. 

Mortgage on grounds .$1.')00 

Notes held by N. M. Pugsley 1U25 

Notes held by bank 63U 

Interest on same 300 

Total $3455 

INDEBTEDNESS, October, 1879. 

Mortgage notes $1500 

" " upon which all interest is paid. 1115 

$2615 

Reduction $S40 

RECEIPTS AND EXPENSES SINCE 1870. 

1870. — Receipts (in this is included from county, 

$340; life members, $207— $547) $1627.93 

Expenses 1643.48 

1871.— Receipts 1180.35 

Expenses 1108,82 



1872.— Receipts (county, $250; life members, $113 
—$363) 

Expenses (in hands of treasurer, S143.13)... 
1873.— Receipts (life members, $200) 

Expenses 

1874.— Receipts (appropriated from county, $168.- 
75) 

Expenses 

1875. — Receipts (appropriated from county, $133.- 
33) 

Expenses 

1876. — Receipts (appropriated from county, $133.- 
33) 

Expenses 

1877. — Receipts (appropriated from county, $100) 

Expenses 

1878. — Receipts 

Expenses 

1879. — Receipts 

Expenses 



$1629.30 
1486.15 
1524.65 
1664.54 

1670.75 
1899.14 

1589.77 
1596.72 

1238.02 
1235.36 
1636.22 
1687.66 
2505.49 
2138.21 
1649.84 
1340.20 



NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS AND ENTRIES SINCE 1874. 

1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 

Exhibitors 353 429 400 377 434 380 

Horses 128 152 166 152 231 218 

Cattle .52 50 47 33 82 49 

Sheep 



Poultry. 



IS 16 
9 16 



41 



54 



31 IS 



59 283 342 308 448 394 



PAW PAW VALLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

In 1863, on account of the disafi'ection occasioned by the 
continuance of the ftiir-grounds of the county society at 
Paw Paw, a Horse-Pair Association was organized at Law- 
rence, and a tract of twenty-five acres of ground was leased 
of Holland B. Clark for its use. The grounds were fenced, 
a track was graded, and stands, stalls, and a floral hall erected, 
at a cost of nine thousand dollars. E. 0. Briggs was elected 
president, and J. R. Baker secretary. 

Pairs were held in 186Jr-66, but the receipts were not 
suificient to meet the expenses, and they were therefore dis- 
continued. 

In 1871, pursuant to call, a large number of the citizens 
of Van Buren County met at Chadwick's Hall, in the vil- 
lage of Lawrence, on the 7th day of January, 1871, and 
formed themselves into an association " for the encourage- 
ment and advancement of agriculture, manufactures, and 
mechanic arts," under the name of the Paw Paw Valley 
Agricultural Society, it being intended to embrace the 
townships of the western and central portions of Van Bu- 
ren County. The following oflicers were duly elected : 
President, Samuel Hoppin ; Treasurer, Isaac C. Bunnell ; 
Secretary, John B. Potter; Directors, Eaton Branch, Os- 
car M. Southard, Samuel Hoppin, Holland B. Clark, Rufus 
Tiilon, Jay R. Monroe, Alvin Sturtevant, Samuel G. 
Mather, James M. Blowers, Chandler Richards, John B. 
Potter, Fabius Miles, Newell Crussey. 

The grounds of the Horse-Pair Association were occu- 
pied by the society, under the leave of that association, and 
the first fair was held Oct. U-13, 1871. 

At a meeting of the society in 1877 its scope was ex- 
tended so as to include the townships of VVatervliet, Pipe- 
. stone, and Baiubridge, in Berrien County, and of Volinia, 
Wayne, and Silver Creek, in Cass County. 

The otficers for 1880 are Erastus Osborne, of Hamilton, 
President; Amos Dopp, of Lawrence, Vice-President; 
Robert L. Warren, of Lawrence, Secretary ; Charles Rock- 
well, of Lawrence, Treasurer. 



374 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



VAN BUREN COUNTY POMONA GRANGE, No. 1.", PATRONS 
OF HUSBANDRY. 

This society was organized at Lawrence, on the 26th of 
October, 1876, by C. L. Whitney, State Lecturer, and J. J. 
Woodman, Master of the State Grange, with sixty con- 
stituent members. The first ofiBoers were David Woodman 
(2d), Master; Oscar Caldwell, Overseer ; Arthur Hayden, 
Lecturer ; Henry Goss, Secretary. 

David Woodman (2d) was the Master till October, 1878, 
when Oscar Caldwell was elected. In October, 1879, Da- 
vid Woodman (2d) was again elected to the chief position. 
The society now contains about one hundred and twenty-five 
members. 

All Patrons of Husbandry who have attained the fourth 
degree, and are in good standing in the subordinate granges, 
are eligible to the county grange. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY PIONEER ASSOCIATION. 

Pursuant to call, a large number of the^old settlers of 
Van Buren County met at Chadwick's Hall, in the village 
of Lawrence, on the 22d day of February, 1872. Gen. B. 
F. Chadwick was chosen chairman, Hon. M. L. Fitch was 
assistant chairman, and S. T. Conway secretary. A com- 
mittee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, 
which were adopted by the meeting, and an association was 
then organized under the above name, with the following 
officers : 

President, Jay R. Monroe; Vice-President, R. Barnuni; 
Secretary, S. T. Conway ; Executive Committee, David 
Wise, Pine Grove ; Silas Breed, Almena ; C. M. Merrill, 
Antwerp; S. Corey, Porter; Ashbel H. Herron, Bloom- 
ingdale; R. J. Myers, Waverly ; N. M. Pugsley, Paw 
Paw; Elijah Goble, Decatur; J. A. Howard, Columbia; 
D. D. Briggs, Arlington ; p]aton Branch, Lawrence ; Calvin 
Field, Hamilton ; Clark Pierce, Geneva ; Charles U. Cross, 
Bangor ; Lewis Miller, Hartford ; R. Irish, Keeler ; D. T. 
Pierce, South Haven ; Myron Fish, Deerfield. Speeches 
were delivered by Jay R. Monroe, Joseph Woodman, Dr. 
J. Andrews, and J. R. Hendryx. 

The fourth annual meeting was held in Decatur. The 
town hall was decorated with evergreens and pictures. Upon 
the wall, behind the president's desk, hung a portrait of 
Adolphus Morris, the first pioneer of Van Buren County, 
above which were the words " Decatur, the pioneer town, 
welcomes her friends." A call was made by the president 
for all who came into the country between 1827 and 1835 
to take the stand. About fifteen responded. 

Jay R. Monroe was the president of the .society until his 
death, in 1877, when Eaton Branch, of Lawrence, was 
elected, and still holds the position. Meetings are held 
annually in different parts of the county. The society has 
a present membership of five hundred and seventy-six. 

The records, kept by Dr. J. Andrews, contain numerous 
interesting reminiscences of the early days, many of which 
will be found in the different township histories. 

FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF 
VAN BUREN COUNTY. 

This company was organized Sept. -12, 1863, with the 
following constituent members: T. R. Harrison, Myron 
Plumb, Joshua Bangs, A. M. Hauselman, Samuel Hayden, 



Jehial Glidden, N. M. Pugsley, Je.sse Wilson, Philip N. 
Teed, J. J. Woodman, Joseph Luce, P. I. Bragg, Edwin 
D. Whitney, Lyman Tultle, James Bale, and S. W. Man- 
ning. The company was incorporated the same year, the 
first president being Jason A. Sheldon, and the first ."Jecre- 
tary William P. Stocking. 

The business of the company is confined to Van Buren 
County. It insures all farm buildings and all personal 
property on farms against fire and lightning. The number 
of policies in force Jan. 1, 1880, was 865, covering property 
to the amount of $1,189,975. The losses for 1878 were 
$1850; those for 1879 were $3633.42. The increase 
during the latter year is due to the extremely dry period 
which occurred in May of that year. Average cost of in- 
surance for the past six years, about one-fourth of one per 
cent. 

The salaries paid to officers in 1879 amounted to three 
hundred and seventy-five dollars and forty cents. The 
officers for 188U are David Woodman, President ; Chandler 
Richards, Secretary and Treasurer. The office of the com- 
pany is at Paw Paw. 



CHAPTER LI. 

ANTWERP TOWNSHIP.* 

Boundaries and General Description — Pioneers of Antwerp — Antwerp 
Post-Office — Early Roads — Wayside Taverns — Mills and Millers — 
Township Organization and List of Officers — Lawton Village — Mat- 
tawan Village — Schools of the Township — Churches — Fruit Cul- 
ture — Railways in Antwerp. 

Antwerp, lying on the eastern boundary of Van Buren 
County, is one of the seven townships formed from Lafay- 
ette, on the 11th of March, 1837, just before the organi- 
zation of Van Buren County. In the United States survey 
it is designated as township 3 south, range 13 west, and is 
bounded as follows : on the north by Almena, on the south 
by Porter, on the east by the Kalamazoo County line, and 
west by Paw Paw. 

Antwerp is a rich agricultural district, and within the 
past five years has been rapidly and profitably developing 
as an important fruit-raising region, especially in the vicin- 
ity of Lawton village, where the culture of the peach and 
the grape, already attended with gratifying results, promises 
something extraordinary for the near future. Manufactures 
are chiefly confined to flour-mills, of which there are four 
in the township, that produce largely for Eastern shipment. 
An extensive industry, known as the Michigan Central 
Iron Company, was carried on at Lawton village between 
the years 1867 and 1875, and inspired that town with a 
very lively activity, to which it has since been a stranger. 

Lawton and Mattawan are the two villages of the town- 
ship, the former being incorporated. Both are stations on 
the Michigan Central Railway, and both are important 
wheat-shipping points, Lawton being also one of the termini 
of the Paw Paw Railway. The east branch of the Paw 
Paw River, passing through the township in a northwest- 
erly direction from the southeast, furnishes excellent water- 



' By David Schwartz, 





MB. JOSEPH WOODMAN. 



MRS. JOSEPH WOODMAN. 



ELDER JOSEPH WOODMAN. 



Elder Joseph Woodman was born in Barrin<:;ton, N. H., 
Feb. 12, 1790. When quite young, his father, John Wood- 
man, with liis family, became a pioneer settler in Caledo- 
nia Co., Vt. .Joseph was the second child, and eldest son in 
the family, and in early life he developed those active quali- 
ties of labor, perseverance, and prudence, which crowned his 
life with success and honor. He was married to Tryphena 
Johnson, of the same county, Jan. 1, 1810, with whom he lived 
a happy union fifty-three years, she dying June 14, 1863, in 
the seventy-second year of her age, having had ten children, 
six of whom still survive. Riley, the eldest son, resides in 
Powhatan, Kan., the other five, viz. : David Woodman (2d), 
J. J. Woodman, Mrs. Joseph Luce, Mrs. Freeman Ruggles, 
and Mrs. H. P. Nelson, are residents of Van Buren County. 

Soon after his marriage he, with his wife, joined the Free- 
Will Baptist Church. Earnest in his religious convictions, 
he soon to the labor of his hands joined that of the ministry, 
and engaged in preaching the gospel. In the spring of 1831 
he sold the farm (among the hills) in Sutton, on which he 
had lived several years, and which he cleared and improved 
with his own hands, also the saw-mill which he built on the 
stream near his residence, and in July of that 3"ear emi- 
grated to Western New York, and settled on a farm in Riga, 
Monroe Co., where he resided until the spring of 1835, when 
he with his family moved to Michigan, and settled upon the 
land which he located and which became his future home, on 
the Territorial Road in the township of Antwerp, east of and 
adjoining the village of Paw Paw. He was the first white 
settler, and built the first log house and the first frame barn 
in the township. His log house, built in three days and fin- 
ished ready for occupancy, and into which he moved his family 
on the 10th day of May, 183.5, was built on the spot now oc- 
cupied by the fine residence of his youngest son, Hon. J. J. 
Woodman, to whom he sold all of his farm in 1861, e.xcept 
forty acres on which his residence stood, which he built in 
1838, and in whicli he lived forty-one years, and until his 
death, April 2, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, 
one month, and twenty-one days. 

When he settled upon his farm there was but one small 
frame house, three log cabins, and a saw-mill on the territory 
now ciccupied by the beautiful and flourishing village of Paw 
Paw. There being no church of his faith near him at the 
time, he united with the Protestant Methodists, and was soon 
after ordained, and was actively engaged in the ministry until 
within a few years of his death, when advancing age compelled 
him to retire from the pulpit and active duties of a long and 
useful life, and seek the quiet and comfortable surroundings of 
his home and fireside. His second wife, Mrs. Mary Osmer, 
to whom he was married in the winter of 1863, faithfully 
ministered to him in his declining years. 

He was a representative man of his time, and took an active 
part in the early politics of the State. He was magistrate of his 
township for nine years ; and many were the suits tried before 



him, in which Charles E. Stuart, Miller, and Baleh, of the 
Kalamazoo bar, were engaged as counsel. His name is asso- 
ciated with nearly all of the stirring events and public enter- 
prises connected with the early settlement and development 
of the county; and he lived to see his children settled around 
him in comfortable homes ; the red man and the forests pass 
away, and in their place a refined civilization with broad and 
rich cultivated fields and thriving villages. 

From the records of the Woodman family, which have 
been carefully compiled and published, it appears to have 
been remarkable not only for numbers and longevity, but for 
unitoi.ii morality. Their ancestor, Edward Woodman, came 
from England, and settled in Newbury, Mass., in 1635, and 
in 18.56 his descendants numbered seven thousand four hun- 
dred ; and we have been unable to ascertain that any one 
of this vast multitude, or their descendants down to the pres- 
ent time, has ever been arrested for crime. As an example 
of longevity, we note the twelve children of Joshua and 
Eunice Woodman, who settled in Kingston, N. H., in 1736. 
Of this family, one died at the age of ninety-seven, one at 
ninety-three, two at eighty-six, two at eighty-four, two at 
eighty-one, two at eighty, one at seventy-six, and one at 
sixtj'-eight. The combined ages of the twelve amounted to 
nine hundred and ninety-six years. 

At a reunion of the Woodman family, at the residence of 
Hon. J. J. Woodman, in 1877, over eighty representatives of 
the family were present, and the occasion was one of intei'est, 
and of unusual occurrence. The venerable father was con- 
ducted to the parlor, where an agreeable surprise awaited 
him. On the walls hung the life-size portraits, recently 
painted, of himself and the wife of his youth, the mother of 
his children, who, though not lost or forgotten, is gone before. 
After looking at them earnestly and well, he simply remarked, 
" Yes, yes, that's Tryphena," and "Yes, that's me." The whole 
company were arranged upon the lawn in front of the house 
in the following order, — and were photograjihed by an artist 
who had been employed for the occasion : Elder Joseph 
Woodman, the subject of this sketch — who was then nearly 
eighty-eight years of age, and whose descendants numbered 
fifty-two — occupied the centre, with his three brothers and two 
sisters seated according to their respective ages upon his left; 
the united ages of the six amounting to five hundred and 
one years, — the youngest of whom was Rev. Jonathan 
Woodman, father of Dr. L. C. Woodman, of Paw Paw, in 
his eightieth year, and who had been constantly engaged in 
the ministry for sixty-two years ; and is now pastor of a 
church, and preaching regularly in his native State, Vermont. 
On his right was his eldest child, Mrs. Sabra Luce, and her 
daughter, Mrs. Emily Abrams, and her daughter, Mrs. Ella 
Wattles with her infant son. Six octogenarian brothers and 
sisters on one hand, and five generations on the other, with 
seventy representatives of the family standing in the rear, 
all but four of whom are residents of Van Buren Countv. 



M 



■^f 



^ 




K^ 








TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



375 



power for four large grist-mills. Generally, the soil is a 
sandy loam, although in some portions clay and gravel pre- 
vail. Tiie surface of the country is strikingly even, and 
what few elevations there are are of but little prominence, 
the most conspicuous being one south of Mattawan and 
one in the northeast, which afford picturesque views of the 
surrounding country. 

The population of Antwerp in 1874 was 2209, and its 
assessed value in 1879 was $465,000. 

PIONEERS OF ANTWERP. 

The present township of Antwerp invited the attention 
of the Western pioneer, for the special reason that its terri- 
tory was largely composed of '' oak openings," while it was 
remarkably free from swampy or low land. The soil, a fine 
sandy loam, promised ready cultivation, and when the in- 
ducements to settlers began to disclose themselves, the tide 
of migration westward brought settlers into Antwerp in 
considerable numbers, so that at a comparatively early day 
the township was generally given over to the hardy pioneers. 

JiVen before roads were laid out, traveling through the 
township was no difficult matter, since there was little or no 
underbrush in the forests, and these latter were so open that 
the settler could drive through them anywhere without 
having to cut his road before him. Old settlers in Antwerp 
now living say that when they came into the country they 
were charmed with it. The woods were like vast orchards, 
in that one could see round about anywhere for the space 
of a quarter of a mile. 

The early settlers found here and there clearly-defined 
traces of what have been termed prehistoric garden-beds. 
In the northern part of the township especially were these 
old beds discovered, grown over with giant timber, but 
marked by regular lines easily traced, and entirely convincing 
as to their earlier uses. On the farm of Nathaniel Bangs, 
on sections 4 and 9, one may yet see, in a piece of timber- 
land, positive signs of the remote existence on that spot of 
these so-called garden-beds. 

Opinions seem to be divided as to the identity of the 
first white settler in Antwerp. It was either Joel Tomlin- 
son, who, according lo the recollection of his daughter, 
settled upon section 22, Dec. 11, 1834, or Joseph Woodman, 
who settled on section 7 on the 10th of May, 1835. In the 
spring of 1836 a Mr. Bishop erected the framework of a 
mill, and had a dam nearly completed across the stream, but 
Mr. Tomlinson would not allow him to complete it, as the 
back water from the dam would overflow a very valuable 
spring of his. Mr. Tomlinson lives now in Ohio, at the 
advanced age of eighty-three, but cannot recollect whether 
he settled in the township in 1834 or 1835. 

Mrs. Peter Moon, of Porter, a daughter of Mr. Tomlin- 
son, says that after her father had been settled some time, 
she, with two sisters, started out with horses and wagon to 
discover whether there were any neighbors In due time 
they reached a clearing on the Territorial road, and there 
were surprised to see old Jesse Abbe and his daughter hard 
at work plowing, — the young lady driving the oxen, and 
driving them, too, with a good deal of vigor.* 



* As the Territorifti road was not opened until the summer of 1835, 
and Abbe did not settle upon his land until the middle of May of 



Settlements in the southern portion of the township, 
although first tending that way, were far from rapid. The 
incoming pioneer tide followed more generally the line of 
the Territorial road, and during 1835, 1836, and 1837 by 
far the greatest number of settlements in Antwerp were 
made on or near that important highway. With Antwerp, 
as with many towns in Michigan, it appeared to be the rule 
that nearly all the early settlers came from New York State, 
and in Antwerp's especial case, Monroe Co., N. Y., fur- 
nished a large majority of the first comers. The reason for 
this latter was that the Wadsworth family, of Monroe Co., 
N. Y., owned considerable land in Antwerp, and sent many 
settlers thither. 

Joseph Woodman, one of the pioneers of Antwerp, died 
in April, 1879, at the age of eighty-nine, upon the farm 
(near Paw Paw village) which became his home in May, 
1835, and remained his home until he died. In an address 
delivered by Mr. Woodman before the Van Buren County 
Pioneer Association in 1872, he thus graphically recited 
his experiences in 1835 : 

" I came to this country in the spring of 1835, landed at 
Detroit, and made my way to Kalamazoo through mud and 
mire with two teams, — a horse-team and an ox-team. The 
mud was terrible, and I had frequently to double up my 
teams to get through. I frequently met stages, with pas- 
sengers on foot carrying rails or poles. They said it was 
hafd fare, and that the driver wanted them to carry two 
rails apiece, but they couldn't see it. I had my family with 
me, — wife and six children, — -and after much difiiculty 
reached Kalamazoo, and succeeded in getting them into an 
old log house. I started alone then from Kalamazoo for 
Paw Paw, and was told at Grand Prairie that I could not 
get through that night, that I would be eaten by the 
wolves, but being young and vigorous I pushed on, and 
without mishap reached a cabin known as Dodge's tavern, 
standing upon the site of the now flourishing village of 
Paw Paw. On Saturday, in company with Silas Breed, I 
went land-viewing, and returned to Dodge's that evening. 
I asked Dodge if they had any meetings, and was answered 
in the negative. I told him we had a minister^ in our 
party, and we would like to have a meeting on the Sab- 
bath, which we accordingly did, holding it in a slab shanty. 
On Monday, in company with Jashua Bangs, I went out 
on the Territorial road to locate land, and each selected a 
piece. I brought my family from Kalamazoo, and estab- 
lished them in Paw Paw in a blacksmith's shop.J I built 
a log house on my land, and moved my family into it on 
the 10th day of May, 1835. I went to clearing land, 
plowed seven acres with a wooden plow, and raised a fine 
crop of corn, potatoes, turnips, pumpkins, melons, etc." 

When Mr. Woodman settled with his family upon his 
Antwerp farm, Paw Paw village contained one very small 

that year, it would seem improbable that Tomlinson could live six 
months, and through one winter, within three miles of their only 
neighbor without knowing it. It seems quite certain that Mrs. Moon 
is mistaken in the time her father settled in the township, and that 
Joseph Woodman and his family are correct in their recollection and 
belief that they were the first settlers in the township. 

f Mr. Woodman was himself an ordained Methoilist Protestant 
minister. 

J Rodney Hinckley's shop. 



376 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



frame bouse, three log cabius, and a saw-mill. Upon the 
old homestead now lives his son, Jonathan J. Woodman 
(Master of the State Grange and Master also of the Na- 
tional Grange). Another son, David, lives in the southern 
portion of Paw Paw township, where he became a settler at 
an early day. 

In the spring of 1835, Joshua Bangs, Silas Breed, and 
Elder Jonathan Hinckley, of Monroe Co., N. Y., started 
from there with Breed's team to look for land in Michigan, 
purposing to make Grand Rapids their objective point. 
They journeyed as far as Silver Creek, Ohio, by road, and 
found the travel so bad that — to use Mr. Bangs' words — 
" One of us drove the team while the other two footed 
behind, carrying rails with which to pry the wagon out of 
the mud-holes, and I tell you we had to do a heap of pry- 
ing." They continued by way of the lake from Silver 
Creek to Detroit, and there, resuming their team, pushed 
on for Grand Rapids. At Marshall they overtook Joseph 
Woodman and his family, of Monroe Co., N. Y., bound 
also for Grand Rapids, and so they journeyed westward in 
company. Learning that the land-ofSce was at Kalamazoo 
they halted there, and being persuaded to locate in Van 
Buren County, Woodman and Bangs made a land-looking 
tour through the present town of Antwerp. They were 
so well pleased that they selected land without delay, 
Bangs entering four 80-acre lots on section 5 and one on 
section 7, on the latter of which he put up a log shanty at 
once, as did Woodman, who had selected a fiirm adjoining 
Bangs on the west. 

Bangs was then ready to go back to New York for his 
family, and as Woodman had also to return to that State, 
they, in company with Silas Breed, bound also eastward, 
started from Dodge's tavern, in Paw Paw, and traveled to 
Detroit, where they arrived just four days and a half later. 
Bangs got his family ready, and in the fall of 1835, when 
he made the start for Michigan, he was accompanied by the 
families of Dr. Levi Warner, Joseph Luce (both of whom 
settled in Paw Paw township), Theophilus Bangs, and John 
Hill. Joshua Bangs lived upon his Antwerp farm until he 
was chosen county treasurer, in 1837, at a special election, 
— D. 0. Dodge, the first county treasurer elected, failing to 
act, — and then he removed his residence to Paw Paw. 
Mr. Bangs was thus the first actual county treasurer of 
Van Buren, although nominally the second. He held the 
oflBce four years, when he resumed his residence in Ant- 
werp, which has since been his home. 

Theophilus Bangs, his brother, who came to Antwerp 
with him, settled upon section 19, where he lived about 
thirty years, and then removing to Paw Paw village, died 
there. John Hill, who also accompanied Jo.shua Bangs 
westward in 1835, located upon section 7. He got home- 
sick in about three years, returned to Monroe County, and 
sold his Michigan farm to Jason A. Sheldon, who came 
out and settled upon it. Sheldon sold it to the present 
occupant, G. B. Chapin, and moved to the village of Paw 
Paw, where he resided several years, and then to a farm on 
section 5, where he now resides. 

Philip Moon, of New York, settled upon section 5 in 
1835. He died on the place in 185G. His son, Horace 
W. (who came out with Joshua Bangs), now lives on sec- 



tion 16. Elder Samuel Gilman, father of Joseph Gilman, 
bought out E. H. Niles on .section 5, and settled there in 
the fall of 1838. He afterwards sold his farm to J. R. 
Bangs, and moved to a farm on section 6, where he died, 
and where his daughter, Mrs. William Clark, is now living. 
A. F. Moon, now living in Georgia, settled in Antwerp, on 
section 17. Peter Moon, now of Porter, was a settler in 
Antwerp in 1835. s^^ 

Among the land-lookers in Michigan in 1835 was John 
Hunt, of Vermont, who, being pleased with the land in the^ 
northern portion of Antwerp, entered 160 acres on section 
1. He returned to Vermont, and in 1836 came again to 
Michigan to buy more land, but just at that time the land- 
oflBce, overrun with applications for farming territory, was 
closed, and Hunt had to go back to Vermont without 
making additional purchases. 

When he reached his Vermont home he began to make 
preparations for a move, with his family, to his Michigan 
farm, and May 1, 1837, he set out with his wife and four 
children. They proceeded by canal to Buffalo, where, 
finding the harbor so full of ice that vessels could not get 
in, they engaged a man to carry them and their goods in a 
wagon to Silver Creek, — thirty-six miles away, — where 
they were told they would find a steamer for Detroit. The 
rain poured down in torrents, the roads were knee-deep 
with mud, the man who drove for them was drunk, and 
the result was that after floundering two days through the 
rain and mire they were abandoned by the drunken Jehu 
in the woods when not much more than half-way to Silver 
Creek. They succeeded, however, in finding a party to 
carry them to their journey's end, and thus, after a three 
days' trip, they made the thirty-six miles, and reached the 
steamer. They left the boat at Toledo, went by horse- 
railway to Adrian, and there engaged a team at $5 a day 
to convey them to Kalamazoo, which they reached at last, 
three weeks after their departure from Vermont. Leaving 
his family at the house of his brother Ormon, in Kalama- 
zoo, Mr. Hunt went up to Samuel Wells' saw-mill in 
Antwerp, bought a lot of boards, and hired Jesse Abbe (who 
owned about the only pair of horses in the township) to 
haul them for him and put up his house. As an evidence 
of the high cost of life's necessaries there at that time it 
may be mentioned that Mr. Hunt paid $55 at Kalamazoc 
for a cook-stove (second-hand at that), " about as big," he 
says, " as a warming-pan." " When I started from Ver- 
mont," says Mr. Hunt, " I had $800 in money, but when 
I got to Michigan I had $300 less, — a pretty steep price 
for a trip that you can make now in thirty-six hours." 
Mr. Hunt still lives on the farm he bought in 1835, and is 
always glad to relate the stirring experiences of his pioneer 
days. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan L. Fitch, 
Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Gates, and Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Surdam 
were married before they came to Antwerp in 1837, and of 
the married couples who came into the township at that 
early period are the only ones living in Antwerp. 

Mr. Hunt was the first to build a barn in his neighbor- 
hood, and its completion was an event of no little impor- 
tance in the locality, chiefly for the reason that Mr. Hunt 
showed his slow neighbors how much better it was to 
thrash on a barn floor than in the open air and on the 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



377 



ground. Many of them had been thrashing their wheat in 
open lots. When they saw how great an improvement Mr. 
Hunt had effected in the premises by barn-thrashing, they 
quickly changed their tones of derision for those of admira- 
tion, and for awhile Hunt was besieged by farmers request- 
ing permission to thrash in his barn. 

Among the more conspicuous early settlers were also 
Samuel Lull, a famous dairyman ; Anthony Corey, a noted 
timber-hewer, who settled on the spot where Lawton village 
is now located ; Hiram and Robert Morrison ; Lyman Tay- 
lor, a brickmaker ; Patrick Johnson ; Harman Harwick 
and his son Peter ; John McKinney ; the Hathaways ; 
Weldens ; Silas F. Breed (the founder of Breedsville), 
and Isaac Borden. Peter Hinckley, a son of Elder Jona- 
than Hinckley, settled on section 4 in 1835, and sold to 
E. B. Dyckman in 1838. 

The year 1836 brought many settlers to Antwerp. 
Among them was Wells Gray, who located upon section 2. 
He put up a log cabin with a loose board floor, and one day 
when a black-snake reared his ugly front through one of 
the floor cracks and glared at Mrs. Gray, that good woman 
was so alarmed and disgusted that when her husband came 
home that night she declared he must get a farm some- 
where else, for she would not live in a place where snakes 
were liable to drop in on her at any time. So Gray sold 
his farm to Reason Holmes, and bought one on section 7, 
where his wife died in 1838. He married again, and lived 
on the same farm until his death, in 1867. 

Ezra Gates, who was a son-in-law of Jesse Abbe, lived 
with the old gentleman a while, and then located upon sec- 
tion 2, where he still resides. Mr. Gates came from Ohio, 
and in explanation of the fact that his early school education 
had been neglected, used to say that when he was young he 
lived on the wrong side of the river. — that is, the river was 
between him and the school-house. 

Samuel Longstreet, who came to Antwerp in 1836, located 
upon a farm near his brother Andrew, and from there went 
to Lawton, where he died. He held the office of justice of 
the peace at the time of his death, and for several years 
previously. In 1836 there came also Morgan L. Pitch, 
from Western New York, and in June of that year he 
bought of Thomas I. Daniels four 80-acre lots on sections 
1, 2, 11, and 12, in Antwerp. Besides these he bought 
80 acres on section 3, in Antwerp, for his brother, Lyman 
Fitch. He had to buy his land from a second hand because 
just at that time the land-office was temporarily closed by 
reason of being flooded with applications for land, and as 
a new order of things was contemplated, it was resolved to 
receive no more land-entries until matters in hand could 
be properly disposed of. In regard to the rush of land- 
lookers to Michigan at that time, Mr. Fitch says that 
when he reached Detroit, on his way to Kalamazoo, he 
found that all seats in the stages were engaged for six days 
in advance. Not caring to foot it. he managed to buy a 
horse after a three days' search, and so rode to Kalamazoo. 
Upon reaching there he was surprised to see an old Quaker 
(the then recorder of the city of Philadelphia) who was 
his fellow. passenger on the lake to Detroit, and whom he 
had left in the latter place, waiting for a chance to proceed 
westward by stage. " Why, my friend," exclaimed Fitch, 
48 



'' how did you happen to get here so soon ? They told me 
at Detroit there wouldn't be a chance in the stage for a 
week." " Well, I'll tell thee," replied Broadbrim. " I 
waited until ye were all gone from the stage-office, when I 
quietly approached the clerk, saying, ' if any of thy friends 
conclude they won't go to-day, thou mayst save a seat for 
me ; I hand thee here two dollars, not for my ticket, but 
for thee: my ticket I will pay for beside.' When I came 
around at stage-time," continued the Quaker, " the young 
man had a seat ready for me." 

After Mr. Fitch bought his land he went back to New 
York for his family, and in the spring of 1837 he came 
again to Michigan. He hired a young man named T. C. 
Benton to go West and work for him three years, and 
traveling by wagon to Huron, Ohio, whence they journeyed 
via lake to Detroit, the little party was six weeks making 
the trip from their New York home to Grand Prairie, in 
Michigan. At the latter place Mr. Fitch stopped with 
Lovett Eames, while engaged in building a frame house on 
section 2. Ezra Gates dug the cellar in half a day, and 
Eames, Fitch, and Benton built the house (that is, made it 
habitable) in a day and a half. Mr. Pitch lived on that 
place until 1876, when he moved to Mattawan, where he is 
now engaged in the warehouse business. Lyman Fitch 
came to Antwerp in the fall of 1837, lived with his brother 
Morgan until 1839, and then settled upon his own farm, 
where he resided until 1878, removing then to Paw Paw, 
his present home. After serving the allotted three years 
with Morgan Fitch, young Benton bought a farm on sec- 
tion 2, and lived upon it until his death. 

The pioneer blacksmith of Antwerp was William Taylor, 
who brought a family, consisting of his wife and twelve 
children, from Ohio into the township in 1836, and located 
on the Territorial road, on section 3, where he set up his 
forge, and where he lived until his death. Taylor was a 
brother-in-law of Reason Holmes, and when he entered 
Antwerp put up a " rail-pen" on Holmes' place, where he 
lived until he could arrange matters for locating land and 
securing a permanent habitation. Taylor was an exceed- 
ingly industrious man, but thoroughly given over at one 
time to a conviction that he could invent a machine that 
would produce perpetual motion. He worked at this ma- 
chine long and secretly, and became so absorbed in his work 
and in his belief that he had at last discovered the great 
secret that his conviction seems to have developed into a 
mania. He was satisfied that designing persons would seek 
to rob him of his discovery and his treasure, and when one 
day he learned that his machine had actually been stolen 
his distress was appalling. Conjecturing at once that some 
person had captured it for the purpose of securing a patent 
on it, Taylor managed to raise $10, and engaged Philip 
Williams to dispatch it straightway to Washington for a 
caveat, so that the designing robbers of the machine might 
be forestalled. After he received his caveat he was over- 
come with delight to find that his beloved machine had 
been restored to his shop during his temporary absence. It 
transpired afterwards that certain mischievous boys, desiring 
to annoy the old man, had stolen the concern and hid it in 
a barn. Taylor was sanguine that his machine was a great 



378 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



success. He spoke enthusiastically to every one he en- 
countered of the brilliant prospeots iu store for him, how 
he would be a great and a rich man, how future generations 
would rise up and call him blessed, and went so far even as 
to promise a few of his friends that he would make it his 
especial care to see that they were handsomely provided for 
just as soon as he should come into his great fortune. 
Taylor's marvelous machine of course proved a failure 
when, amid the breathless interest of a multitude, he es- 
sayed to give an exhibition of his great invention. Some- 
how one of the wheels flew into pieces, the whole aifair 
was a disastrous fiasco, and the crestfallen Taylor returned, 
with a broken heart, to the prosaic details of blacksmithing, 
nor ever more tried to learn the secret of perpetual motion. 
Among those who came from New York State westward 
in 1833 was James Ferguson, of Livingston County, who, 
with his wife and two children, traveled as far as Ypsilanti, 
Mich., and there rested a while to visit his brothers. He 
concluded to buy a farm iu Calhoun County, and there he 
lived until 1836. Being then persuaded by Daniel Van 
Antwerp (the brother of Ferguson's wife), then with his 
father living in Antwerp township, to locate in the latter 
place, Ferguson struck his tent once more and continued 
westward. He bought 40 acres of land of Daniel Van 
Antwerp, on the road between Schoolcraft and Paw Paw, 
and put up a frame house. Ferguson lived but a few years 
after coming into the township, dying upon his 40-acre 
farm. 

John Lyon, who was a settler upon a farm in sections 3 
and 10 in 1836, died there during the sickly season of 
1838. One of his children dying in 1836, it was buried 
in a spot over which the Territorial road passed, and under 
the roadway the bones of the little one are still reposing. 
Mrs. E. B. Wright, one of Mr. Lyon's daughters, now lives 
on the farm her father formerly owned. 

In June, 1836, a little band of eight people came into the 
township, and by that number swelled the list of struggling 
pioneers, who were yet but a handful. In this company 
were Daniel Van Antwerp, his father (Harmon) and mother, 
his wife, and his four children. They came from Geneseo, 
N. Y., where Daniel Van Antwerp exchanged his farm 
with James Wadsworth (a member of the large land-hold- 
ing family of that name) for twelve 80-acre lots in town 3 
south, range 13 west, afterwards to be called by the name 
of these very settlers. Mr. Van Antwerp's laud lay near 
the centre of the town, on both sides the Paw Paw and 
Schoolcraft road. So well pleased was he with the land, 
that upon his arrival he bought one more 80-acre lot in the 
same neighborhood. Daniel Van Antwerp's mother, who 
died May 4, 1837, was the first adult person who died in 
the township (John Lyon's child having died in lS36j. 
She was buried in the Van Antwerp burying-grouud, on 
sections 10 and 15, where seven or more people were buried 
in 1838, which was known as a fatal year among the set- 
tlers of Antwerp. Chills and fever prevailed in an aggra- 
vated form, and so little was understood about the treat- 
ment of the disease that four persons in the township suc- 
cumbed to it. These four were John Lyon, John Barber, 

Whittel, and Benjamin Markle. They were all 

buried in the Van Antwerp burying-ground, which became 



afterwards a township cemetery, and as such is still used. 
Two other deaths occurred in the township that year. 
Daniel Woodman, a promising son of Joseph Woodman, 
aged eighteen years, died of brain fever on the 21st of Sep- 
tember, and Mrs. Wells Gray about the same time in child- 
birth. Daniel Morrison, father of Robert Morrison, who 
came from Vermont in the fall of 1835, with a large family, 
and lived on the Agard place, in Lafayette, died the same 
year. The three latter were buried in the Paw Paw cem- 
etery, but afterwards moved to the cemetery on section 7 
of Antwerp. The widow of Daniel Morrison is now living 
in Paw Paw, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. It 
is said that Mr. Van Antwerp laid out the township cem- 
etery on both sides the section line, so that a proposed road 
from Mattawan to Paw Paw should not pass through his 
property, and it was in consequence of his opposition that the 
i*ad was run a half-mile south of the cemetery. There was 
afterwards laid out a second cemetery, on section 2, to the 
purchase of which .sixteen men contributed. Bodies which 
had been interred promiscuously here and there were taken 
up and re-interred in this yard, which continues to serve its 
original purpose. Among its graves may be seen one of 
Elizabeth Quackenbush, the mother of Mrs. Rose, of Mat- 
tawan, whose age is recorded as having been one hundred 
and one years at the time of her death, in 1867. She 
had then 121 descendants, to wit: 14 children, 69 grand- 
children, 34 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grand- 
children. 

It appears strange now that chills and fever should have 
proved fatal, for at this day that disease is readily treated ; 
but in those days they knew less about medicine than is 
known now, nor could they readily obtain quinine. Dr. Levi 
Warner, of Paw Paw, was the medical main stay, but al- 
though he was esteemed skillful, he failed to grapple suc- 
cessfully with the disease until six persons in Antwerp and 
adjoining townships had been carried off. After he mastered 
the disease he had no difiiculty in curing his patients. The 
disorder was so wide-spread that at one time in 1838 there 
were more sick than well persons among the settlers. 

Harmon Van Antweip lived with his daughter, Mrs. 
Ferguson, until his death, in 1849. Daniel Van Antwerp 
died on his old farm, in section 9, in 1875. Two of his 
sisters are still living, — Mrs. Andrew Longstreet, of Ant- 
werp, and Mrs. Philip Williams, of Kalamazoo County. 
His widow lives in Paw Paw. His daughter Ann, who 
taught Antwerp's first school, is Mrs. P. N. Smith, and 
lives on the farm her father occupied in his lifetime. 

Andrew Longstreet, who came into Michigan from Lyons, 
N. Y., with his family, in June, 1833, located in Jackson 
County, and in 1836 entered 120 acres of land, just north 
of the present village site of Lawton. He was chosen, at 
a special election iu 1837, sheriff of Van Buren County, 
and was the first active incumbent of that office, Samuel 
Guuton, of Lawrence, who had been elected at the regular 
election, declining to serve. In 1841 he married the widow 
of James Ferguson, and in 1843, having completed his 
official term, he re-settled in Antwerp, and in 1850, mov- 
ing to the then newly-started village of Lawton, opened a 
shoemaker's shop there, and in 1851 was appointed the first 
postmaster of the place. In 1853 he moved out of the 




Residence of HENRY WAIJ£, A wrwERf Ip., I/an Buren Co , Mich 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



379 



township, and remaining away five years, returned to Law- 
ton in 1858, where he lived until his death, in 1871. 
Col. Longstreet w^s a ir.uch-esteemed citizen, and took a 
prominent part in the local afiFairs of his day. 

Jacob Plank located in 1837, north of what is now Mat- 
tawan, whence he soon passed farther west. Near there 
also, in 1838, settled James Murray, now a resident of Mat- 
tawan. 

N. L. Surdam, a native of Sharon, Conn., was a settler 
in 1837 upon section 3, where he has continued to live to 
this day. Philip Williams located upon section 10 in 1836, 
and there lived until his death. It was at Mr. Williams' 
hou.se that the first township-meeting in Antwerp was held. 

Although Solomon Phillips, of Broome Co., N. Y., lo- 
cated a farm on sections 4 and 9 early in 1835, he did not 
occupy it until some years afterwards, for the reason, doubt- 
less, that, being a bachelor, he preferred roving to settling. 
When he did marry, however, he was fortunate enough to 
marry a rich widow. His farm was always esteemed one 
of the most desirable pieces of land in the township. He 
moved, some years after his first settlement, to section 22, 
where he built, in 1858, with his brother Benjamin, the 
first grist-mill in Antwerp. He died a resident of the town- 
ship. 

In 1838, E. B. Dyckman, a widower with four children, 
living near Syracuse, N. Y., exchanged his farm there for 
one on sections 4 and 9, in Antwerp township, Michigan, 
and proceeding westward joined the noble band of Ant- 
werp settlers. When he traded his New York farm, he 
was importuned to take one hundred barrels of salt, at one 
dollar per barrel, in part payment of the diflFerence, but he 
was exceedingly unwilling to do so, although he did event- 
ually consent to the proposition quite reluctantly. The 
salt was shipped to him at St. Joseph, and arriving at a 
time when salt was very scarce, Mr. Dyckman realized 
from six to ten dollars per barrel, and received through that 
lucky, accidental salt shipment an excellent start upon the 
road to future fortune. After remaining a few years in 
Antwerp, Mr. Dyckman removed to Schoolcraft, his pres- 
ent home. 

Philip Hinckley, who came to Michigan with Mr. Dyck- 
man, settled upon section 4, where hedied, and where his 
son now lives. Philander N. Smith, who also came to 
Michigan with Mr. Dyckman, married one of Deacon Daniel 
Van Antwerp's daughters, and now lives on a portion of the 
old Van Antwerp farm. 

Oliver Warner, who settled on section 6, in Antwerp, in 
1836, lived there until his death, in 1879. A. M. Lane 
came West in 1836, and lived in the vicinity of Paw Paw 
until 1838, when he traded a house in that village to Jo- 
seph Butler for some land upon .section 18, north of the 
river, in Antwerp. Butler, who had a large farm south of 
the river, sold out and went back to New York. Lane sold 
his land to Wells Gray, bought on section 5, and became 
one of Antwerp's settlers. He lived there until a few years 
ago, when he moved to Bloomingdale, his present home. 

One of the earliest settlers in the southern part of the 
town.ship was Levi Savage, who settled in 1835 upon sec- 
tion 36, but selling his place soon afterwards to Samuel 
Lull, he moved to a farm east of Daniel Van Antwerp's. 



In 1842 he removed with his family to the far West and 
located eventually at Salt Lake City, where at latest ac- 
counts he was still living, a member of the Mormon Church. 
Samuel Lull's widow and son James still live on the old 
Savage place, in section 36. 

John Cooper, of Ohio, who located upon section 36 
in 1836, moved out of the township a few years afterwards. 
Daniel Bird settled on section 24 during the same year. 
He moved to Prairie Ronde, where he died. Nicholas 
Thompson, who lived also on section 24 about that time, 
went afterwards to Lawton village, where he died. On 
section 24 also J. B. Wildey was an early settler. He died 
a resident of Lawton village. J. K. Bingham, who built 
a saw-mill on section 21 in 1837, moved to Kalamazoo, 
where he died. 

A Mr. Whittet settled on section 20 in the fall of 1837, 
and died in 1838, when his family returned to New York. 
Whittet began to " grub" his land before it was surveyed, 
and when he called in John Hunt, the surveyor, Whittet 
was much provoked with himself to find that he had 
grubbed quite a large piece on a lot adjoining his own. 

The Markle family, consisting of the widow and her 
four sons, — Jacob, Benjamin, Elias, and David, — located 
on section 22 in the spring of 1837. Jacob and David 
live now fh Porter. Elias lives in Antwerp. 

Wolves and deer were abundant in Antwerp in the pio- 
neer days, and the mighty hunters of the time found plen- 
tiful exercise for their sportive tastes, although indeed 
about everybody able to bear arms was at that period a 
hunter, .since the finding of game was an easy business, and 
bountiful returns invariably marked the result of a few 
days' shooting. Mrs. Longstreet, of Lawton, says her 
brother, Daniel Van Antwerp (known as a famous deer- 
slayer), often went out after deer in the evening, and in an 
hour would return with a half-dozen or so. Wolves had 
a habit of approaching settlers' cabins as the day darkened 
into night, seeking the chance of carrying off small stock, 
and many were the raids the settlers used to make upon 
them at such times. Young William Van Antwerp, who 
was much given to playing upon the flute, used to tune his 
instrument regularly every evening. As soon as the melody 
commenced, the howls of wolves would resound from every 
side ; when the flute stopped the howls would cease, but 
return with renewed vigor as soon as the music was recom- 
menced. 

ANTWERP POST-OFFICE. 

About 1840, there being imminent danger of the stage- 
route being diverted farther north, Mr. John Hunt suc- 
ceeded in having a post-oflice established in Antwerp, on 
the Territorial road, and Reason Holmes, who was the first 
incumbent of the oflSee, kept it at his tavern. Philip Wil- 
liams was the next postmaster, and upon the completion of 
the Michigan Central Railroad to Mattawan the office was 
removed thither, and the name changed to Mattawan. 

EARLY ROADS. 

The commissioners of highways met in Antwerp, April 
11, 1837, and divided the township into road districts as 

follows : 



380 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



No. 1.— Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18 ; Philip 
Moon, Overseer. 

No. 2.— Sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; John 
A. Lyon, Overseer. 

No. 3.— Sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36 ; 
Joel TouilinsoD, Overseer. 

No. 4.— Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33; 
Andrew Longstreet, Overseer. 

The Paw Paw road was surveyed April 13, 1837 ; the 
Bangs road April 14th ; the Longstreet road April 11th ; 
the Centre road April 12th ; and Cooper's road April 13th ; 
H. P. Barnum being the surveyor. 

WAYSIDE TAVERNS. 

The Territorial road, which passed between Detroit and 
St. Joseph, was constructed in 1835, and the considerable 
traffic upon that highway gave occasion, of course, for the 
creation of numerous roadside taverns, many of which, in 
the prosperous coaching days, were places of some note. 
That portion of the road passing through Antwerp town- 
ship in a straight line east and west was laid out and con- 
structed by Cyren Burdick, of Kalamazoo, who owned also 
land on section 1, in Antwerp. On the Antwerp road 
Jesse Abbe was the first to open a tavern. His place was 
on section 2, and consisted simply of a log cabin, with a 
couple of sleeping-rooms in the second story and below a 
kitchen and eating-room. The chief element in his enter- 
tainment was a bottle of whisky, and a much-prized ele- 
ment it was, too, for, as a rule, stage-coach passengers became 
thirsty every time they reached a stopping-place, and the 
whisky-bottle came in for a large amount of attention. Mr. 
Abbe kept his tavern until the stage-route was abandoned, 
and lived there afterwards as a farmer until his death. 

A story still current is, that a traveler stopping one even- 
ing at Abbe's tavern told the landlord that he wanted to 
remain all night but had no money. He would promise, 
however, that if he were kept he would return some day 
and pay. " Stay ?" exclaimed Mr. Abbe, " of course you 
can stay, and pay me when you can. I've had lots of cus- 
tomers, but I've never turned one away yet." The stranger 
stopped, and some days afterwards, passing again that way, 
called at Abbe's and said to the old man, " Do you re- 
member that you kept me one night, and I didn't pay 
you?" " I don't remember," returned Abbe, "but lots of 
folks have done that thing here; maybe you did stop." 
He told the man to pay him what he pleased, and upon re- 
ceiving his money grew suddenly animated with joy, ex- 
claiming, " Hurrah for an honest man ! Such a thing has 
never happened since I've kept this tavern, and I've trusted 
hundreds of people. If there was a paper anywhere near 
here, I'd put it in, sure." 

Mr. Abbe was a man much given to eccentricity, al- 
though a man of piety, and a citizen whom his fellow- 
townsmen highly respected. Of the many stories yet told 
of Mr. Abbe, the following will show how devotedly at- 
tached he was to prayer and religious demonstrations. 

One day while riding with John Hunt, the latter said to 
him, " Uncle Abbe, I II be glad when I can get a com- 
fortable place to sleep and six weeks' provisions ahead." 
" Neighbor Hunt," responded Mr. Abbe, with much .seri- 



ous earnestness, " if you don't pray more you'll never have 
anything of the sort." On another occasion a neighbor 
came to borrow Abbe's oxen. " Haven't any oxen," said 
Mr. Abbe, in reply to the application. " Haven't any oxen ? 
Why, there they stand." " Oh !" exclaimed the old man, 
"those are not my oxen, they belong to the Lord ; but I 
suppose if you want to borrow them the Lord will have no 
objection." Calling once upon Mr. Hunt, and seeing him 
at work in a field of fine corn, he cried out, " Neighbor 
Hunt, this is a fine field of corn, but you don't deserve it, 
for you don't pray enough." " Very well," replied Hunt, 
" you pray and I'll hoe, and we'll see who will raise the 
best corn." He once called upon Jonathan Woodman, and 
after a brief conversation patted Woodman upon the shoul- 
der, saying, "Jonathan, you are altogether too fine a fellow 
for the devil to have." 

The old gentleman had in his employ a lad who pre- 
ferred resting to working, and frequently, when he wearied 
of labor, he would say to Mr. Abbe, " Shan''t we go into the 
grove for a season of prayer?" and old Uncle Abbe, pleased 
beyond measure to note the pious growth of the youth's 
mind, would leave off work and pray an hour or so with 
the boy in the grove. The old man, thoroughly honest 
and trusting, never dreamed that the young sinner .simply 
imposed upon him, so that he might indulge his lazy dis- 
position. So strong was this desire for prayer upon him, 
that Mr. Abbe has often been seen by travelers praying 
upon the open highway, while his horse stood patiently by, 
waiting his master's readiness to go forward. Wherever 
he might be going, he would stop his horse when the 
prayerful spirit overtook him, dismount and pray zealously 
for half an hour or more. At a revival meeting a girl, 
happening to be moved by the spirit, arose and cried out, 
" Oh ! I feel as if I were in the devil's iron chest, and that 
it was locked." " Yes, yes," shouted old Uncle Abbe, 
jumping suddenly up and gesticulating vigorously ; "yes, 
brethren, she's in the devil's iron chest, and we've all got 
keys to it." He was devotedly sincere, and was esteemed 
a truly good man. Late in life he became a confirmed 
Spiritualist, and died a believer in that doctrine. 

One of Mr. Abbe's sons was a settler upon section 12, 
where he died in 1858. His widow still lives there. Elisha 
Abbe, another son, lives near the place his father occupied. 

Reason Holmes opened a frame tavern on the Territorial 
road, in section 1, during 1836. He had been living on 
Genesee Prairie, and buying a piece of land in Antwerp of 
Cyren Burdick, built a frame house which he called a 
tavern, and as such kept it a half-dozen years or more. 
After discontinuing his tavern-stand, Holmes devoted his 
attention to farming, and lived on his farm in section 1, 
until he died. His tavern building was the first frame 
dwelling put up in Antwerp. 

As Samuel Millard kept tavern on the same road, just 
over the line in Kalamazoo County, there were within a 
stretch of less than three miles three taverns between Abbe's 
and Dodge's ; at Paw Paw there was none. 

MILLS AND MILLERS. 
The pioneer miller of Antwerp was Samuel 0. Mills, 
who in 1836 put up a saw-mill on section 26, through 




-^t^ f ,4 




J. R. BANGS. 



MRS.J.R.BANQS. 




Residence oi- J ft. nANGS,AN-:i.'n ,-, I/,-. . 3u3[.'m .''c , '.fch 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



381 



which flows a tributary of the Paw Paw River. In 1849 
Wells sold the mill to Charles Whalley and D. Lonscoy, 
who in 1852 transferred their interest to Ira Carpenter. 
In 1855, however, Carpenter was compelled to relinquish 
the property, under an unsatisfied mort^iage, to the Samuel 
Wells estate, represented by Ilezekiah Wells. In the same 
year the Cowgill Brothers bought the mill, and operated it 
until 1856, when J. S. Cowgill became sole proprietor. In 
1865 he tore it down, and in that year, upon about the same 
site, Cowgill, McKeyes & Co. put up a fine flouring-mill, 
at a cost of about $15,000. In 1866 they built near there 
a saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire. The grist-mill is 
now carried on by C. D. Lawton. 

John Bingham built in 1838, on section 21, the second 
saw-mill in the township. The site and power are now oc- 
cupied by George H. Rix's fine grist-mill, containing three 
run of stones. 

In 1858, Solomon and Benjamin Phillips built on the 
same stream the pioneer grist-mill. Their successors in the 
ownership of the property have been J. P. Hutton, Josiah 
Hopkins, and D. C. Coleman, the latter being the present 
owner. 

Powell & Houck built a steam grist- and saw-mill at 
Lawton. In 1873 both mills were burned. Powell & Co. 
rebuilt the saw-mill, and are now engaged in the restoration 
of the grist-mill. A steam saw-mill, built by Dr. John 
Shanklin and Peter Mott at Lawton in 1853, blew up in 
1856. It was rebuilt at once by Dr. Shanklin and N. H. 
Bitely, and in 1861) was destroyed by fire. 

The fine grist-mill near the Paw Paw line, owned by E. 
0. Briggs and operated by A. Sherman and Briggs, was built 
by Asa Lamphear in 1869, and in 1872 sold to E. 0. Briggs. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATIOX. 

Antwerp is one of the seven townships of Van Buren 
organized under act of the Legislature approved March 11, 
1837, and was named by Harmon Van Antwerp (then the 
most aged inhabitant of the township) after Antwerp in 
Europe. It contained then an area of six miles square, 
and has since then had no change in its territory. At the 
first township-meeting, held on the first Monday of April, 
1837, at the house of Philip Williams, Joseph Woodman was 
chosen Moderator, Samuel 0. Wells, John A. Lyon, and 
John K. Bingham, Inspectors, and Philip Williams, Clerk 
of the Election. The oflBcers chosen were: Supervisor, 
Andrew Longstreet; Clerk, John K. Bingham; Assessors, 
Theophilus Bangs, Reason Holmes, Joel Tomlinson ; Com- 
missioners of Highways, Joshua Bangs, Jesse Abbe, Joel 
Tomlinson : Constable and Collector, John Hill ; Directors 
of the Poor, Jesse Abbe, Patrick Johnson. At a special 
meeting held May 4, 1837, John Cooper, Reason Holmes, 
Joseph Woodman, and Philip Williams were chosen Justices 
of the Peace, and John Cooper, Samuel 0. Wells, and John 
A. Lyon, School Inspectors. 

The names of those who have been elected annually 
from 1838 to 1880 to the ofiices of supervisor, clerk, treas- 
urer, school inspector, and justice of the peace are given 
here: 

1S38.— Supervisor, M. h. Fitch ; Clerli, J. K. Bingham ; Treasurer, 
John Hill; School Inspectors, M. L. Fitch, John Hunt, B. 
H. Niles; Justice of the Peace, Jos, Woodman. 



I. — Supervisor, T. Bangs ; Clerk, J. K. Bingham ; Treasurer, Ly- 
man Taylor; School Inspectors, L. A. Fitch. John Hunt, 

Reason Holmes ; Justice of the Peace, John Cooper. 
I. — Supervisor, T. Bangs; Clerk, E. B. Dyckman ; Treasurer, J. 

Tomlinson ; School Inspectors, E. B. Dyckman, Joseph Gil- 
man, L. A. Fitch. 
. — Supervisor, T. Bangs; Clerk, E. B. Dyckman; Treasurer, 

Joshua Bangs; School Inspectors, M. L. Fitch, John Hunt, 

L. A. Fitch. 
!. — Supervisor, Joshua Bangs; Clerk, Silas Breed; Treasurer, I. 

S. Borden ; School Inspectors, Silas Breed, John Hunt, L. 

A. Fitch ; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Gilman. 
1.— Sujiervisor, T. Bangs; Clerk, Silas Breed: Treasurer, I. S. 

Borden; School Inspectors, John Hunt, M. L. Fitch ; Justice 

of the Peace. William Spencer. 
. — Supervisor, I. S. Borden ; Clerk, P. Harwick ; Treasurer, Th, 

Bangs ; School Inspectors, John Hunt, M, L. Fitch ; Justice 

of the Peace, L. A. Fitch. 
I. — Supervisor, P. Harwick: Clerk, P. Williams; Treasurer, L. 

Lawrence; School Inspector, M. L. Fitch; Justice of the 

Peace, C. M. Morrell. 
i. — Supervisor, Joshua Bangs; Clerk, P. Williams; Treasurer, 

L. Lawrence ; School Inspector, .Tames Murray ; Justice of 

the Peace, M. L. Fitch. 
. — Supervisor, John Hunt; Clerk, Silas Breed; Treasurer, L. 

Lawrence: School Inspector, Jos. Gilman; .Tustice of the 

Peace, W. B. Spencer. 
': — Supervisor, John Hunt: Clerk, J. A. Sheldon; Treasurer, 

Hiram Green; School Inspector, L. A. Fitch; Justice of 

the Peace. A, Longstreet. 
. — Supervisor, P. Harwick; Clerk, J. A. Sheldon; Treasurer, 

Hiram Green; School Inspector, J. Gilman; Justices of the 

Peace, S. Breed, H. Lincoln. 
. — Supervisor, L. A. Fitch : Clerk, J. A. Sheldon ; Treasurer, A. 

F. Moore ; School Inspector, W. B. Mack ; Justice of the 

Peace, J. (xilman. 
. — Supervisor, H. Harwick; Clerk, J. A. Sheldon; Treasurer, A. 

F. Moore ; School Inspector, J. J. Woodman ; Justice of 

the Peace, H. Green. 
. — Supervisor, D. Van Antwerp ; Clerk, W. B. Spencer : Treas- 
urer, A. F. Moore ; School Inspector, Morgan Fitch : Jus- 
tice of the Pence, A. Longstreet. 
. — Supervisor, P. Harwick; Clerk, W. B. Spencer; Treasurer, 

A. Thompson; School Inspector, 0. H. P. Sheldon; Justice 

of the Peace, S. Longstreet. 
. — Supervisor, John Hunt: Clerk, J. J. Woodman; Treasurer, 

A. Thompson; Scliool Inspector, M. L. Fitch; Justice of the 

Peace, W. Fox. 
. — Supervisor, John Smith ; Clerk, J. J. Woodman ; Treasurer, 

A. Thompson; School Inspector, 0. H. P. Sheldon; Justice 

of the Peace, H. Green. 
. — Supervisor, .John Hunt; Clerk, A. H. Thompson; Treasurer, 

N. B. McKinney ; .School Inspector, J. E. Sweet; Justice 

of the Peace, H. Lincoln. 
. — Supervisor, .John Hunt ; Clerk, J. J. Woodman ; Treasurer, 

N. B. McKinney ; School Inspector, James Murray ; Justice 

of the Peace, S. Longstreet. 
. — Supervisor, N. H. Bitely ; Clerk, J. J. Woodman ; Treasurer, 

A. R. Wood ; School Inspector, J. E. Sweet ; Justice of the 

Peace, G. P. Smith. 
. — Supervisor, L. A. Fitch ; Clerk, J. J. Woodman ; Treasurer, 

H. Cross, Jr.; School Inspector, A. C. Glidden ; Justice of 

the Peace, P. H. Varney. 
. — Supervisor, John Hunt ; Clerk, J. J. Woodman : Treasurer, 

R. S. GrifBn ; School Inspector, N. H. Bitely: Justice of 

the Peace, G. R. Chapin. 
. — Supervisor, Henry Fitch; Clerk, A. Flummerfelt; Treasurer, 

C. G. Harrington; School Inspector, H. H. Miller; Justice 

of the Peace, S. Longstreet. 
. — Supervisor, L. A. Fitch; Clerk, G. W. Lawton ; Treasurer, E. 

P. Mills ; School Inspector, A. C. Glidden ; Justice of the 

Peace, R. S. Armstrong. 
.—Supervisor, 0. H. P. Sheldon : Clerk, W. 0. Fitch ; Treasurer, 

N. B. McKinney; School Inspector, E. P. Mills: Justice of 
the Peace, N. B. Howell. 



382 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1864.— Supervisor, L. A. Fitch; Clerk, W. 0. Fitch; Treasurer, N. 

B. McKinney; School Inspector, A. 0. Glidden : Justice of 
the Peace, 0. H. P. Sheldon. 

1865. — Supervisor, Orrin Buck; Clerk, B. S. Dunham; Treasurer, P. 

I. Bragg; School Inspector, C. D. Van Vechten ; Justice of 

the Peace, S. Longstreet. 
18G6. — Supervisor, J. J. Woodman; Clerk, L. E. Fitch; Treasurer, 

N. B. Kowe; School Inspector, I. M. Ilaydcn ; Justice of 

the Peace, C. Durkee. 
1867. — Supervisor, A. C. Glidden; Clerk, Charles Kelsey ; Treasurer, 

N. B. Rowe; School Inspector, J. H. Breed; Justice of the 

Peace, N. B. Howell. 
1868. — Supervisor, N, B. McKinney; Clerk, Charles Hunger; Treas- 
urer, L. C. Fitch ; School Inspector, W. B. Gorhara ; Justice 

of the Peace, 0. H. P. Sheldon. 
1869. — Supervisor, John Ihling ; Clerk, Charles Munger ; Treasurer, 

Charles Kelsey ; School Inspector, E. S. Dunham ; Justice 

of the Peace, J. L. Parker. 
1870. — Supervisor, John Ihling; Clerk, Charles Munger ; Treasurer, 

J. Sniolk; School Inspector, J. Kellard ; Justice of the 

Peace, C. M. Morrill. 
1871. — Supervisor, N. B. McKinney; Clerk, Charles Munger; Treas- 
urer, J. Smolk ; School Inspector, F. J. Cowgill; Justice of 

the Peace, L. 6. Hunt. 
1872. — Supervisor, J. McKeyes; Clerk, C. L. Eaton; Treasurer, N. H. 

Bangs; School Inspector, C. H. Fisher; Justice of the 

Peace, A. C. Glidden. 
1873.— Supervisor, L. A. Fitch; Clerk, M. C. Joiner; Treasurer, F. 

L. Churchill ; School Inspector, W. B. Gorham; Justice of 

the Peace, A. C. Glidden. 
1874.— Supervisor, John Smith; Clerk, L. C. Fitch; Treasurer, F. L. 

Churchill ; School Inspector, M. H. Cross ; Justice of the 

Peace, C. M. Morrill. 
1875. — Supervisor, F. B. Adams; Clerk, C. S. Adams; Treasurer, E. 

Durkee; School Inspector, B. V. Love; Justice of the Peace, 

N. B. Howell. 
1876. — Supervisor, J. McKeyes; Clerk, J. A. Gates; Treasurer, J. 

W. Johnson; School Inspector, F. Rice; Justice of the 

Peace, L. Bathrick. 
1877. — Supervisor, J. McKeyes; Clerk, J. A. Gates; Treasurer, F. B. 

Adams; School Inspector, 0. J. Graves; .lustice of the 

Peace, I. M. Hayden. 
1878. — Supervisor, J. McKeyes; Clerk, J. A. Gates; Treasurer, J. S. 

Buck; School Inspector, 0. J. Graves; Justice of the Peace, 

C. M. Morrill. 

1879. — Supervisor, J. McKeyes; Clerk, C. S. Adams; Treasurer, D. 

D. Nobles ; School Inspector, E. W. Green ; Justice of the 
Peace, L. C. Fitch. 

The township board for 1879 was composed of Juan 
McKeyes, C. S. Adams, I. M. Hayden, and Lysander 
Bathrick. The school inspectors were E. W. Green, C. H. 
Lawton, and C. S. Adams. The justices of the peace were 
L. Bathrick, I. M. Hayden, C. M. Morrill, L. C. Fitch. 

LAWTON VILLAGE. 

In 1849, Nathan Lawton, of Watertown, N. Y., owned 
the land upon which the business portion of Lawton is now 
located, and when the place was selected for a station on 
the Michigan Central Railroad, Mr. Lawton laid out a town 
there. When in 1851 a post-office was about to be estab- 
lished there, Col. Andrew Longstreet, upon an application 
to that end, christened it Lawton, in honor of its proprietor. 
Mr. Lawton had previously donated ten acres of land for 
railway-depot buildings, which were erected in 1848. The 
station was known as Paw Paw, and sometimes called South 
Paw Paw, but after the creation of the post-office, Lawton 
was Hub.stituted, for station and town. Mr. Lawton, for 
whom the place was named, was at no time a resident of 
Michigan, although two of his sons — George W. and 



Charles D. — have been citizens of Lawton village for many 
years. 

When the Michigan Central Railroad was being con- 
structed at the point now called Lawton, then a wilderness 
of bramble-bu.?hes, Henry McNeil opened a store in a log 
cabin on the west side of what is now Main Street, near 
the line of the road. McNeil supplied the railway laborers 
with store goods, but dealt chiefly in whisky, of which 
the railroad hands consumed large quantities. He made 
considerable money at keeping store in Lawton, and re- 
moved to Minnesota. Andrew Longstreet, who had been 
living near the village on a farm, moved into it shortly 
after McNeil opened his store, and took possession of an 
unoccupied railroad laborer's shanty that stood on the cor- 
ner now occupied by Ford & Dalton's store. Mr. Long- 
street also started a shoe-shop on the west side of the 
street, opposite his house. While McNeil was keeping 
store there, Gilbert Johnson, of Paw Paw, opened a store 
near McNeil's, and called it " The Farmers' Headquarters." 
From that out the village began to grow. 

Horace Sebring put up a hotel where the Robinson 
House now stands, but soon sold out to R. S. Armstrong, 
who died in the hotel in 1863. Hight & Smith succeeded 
as landlords, and sold out in 1866 to George W. Robin- 
son & Brother, who in two weeks after coming into posses- 
sion were burned out. They at once rebuilt the present 
Robinson House, of which George W. Robinson is landlord. 

Next to Johnson in the order of succession as to store- 
keepers were John McKinney, William Selleck, Livingston 

McNeil, Leonard, Fairbanks & S. Kiver, W. H. 

Smith, George P. Smith, Smith & Ligalls, Dr. Root, Wil- 
liam & Charles Munger, N. B. McKinney, and others. 
Although it grew, Lawton grew slowly in its infancy, and 
in 1854, when Mr. Nathan Bitely located in the village, it 
contained Sebring's Hotel, two stores, a saw-mill, two or 
three frame residences, and a half-dozen log cabins. After 
that, however, its progress was more rapid. 

With the establishment of the works of the Michigan 
Central Iron Company, in 1867, Lawton took a decided 
step forward in respect to both business and population, 
and during the iron company's existence the town reached 
a population of 2000. When the company ceased opera- 
tions at Lawton, in 1875, the village lost many of its in- 
habitants, and numbers now about 800. A union school 
house erected at this place in 1867, at a cost of $10,000, is 
a feature of considerable local pride. It is a handsome and 
commodious brick structure, contains four departments, in- 
cluding a high school, and has an average attendance of 
219 pupils. 

The mercantile trade of the town is represented by Ford 
& Dalton's genenil store, B. J. Desenburg and J. S. Cow- 
gill's grocery-stores, Kinney, Adams & Co. and C. S. Adams' 
hardware-.stores, Juan McKeyes ;tnd J. R. Doolittle's drug- 
stores, and L. Stern & Co.'s dry-goods store. The village 
manufactories are noticed elsewhere. 

The Lawton post-office was established in 1851, and 
Andrew Longstreet appointed postmaster. His successors 
in the office were Henry McNeil, Livingston McNeil, A. 
H. Thompson, Richard Finley, and N. B. McKinney. 
Col. Longstreet, who had been absent from Lawton .some 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



383 



years, was reappointed shortly after his return, and suc- 
ceeded Mr. McKinney. Longstreet continued in the office 
until his death, in 1871, when he was succeeded by Wil- 
. Ham H. Smith, who was succeeded, in 1879, by Otis Rider, 
the present incumbent. 

Lawton Village Incorporation. — Oct. 15, 1858, the 
Board of Supervisors of Van Buren County passed a resolu- 
tion incorporating the village of Lawton, and included 
within the village limits the following territory : the north 
half of the southeast quarter and the northeast quarter of 
section 32, together with the following-described parcels of 
land, to wit : commencing on the south side of the Michigan 
Central Railroad, where the quarter-line running north and 
south through section 32 crosses said railroad, and running 
south on said quarter-line twenty rods ; thence west thirty- 
six rods and nine feet to the south line of the Michigan 
Central Railroad ; thence in a northeasterly direction along 
the south line of said road to the place of beginning. Also 
all that part of tlie southwest quarter of the sfiutheast 
quarter of section 29 known as Baker's and Thompson's 
addition, and the west half of the west half of the north- 
west quarter of section 33. Also a piece of land thirty 
rods in width, taken from the east side of the northwest 
quarter of section 32, extending from the Michigan Cen- 
tral to the north line of said section, and a piece thirty rods 
wide east and west and fifty rods long north and south, in 
the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of the south- 
west quarter of section 29. 

The first election was ordered to be held in the village 
school-house on the first Saturday in December, and George 
P. Smith, John McKinney, and Calvin Durkee were ap- 
pointed inspectors of said election. 

At the first election, held Dec. 4, 1858, the aggregate 
number of votes cast reached 75. A full list of the per- 
sons annually chosen since 1858 to be president, clerk, 
treasurer, and trustees is given below, viz. : 

1858.— President, Calvin Durkee; Clerk, N. B. McKinney; Treasurer, 
A. H. Thompson ; Trustees, N. H. Bitely, Henry D. Lesure, 
Samuel Longstreet, John Munson, Piatt Nims, James W. 



1863- 
1865. 



— President, Calvin Durkee ; Clerk, N. B. McKinney; Treasurer, 
M. H. Smith; Trustees, James W. Wager, Jesse S. Smith, 
John Munson, N. H. Bitely, Samuel Longstreet, Thomas D. 
Ward. 

— President, Samuel Longstreet; Clerk, N. B. McKinney ; Treas- 
urer, G. D. Johnson ; Trustees, N. H. Bitely, G. P. McNeil, 
Jesse S. Smith, C. P. Harrington, C. H. Maxwell, George P. 
Smith. 

— President, Andrew Longstreet; Clerk, R. H. Finley ; Treas- 
urer, J. S. Smith ; Trustees, William Fairbanks, James W. 
Wager, M. H. Smith, E. B. Aldrich, H. V. Harwick, N. H. 
Bitely. 

—President, J. S. Smith ; Clerk, R. H. Finley ; Treasurer, B. F. 
Engle; Trustees, Thomas Scott, George W. Lawton, H. D. 
Lesure, George H. Schriver, Harlow Robinson, George W. 
Dye. 

-64. — No record. 

President, N. B. McKinney ; Clerk, George P. Smith ; Treas- 
urer, Edward Root; Trustees, Andrew Longstreet, William 
H. Smith, N. B. Rowe, Charles D. Lawton, H. V. Harwick, 
Lucius K. Robinson. 
President, William H. Smith ; Clerk, Edwin S. Dunham ; Treas- 
urer, William J. McKinney; Trustees, H. V. Harwick, N. 
B. Rowe, C. D. Lawton, Edward Root, E. D. Simmons, A. W. 
Townsend. 



1867.— President, William H. Smith ; Clerk, E. S. Dunham ; Treas- 
urer, N. B. McKinney ; Trustees, C. B. Lawton, N. B. Rowe, 
William Munger, J. L. Parker, M. H. Smith, S. C. Day. 

1868.— President. Henry Ford; Clerk, William J. McKinney ; Treas- 
urer. Andrew Longstreet: Trustees, F. B. Adams. Calvin 
Durkee, L. T. Moore, Edwin A. Smith, Leonard Waldron, 
Charles M. Morrill. 

1869. — President, Henry Ford; Recorder, James Atwell ; Treasurer, 
Andrew Longstreet; Trustees (for one year), Stephen Jones, 
Orrin Robinson, James H. Conklin (for two years), David 
W. Powell, John W. Morrill, G. D. Johnson. 

1870. — N. B. McKinney; Recorder, James L. Parker; Treasurer, 

A. L. MeElheney; Trustees, George W. Robinson, Robert 
Lamoreaux, and Orrin Robinson. 

1871. — President, D. W. Powell ; Recorder, J. D. Monroe ; Treasurer, 
L. G., Halsted; Trustees, F. B. Adams, G. B. Hill, T. J. 
McKinney. 

1872. — President, Robert Lamoreaux ; Recorder, Charles M. Morrill ; 
Treasurer, R. S. Griffin ; Trustees, Dudley Thornton, L. L. 
Halsted, Lucius Baker. 

1873. President, N. H. Bitely; Recorder, Charles M. Morrill; Treas- 
urer, James S. Cowgill; Trustees, M. H. Smith, L. L. Hal- 
sted, Charles D. Lawton. 

1874,. President, N.H. Bitely; Recorder, George P.Smith; Treas- 
urer, James S. Cowgill; Trustees, John Jefferson, John 
Pelton, George W. Robinson. 

1875. — President, L. L. Halsted; Recorder, C. S. Adams; Treasurer, 
N. B. McKinney; Trustees, Henry Stearns, N. B. Rowe, C. 
D. Lawton. 

1876. — President, Joseph C. Ford; Recorder, C. S. Adams ; Treasurer, 

B. J. Dusenbury ; Trustees, Robert Lamoreaux, Juan Me- 
Keyes, J. W. Johnson. 

1877. — President, J. C. Ford; Recorder, C. S. Adams; Treasurer, 

Henry Stearns; Trustees, W. W. Robbins, C. D. Lawton, 

G. W. Robinson. 
1878. President, J. C. Ford; Recorder, C. S. Adams; Treasurer, M. 

H. Smith ; Trustees, H. C. Watson, C. G. Harrington, Lucius 

Baker. 
1879. — President, Henry Ford ; Recorder, J. W. Johnson ; Treasurer, 

Myron H. Smith ; Trustees, Henry Stearns, A. B. Jones, 

Louis Waldorff. 
Lawton Manufactures. — Besides the mill interest at 
Lawton, there is the extensive cooper-shop of John May- 
hard, in which 10 men are employed in making barrels; a 
plow-point factory, carried on by J. L. Wilcox ; and the 
fanuing-mill works of Smith & Walker. This latter estab- 
lishment was founded in 1861, at Lawton, by Bonsteed & 
Smith, and in 1862 that firm was succeeded by W. H. 
Smith, who in 1870 took in Mr. Walker as a partner. 
Prom 10 to 15 men are employed, and from 500 to 700 
fanning-mills are manufactured annually, beside a consider- 
able number of fruit-boxes and meat-safes. 

Ledyard & Aldrich were engaged at Lawton from 1856 
to 1873 in the manufacture of fanning-mills, of which they 
produced about 300 yearly. 

Michigan Central Iron Company. — The works of the 
Michigan Central Iron Company at Lawton, although tem- 
porarily abandoned, resounded a few years ago with the 
hum of busy industry, and entered con.spicuously into the 
elements of Lawton's then prosperous progress. During 
the nearly eight years' continuous existence of its active 
history the company contributed largely to the business 
and population of Lawton, and the discontinuance of its 
works was a severe check to the prosperity of the village. 

As to the origin of the enterprise, the following narration 
will be found of interest. Early in the year 1867, Maj. 
Joseph Walker while passing westward, stopped at Lawton 
to visit C. D. and George W. Lawton, and incidentally 



384 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



there arose a discussion touching tlie fact that Lawton 
ought, by reason of the presence near there of excellent 
timber-land, to be a good manufacturing point, and beyond 
that a peat-bed on the McKinney farm promised to prolong 
the supply of fuel even when the timber should be ex- 
hausted. This peat-bed had been purchased by Gen. Q. A. 
Gillmore, of the United States army, with a view doubtless 
to probabilities similar to those contemplated by Walker 
and the Lawtons. 

The discussion referred to, speedily developed into an 
earnest interest in the subject, and when Walker left, it 
was with the understanding that the matter would not be 
allowed to rest there. Walker happening soon to call on 
Maj. T. D. Brooks, engaged in mining iron in the Lake 
Superior country, mentioned the Lawton subject to him, 
and was told that the most profitable project to be suggested 
in that connection was the manufacture of iron. Not only 
that, but he promised to take an interest in the business, 
and the result of the matter was that Walker, Brooks, 
and the Lawtons decided to undertake the organization of 
a company to make iron at Lawton. Walker accordingly 
proceeded eastward and interested Gen. Gillmore and other 
army oiEcers so far that in the same year (1867) the 
Michigan Central Iron Company was organized, with a 
capital of $150,000. Gen. Gillmore was chosen president, 
and Samuel Cantrell treasurer, while among the stock- 
holders were Gens. Grant, Barnard, Porter, and others iu 
the military service, — Gen. Grant being still one of the 
stockholders to the extent of $5000. About 1500 acres of 
timber-land besides Gillmore's peat-bed were bought by the 
company, works were erected at Lawton, extensive docks 
constructed at Michigan City, and the business so pushed 
forward that on Dec. 24, 1867, the works were started, 
under the management of Henry Ford, a practical iron 
manufacturer. The ore, obtained at Lake Superior region, 
was landed on the company's docks at Michigan City, and 
transported over the Michigan Central Railroad to the 
works. About 150 hands were employed at the works and 
in clearing land, and for nearly eight years the enterprise 
was industriously and profitably maintained. 

In April, 1875, however, depression in the iron trade led 
to what was intended to be only a temporary cessation of 
manufacture, but which has proved to be a suspension to 
this time. The company is, however, intact as an organi- 
zation, and latterly there has been earnest talk among the 
directors looking to an early resumption of the business. 
Gen. Gillmore is still the president, and D. Van Nostrand 
secretary of the company. The property owned by the 
corporation is a valuable one, and includes the Lawton 
works, 2500 acres of land, and 600 feet of dock at Michi- 
gan City. 

The Lawton Fanndry. — Messrs. Wright & Agnew put 
up at Lawton in 1870 a foundry of considerable size, and 
in that year began the manuftcture of castings, school 
furniture, etc., and employed from 10 to 15 men. They 
sold out in 1872 to Hill, Elmore & Co., who ceased opera- 
tions in 1875. Since that time the foundry has been idle, 
except upon periodical occasions of no particular business 
moment. 

Lawton Railroad Station. — The following table shows 



the shipments (by car-loads) at Lawton Station, of flour, 
grain, lumber, and live-stock for the six months ending 
Dec. 1,1879: 

Month. Flour. Grain. Lumber. Live-Stock. 

June 1!) .S 14 1 

July 11 5 r 1 

Augu.st 9 44 2 10 

September 2iJ 48 5 25 

October 22 41 '.', 6 

November 9 14 2 8 

Total 9y 160 35 51 

Laioton Lodge, No. 216, F. and A. M., was organized 
Jan. 10, 1867, with Grove C. Love as Master, H. F. 
Robinson as Senior Warden, and John Ihling as Junior 
Warden. 

The Masters since the organization have been G. C. Love, 
H. Jackson, Charles Munger, John Ihling, George D. Boies, 
Frank B. Adams, Henry Ford, and H. C. Watson. 

The officers Jan. 1, 1880, were H. C. Watson, W. M. ; 
Henry Ford, S. W. ; Elijah Warner, J. W. ; J. W. John- 
son, Sec. ; M. H. Smith, Treas. ; C. S. Adams, S. D. ; Or- 
rin D. White, J. D. ; James Baboock, Tiler. The lodge 
has now a membership of 60, and is in a flourishing condi- 
tion. Regular sessions are held in Masonic Hall, Lawton. 

Laivton Lodye, No. 83, L 0. 0. F , was organized in 
1861, and has now a membership of 28, although it had in 
1870 100 members. The officers are W. D. Kinney, N. G. ; 

C. G. Harrington, V. G ; D. W. Powell, Sec. ; J. L. Wil- 
son, Treas. Ses.sions are held in the I. 0. 0. F. building, 
Lawton. 

Monitor Encampment, No. 16, /. 0. 0. F., domiciled in 
the I. 0. 0. F. building at Lawton, was organized in 1864. 
The present membership is 16, and the list of officers as 
follows : T. D. Ward, C. P. ; W. D. Kinney, S. W. ; C. G. 
Harrington, J. W. ; R. N. Still, H. P. ; D. W. Powell, 
Scribe ; N. V. Finch, Treas. 

Court Van Buren, No. 6, Ancient Order of Foresters, 
was organized Nov. 3, 1878, with a membership of 19. 

D. W. Powell was chosen C. R. ; Juan McKeyes, V. C. R. ; 
and- J. W. Johnson, Rec. Sec. The court has now a mem- 
bership of 26, and is officered as follows : J. Gillespie, C. R. ; 
N. V. Finch, V. C. R. ; J. W. Johnson, Rec. Sec. ; M. H. 
Smith, Treas. ; H. B. Janes, S. W. ; J. D. Tillou, J. W. ; 
Robert Janes, S. B. ; B. J. Desenberg, J. B. The regular 
meetings are held in Masonic Hall every Tuesday evening. 

iMATTAWAN VILLAGE. 

While the Michigan Central Railway was in course of 
construction, Nathaniel Cheseboro, the attorney for the rail- 
way company, bought 40 acres of land on a portion of the 
site of the village of Mattawan, laid out a town, and called 
it Mattawan, after a village on the Hudson River iu New 
York. 

In 1848, Charles W. Scott made material additions to 
the plat, and really did all the work towards pushing the 
town to the front. He donated land to the railway com- 
pany for depot purposes, conditioned that Mattawan should 
be made a regular stopping-place, but as the company ig- 
nored that condition subsequently, he sought to recover pay 
for the laud, but without success. Klias Kinney and D. 
B. Webster made additions to Mattawan, and the march of 
enterprise set in as if fruitful results were destined to follow. 





MR. JASON A. SHELDON. 



MRS. JASON A. SHELDON. 



JASON A. SHELDON. 



The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is 
wortiiy of conspicuous mention. He was born April 
15, 1799, in Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
and is one of a family of ten children. His father, 
Benjamin, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; his 
mother, Elizabeth Gardner, was born in Newport, 
K. I., and both were of English descent. Jason's 
father was a Baptist minister. His grandfather was 
one of the first settlers of Stephentown township. 
Benjamin remained thereuntil 1816, when the family 
moved to Western New York, and settled in what 
was called "tlie Genesee Country," latterly known as 
Orleans County, where Benjamin died in August, 
1832. When about fifteen years of age Jason com- 
menced assisting on the farm, and working at any- 
thing else he could find to do, until 1820, when he 
hired out on the Erie Canal, under the supervision of 
Major Adams, discharging each and every duty faith- 
fully. He soon became foreman, which position he 
held three years. June 1, 1823, being tlien twenty- 
four years of age, he married Miss Sabrina M. Glid- 
den, in the town of Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y. 
Her parents were natives of the Green Mountain 
State, where she was i)orn June 4, 1799. To this 
marriage were born six children, — five sons and one 
daughter, viz. : Oliver Hazard Perry Sheldon, born 
Dec. 12, 1824, now married and living in Paw Paw; 
Ellen Adelia, born Oct. 10, 1826, died when two 
years of age; Asa Glidden, born Sept. 15, 1828, 
died June 15, 1857, in his twenty-ninth year; 
William S., born Nov. 22, 1830, now living in Ant- 
werp township; Job G., born May 1, 1833, lives 
in Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co. ; Benjamin Clark, 
born Sept. 7, 1835, lives on part of the old home- 
stead. 

After leaving the canal Mr. Sheldon chose farming 
as his vocation, improving some wild land which he 
had previously purchased. In 1845 he sold his 



farm, and with his family came to Michigan, set- 
tling in Antwerp township, on section 7, which is 
one mile east of Paw Paw village. His farm at 
first only contained one hundred and twenty acres, 
to which he afterwards added one hundred and 
seventy-five acres, improving his farm until 1854, 
when he sold a part of it to Mr. Chapin, divid- 
ing the remainder between his children. Since 
then he has lived on the interest of his money. 
There was no sudden accession of wealth, but slowly 
the work was carried forward year l)y year amid 
the severest hardships, until, in the lapse of time, 
ease and comfort have been i-eached. In January, 
1879, Mr. Sheldon was bereft of his loving and 
faithful companion, who is kindly remembered by 
many friends. 

In jjolitics he is a Republican, though in early 
days a Democrat, representing his party in New 
York as supervisor for several years, also as justice 
of the peace. He represented his party in Micliigan 
as judge of the County Court for one term, wheu the 
Court was changed to Circuit Court. He has also 
been town clerk and justice in Antwerp four years. 
He had only ordinary educational advantages, never 
attending any but a common school ; yet, by making 
good use of the advantages within his reach, he has ac- 
quired a practical knowledge sufficient to enable him 
to do any ordinary business. Himself and wife were 
both members of theFree-Wiil Baptist Church since 
1833, both joining at the same time. 

Mr. Sheldon and his brother, William, who 
resides with him, are the only ones left of their 
father's once unbroken and happy family. Mr. 
Sheldon's mother died at her old home in New 
York, March, 1845, at the good old age of eighty- 
four ; and when the lamp went out, they laid her in 
a sunny nook, where the marble marks her quiet 
resting-place. 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWEKP. 



385 



The first house of any importance built on the village- 
site was a grocery-store, put up in 1850 by one John 
Cronkhite. He sold the place to Rev. J. J. Bliss, a Cana- 
dian, who came along that year, and making his residence 
on the ground-floor, opened a store in the second story. 
This building occupied the corner upon which the Front 
Street brick block stands. It is now standing upon the 
same lot as " Charity Hall." Bliss built also the warehouse 
near the railway, now owned by Morgan L. Fitch. He was 
a railway switch-man and preacher, as well as a trader, and 
divided his time between selling goods and preaching, first 
the Protestant Methodist and afterwards the Free-Will 
Baptist doctrine. Bliss sold his business to Henry Fitch, 
whose successors were Morgan L. Fitch and C. D. Van 
Vechten. 

There was no hotel in the village until 1855, when J. F. 
Parmenter built the Antwerp House, on Front Street. 
George Conklin put in a new front and called it the Willard 
House. He was the landlord when the building was burned, 
in 1873. Henry Durkee built a hotel on the corner, near 
the present post-office, and called it the Union Hou.se. It 
was burned in 1866, and then Durkee put up the hotel now 
kept by Chauncey Bonfoey, — the only one in the village at 
present. 

A post-oflice was established at Mattawan in 1850, when 
Rev. J. J. Bliss was appointed postmaster. Postmaster 
Bliss' duties were not very heavy, nor was his mail volu- 
minous, since he found that a cigar-box was quite large 
enough to serve him as a receptacle for all the letters sent 
to the office. Mr. Bliss' successors in the office to the 
present have been John Sraolk, James Murray, Raper 
Ward, Abel Brown, L. C. Fitch, S. S. Rascoe, and Isaac 
Stewart. 

About 1809, Mattawan enjoyed an era of considerable 
prosperity and carried on an extensive business as a ship- 
ping-point for great quantities of lumber, which were sent in 
from mills north of the place. The population numbered 
at that time about 800, and the little town was flushed with 
signs of material prosperity. The completion of the Chicago 
and West Michigan Railroad, however, soon diverted the 
lumber shipments elsewhere, and Mattawan sufiered a reac- 
tion. The village population is now (Jan. 1, 1880) about 
400. The chief business interests are represented by Mor- 
gan L. Fitch (warehouse), E. Moore (general store), George 
H. Goodrich (hardware), and the grocery-stores of Stewart 
& Co. and L. C. Fitch. 

Mattawan Lodge, No. 268, F. and A. M., was organized 
Jan. 13, 1870, with Thomas H. Briggs as W. M., C. D. 
Van Vechten as S. W., and Clinton Fitch as J. W. The 
lodge has now a membership of 50, and is officered as 
follows : James McCarter, W. M. ; D. W. Miller, S. W. ; C. 
Bonfoi, J. W. ; Isaac Birdsall, Treas. ; C. 0. Nash, Sec. ; 
John Eves, S. D. ; George Tillou, J. D. ; James Day, Tiler. 

SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The first school-teacher in Antwerp was Ann, daughter 

of Daniel Van Antwerp, and the first school-house llie log 

cabin of Joshua Bangs, on section 7, in the second story of 

which, in 1837, Miss Van Antwerp taught a subscription 

49 



school one term, and had perhaps a dozen scholars. Miss 
Van Antwerp married P. N. Smith, and now lives in the 
township, on .section 9. After that first season a slab school- 
house was built, and did duty for some time near where the 
fine school-hou.se on section 7 now stands. Lawton and 
Mattawan have each an excellent graded school and a hand- 
some brick school-house, the one at Lawton being one of the 
best in the county. 

Following is a statement of the condition of the .schools 
of Antwerp, as per school report for the year 1879 : Whole 
number of districts, 9 (of which 2 are fractional) ; total en- 
rollment of children, 618; total average attendance, 374; 
whole number of teachers employed, 20 ; amount paid for 
teachers' wages, $2331 ; value of school property, $16,600. 
(District No. 4 is not included, because not reported.) 

The school directors of the several districts at the date of 
the report were as follows: District No. 1, E. C. Towers; 
No. 2, Daniel Morrison ; No. 3, Charles Race ; No. 4, 
Reuben Clum ; No. 5, J. Sheldon ; No. 6, A. Harwick ; 
No. 7, C. R. Williams ; No. 8, M. H. Smith ; No. 9, R. 
W. Brown. 

The township was divided into four school districts 
May 4, 1837, and on July 25th of the same year two ad- 
ditional districts were formed. Feb. 26, 1839, primary- 
school money to the amount of $14.08 was received from 
the Van Buren County treasurer and apportioned : $8.32 
to District No. 5, and $5.76 to District No. 6. 

The annual report of the board of school inspectors, 
made March 11, 1839, showed that there were six dis- 
tricts, that only two reported, and that the books in use 
were Cobb's " Elementary Spelling-Book," " First-Class 
Book," " Smith's Grammar," " Adams' Arithmetic," "Eng- 
lish Reader," and " Olney's Geography." The first record 
of the selection of the school-teachers appears under date 
Dec. 5, 1843, when James Duncan, W. B. Mack, and Joseph 
Gilman were examined and approved as teachers. 

Annual reports of the schools were made to the school 
inspectors regularly, but from 1838 to 1844 no complete 
report from all the school districts was received in any 
year, and the actual condition of the schools during that 
period cannot, therefore, be ascertained. 

CHURCHES. 
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lawton is the 
pioneer religious organization of the town, and dates the 
period of the formation of its first class back to 1855. There 
were but 8 members in that class, but it grew rapidly, 
however, and flourished as the years passed on until in 
1869 the church membership numbered 215. The first 
pastor was Rev. S. Simmons, and the first class-leader Har- 
vey Barker, of Porter, who was al.so a local preacher, and 
exceedingly zealous in behalf of the church. In 1860 the 
church was in charge of Rev. T. T. George, and included 
the classes of Lawton, Porter, Centre, the " Valley" class, 
and those of Marcellus and South Porter. Mattawan was 
afterwards included and set ofi' in 1867. In 1860, Andrew 
Longstreet was leader of the Lawton cla.ss, which then in- 
cluded among its members Jason Atwell, William Powell, 
Calvin Durkee, William L. Barker, and Chauncey Hol- 
lister. 



386 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The church worshiped in the Lawton school-house until 
1862, when the church edifice now in use was erected. It 
is a commodious frame structure, with seating capacity for 
300 people. The present pastor is Rev. T. T. George. The 
leaders of the Lawton class to the present time have been 
Harvey Barker, Andrew Longstreet, William Barker, 
Henry Ford, James Wager, T. D. Ward, James Drowley, 
William Powell, William Harper, Walter Fredenburg. The 
officers of the church at present are : Trustees, W. S. Har- 
per, T. D. Ward, Jason Atwell, Henry Ford, James 
Drowley, George Worden, and Harvey Harper. The 
stewards are T. D. Ward, W. S. Harper, Jason Atwell, 
and James Drowley. The class-leaders are William S. 
Harper and Walter Fredenburg. The recording steward 
is T. D. Ward. The Sabbath-school numbers about 100 
pupils, and is in charge of Nathaniel Atwood (superintend- 
ent) and 10 teachers. 

The First Baptist Church of Laiclon was organized 
Nov. 11, 1865, in the Lawton school-house, by Rev. E. S. 
Dunham. Twelve members were on that occasion received 
into the church, to wit : E. S. Dunham and wife, Thomas 
Barker and wife, M. D. Williams and wife, John Stearns 
and wife, Jonathan Baughman and wife, Cynthia Smith, 
Helen M. Williams. Upon being organized, the church 
was attached to the Kalamazoo River Association. Rev. 
Mr. Dunham preached about a year, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Hezekiah West. Since Mr. West's time the churuh 
has been compelled to depend upon supplies. The Rev. 
Mr. Dunham, now living in Lawton, has been connected 
with the church since its organization, and has from time 
to time occupied the pulpit, serving altogether about five 
years. Mr. Dunham has been an active minister in the 
Baptist Church in Michigan since 1849, and has only lat- 
terly retired from the calling. The church membership is 
now about 60, and although dependence has long been 
upon supplies, preaching has always been enjoyed at least 
onee each Sabbath. The Sabbath-school is in a flourishing 
condition, with an average attendance of 70, 6. N- Birdsall 
being the superintendent. The church edifice now used 
was built in 1867. The officers of the church are Thomas 
Barker, Deacon ; G. N. Birdsall, Clerk. Mr. Barker has 
been a deacon since the date of organization. 

First Presbyterian Church. — Dec. 15, 18G8, Rev. Calvin 
Clark, a Presbyterian missionary, assisted by Revs. E. F. 
Toof and William Fuller, organized the First Presbyterian 
Church of Lawton, at a meeting held in the Methodist 
Episcopal church of that village. Their first meeting was 
held in the morning, when 12 members were enrolled, to 
wit: Daniel Van Antwerp and wife, Harriet Van Antwerp, 
W. A. Twichell and wife, Theodore Perry and wife, R. 
S. Griffin and wife, 0. G. Badlan and wife, and Mrs. Solo- 
mon Phillips. At an evening meeting on the same day 
Mrs. Jeannette Morrill, Mrs. Mary Abbott, James M. 
Wells, and Geo. W. Lawton and wife were added to the 
membership. The ceremony of organization closed with 
the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, administered by Rev. 
Calvin Clark. Rev. John Kelland was called to be the 
first minister, and for some time thereafter the congregation 
grew in strength, but when the Iron Company's works 
discontinued operations many of the members (who were 



employees of the company) moved from the village, and of 
course their withdrawal checked the church's progress. 
The organization has, however, prospered fairly, and in- 
cludes at present a membership of 30. During Mr. Kel- 
land's time services were held twice each Sunday, while the 
sessions of the Sabbath-school were held each Sabbath. 
Preaching is now enjoyed, however, but once a month, 
Rev. Theodore Marsh, of Paw Paw, supplying the pulpit. 
The society has never owned a church edifice. A public 
hall served at first, and later a building purchased by a few 
members of the society and converted into a chapel was 
and is still used, in common with members of the Protest- 
ant Episcopal faith. The church trustees are Freeman 
Rice and C. M. Morrill. 

A Frotestant Episcopal Church was organized several 
years ago in Lawton, but the membership was small, and 
the organization was discontinued after a brief season. 
Episcopalians in Lawton have, however, had periodical 
religious meetings in the village, and have managed to 
have occasional preaching. Rev. George P. Shetky, of 
Paw Paw, supplies them with preaching at present, and 
holds services once every three weeks in the Presbyterian 
chapel at Lawton. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church of Mattawan. — In 
the absence of the early records of this church the date of 
the organization of the Mattawan class can only be vaguely 
given as about 1854. The place of the organization can, 
however, be stated as the Fitch school-hou.se, north of Mat- 
tawan, and the name of the first pastor as Rev. Mr. Jones. 
Worship was held at the Fitch school-house two years, when 
the place of meetings was transferred to Mattawan. At that 
time the class was attached to the Lawton Church, and 
among its members were Lyman Lawrence and wife, Charles 

Scott and wife, Jacob Ward and wife, Cobb, James 

Murray and wife, Raper Ward and wife, Mrs. Merritt Gates, 
and — ■ — Green. In 1866 the present church edifice was 
erected, and in 1867 the class was set off from the Lawton 
circuit. The charge of which Mattawan is a part includes, 
besides that class, the classes of Almeua and West Oshtemo, 
and has a membership of 117. The class-leader at Matta- 
wan is Elbridge Reed ; the pastor is Rev. S. C. Woodward ; 
the trustees, Bryan Stainton, E. B. Wright, David Brown, 
Philo Reed, Joseph B. Ford, Truman Bailey, and S. C. 
Hiscock ; the stewards are W. S. Plumb, Elbridge Reed, 
and Bryan Stanton. Church services, as well as Sabbath- 
school sessions, are held every Sunday. 

First Congregational Church of Mattaican. — At a 
church council held July 2, 1867, at the house of J. J. 
Johnson, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational 
Church in Mattawan, there were present Rev. Anderson, of 
Augusta ; Rev. E. Strickland, of Dowagiac ; Rev. E. Cleve- 
land, of Lawrence; Rev. E. Hastings, of Paw Paw; and 
Rev. W. H. Hubbard, of Schoolcraft. The church was 
organized, and the following members received: J. J. John- 
son and wife, W. O. Elmore and wife, Charles Kelsey and 
wife, Josiah Hopkins and wife, Luther J. Hopkins, Wm. 
Ward and wife, Milo Ward, Samuel Ward, 0. P. Morton 
and wife, S. N. Mygatt, Louis Hitchcock, A. Kellogg, 
Mary A. Van Winkle, and Stephen Morton. Josiah Hop- 
kins and Charles Kelsey were chosen deacons, and the 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



387 



manual of the Kalamazoo Congregational Association was 
adopted, witli a few alterations. The pastors of the church 
in their order of service are given as follows : Revs. Q. A. 
McFarland, Thomas Jones, Jonathan Grain, G. Dangra- 
mond, J. II. Williams, D. W. Comstock, and I. N. Tomes. 
Upon the organization of the church a Sabbath-school was 
also formed, and in 1869 a house of worship was built. 
The church membership, which is now 25, was at one time 
upwards of 80. Rev. I. N. Tomes, the present pastor, 
preaches every Sunday. The deacons are W. B. Gorham 
and W. B. Ward ; the trustees, Peter Harwick, W. B. 
Ward, and Scott Glidden ; and the clerk, W. B. Gorham. 

A Clijse Communion Baptist Church was organized in 
Mattawan, at the house of N. B. Howell, in 1867, with 18 
members. Up to the close of 1878 preaching was supplied 
from Kalamazoo as often as once every fortnight, and ser- 
vices were held in the Methodist church, a public hall, the 
school house, and other convenient places. The member- 
ship is now but 10, and since the close of 1878 the mem- 
bers have not met for public worship. 

A Uiiit'ersalisI Church was organized in 1873, with 16 
members, by Rev. Asa Countryman, a Michigan missionary, 
at the house of C. D. Van Vechten. Mr. Countryman 
preached for the church a year, and during the ensuing two 

years Revs. Jacob Straub and Mason preached once 

a month. After that the membership became reduced, and 
since 1876 no public services have been held. 

FRUIT CULTURE. 
Four years ago Antwerp township was not esteemed a 
region peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of such fruits 
as the peach and grape, and what was done in those depart- 
ments was upon a very limited scale. At this time, how- 
ever, the peach and grape culture is one of the important 
features of the township's industries, and promises more- 
over to expand in a very important way in the near future. 
Indeed, this valuable interest seems to be just developing, 
and among those who are urging it forward the opinion 
holds, and with much sanguine faith, that the fruit trade 
of Antwerp and the neighboring country will soon be far 
greater than at present. 



The oldest peach orchard in the township is that of 
Nathan H. Biteiy, who has been marketing the fruit for 
about twenty years, or since 1860. Mr. Biteley has also 
one of the largest vineyards in Antwerp. Messrs. L. L. 
Halstead and L. Baxter have old orchards, but a large ma- 
jority of those now cultivated are but four years old. 

Early in 1878 the fruit-growers in the neighborhood of 
Lawton moved for the organization of a society which 
should be devoted to the encouragement of their interests, 
and in April of that year, accordingly, the Lawton Pomo- 
logical Society was formed, with N. H. Biteiy as President. 
C. D. Lawton, Secretary, and A. B. Jones, Treasurer. The 
original membership of 40 has swelled to 50, and, according 
to the first defined purpose, includes fruit-growers of the 
townships of Paw Paw, Antwerp, and Porter, although 
there are also a few members from Decatur. It is estimated 
that fully 50,000 bearing peach-trees are owned by mem- 
bers of the society, while their vineyards and beds of small 
fruits are constantly expanding in area. 

Lawton is the shipping-point whence in 1878 between 
50,000 and 60,000 baskets of peaches and 30 tons of 
grapes, besides much other small fruit, were forwarded, 
Mr. C. Engle, a fruit-grower, of Paw Paw, himself shipping 
7000 baskets of peaches. Antwerp is likewise a strong 
apple-producing region, and in the light of late important 
progress as a fruit-belt may confidently count upon a valu- 
able commercial future. 

RAILWAYS IN ANTWERP. 
The Michigan Central Railway, passing through the 
township between the east and southwest, was completed in 
1848, and created the two flourishing villages of Lawton 
and Mattawan. The Paw Paw Railroad, connecting the 
villages of Lawton and Paw Paw, was chartered April 25, 
1857, but the company seeking to ignore Lawton by inter- 
secting the Michigan Central Railroad between Lawton and 
Mattawan, were by the latter corporation denied the privi- 
lege, and having thus uselessly expended their capital the 
company abandoned the undertaking. In November, 1866, 
there was a reorganization, with an increased capital, and 
then the line was completed as it now exists. 



388 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 





MRS. LTSANDER BATHEICK. 



LYSANDER BATHRICK. 



LYSANDER BATHRICK 

was born May 18, 1812, in the town of Scipio, Cayuga 
Co., N. Y., and was the seventh in a family of nine chil- 
dren, — five sons and four daughters. His father, Stephen 
Bathrick, was born in Massachusetts, May 25, 1778. His 
mother, Catharine (Bachelor) Bathrick, was also a native 
of that State, her birth occurring Aug. 28, 1776, and her 
marriage with Stephen Batlirick being celebrated Dec. 25, 
1799. Mr. Bathrick and his wife both died in the State 
of New York, the former Dec. 24, 1854, and the latter 
June 29, 1839. Of their family, six members are now 
living. 

Lysander Bathrick passed his youth on his father's farm, 
after the manner of farmers' sons in those days, attending 
the winter terms in the district school, and assisting on the 
homestead through the summer months. After he became 
of age he hired his services at monthly wages, and with the 
money thus earned paid for one winter's tuition at Brock- 
port College. Feb. 20, 1838, he was married to Miss 
Phebe Salisbury, whose parents, Joseph and Phebe (West- 
brook) Salisbury, were born in Pennsylvania. She was a 
native of Monroe Co., N. Y., in which her birth occurred, 
July 28, 1819. The fruit of this union was four children, 
Rosina A., born March 9, 1839 ; Miranda A., born June 
19, 1842; Pratt L., born May 15, 1848; Burt D., born 
March 23, 1862. These are all living. In 1841, Mr. 
Bathrick settled on a farm in Orleans Co., N. Y., and in 
1866 sold it and came to Michigan, locating at Battle 
Creek, Calhoun Co. In 1869 he removed to Antwerp 
township. Van Bureu Co., where his wife died, August 



13th, in the same year. His present home consists of one 
hundred and nineteen acres on section 24, which, with the 
assistance of his youngest son, he manages. His oldest 
child, Rosina, is still in New York, and the others are 
married and settled near him. March 16, 1870, he was 
united in marriage with Mrs. M. Ro.se, a native of New 
York, in which State she was born Feb. 24, 1818. She 
is a sister of J. R. Bangs, of Paw Paw. Mrs. Bathrick 
(first) early became a convert to the Christian religion, and 
at her death was a member of the Congregational Church. 
The present Mrs. Bathrick also united with this church 
about 1870. Mr. Bathrick was formerly connected with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, but is at present a mem- 
ber of none. His first wife was an advocate of all reforms, 
and with him was an earnest worker in the anti-slavery 
cause, rising from her bed on many occasions to assist some 
lonely refugee. Mr. Bathrick's house was the haven which 
such wanderers sought for temporary shelter and assistance, 
and they were ever welcomed, and, after rest and refresh- 
ment, were " sent on their way rejoicing." Mr. Bathrick's 
father was a participant in the second struggle with Great 
Britain (1812-15), and an early settler of Monroe Co., 
N. Y. His house, erected in 1811, was the fifth in the 
township in which he settled, and was covered with bark, 
as no lumber could be procured nearer than Rochester. 
His road was cut six miles through a dense forest. He 
did not locate with his family until Feb. 22, 1814, having 
lived previously in Cayuga County. Lysander Bathrick 
has been a life-long Republican, his principles being taught 
him by his mother. He has served as a justice of the 
peace in the township where he lives. 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



389 



JONATHAN J. WOODMAN, 

so well known to very many, not only of the citizens of 
Van Buren County, but of the whole country, was born in 
Sutton, Caledonia Co., Vt., May 25, 1825. 

He was the youngest son of Joseph and Tryphena Wood- 
man, whose portraits appear upon another page in this 
work, and was nearly ten years of age when his father set- 
tled in Antwerp, early in May, 1835. 

Western Michigan, except its few prairies, was then an 
almost unbroken wilderness. A few families arrived and 
settled in the neighborhood in the summer of 1835, and 
not unmindful of the fact that schools were an essential 
part of the civilization they had left behind them, they 
opened up in a primitive way the chances for an educa- 
tion in a slab shanty in Paw Paw village, to which the 
few children of the early settlers too young for work were 
' sent. 

About this time the flood-tide of emigration to Southern 
Michigan commenced, and the sturdy settlers engaged at 
once in opening up farms, building villages, and providing 
educational advantages for their children. 

These were enjoyed by young Woodman to the extent 
of devoting the winter season to the village school, and the 
summer to labor on his father's farm, completing his school 
education at a private academy, under the tuition of the 
late Professor Vose, before he was twenty-one years of age. 

His time in the village school and his academic course 
of a few terms had been so well improved, and had kindled 
in him such a desire to explore the fields of learning, the 
portals of which he had just passed, that to go to college 
was then his highest ambition. But a new country with 
its demands for improvement, a new farm with its demands 
for labor, and a large family with its demands for a living, 
left few dollars to devote to the less necessary collegiate 
education which his ambition coveted. His father could 
not help him, and he was compelled to abandon this cher- 
ished purpose. 

He determined to enter a law-office and study law, and 
went to Kalamazoo, making his first application for a place 
in the ofllice of Stuart & Miller. 

Mr. Stuart was not in when the farmer-boy called to ar- 
range for his future course in life. Mr. Miller, a few years 
his senior, raised on a farm, with a few years' legal practice, 
was well qualified to give good advice. 

He said to young Woodman, " The profession is over- 
crowded, and the chances for a competence and future dis- 
tinction are better and more certain for a young man intent 
on doing what he undertakes well, if he sticks to farming 
in this new and undeveloped country than at the bar." 
This opinion from an eminent lawyer cooled his ardor for 
professional life, and he returned home resolved to comply 
with the wishes of his father, and heed this friendly advice 
which had come to him unsought. 

From henceforth he was ultimately to be a farmer, and 
he soon purchased forty acres of land adjoining his father's 
farm, incurring a debt of four hundred dollars, which was 
paid in installments with money earned by teaching. As 
he was well qualified, and it was more remunerative, he de- 
voted six"successive winters to that work, finding employ- 



ment on his father's farm through the summer seasons. A 
forty-acre farm was too restricted for his ambition, and in 
the newly-discovered gold-fields of California he fancied 
he saw a prospect to secure means to enlarge his little farm, 
and enable him to prosecute his chosen vocation and secure 
the objects which attend success. 

Resigning the position of principal of the Paw Paw 
union school in the spring of 1852, he joined the throng 
and crossed the Plains to meet and overcome, as best he 
might, the hardships of the venture and adventure of a 
two years' life in California. 

Though he found no bonanza, he saved enough in two 
years of California life, by mining and other business in 
which he was engaged, to enlarge his farm, and soon made 
such valuable improvements as gave him the coveted stand- 
ing which he has since so fully enjoyed, — an independent, 
enterprising Michigan farmer. 

His services as teacher were in demand, and the two 
winters succeeding his return from California he spent in 
teaching. We conclude that his time during the winter 
of 1856 was not wholly devoted to teaching school, as we 
find on inquiry that on the 30th day of March following 
he married Mi.ss Harty H. Hunt, daughter of John and 
Eliza Hunt, pioneer settlers in the township, of whom men- 
tion is made in this work. Mrs. Woodman was born in 
Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vt., Oct. 20, 1834, and was but 
two and a half years old when her parents emigrated from 
Vermont and settled in Antwerp. Her educational advan- 
tages were very similar to those of her husband. In the 
common school, with a few terms at the Kalamazoo Female 
Seminary, under the tuition of that most excellent instruc- 
tress, Mrs. Stone, she qualified herself for teaching school, 
and for several years previous to her marriage was success- 
fully engaged in teaching. A small frame hou,se was soon 
erected upon their one-hundred-and-twenty-acre farm, in 
which they commenced housekeeping and lived until their 
present residence was built, in 1868. They have but one 
child, Lucius Woodman, a promising lad of seventeen years 
of age. 

In 1860, Mr. Woodman was chosen to represent Van 
Buren County in the Michigan Legislature, a position to 
which he was re-elected successively five times, to represent 
the eastern district, making twelve years of continuous ser- 
vice, during three terms having the additional honor of 
being selected by that body to serve as presiding officer 
(one term as Speaker pro tern, and two terms as Speaker), 
a distinction never accorded to any member of ordinary 
ability, nor given a second time to any person lacking in 
executive talent. In the late Centennial Exposition he was 
one of the board» of managers representing the State of 
Michigan, his especial duty being to take charge of the 
agricultural exhibition of his State. 

In 1878 he received from President Hayes the appoint- 
ment of commissioner to the Paris Exposition, being one 
of the four to represent American agriculture. It is worthy 
of note that this appointment was made on the united so- 
licitation of the entire Congressional delegation from his 
State, Mr. Woodman himself having no part in its pro- 
curement, nor even the knowledge that the position would 
be tendered him. The duties of the office took him abroad 



3ao 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



early in May, 1878. During the summer montlis lie was 
closely engaged in Paris most of the time. He found time, 
however, to make occasional excursions into the agricultural 
districts of France, and traveled extensively through several 
other countries in Europe, where, with the fondness of an 
enthusiast, he sought out everything new, if it seemed to 
have bearing upon the business in hand, — the development 
of truth in agriculture. These trips were delineated in 
letters to the Grange Visitor and Post, and IVibune, and 
freely copied by the agricultural press throughout the 
Union. 

Very soon after the grange movement became in Michi- 
gan a moving impulse Mr. Woodman identified himself 
with it, notwithstanding the opprobrium that thoughtless 
scribblers and senile orators had endeavored to cast upon it. 
He saw in the order a precious boon to American farmers, 
conditioned only upon their cordial support of an institution 
devised in their interest, and therefore dependent upon them 
for whatever power or force it might have in shaping 
affairs. Being thoroughly identified in the new work, it 
was soon apparent to his fellow-laborers that his abilities 
indicated a wider field than could be afforded by his local 
grange as the measure of his usefulness, and he was there- 
fore elected, in 1874, Master of the Michigan State Grange, 
a position which he still holds, having twice been re-elected 
by a nearly unanimous vote. In 1875, at the ninth annual 
session of the National Grange, in Louisville, Ky., he was 
elected Overseer, the second office in the body, the term ex- 
piring in 1877. At the eleventh annual session, in Cincin- 
nati, he was re-elected, and served with much ability at the 
sessions of the National Grange at Richmond and at Can- 
andaigua, often occupying the chair of the Master, where 
his familiarity with parliamentary law and usage, and his 
natural tact as a presiding officer, brought to him the high- 
est office in the gift of that body — that of Master — at its 
late session, in November, 1879. 

Mr. Woodman has many qualities that have given him 
admirable fitness for the various official positions to which 
he has been called ; but it is not the purpose of this sketch 
to make a careful analysis of character. It may be said, 
ho.wever, that as a presiding officer in a deliberative body 
he has, combined with the utmost readiness of decision, 
rare tact, that gives adverse ruling the character of grace- 
ful and courteous denial, soothing to those who seek the 
favors firmly refused. Intrenched in the most profound 
parliamentary lore, he occupies the chair as the embodiment 
of law, whose executive he becomes, with no favor nor harsh 
ruling to bestow, the plain purpose being to guide the pro- 
ceedings of the body over which he presides by the rules 
it has itself established. As a speaker, he is entirely free 
from ostentatious display, although earnest and forcible, 
tru.sting rather to close argument and the logic of facts 
than to the arts of oratory. 

As a farmer, entire system marks every department of 
his work. Except when official duties have made demands 
upon his time, he has not only given personal attention to 
the business of his farm, but has always taken hold of its 
manual labor with the " come boys" activity that usually 
makes success certain. 

In 18()0 he purchased one hundred acres ol' his father's 



farm, this time incurring a debt of four thousand dollars. 
Other additions have been made until he now owns over 
five hundred acres of land, with three hundred and seventy- 
five acres under cultivation. 

In practical farming he holds tenaciously to the idea that 
a mixed husbandry, thorough cultivation, with a liberal 
supply of fertilizers, and a sy.stematic rotation of crops is 
essential to success. 

His motto is system, economy, and punctuality in all 
farm operations, as well as other business, and " an intelli- 
gent calculation on probabilities." 

His farm lies ju.st outside the village of Paw Paw, the 
county-seat of Van Buren County. His residence, within 
half a mile of the post-office, gives him all the society ad- 
vantages which village life affords. He has a fine residence 
and other farm-buildings sufficient for the needs of a large 
farm, but exhibits no lavish expenditure. With but one 
child, his family is always reinforced with the hired help 
necessary to run a large farm, and his considerate treatment 
of all his employees when at home makes them careful of 
bis interests, and there is little of that change from year 
to year which is so common among farmers. 

Mr. Woodman has been successful in his own business 
affairs, successful in official life, and honored for the faith- 
fulness with which he has discharged every duty imposed 
upon him, and now, at the age of fifty-four, we find him 
surrounded with every comfort and convenience found in a 
well-ordered home. 

The fortuitous circumstances of life that seem to attend 
some men more than others have fallen to his lot. 

With a wife familiar with farm-life from childhood, and 
eminently qualified to adapt herself to every situation, her 
practical good sense and sound judgment have contributed 
in no small degree to their financial prosperity, while her 
fine social and intellectual qualities have made their home 
an attractive centre of a large circle of friends who are 
always welcome at their hospitable board. 

She is an earnest worker in the grange, as well as in 
other social and benevolent enterprises; and, with her hus- 
band, has been honored with high positions in both the 
State and National Granges. She was elected Flora of the 
State Grange in 1875, a position which she still holds and 
fills with grace and dignity. In 1877 she was elected 
Pomona of the National Grange, and promoted to the office 
of Ceres in 1879, being the highest office held by a lady in 
that body. 



HENRY WAITE 



was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1825, and 
was the ninth in a family of fifteen children, — five sons and 
ten daughters. His father. Green Waite, was also a native 
of Washington County, as was also his mother, Lida 
(Moon) Waite. Mr. and Mrs. Waite, Sr., were married 
about 1808-9, and when Henry was five years of age the 
family removed to Livingston Co., N. Y., where the son 
worked on his father's farm summers, and attended school 
winters. When seventeen years of age, Henry Waite, at 
the request of his parents, started for Michigan to join his 
brother in Hillsdale Co., Mich., and learn the carpenter's 



TOWNSHIP OP ANTWERP. 



391 



trade. With ten dollars in his pocket, and his clothing I 
rolled up in a pack, he left home and proceeded on foot to 
Rochester. Arriving finally at Adrian, Mich., he walked 
from there to his brother's, having two dollars and a half 
left on his arrival. He remained most of the time with 
his brother for two and a half years, and experienced 
homesickness almost constantly. He returned to New York 
and stayed two years, at the expiration of which time he 
came again to Hillsdale, and subsequently to Van Buren 
County, where he stayed but a short time, returning to Hills- 
dale, and thence to New York, walking as far as Niagara 
Falls. March 26, 1850, he was married to Miss Caroline 
McCrossen, whose father was a native of Ireland, and 
mother of New York. In the latter State Mrs. Waite was 
born, Dec. 9, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Waite have no children 
of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Leonora, now 
thirteen years of age. After their marriage, Mr. Waite 
rented a farm for two years, after which lie purchased fifty 
acres of land in Ontario Co., N. Y., and removed to it. 
He sold his place in the fall of 1855, and returned to Mich- 
igan, purchasing seventy acres in Almena township, Van 
Buren Co., Mich., obtaining credit for most of it. For 
about ten years he remained on this farm, clearing and im- 
proving it, and finding employment at sheep-shearing, well- 
digging, and teaming, and says he made his money " not on 
the farm, but off from it." He sold his place in 1865, and 
worked land on shares for two years, then purchasing his 
present home, on section 5, in Antwerp township. He also 
owns land in Almena, upon which he pastures sheep. He 
is considerably interested in sheep-raising, and has a flock 
numbering one hundred and tweniy-six. Mr. Waito's farm 
had very little improvement upon it when he purchased it, 
but he has persevered in his efforts to transform it into a 
pleasant home, and witii what success may be judged by a 
glance at the view which appears in this work. Mr. Waite 
has ever been an industrious, hard-working man. For seven 
years he was engaged in thrashing grain, and followed well- 
digging until within recent years. His mother died m 
1867, and his father, who for two years had lived with him, 
died in 1869. Mrs. Waite's father died March 9, 1865. Iler 
mother is living with her, having nearly reached the age of 
eighty-seven years. Mr. Waite is a Republican in politics, 
and both he and his wife have been members of the Chris- 
tian Church for twenty years. 



JAMES M. LULL 

was born in Broome Co., N. Y., June 9, 1830, and was 
one of a family of eleven children. In the spring of 1839 
he came to Michigan with his father, Samuel Lull, who 
settled first in Kalamazoo County, and in 1844 removed to 
the township of Antwerp, Van Buren Co., and located on 
section 36. His parents were both natives of New York, 
in which State his father died Aug. 12, 1874, at the age 
of eighty years. The latter's widow is now living with 
her daughter in Kalamazoo County, at the age of eighty- 
two years. 

When James M. Lull arrived at the age of twenty-one 
years he removed to Ohio, and during his residence in that 



State was married to Miss Emily Crane, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, who had come to Ohio with her parents when 
but two years of age. About two years after his marriage, 
Mr. Lull removed to Michigan, locating with his family on 
their present home of one hundred and sixty acres, in the 
town.ship of Antwerp, Van Buren Co., clearing and im- 
proving it in the succeeding years. Mrs. Lull's mother 
died in Ohio, April 15, 1855; her father is still living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lull are the parents of three children, as 
follows : Clarence A., born in Ohio, March 9, 1852 ; Emma 
F., born Feb. 25, 1857, in Michigan ; Juliette, born Sept. 
25, 1866. Mr. Lull, aside from his regular business as a 
farmer, has devoted considerable attention to raising fine 
stock, and is at present the owner of ten blooded cattle 
and several Percheron horses. He has every reason to be 
pleased with his success in life, and enjoys the rei)utation 
of being an excellent farmer. His educational advantages 
were somewhat limited, but his knowledge is of that prac- 
tical character which enables its possessor to achieve success 
in the business walks of life. 



PETER HARWICK. 

This gentleman's parents, Elias and Cynthia (Ryan) 
Harwick, were natives of Montgomery Co., N. Y. Elias 
Harwick was born Sept. 29, 1789, and died June 14, 1871. 
His wife, Cynthia (Ryan) Harwick, was born Nov. 7, 
1792. They were married Oct. 30, 1813. Soon after 
their marriage they removed to Monroe County, and 
not long afterwards to Livingston County. From the 
latter they came to Michigan in 1841, and located in the 
township of Antwerp, Van Buren Co., where Mr. Harwick 
purchased and occupied a farm on section IG. About 
twenty-six years later, his health being broken down, he 
removed to Paw Paw village, where he died, and where 
his widow is now living. 

Peter Harwick, the oldest child of the above, and one 
of a family of eight, — all sons but two, — was born Oct. 
19, 1814, in the town of Mendou, Monroe Co., N. Y. He 
lived with his parents until 1837, in which year he was 
married to Miss Belva Root, who was born at Fort Ann, 
Washington Co., N. Y., May 28,- 1813, and married Mr. 
Harwick in Erie County, where she was then living with 
her parents. After his marriage Mr. Harwick began 
farming independently in Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y. 
In October, 1842, he removed to Michigan, with his wife 
and child, and settled on section 16, Antwerp township. 
Van Buren Co. His possessions upon his arrival here were 
a small team of horses and fourteen dollars in money. He 
purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, and borrowed 
forty dollars of his sister in older to make the first pay- 
ment upon it. The place was entirely unimproved, and 
almost by his individual efforts has it reached its present 
condition of thrift. To his original purchase he has since 
added a like amount, and is now the owner of the south- 
east quarter of section 16, — one hundred and sixty acres. 
He lived during the first few months with his father, in 
the meanwhile erecting a log house un his own place. In 
order to get lumber to finish it with he went to Breeds- 
ville, cut timber, hauled it to a saw-mill and had it sawed, 



392 



HISTOEY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and then drew it to his home. The house was fini.shed 
and occupied in April, 18-13. A .severe and protracted 
struggle for a livelihood then began, and diflSculties of man- 
ifold nature were constantly arising. But the energy and 
perseverance of the young pioneer triumphed in the end, 
and prosperity and plenty were showered upon him by 
favoring fortune. Judge Bazel Harrison, the well-known 
pioneer of Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co., furnished him 
with wheat at one time when his store of money was en- 
tirely exhausted, and thus made one more in his long list 
of friends. The judge lived to be one hundred and three 
years of age, and went down to his grave with the consola- 
tion of having never known an enemy, and it was such deeds 
as this that won him the confidence and esteem of all. Mr. 
Harwick gratefully remembers the favor, and scarcely knows 
what he should have done but for the judge's kindness.* 
Mr. Harwick's education was acquired in the common 
schools of his boyhood, generally two miles from home, 
whose advantages were scarcely equal to those of the schools 
of the present day. He has lived sixty-six years and won 
the esteem of his acquaintances, and been elected to several 
offices by his townsmen, — supervisor, town clerk, etc. In 
politics he is a Democrat ; his occupation has always been 
that of a general farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Harwick have 
had but one child, — Allen Harwick, — who is now married, 
and residing on the farm with his fiither. Mrs. Harwick 
is a member of the Congregational Church. 



J. R. BANGS. 



The ancestors of this gentleman, upon the side of his 
father, were Scotch, and those of the name in America are 
descendants of three brothers, who emigrated previous to 
the Revolution. Mr. Bangs' grandfather, Joshua Bangs, 
was born in Ingham, Mass., Feb. 26, 1764, and served in 
the war as a cabin-boy on board an American privateer. 
He was captured by the British, taken to England, and 
held a prisoner until the war was over, when he returned 
to Boston, Mass. He died in the town of Sweden, Monroe 
Co., N. Y., July 13, 1837. His wife, Anna (Foleon) 
Bangs, was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 17, 1766, and 
died in Sweden, N. Y., Jan. 4, 1844. Nathaniel Bangs, 
the father of J. R., was born in Massachusetts, March 4, 
1789, and removed to Wheelock, Vt., where, on the 6th of 
October, 1809, he was married to Mary Woodman ; after- 
wards removing to Sweden, N. Y., purcha.sed one hundred 
and thirty acres of land, on which he lived until his death, 
Aug. 13, 1835; his wife is siill living. Miss Woodman's 
father, John Woodman, was born March 30, 1763, and 
married Sarah Foy, Dec. 17, 1787. Both were of English 
descent. 

J. R. Bangs, the sixth in a family of nine children, was 
born in the town of Sweden, Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 6, 
1824. Until he was seventeen, his time was passed on the 
farm of his father, except during the winters, which were de- 
voted to study in the district schools. At the age men- 
tioned he was employed at monthly wages, still continuing 



» John Hunt, of Antwerp, also went his security for hardware to 
finish his log house with, whom he al.TO reinembers with gratitude. 



his winter schooling. March 10, 1844, he was married to 
Miss Lucy M., daughter of Mills and Catharine Davis, in 
Ogden, .Monroe Co., N. Y. Mrs. Bangs' parents were of 
English descent and natives of Livingston Co., N. Y. She 
was born in Livonia, April 14, 1828 ; her mother's maiden 
name was Adams. Her father died when she was but a year 
old, and a year later she was taken into the family of her 
uncle, Samuel Brigham, who resided in Ogden, Monroe 
Co., and with him she was living when married. After 
their marriage, Mr. Bangs rented a farm for three years, 
afterwards purchasing eighty acres of land in the town of 
Ogden, Monroe Co., for which the sum demanded was two 
thousand eight hundred dollars. One hundred dollars only 
were paid down, and the place was occupied five years, at 
the end of which time he sold it for three thousand two 
hundred dollars, and removed with his family, in the fall 
of 1854, to Michigan. He had visited the State the pre- 
vious spring and invested in lands situated north of Grand 
Rapids. Not being satisfied with the location, he exchanged 
the land for what is better known as the Elder Oilman 
farm, in Antwerp township. Van Buren Co., on section 5. 
Upon this he located and remained about fifteen years, 
making extensive improvements. In 1870 he disposed of 
his place and removed to the one he now occupies, one-half 
mile east of the village of Paw Paw. Here he has built 
a neat residence (a view of which is seen in this work), 
and made many and valuable improvements. He has also 
taken an active interest in the propagation of improved 
stock, especially horses, and has introduced several fine 
animals of the Percheron Norman breed, which he secured 
in Illinois. In company with Mr. C. Bilsborough he is 
the owner of six, one of which is in Albion, Mich. In 
politics, Mr. Bangs is a Republican ; though often solicited 
to allow his name to be used as a candidate for township 
offices, he has never sought them. Mr. and Mrs. Bangs 
were members of the Christian Church in New York and 
brought letters with them to Michigan, but have not united 
with any church in the latter State. Although they have 
a pleasant and thrifty home, it has never been made merry 
by the voices of children of their own. 



ORANGE STEPHENS. 

This gentleman was born April 11, 1822, in Chittenden 
Co., Vt., and was the second child and oldest son in a family 
of seven. His fiither. Royal Stephens, was born also in A^ 
Chittenden County, on the same farm upon which the son 
was born. Mr. Stephens' mother, Sally (Richardson) Ste- 
phens, was born in Addison Co., Vt., and married his father 
about 1818. In 1832 the family removed to Niagara Co., 
N. Y., and located on a farm. His father sold out in May, 
1836, and came to Michigan, and purchased two hundred 
and eighty acres in Ingham County. At the age of twenty 
years Orange Stephens left home, and found employment 
for about five years by the month, after which he was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary A., daughter of R. S. and Esther Arm- 
strong, who was born in Addison Co., Vt., Sept. 2, 1823, 
being the second in a family of five children. Mrs. Ste- 
phens came to Michigan in the spring of 1844, and engaged 
in teaching school, making her home with her sister. Her 



TOWNSHIP OF ANTWERP. 



393 



mother died in Vermont, Oct. 12, 1841. Her father CHme 
to Michigan about 1854, settled in Lawton, Van Buren 
Co., and kept hotel until his death, in 1863. 

After Mr. and Mrs. Stephens were married they consol- 
idated their earnings and purchased one hundred and twelve 
acres of land in Sandstone township, Jackson Co., Mich., 
upon which they resided until 1853, when Mr. Stephens 
went to California. In July, 1855, he returned to his 
family, who in the mean time had sold the farm, and coming 
to Van Buren County purchased one hundred and twenty 
acres of land in the township of Antwerp, to which he has 
since added a like amount. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are the 
parents of two children, as follows : R. E. Stephens, born 
May 16, 1848, married and living in La Crosse, Ind., and 
being employed on the railroad; Frank E., born July 10, 
1857, married. Dec. 3, 1878, to Miss A. A. Beardslee, a 
native of Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Michigan 
in 1866, and are now residing in Mattawan. Frank E. 
Stephens and his wife live on the farm with his parents. 

During his stay in California Mr. Stephens engaged in 
mining, with fair success. His father died April 17, 1867; 
his mother is now living on the old homestead in Ingham 
Co., Mich. Mr. Stephens is a Republican in politics, as is 
also his son, and has held the office of higiiway commis- 
sioner, but has never been a seeker for office. In his re- 
ligious views he is liberal, and has been a member of the 
Masonic order since 1864. His advantages for obtaining 
an education were limited. 



N. L. SURDAM. 

Among the early pioneers who migrated from the far 
East to build up a home and fortune in the then almost 
pathless wilds of Western Michigan came Nathaniel L. 
Surdam, who in September, 1835, located a farm — his 
present home — in Antwerp township, Van Buren Co. 

Of his ancestors, his paternal grandparents resided in 
Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Conn., where they followed the 
occupation of farming. Among their three sons was Chris- 
topher, the father of Nathaniel, who was born in Salisbury, 
in October, 1773 ; learned the mill-wright and ship-carpen- 
ter's trades, working at these principally through life ; was 
married, about 1794, to Miss Elizabeth Lockwood, who was 
born at Sharon, Litchfield Co., Conn., May 20, 1775, 
where her parents, in affluent circumstances, had lived as 
farmers for many years. Christopher S., while yet a young 
man, moved with his family to New York City. As fore- 
man in the navy-yard, he worked at ship-building for sev- 
eral years ; but disliking the many evils, restrictions, and 
contagious diseases of the city, — his wife having nearly died 
with both smallpox and yellow fever, — they returned to 
Sharon, Conn., which was ever afterwards their home. 
His subsequent life was principally devoted to mill-wright 
work, building foundries, forges, mills, etc. He died in 
1825, at the age of fifty-two, his wife surviving him many 
years. They had five sons and three daugliters : William, 
born at Sharon, Conn., Sept. 17, 1795, where he still lives; 
Betsey, born Nov. 16, 1797, at Sharon, where she died; 
Eunice, born in New York, died when a child ; Trowbridge 
50 



L., born at Sharon, June 8, 1806, moved from Broome Co., 
N. Y., to Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1833, and died in 
1876 ; Lewis L., born at Sharon, June 25, 1808, moved 
to Illinois, purchased three farms, and died in Michigan 
in 1878, when on a return trip from Connecticut; Eunice, 
the second, born at Sharon, March 31, 1813, lived and 
died on a farm in Illinois; John W., born in Sharon, Sept. 
2, 1815, located at Manchester, Mich., and died in 1865. 
All the brothers were carpenters and joiners, excepting 
William, who was a master-millwright. 

Nathaniel L. was born in New York City, Jan. 26, 
1803. He spent his early life in Western Connecticut, 
received a common-school education, and worked five years 
as an apprentice to Daniel St. John, a master-builder. He 
continued at the business there five years longer, erecting 
some of the finest dwellings, school-buildings, and churches 
in that country. He went to Broome Co., N. Y., in 1830, 
worked at his trade, and was married, Sept. 16, 1832, to 
Miss Caroline Fuller. He bought a farm near the Pitcher 
mineral springs, Chenango County, and resided there two 
years, carrying on his farm and trade, until the death of 
his wife, in April, 1835, when he sold out and returned to 
Broome County. In the following September he came to 
Michigan, and located his present farm in Van Buren 
County. 

Mr. Surdam married. May 4, 1836, as his second wife. 
Miss Nancy Dickinson, of Broome County, whose paternal 
grandparents resided in East Windsor, Conn., where her 
father, Seth, was born in 1772. He emigrated to Broome 
County in 1800, where he carried on a farm, tannery, and 
shoemaker's shop, and where he resided until his death. 
Himself and family, and his brothers' and sisters' families 
around him, were peaceable, industrious, moral people, 
mostly Baptists, and himself a deacon of that church. 
The ancestors of his wife, Rhoda Elton, came, generations 
back, from Switzerland to Connecticut, where she was born 
in 1773 ; she died in Broome County in 1820. They 
had three sons and two daughters, — Rockwell, born March 
5, 1798, deceased; Horace, born in November, 1800, de- 
ceased; Linus, born May 14, 1812 (settled near them as 
farmers, tanners, and shoemakers) ; Pamelia, born in 1796, 
moved on a farm in Hillsdale, Mich., and died there in 
1838 ; and Nancy, born June 8, 1809. 

Shipping their goods by water to Detroit, Nathaniel Sur- 
dam and wife started Oct. 11, 1836, in a top-buggy, with 
one horse, for Western Michigan, more than six hundred 
miles distant ; after a weary journey through the almost im- 
passable swamps of Canada they reached Genesee Prairie, 
Kalamazoo Co., November 16th, where they stayed through 
the winter. They built a small frame house and moved on 
their farm the next spring. 

There, far from childhood's home and friends, among 
Indians, wild beasts, and an occasional white settler, they 
endured the hardships of pioneer life, felling trees and 
clearing land, going to Little and Big Prairie Ronde, 
" Egypt," for grain, and to Kalamazoo and Portage to get 
it ground ; experiencing many privations and a thorough 
"seasoning" with ague and malarial fevers; laboring hard 
on the farm, mostly unaided for many years, beside build- 
ing barns, dwellings, and doing much shop-work for others. 



394 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Looking back over the forty-four years that have passed, 
they can now see the vast change which time and labor 
have wrought. Kalamazoo had then but three frame 
houses, Paw Paw a few more, the forests of Mattawan 
and Lawton had barely heard the echo of a pioneer's axe, 
and a steam-whistle was unheard for many years. Although 
age has crept over the pair, having lived in the spirit of 
the motto, "'pay as you go and live within your means," 
the slow accumulations of years of hone.st toil have gath- 
ered round them, and they are no longer poor. 

They have traveled but little since coming to Michigan, 
and have joined no secret societies or church organizations 
here, although members in good standing of Methodist 
Pjpiscopal and Baptist Churches in the East. Mr. Surdani 
never was an aspirant for political honors. They have had 
two children, both born in Michigan,— Julia Ann, Sept. 21, 
1837, died Nov. 17, 1855 ; Frederick W., youngest of the 
family and writer of this sketch, lias spent his life thus 
far upon the old place, in educating himself and helping 
to improve the homestead farm. 



CHAPTER LI I. 

ARLINGTON TOAVNSHIP.* 

Location and Topography — Settlements and Settlers — -Early Roads — 
Civil and Political — First Township-Meeting — Township Officers, 
1843 to 1880. 

The township of Arlington, otherwise designated as 
township No. 2 south, of range No. 15 west, is an interior 
division, and situated near the centre of Van Buren County. 
It was formerly part of the old township of Lawrence, and 
became a separate organization in 1842, the name of Ar- 
lington having been suggested by one of its earliest resi- 
dents, — a Revolutionary veteran named James Stevens, to 
whom it brought pleasing recollections of his native town 
in the Green Mountain State. 

Contiguous township organizations are Columbia on the 
north, Waverly on the east, Lawrence on the south, and 
Bangor on the west. 

The most important water-courses are the Black and Paw 
Paw Rivers. The former, in its flow to the southwest, 
crosses section 6 ; while the latter, flowing in the same direc- 
tion, cuts ofi' a large portion of section 36, the same being 
attached to Lawrence township. Several small creeks also 
traverse the township, Elizabeth Creek being the largest of 
these. A number of lakes are observed, the largest, Scott's 
Lake, being situated mainly upon section 1. 

The soil of Arlington has by the indu.stry of its inhab- 
itants been brought to a high degree of cultivation. It is 
naturally of great productiveness, being compo.sed of a rich 
sand and clay loam, admirably well adapted to the growth 
of corn, fruit, wheat, and other cereals. 

The last census (1874) reported 1604 acres of wheat and 
1529 acres of corn harvested in 1873, of which the products 
were 24,794 bushels of the former, and 54,070 bushels of 
the latter grain. 

» By Edgar 0. Wagner. 



The surface is undulating, and in .some localities these 
elevations and depressions are marked. The township was 
especially rich in timbered land, and from that fact the 
labor of the early pioneers was more arduous than in many 
other portions of Michigan, where the prairies and " oak 
openings" greatly modified their toil. Trees of black walnut, 
ash, whitewood, and oak grew to enormous proportions, one 
of the former, it is said, having measured at a point 3 feet 
above the earth 35 feet and 8 inches in circumference. 

Limestone, utilized to a considerable extent, has been 
found in the eastern part of the township. The census of 
1874 returned a total of 1362 inhabitants. 

SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

The first settler within the limits of the present town- 
ship of Arlington, William N. Taylor, when twenty-two 
years of age, joined his fortunes with the party composing 
the Breedsville pioneers (see history of Columbia township) 
and came to Michigan first in the fall of 1835. His remi- 
niscences regarding the journey from Detroit to Breedsville 
are most amusing. The oxen purchased in Detroit were 
both " off' steers," and he as their driver, had a most diflS- 
cult time guiding them around stumps, over logs, etc. The 
men, women, and children of the party, except Wells G. 
Brown, walked the entire distance, and following directly 
behind the other, or after the manner of Indians. The 
women and smaller children, however, generally mounted 
the wagon when fording streams. In crossing Elizabeth 
Creek, the young wife of Jonathan N. Howard, Elizabeth, 
was by a sudden lurch of the vehicle thrown from her seat 
into the creek. From this incident the stream derived the 
name it bears to-day. 

Soon after their arrival in Breedsville, Mr. Taylor pur- 
chased 120 acres of land, situated on section 8, in town- 
ship 2 south, of range 15 west. He remained with his 
friends in Breedsville nineteen days, assisting them to, erect 
houses, etc. Then, as they could afford to pay him but 
50 cents a day for his labor, and their food consisted almost 
wholly of potatoes roasted, frequently eaten without salt, 
he turned his footsteps to Kalamazoo, where he worked for 
some time in the old Kalamazoo House. A few weeks 
later he went to Conistock, Kalamazoo Co., where he 
" 'tended tavern." Afterwards he worked in the Comstock 
grist-mill, and upon Caldwell's fiirm. In the winter of 
1836-37 he returned to Hinckleyville, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
where he married Miss Philinda Kelsey, of Skaneateles, 
Onondaga Co., N. Y , who was then visiting friends in 
Hinckleyville. 

With his wife, he came back to Michigan in the spring 
of 1837, arriving at Comstock in May. Here his wife re- 
mained until he went forward and built a small bark-roofed 
shanty upon his land-purchase. Upon its completion it 
was occupied by himself and wife. He cleared several 
acres the same summer, but the season was so far advanced 
that he was only able to raise a small crop of turnips, and 
the major portion of that crop was destroyed by his neigh- 
bor's cattle, the " off steers" owned in the Breedsville set- 
tlement. Charles U. Cross, living one mile west of him, 
and where, Mr. Taylor thinks, he settled in the fitll of 1836. 
was his nearest neighbor. 



TOWNSHIP OF ARLINGTON. 



395 



Illustrative of life in the backwoods at an early day, Mr. 
Taylor relates that a few months after his settlement he was 
able to cover his cabin with a shingle roof. The blazing logs 
in the huge corner fireplace would so heat the cabin's interior 
in midwinter that the water from the melted snow ran down 
the outside of the logs, and again freezing formed icicles. 
The one-legged bedstead occupied by the pioneer couple was 
fastened to the cabin walls, into and through the chinks and 
crevices of which the water made its way, and coming in con- 
tact with that portion of the bedding next the walls, would 
so freeze them together that for days Mrs. Taylor, in the 
performance of her household duties, was unable to take 
off the sheets and spreads while " making the bed." In- 
deed, Mr. Taylor says that on awakening one morning the 
dire necessity awaited him, in his attempt to arise, of either 
tearing loose from his sole undergarment, or of being thawed 
out with a kettle of hot water ! 

The house of " Uncle Bill," as he was familiarly called, 
was noted among the youth of pioneer days as a jolly place 
for dances, fun, and conviviality. In the mean time he de- 
voted all his energies to the clearing and improvement of 
his lands. By persevering eiforts he overcame all obstacles, 
and eventually converted a fair portion of Arlington's for- 
ests into a productive farm. He built the first framed barn, 
many who assisted in the " raising " coming from distant 
settlements. In 1868 he removed to his present place of 
residence, in the village of Lawrence. 

The next settler in this township was James T. Hard, a 
son-in-law of Elder Hinckley. He, too, came from Hinck- 
leyville, Monroe Co., N. Y., and settled upon a portion of 
section 5 in the fall of 1837. Afterwards he removed to 
the farm now occupied by A. Heath, and ultimately migrated 
to the State of California. 

One of the most active spirits in the early pioneer ex- 
periences of Arlington was Major Heath, who removed from 
Jefi'erson Co., N. Y., in 1837, to Jackson Co., Mich., and 
two years later, being much impressed with the quality of 
the land and the fine timber, entered a farm on sections 19 
and 30, choosing the latter as a point upon which to erect 
a log house. The country was still in a very primitive 
condition when Mr. Heath arrived. No roads led to his 
possessions, and they were accessible only after he had, with 
his axe, made a highway through the forest. His house of 
logs was roofed with troughs after the fashion of those early 
times. He de.sired, however, to have some reminder of 
civilization in its construction, and secured, after a walk of 
six miles, a board with which to construct a door, thus 
rendering his home more pretentious in its appointments 
than tho.'ie of his neighbors. 

While building this house he remained with Mansel M. 
Briggs, who located in the township of Bangor adjoining. 
Mr. Heath took an active interest in public affairs. He 
was chosen the first supervisor, and filled other offices of 
importance. His judgment and experience made him a 
person of influence in the neighborhood and a useful citizen. 
He subsequently removed to Iowa, but returned again to 
Van Buren County, and purchased land in the extreme 
southeast corner of Bangor, where he resided until his 
death. His son, Charles E. Heath, now lives on section 
25 of the latter township. 



The little circle of pioneers was not broken by the death 
of one of its members until the winter of 1841. The 
family of Major Heath was first invaded, and Mrs. A. H. 
Heath, the partner of his early toil, was the chosen one. 
Her remains were buried in the cemetery on section 30, 
and the funeral services were the earliest held in the town- 
ship. 

Among other pioneers who were here prior to making 
the assessment of Lawrence in 1839, and who were desig- 
nated on that roll as resident tax-payers of township No. 2 
south, of range No. 15 west, were R. Gillman on section 5, 
Ransom Kellogg on section 5, S. M. N. Brooks on section 
29, and Robert Christie, an inn-keeper, and the owner of 
22 village lots. 

The following statistics show the total number of tax- 
paying inhabitants in the township in 1839, also the loca- 
tion of their lands, value, etc. : 

Real and Per- Taxes to be 

Names. Section. Acres. SQjial Estate. paid. 

James T. Hard 5 lU $344 $2.75 

R. Gillman 5 112 388 2.70 

William N. Tavlor 8 1211 360 2.88 

Ransom Kellogg 5 160 480 3.84 

Major Heath 30 136 420 3.75 

S. M. N. Brooks 29 40 120 96 

Robert Christie village lots 110 1.60 

Allen Briggs was a native of Bennington, Vt , from 
which point his parents removed to Oneida Co., N. Y.,and 
subsequently to Lewis County. After again changing his 
New York residence, he, in 1838, visited Ohio, Indiana, 
and Michigan, and devoted some time to prospecting in the 
latter State. He entered, in company with his two sons, 
the following summer (1839) 40 acres on section 19, and 
began the arduous task of hewing out a home in the dense 
forest with which the township was then covered. In the 
summer of 1840, after having in the mean time constructed 
a house of logs and otherwise arranged for the comfort of 
his family, he sent for them. After a long and tedious 
journey by canal to Buffalo from Orleans Co., N. Y., and 
thence by lake to Detroit, and the remaining distance of 
one hundred and eighty miles by wagon, they reached their 
wilderness home. Mr. Briggs from his first settlement in 
the township took an active and leading interest in all 
public enterprises. His education was superior to that of 
most of the early pioneers, and he was thus enabled to be of 
signal service to them in the transaction of matters of busi- 
ness. He also held many offices of importance in the town- 
ship, which he filled with ability. Mr. Briggs' death oc- 
curred at his home in Arlington in the year 1868 ; he 
having reached the advanced age of eighty years. 

His son, Emory 0. Briggs, preceded his father to the 
township by a few months. Together with his brother, in 
February, 1839, he left the paternal roof, and, with many 
blessings besought for them and their undertaking, started 
for Michigan. One horse carried their luggage and pro- 
visions for the journey, while the would-be pioneers, aged 
respectively seventeen and nineteen, wended their way on 
foot. Their route lay, first, from their starting-point to the 
Niagara River at Lewiston, where the stream was to be 
crossed, and thence through Canada to Detroit, whence 
they were to proceed to Van Buren County. On landing 
in Canada, these two beardless youths, with no arms save 
pocket-knives, and with their solitary steed, were, on pre- 



396 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tense of being recognized as rebels in tile so-called " Patriot 
war," tiien hardly closed, arrested by a squad of Her Bri- 
tannic Majesty's soldiers, armed with loaded muskets and 
fixed bayonets, and triumphantly marched through the 
streets of Queenstown to the headquarters of the command- 
ing officer, by whom they were ordered to the guard-house. 

This last order was, however, countermanded before their 
arrival at the guard-house, and they were returned to the 
august presence of the commander, by whom they were 
questioned and searched. The ferryman who brought them 
was also closely interrogated. After much more delay in 
examinations and other formal proceedings, they were suf- 
fered to depart, the sage verdict having been rendered that 
they were not regarded as dangerous or hostile to her Ma- 
jesty's interests. After ten days of tedious travel through 
slush and mud, snow and frost, they reached Detroit, and 
ultimately. Van Buren County. They were at first em- 
ployed in cutting a highway through the dense wilderness 
of the county, and receiving for this labor the sum of $50, 
expended it in the purchase of 40 acres of land, on which 
their parents subsequently settled, and which was entered 
in the name of Allen Briggs. 

William N. Taylor and James T. Hard were their nearest 
neighbors in Arlington. With the exception of a very 
circuitous road, which followed an Indian trail, and ad- 
mitted the passage of but one vehicle at a time, there was 
no highway. 

Emory 0. Briggs employed his winters as a teacher, and 
found plenty of labor to occupy his hands during the sum- 
mer months. His skill as an engineer was early called into 
requisition, and many of the first roads of the townships 
were surveyed by him. To the land originally purchased 
Mr. Briggs has added from time to time until he has be- 
come one of the largest land-holders in the township. He 
has also filled many official positions, both in the township 
and county. His present residence is Paw Paw, where he 
is largely engaged in commercial pursuits. 

The same year (1840) came Alvinzy Harris, who located 
upon 53 acres on section 19, having come from St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., and become a resident of the State two 
years previously. He was a man of much force of char- 
acter and good judgment, and was the recipient of many 
local offices within the gift of his fellow-townsmen. Mr. 
Harris found his land entirely uncleared, and depended 
upon his own sturdy arm for the improvements that were 
made. His son, Jefferson D. Harris, now lives upon the 
homestead, having added to it by a purchase of 80 acres. 

With Mr. Harris came Morrison Heath (also a native 
of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.), who settled upon 40 acres 
on section 30, which he improved. He was one of the 
small band of early voters when Arlington became an inde- 
pendent organization, and on that occasion was appointed 
inspector of elections. 

The year 1840 brought with it other accessions to the little 
colony of settlers. William Bridges came from Livingston 
Co., N. Y., to Breedsville in 1837, and in the spring of 
1840 he entered 40 acres on section 8. The land was en- 
tirely uncleared, and, like many pioneers who had preceded 
him, he erected his shanty in the midst of the forest. Deer 
were abundant, and the wolves were nightly prowlers about 



his humble habitation. Mr. Bridges was, however, unde- 
terred by difficulties or discouragements, and very soon after 
his settlement had many acres cleared and under cultivation. 
He was a man of quiet, unobtrusive habits and unfailing 
industry, and was much respected by his neighbors. 

James Stevens was one of the pioneers of 1840, having 
emigrated in that year with his wife from Livingston Co., 
N. Y., and made his home with Allen Briggs, whose step- 
father he was. He was an octogenarian, and was accorded 
the privilege of naming the township. 

Mr. Stevens possessed a prouder claim to the regard of 
his friends in that he was one of the bravest soldiers of the 
Revolution, having served for six years and seven months 
under Washington's immediate command. Nor did he lay 
down his musket until the last gun was fired and the sur- 
render of Cornwallis at Yorktown insured not only victory 
but peace to the infant republic. With the entertaining 
reminiscences of the conflict fresh in his recollection, it may 
be imagined that Mr. Stevens was always a central figure 
in the family group during the long winter evenings de- 
voted to social intercourse. He died in 1847, much es- 
teemed by all. 

Joseph Ives was another of the New York State pioneers 
who arrived in 1840, and located on section 29, where he 
improved a farm. He was one of the earliest voters and 
an office-holder the first year of the township's existence. 
Soon after came a settler named James M. Bierce, who lo- 
cated upon the same section, where he cleared land and 
built a log house. 

In 1842 the township was organized, and the few settlers 
that had become residents assembled to choose officers for 
the ensuing year. The accessions to the population had 
been so small that but 14 electors were present on this 
occasion. They were William N. Taylor, James G. Coch- 
ran, Emory 0. Briggs, Joseph Ives, Morrison Heath, Major 
Heath, James Stevens, Allen Briggs, William Bridges, 
William Dyckman, William H. McGeorge, James T. Hard, 
Alvinzy Harris, »nd Conrad Hogmire. Of this number 
but three survive, — William N. Taylor, who resides at Law- 
rence ; Emory 0. Briggs, living at Paw Paw ; and James 
G. Cochran, who is still a resident of the township. The 
latter gentleman had become a resident of Arlington the 
year previous, having removed from Livingston Co., N. Y., 
in 1838, and settled at Breedsville, from which place he 
removed two years later, and purchased 40 acres on section 
29 from Martin Brooks, and afterwards located upon sec- 
tion 9, where he now resides. Mr. Cochran retains a vivid 
recollection of the hardships he endured as a pioneer. On 
his arrival in the county there were no mills in Van Buren 
County, and a journey in search of provisions involved a 
pilgrimage of forty-two miles, and consumed seven days in 
going and returning. Afterwards a mill was built at Paw 
Paw, which diminished the distance. 

A melancholy event caused much grief to Mr. Cochran's 
family soon after their settlement. Samuel Watson, the 
father of Mrs. Cochran, while on his return home from Paw 
Paw lost his way and died in the woods, in the north por- 
tion of the township, before succor could reach him. In 
the family of Mr. Cochran occurred the earliest birth in 
Arlinsfton, that of his son, Andrew M., in 1844. 



TOWNSHIP OF ARLINGTON. 



397 



William Dyckman, another of the early pioneers, settled 
in 1S4() upon section 24, where he cleared and cultivated 
a lartre farm, upon which he lived until his death. He was 
active in promoting the interests of Arlington, and held 
important township offices. To quote the language of one 
of the old residents, " he was justice of the peace since 
he could remember." Adjoining, and upon the same sec- 
tion, was the farm of an early pioneer named Belong. Mr. 
Belong was .somewhat distinguished as a man of means who 
had money to loan, — a fact which was so uncommon as to 
make him a central figure in financial transactions. His 
sons now occupy the land he improved. 

At very nearly the same time came E. B. B. Hicks, who 
located upon section 25, where he still owns a large and 
productive farm and enjoys the reputation of being one of 
the most successful tillers of the soil. 

The family of Hogmire, from their early settlement and 
the large share they have had in the growth and develop- 
ment of the township, may b^regarded as worthy of dis- 
tinguished mention. Baniel Hogmire left the attractive 
land of Western New York for a home in the wilds of Van 
Buren County in 1842, and selecting Arlington as a favor- 
able point of location, entered 40 acres on section 9. Wil- 
liam Bridges was a near neighbor, with whom he enjoyed a 
temporary shelter until he had erected a log house on his 
land. For a while he followed his trade of carpenter, re- 
turning to the East during the interval to bring his family 
to their primitive home. In the breaking up of the land, 
oxen were in general use, as being better adapted to the 
work than horses, but one of the latter being in use in the 
neighborhood. 

Mr. Hogmire purchased an interest in the pineries of 
Columbia township, and engaged in the manufacture of 
shingles, for which as the country became populated there 
was a considerable demand. Later he purchased 80 acres 
on section 21, where he built a fine brick residence and 
where he now resides. 

Conrad Hogmire left Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1842, 
and located with William Bridges, on section 8. He pur- 
chased 40 acres of land, but died soon afterwards. 

Henry Hogmire purchased 80 acres on section 8, cleared 
and built upon it a frame house. Later he removed to 
Paw Paw, where he died. 

John Hogmire settled in 1850. He bought 80 acres 
upon section 20. This he soon rendered productive, and 
continues to re.side upon it. 

The name of Bigelow is also a prominent one in the 
annals of the township, and Livingston Co., N. Y., the 
former home of so large a proportion of the early pioneers, 
included this family in the number it sent to cultivate the 
forests and prairies of the West. 

Rufus Bigelow came to the township during the severe 
winter of 1843, and purchased from a settler who had pre- 
ceded him, 80 acres on section 17. Some slight improve- 
ments were made, but no habitation had been built by the 
former owner. He remained two years in the family of 
Baniel Hogmire, meanwhile building a comfortable log 
house. Allen Briggs and Baniel Hogmire were his nearest 
neighbors. The lands around him were mostly uncleared, 
and no roads near him were yet improved. 



The tax-paying residents of the township in 1844 were 
James T. Hard, William Bridges, William N. Taylor, James 
M. Bierce, Joseph Ives, Charles Hall, William Byckman, 
Samuel Goodenough, Morrison Heath, Alvinzy Harris, Allen 
Briggs, Emory 0. Briggs, Robert McClintock, James G. 
Cochran, Major Heath, Amos R. Kellogg, Henry Belong, 
William Belong, Baniel Hogmire, Isaiah T. Hunt, E. B. B. 
Hicks, Elisha W. and Melancthon Gage. 

Additional residents mentioned in 1845 were William 
Byckman (3d), Calvin Goodenough, Rufus Bigelow, Isaac 
Brake, Conrad Hogmire, and Timothy Bewley. 

In 1845, Calvin J. and Samuel Bigelow arrived, the latter 
of whom purchased 80 acres of J. R. Monroe, on section 
21. Calvin J. bought 80 acres on section 20, and later, 40 
additional on section 21, and 160 on section 17, a part of 
-the latter being afterwards disposed of to J. Bridges and 
Bavid Massey. Samuel lived for some years with his 
brother Rufus, and ultimately erected the frame house he at 
present occupies. 

A school was early held in the Bigelow neighborhood, at 
the houses of the residents. Miss Ann Eliza Fisk being the 
presiding genius of the school-room. The first school is, 
however, conceded to have been in the Heath neighborhood, 
with Miss Mehitablo Northrop as the earliest teacher. The 
log school-house was located upon the southeast corner of 
section 25, of Bangor, portions of the two townships form- 
ing a fractional school district. Early religious services 
were held at the houses of Mr. Bigelow and other settlers. 
Elder Knapp being the expounder of sacred truths to the 
little band of worshipers. With his sacred calling he com- 
bined the versatile gifts of an itinerant tradesman (he was 
sometimes familiarly spoken of as a peddler), and the excel- 
lence of his pots and kettles inspired much praise from the 
good housewives of his parish. 

George Meabon removed from Livingston County in 
1845, and remained with Baniel Hogmire while he built 
a log house upon 40 acres he had purchased. The industry 
with which he persevered in his pioneer labors has been re- 
warded, and his farm now embraces 200 acres of well-tilled 
land. 

Homer Adams came from New York State in 1845, and 
located on section 20. He was active in the public interests 
of the township, and held many offices of trust. Though 
now a resident of Breedsville, he still owns his farm. 

Ira Orton claimed Orleans County as his former home, 
from which he emigrated in 1845, and exchanged with 
A. S. Barnum land in New York State for 40 acres on 
.section 20. With Mr. Adams, his brother-in-law, he oc- 
cupied a log house that had been built and vacated by 
Eaton Branch, on section 29, until he could erect one on 
his land. Not a tree had been chopped on his purchase, 
excepting those felled by the Indians in search for honey. 
His neighbors were Melancthon and Elisha Gage, who 
were located on section 29, but have since removed to 
Lawrence. Beer were abundant, and seemed to have no 
sense of fear. They would frequently be seen feeding with 
the cattle. 

Henry Earl came from New York State, and purchased 
on section 24, where he resided until his removal to South 
Haven. 



398 



HISTORY OF VAN BURBN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Samuel Hoppin early purchased 80 acres on section 5 of 
Ransom Kellogg, a portion of which had been improved. 
He has rendered it very productive, and has erected upon 
it a fine brick residence, which he at present occupies. 

Amos Hamliu located upon 80 acres on section 36, and 
still resides upon this farm, which has been perceptibly 
improved by his labor. 

J. F. Kidder, formerly of Orleans Co., N. Y., purchased 
of the Ostrom Company 80 acres on section 27. An aban- 
doned blacksmith-shop, not far away, afforded shelter for 
his family until more comfortable quarters were secured. 
He followed his trade of carpenter, and found ready em- 
ployment in the erection of houses and barns for the later 
settlers. He was followed soon after by a pioneer named 
Magoon, who very speedily became weary of the privations 
experienced in the wilds of Michigan and departed. 

EARLY ROADS. 

During the early settlement of the township of Arling- 
ton highways were not abundant, and pioneers were occa- 
sioned much inconvenience by the obstacles that met their 
progress in traversing the country. The earliest surveyed 
highway was known as the Monroe road, whi(-h followed a 
diagonal course through Arlington, and connected Paw Paw 
with South Haven. This was followed by the Bridges 
road, described as " commencing at the quarter stake on the 
east line of section 8, township 2 .south, of range 15 west; 
thence running north five degrees, thirty-eight chains, and 
eighty-five links ; thence north eighty-five and a half de- 
grees, seventy-nine chains, and fifty links to the northeast 
corner of said section." Surveyed July 20, 1842, by 
Charles U. Cross. Recorded Sept. 25, 1842, by E. 0. 
Briggs, township clerk. 

Another early road between Arlington and the town- 
ship of South Haven was surveyed Oct. 10, 1843, by A. 
Crane & Co. A road designated as the Brown and Taylor 
road began at the quarter post on the east side of section 
7, running thence south eighty-five and a half degrees west, 
seventy-two and twenty-five one-hundredths chains, on the 
quarter line through the centre of section 7, and ending at 
the quarter post on the west side of said section 7. Sur- 
veyed Oct. 12, 1843, by A. Crane & Co. Other roads 
followed these as the presence of settlers made them in- 
dispensable. 

CIVIL AND POLITICAL. 

Township number 2 south, of range number 15 west, 
by an act of the State Legislature, approved March 11, 
1837, became part of Lawrence township, and continued 
as such until 1842, when by an act of the Legislature, ap- 
proved February 16th of the latter year, it was erected as 
a separate township under the name of Arlington. 

FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING. 

The first meeting of the electors of the township of Ar- 
lington was held at the house of Allen Briggs, on the 5th 
of April, 1842. James T. Hard, Allen Briggs, Morrison 
Heath, and Alvinzy Harris served as inspectors of election. 
The officers elected were Major Heath, Supervisor; Emory 
0. Briggs, Township Clerk ; Allen iJriggs, Treasurer ; Al- 
vinzy Harris, William N. Taylor, Assessors ; Major Heath, 



James T. Hard, Emory 0. Briggs, School Inspectors ; 
William Bridges, James T. Hard, Directors of the Poor ; 
Jo.seph Ives, Alvinzy Harris, James T. Hard, Highway 
Commissioners ; William Dyekman, Allen Briggs, James 
T. Hard, Major Heath, Justices of the Peace; James G. 
Cochran, William N. Taylor, Constables. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1843 TO 1880. 
SPPEItVISORS. 

I8ia-45, Major Heath; 1846-47, Isaiah F. Hunt; 1848, Abram 
Lewis; 1849, Major Heath; 1850-51, Homer Adams; 1852, Al- 
vinzy Harris; 1853-55, Homer Adams; 1856, Sidney Fuller; 
1857-60, Emory 0. Briggs; 1861, Marquis Woodward; 1862-65, 
Emory 0. Briggs; 1866, Homer Adams; 1867, Arvin Heath; 
1868-69, J. D. Harris; 1870-76, Arvin Heath; 1877-78, J. D. 
Harri.s ; 187H, Orton Sohermerhorn. 

.TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 

184.3, Alvinzy Harris; 1844, Emory 0. Briggs; 1845, Alvinzy Harris ; 
1846, Homer Adams; 1847-54, Calvin J. Bigelow ; 1855-56, M. 
Woodward; 1857-59, Calvin J. Bigelovf ; 1860-61, James B. 
Cushman; 1862, Calvin J. Bigelow; 1863, John Stanley; 1864, 
Calvin J. Bigelow; 1865, J. W. Gray; 1866, Calvin J. Bigelow; 
1867, W. A. Burlingame; 1868-70, C. J. Bigelow; 1871-76, G. 
W. Monroe; 1877, Levi De Haven; 1878-79, M. D. Trimm. 

TREASURERS. 

1843-45, Allen Briggs ; 1846-47, Homer Adams; 1848, Clark Lewis ; 

1849, Homer Adams; 1850-51, Alvinzy Harris; 1852, Homer 
Adams; 1853-56, N. D. Richardson; 1857-59, Homer Adams ; 
I860, Marquis Woodward ; 1861, Homer Adams; 1862, William 

A. Burlingame; 1863, J. D. H.irris ; 1864-66, John Stanley; 
1867-76, Mitchell H. Hogmire; 1877-78, Miles Monroe; 1879, 6. 
W. Monroe. 

SCHOOL INSrEC'TORS. 

1843, Amos R. Kellogg, Major Heath; 1844, Emory 0. Briggs; 1845, 
Amos R. Kellogg, Duane D. Briggs ; 1846, Hezekiah More ; 1847, 
Amos R. Kellogg; 1848, Ira Briggs; 1849, Simeon M. Heath; 

1850, Enoch White, Henry Earl; 1851, Marquis Woodward, Du- 
ane D. Briggs; 1852, Marquis Woodward; 1853, William A. 
Burlingame; 1854, S. M. Heath; 1855, Gideon Hall; 1856, Levi 
W. Heath; 1857, Emory 0. Briggs; 1858, Levi W. Heath ; 1859, 
J. D. Harris; 1860, Emory 0. Briggs: 1861, Homer Adams; 
1862, Levi W. Heath, Emory 0. Briggs ; 1863, J. D. Harris ; 
1864, Emory 0. Briggs; 1865, Jumes Washburn; 1866, J. D. 
Harris; 1867, Alfred B. Palmer; 1868, James Buckley; 1869, 
William A. Burlingame; 1870, James Buckley; 1871, A. B. 
Palmer ; 1872, B. F. Bwing ; 1873, John B. AViloox ; 1874-75, 
William A. Burlingame; 1876, John B.Wilcox; 1877, John E. 
De Haveu; 1878, M. Hogmire; 1879, John E. De Haven. 

ASSESSORS. 

1843, W. N. Taylor, Daniel Hogmire; 1844, William Dyekman, Dan- 
iel Hogmire; 1845, Hezekiah More; 1847, Benjamin Herring- 
ton, James M. Bieroe ; 1848, A. M. Hamlin, Benjamin Herrington. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1843, William H. MoGeorge, James T. Hard; 1844, William Dyek- 
man, Isaiah F. Hunt; 1845, Duane D. Briggs; 1846, Major 
Heath ; 1847, James T. Hard ; 1848, Allen Briggs : 1849, Daniel 
Hogmire, Samuel Hoppin; 1850, Henry Earl; 1851, Isaiah F. 
Hunt; 1852, L. II. Bailey, Allen Briggs; 1853, Daniel Hogmire; 
1854, Henry Earl ; 1855, Allen Briggs, William Dyekman ; 1856, 
Charles llurbert, Abram Lewis; 1857, Mitchell S. Smiley; 1858, 
William Dyekman, E. 0. Briggs; 1859, Robert C. Smith; I860, 
Homer Adams, 0. E. Barnum; 1861, Henry Earl; 1862, Arvin 
Heath, Marquis Woodward; 1863, R. C. Smith, A. M. Hamlin; 
1864, Duane D. Briggs; 1866, D. Van Antwerp, W. N. Taylor; 
1866, Moses L. Kidder, Erastus Cutler; 1867, A. G. Russell, 
Moses L. Kidder; 1868, Duane D. Briggs; 1869, John B. Wilcox; 
1870, J. N. Pritchard, Jeremiah Bridges; 1871, A. G. Russell; 
1872, Joseph W. Gray; 1873, A. W. Serimger ; 1874, Joseph W. 
Gray; IS75, Arvin Chapman; 1876, Joseph W. Gray ; 1877, E. 

B. D. Uioks, James Wright; 1878, C. J. Bigelow; 1879, Andrew 
Whitman, Joseph Dago. 



TOWNSHIP OF ALMENA. 



399 



HIGHWAr COMMISSIONERS. 

1843, J. T. Hard, Joseph Ives; 1844, William Bridges, Daniel Hog- 
mire, Joseph Ives; 1846, E. W. Gage, J. M. Bierce, A. R. Kel- 
logg ; 1846, John P. Fisk, William N. Taylor, Elisha W. Gage; 
1847, H. F. Bewin, Abram Lewis, R. M. Bigelo^y ; 1848, William 
Dyokman, Joseph Ives; 1849, William Dyokman ; 1850, L. H. 
Bailey; 1851, Marquis Woodward: 1852, William Dyckman; 
1853, John Simmons; 1854, Robert Smith, Arvin Heath; 1855, 
Henry Earl: 1856, Arvin Heath, Samuel Hoppin ; 1857, E. M. 
Preston, A. A. Holly; 1858, A. A. Holly, J. D. Harris; 1859, 
Duane D. Briggs ; 1860, G. W. Monroe; 1861, Joseph W. Gray; 
1862, A. A. Holly, Samuel Smiley; 1863, Samuel Monroe; 1864, 
A. A. Holly; 1865, J. H. Nichols; 1866, Samuel Monroe; 1867, 
Henry F. Northam ; 1868, Philip Eckler; 1869, A. B. Palmer; 
1870, Charles E. Monroe ; 1871, Alanson Ives ; 1872, S. S. Fuller ; 
1873, C. E. Monroe; 1874-76, Alanson Ives; 1877, John Stanley; 
1878, C. E. Monroe; 1879, Judson J. Moses. 

DIRECTORS OP THE POOR. 

1843, Allen Briggs, Joseph Ives; 1844, Isaiah F. Hunt, Alvinzy Harris; 

1845, J. T. Hard, Isaiah F. Hunt; 1846-47, William Bridges, 
Samuel Goodenough ; 1848-50, Morrison Heath, William N. Tay- 
lor; 1851, Joseph Ives, E. Eaton. 

DRAIN COMMISSIO.VERS. 

1875, George Pryne; 1878, S. P. Johnston. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1875-76, William A. Burlingame; 1877, A. B. Palmer; 1878, M. 
Hogmire; 1879, A. B. Palmer. 

CONSTABLES. 

1843, Conrad Hogmire, Henry Delong, William N. Taylor, Rufus 
Bigelow; 1844, J. G. Hamilton, W. N. Taylor, J. M. Bierce, 
Conrad Hogmire; 1845, William N. Taylor, Duane D. Briggs; 

1846, E. B. D. Hicks, D. D. Briggs, B. F. Stafford; 1847, Theo- 
dore Hunt, E. B. D. Hicks, Calvin Goodenough ; 1848, B. F. Staf- 
ford, Thomas F. Gray, Emerson Magoon, Watson Durand; 1849, 
Benjamin Herrington, Duane D. Briggs; 1850, George W. Heath, 
Titus Kellogg, Clark Lewis, Isaac P. Ives; 1851, Samuel Bigelow, 
Isaac P. Ives, W. N. Taylor, D. D. Hathaway; 1852, Rufus M. 
Bigelow, E. M. Preston, Clark Vandcrvort, William Washburn ; 
1853, E. M. Preston, Emerson Magoon, Samuel Smiley, William 
Washburn; 1854, E. M. Preston, J. P. Ives, William N. Taylor, 
Samuel Smiley; 1855, J. P. Ives, William Delong, Asa Durin, 
Samuel Smiley; 1856, Asa Durin, Warren Babcock, James Kid- 
der, J. P. Ives; 1857, Samuel Smiley, Ignatius Denoon, L. W. 
Heath, T. M. Hamlin: 1858, Henry Howe, A. M. Hamlin, Reu- 
ben Putney, Samuel Smiley; 1859, 0. E. Barnum, A. E. Hamlin, 
R. M. Bigelow, Isaac Shaver; 18B0, H. K. Nichols, Michael 
Dyckman, Nathan Whitney, John Stanley; 1861, E. C. Hazard, 
James Gilbert, M. T. Kidder, C. M. Bridges; 1862, 0. A. Church, 
C. B. Babcock, David Massey, James Gilbert; 186.3, Michael 
Dyckman, J. F. Bridges, J. E. Drake, Miles Monroe; 1864, L. 
A. Orton, Miles Monroe, Michael Dyckman, Theodore G. Hunt ; 
1865, 0. A. Church, Theodore G. Hunt, E. P. Orton, E. C. 
Hazard; 1866, C. B. Babcock, E. S. Delong, G. E. Brainard ; 
1867, E. 0. Hazard, Sherburn Kidder, G. E. Brainard, T. G. 
Thomson; 1868, Dighton Eckler, Philetus Hathaway, Charles 
C. Monroe, David Hogmire; 1869. C. E. Monroe, Sherburne 
Kidder, E. C. Hazard; 1870, E. C. Hazard, Russell Chubback, 
Abraham Helms, G. W. Monroe; 1871, E. C. Hazard, H. K. 
Wells, S. B. Crawford, C. I. Wright; 1872, Jasper Burrell, E. C. 
Hazard, Wilbur Drake, C. I.Wright; 1873, C. I. Wright, Wilbur 
Drake, Jasper Burrell, Abraham Helms; 1874, Russell Herring- 
ton, James Gilbert, Wilbur Drake, Myron Sanborn; 1875, A. W. 
Wilcox, Edward Crannell, W. W. Gurnsey, E. 0. Hazard; 1876, 
Russell Herrington, James N. Drake, A. W. Wilcox, G. R. 
Heath ; 1877, George Bronner, B. D. Hicks, Gabriel Dage, Perry 
Johnson; 1878, Frank Burrell, James Washburn, M. Thompson, 
Sylvester Meacham ; 1879, Julian Harris, Andrew Cochran, 
Barney Hicks, Milon Thompson. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

ALVIN CHAPMAN 

is descended in a direct line from Robert Chapman, the 
first settler, who came from Hull, in England, to Bcston, 
in August, 1635. He removed in the following November 
to Saybrook, where some of his descendants still remain. 

Alvin Chapman was born in the town of Westbrook, 
May 26, 1827, and on the 22d of October, 1848, he mar- 
ried Laura Wright, also a native of Westbrook, where 
they continued to reside until 1855. In the year last 
named they removed (o their present home, in Arlington, 
Van Buren Co., where they have since made their residence. 

Mr. Chapman has been a very successful farmer ; pos- 
sessing a farm of great fertility, he has, by industry and 
good management, brought it into a high state of cultiva- 
tion, with fine improvements, — a better estimation of which 
can be obtained from a view of them, which we give on 
another page. 



CHAPTER LIII. 



ALMENA TOWNSHIP.' 



Description of the Town and its Early Settlements — ^Early Mills and 
Mill-Owners — Township Organization and Civil List — Churches in 
Almena — Schools — Almena and Paw Paw Telegraph Company. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWNSHIP AND ITS EARLY 
SETTLEMENT. 

Almena, originally a portion of Clinch, lies upon the 
eastern border of Van Buren, and is known as town 2 
south, range 13 west. Its boundaries are Pine Grove on 
the north, Antwerp on the south, Kalamazoo County on 
the east, and Waverly on the west. 

At least one-third of the township is covered by a great 
swamp which extends in a northeast and southwest direc- 
tion. The earliest settlements were made in the territory 
lying south of the swamp, although pioneers penetrated 
soon afterwards into the northern and western sections. 
Good water-power, which attracted the attention of the first 
white settler, is found on a fork of the Paw Paw flowing 
through the town towards the west, and suflSces now to 
supply two mills. 

Although the town has two post-offices, it has no village, 
the nearest approach to a hamlet being at Almena Mills, 
where there is a grist-mill and store. In the south the soil 
is sandy and productive. In the north there is much heavy 
timber and a clayey soil, although one may find in that 
portion also many excellent farms. 

Almena's population in 1874 was 1009. Its assessed 
value in 1879 was $324,000. 

Tradition has erroneously referred to one Joseph Dero- 
sier, a Canadian Frenchman (probably a half-breed), as the 
first white settler in Almena. Derosier was doubtless the 
first white man who came to the township, but he was 
scarcely a settler. He had an Ottawa squaw for a wife 

* By David Schwartz. 



400 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and squatted in 1833 upon section 23, near tlie swamp, 
where he put up a cabin, but his business was simply that 
of an Indian trader, guide, rover, trapper, and interpreter, 
but not a settler in the full meaning of the term. 

There was another French Canadian (with a deaf-mute 
squaw for a wife), called Mousseau, who was a companion 
of Derosier, but, like the latter, he was nothing above an 
Indian hunter. Derosier was known in the town until 
1854, when he died in Waverly. Mousseau died in South 
Haven. 

The great Indian trail from Chicago to Grand Rapids 
passed through Almena. It was on this trail that Derosier 
lived, and in the vicinity of his place, until 1845, numer- 
ous Indians of the Pottawattamie and Ottawa tribes en- 
camped from time to time. They were chiefly hunters, 
fishermen, and beggars, but never occasioned the whites 
any trouble or even concern. Two of them tried their 
hands at farming, but made failures of course. Finally 
the red men left the region and were seen no more. The 
first road of any consequence laid out was the Kalamazoo 
and Paw Paw road, which was in its time a thoroughfare 
of considerable trafiic. It is yet the mainly traveled high- 
way running east and west through the southern portion 
of the town. 

The first actual settler in Almena was Jonas Barber, 
of Prairie Ronde, who came hither in the spring of 1835, 
and built a saw-mill on the stream flowing through section 
28. Barber had land near the present grist-mill, and lived 
there in a shanty. He intended to build a grist-mill at 
that point, but abandoned the idea. 

Before Barber's advent, however, Junia Warner, Jr., 
Horace Bonfoey, and one Potter came from New York to 
Almena, in the spring of 1834, in search of land. Warner 
entered 240 acres, lying in both Almena and Antwerp ; 
Bonfoey located a tract on section 29, in Almena ; Potter 
declined to make a location, and with Warner and Bonfoey 
returned to New York. 

In the spring of the following year (1835) Warner, his 
father (also named Junia), and Horace Bonfoey came 
again to Almena, for the purpose of preparing their land 
for permanent settlement. Warner and his father bought 
a few boards at Jonas Barber's mill, and putting up a 
cabin on section 31 began at once to clear some land, and 
having put in a crop and built a double log house, Junia, 
Jr., went back to New York for his family, while the elder 
Warner concluded to remain at Kalamazoo, where he 
labored at his trade as mason until September of the same 
year, when Junia, Jr., reaching Kalamazoo with his fam- 
ily, on his way to Almena, the old gentleman joined them, 
and all were soon installed upon the Almena farm, where 
they found a fairly comfortable home in the log house built 
by father and son the previous summer. The widow of 
Junia Warner, Jr., lives now in Paw Paw, and in describ- 
ing their trip from Detroit to Almena says, " We traveled 
in a wagon drawn by three oxen, and although we made 
but fifteen miles a day, we were kept mighty busy at that." 
Junia Warner, Jr., who had been a Methodist circuit 
preacher in New York, continued to preach more or less in 
the West from the time of his settlement in Almena until 



his death there, in 1847. He was known far and wide as 
Elder Warner, and although averse to preaching, because 
of ill health, he was so persistently called, from here and 
there, to preach a funeral sermon or organize a church, 
that he could not well avoid ministerial labor, and, as a con- 
sequence, he was almost as busy as a preacher as he was as 
a farmer. His widow now lives in Paw Paw, hale and vig- 
orous, at the age of seventy-four. His father died in Al- 
mena in 1841. His mother died in Paw Paw, January, 
1880, at the advanced age of ninety-six. 

Horace Bonfoey, who came with the Warners in the 
spring of 1835, was from Otsego Co., N. Y., and made a 
settlement in Almena, upon section 29, where he lived 
until his death, Jan. 11, 1873. At the time of his loca- 
tion he, the Warners, Jonas Barber, and Derosier were 
the only white inhabitants of Almena. Of Mr. Bonfoey's 
children, those now living in Almena are Russell W. Bon- 
foey and Cyrena Hall. 

In the fall of 1834, William Ranney, and John, his son, 
Campbell Waldo, Frederick KruU, Alvin Hall, Russell 
Palmer, and Freeman Hall came to Almena in company on 
a land-hunting expedition. Ranney bought land on sec- 
tions 14, 23, 25, and 26 ; Palmer and Krull on section 
24 ; Freeman Hall on section 26 ; and Alvin Hall on the 
same section, adjoining Freeman's place. Of the seven, how- 
ever, John Ranney and Freeman Hall were the only ones 
who became actual settlers. Returning East with the rest 
of the company after the lands were located, John Ranney 
came West again alone in 1835, and made a settlement on 
section 25, upon land his father had located. Ranney was 
a bachelor, and the story goes that when he left his New 
York home for the West he was engaged to be married to 
a charming girl, and the understanding was that he was 
soon to return for the wedding. The girl, however, speed- 
ily proved false to her vows, and not long after John's de- 
parture married an idle, brainless fellow. Ranney took the 
matter so much to heart that he forswore womankind and 
resolved to die a bachelor. Meanwhile, the girl who had 
jilted him led a sorry life with her worthless husband, who, 
fortunately for her, died before many years. She wrote to 
Ranney informing him of the event, thinking, it might be, 
that his heart still warmed towards her, and that she might 
win him back ; but Ranney paid no heed to her communi- 
cation, and she died not long after in an insane asylum. 
True to his resolve, Ranney lived a bachelor, and died on 
his Almena ftirm in 1863. 

Willard Newcomb, who bought of Potter (he who came 
west with the Warners in 1834) land entered by the latter 
in Almena, settled in the town in 1835, and put up a 
blacksmith-shop on section 29. Freeman Hall, who came 
to Almena in 18.34 with the land-looking party of seven, 
returned hither in 1836, and eSected a permanent settle- 
ment on section 26, which has since been his home. When 
he settled, there were in the town only the Warners, the 
Newcombs, the Bonfocys, John Ranney, and Mears the 
miller. 

Samuel C. Annable, now a resident of Almena, came to 
the town with his family in November, 1835, and settled 
upon a farm in sections 23 and 26, previously located by 



TOWNSHIP OF ALMENA. 



4Q1 



his father-in-law, William Ranney. He found a temporary 
home for his family in John Ranney's log cabin, and in 
the spring of 1836 built a comfortable house on his own 
place. 

Asahel S. Downing, a resident of Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
migrated to Almena in the spring of 183ti, with his family 
and his father-in-law, Isaac Barnum. They went first to 
Paw Paw, and stopped six weeks with Edwin Barnum. 
Downing and the elder Barnum then went into Almena 
and bought land on sections 29, 32, and 33 of Willard 
Newcomb and Horace Bonfoey. The mill-site now occu- 
pied by Brewer's mill was on the property, and there Bar- 
num intended to erect a grist-mill, but before the under- 
taking was commenced he was stricken with apoplexy, 
and died the year following his settlement in the town. 
Downing assisted Mr. Barnum to put in a crop of wheat, 
and then moved to a place of his own on section 28, where 
he put up a frame liouse in 1837, and in that house — since 
then enlarged and improved — he still lives. Mr. Downing's 
residence was the first framed house of any consequence 
erected in town. Downing opened also a blacksmith-.shop 
on his place, and carried it on for more than twenty years. 

Henry, son of Isaac Barnum, lived with his father until 
the latter's death, and then settled upon section 29, re 
maining there until his death, in 1856. 

Isaac Barnum had come West in 1835, and determining 
then to be a settler when he should come again the follow- 
ing year, he resolved to provide a supply of wheat before- 
hand, and so purchased a quantity of Dr. Brown, of Prairie 
Ronde. When Mr. Barnum came out in 1836 he sent 
Mr. Downing over to Brown's to get the wheat, with in- 
structions also to take it to mill. When Downing reached 
Brown's he learned that the latter had gone to Virginia on 
a visit, carrying the key of the barn with him. Downing 
returned home without the wheat, but on a second trip se- 
cured it and carried it to Redmond's mill in Prairie Ronde. 
The miller being unable to grind the grist then, Downing 
went home empty-handed a second time. 

Two days afterwards he went to Redmond's for his flour, 
and he was told that the people of the neighborhood 
having voted Redmond's mill-pond a pestilence-breeding 
nuisance, had torn the dam away, and so there was Bar- 
num's grist yet ungrouud, and the family at home waiting 
for the bread which came not. Downing was much dis- 
couraged, but he loaded up the wheat once more and car- 
ried it to Comstock's mill, four miles east of Kalamazoo. 
There he left it, and returning in two days, eventually se- 
cured his flour, greatly to his joy no doubt, for in the work 
of securing it he had made four trips to mill, traveled about 
one hundred and forty miles, and consumed ten days of his 
time. 

Between 1836 and 1840 the settlements were quite nu- 
merous, and included those of John Campbell, Albert Fos- 
dick, Bridget Finley and her five sons, Nahum Eager, 
Chauncey Abbott, Asa Crofoot, Blakelee Burns, Abel 

Burns, Jacob Plank, T. C. Benton, Samuel Turner, 

Libby, and others. 

Asa Crofoot visited Almena in 1835, and entered 160 
acres on sections 25 and 26. He made a small clearing, 
51 



and then went to Schoolcraft, where he obtained employ- 
ment, and from time to time, as he could, he improved his 
Almena farm. In 1844 he married, and in that year lo- 
cated permanently in Almena, and still lives on the place 
he entered in 1835. 

Chauncey Abbott, living on section 23, settled there in 
1840, after a two years' residence in Oshtemo. Bridget 
Finley settled on section 12 in 1839, with six children, of 
whom Michael and James had farms of their own. Mrs. 
Finley died in 1864, on the place now occupied by her son 
James. About the time of the advent of the Finleys, 
Harvey Fosdick and John Campbell settled in that neigh- 
borhood. Amasa Tenney, now on section 28, came to 
Michigan in 1838, and to Almena in 1840, where he bought 
a farm of Asahel S. Downing. John Maxfield and wife, 
parents of Mr. Tenney's wife, came out at the same time, 
but did not like the country and went back to New York. 

Samuel B. Fisk, a mill-wright and house-carpenter, lo- 
cated in Lawrence in 1844, and in the fall of that year 
settled in Almena, which has since been his home. Samuel 
Mills bought land on section 34 in 1843, and lived there 
until his death, in 1860. His son, E. P., now resides on the 
farm. Allen McPherson settled on section 36 in 1845, 
and in 184G Samuel Hayden on section 34, Jacob Erken- 
baek on section 36, and W. F. French on section 23. 

Alva T. Stevens was a settler in Almena in 1837, He 
lived afterwards in Kalamazoo, but finally returned to Ant- 
werp, where he located permanently on land he entered (in 
Almena and Antwerp) in 1837, and where he died in 
1865. His son, A. W., resides now in Almena, 

L. A. Brown, now a resident of Almena, came hither 
with his uncle, Julius Wilson, in 1856. Foster Johnson 
and N. W. Waite, although settlers in Michigan in 
1837, did not come to Almena until 1861. 0. H. P. 
Sheldon, who settled in Antwerp in 1846, did not become 
a resident of Almena until 1871. 

The pioneers of Almena were not called upon to endure 
the average hardships experienced by settlers in many parts 
of Van Buren County, for to those in the south especially 
Paw Paw was close at hand, with its conveniences of civili- 
zation, while the country itself, composed of fine oak open- 
ings, was easily penetrated, and had accessible roadways 
everywhere. The year 1838 was the sickly year, and many 
people died of fever and ague. So prevalent was the dis- 
ease that there were at one time but three well persons in 
the entire town, — -Mrs. Isaac Barnum, Horace Bonfoey, and 
a colored farm-hand named Henderson. These three looked 
after the sick ones, and certamly had their hands full. 

Exciting adventures with wolves were not infrequent 
among the settlers. Mr. F. C. Annable relates how he 
was coming home one night from an Indian camp, with two 
venison hams strung across his shoulder, and how the 
wolves chased him. He ran for life, and made up his 
mind to sacrifice the hams to his hungry pursuers ; but for- 
tune favored him, so that he reached home in safety, hams 
and all.^ " But bless you," says he, '' I was the worst 
scared young man you ever heard of." The " big swamp" 
was a dreaded place, and nearly every pioneer of Almena 
was lost in its mazes at one time or another, until they 
began to find out that to follow the streams up would be 



402 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



sure to lead to an opening. After that the dansier of being 
lost in the swamp frightened no one. 

On the north .side of the swamp the first settlement was 
made by Nathan Williams and his son-in-law, John Con- 
don, who came to Almena in the summer of 1836, and 
made a clearing on section 12. In the following year they 
crossed the swamp, and making a location on section 4, 
lived there until 1865, when they, with their families, 
moved to Iowa. Condon was equally noted as a farmer, 
fiddler, hunter, and trapper. He owned an exceedingly 
well-trained wolf dog, and the State, county, and town bounty 
aggregating $30 on each wolf-scalp, Condon gathered first 
and last a bountiful harvest of dollars from that source. 

Next in order of settlement in the region north of the 
swamp came Jacob Currier and David Showerman. The 
latter had been at work in Gremps' saw-mill at Paw Paw 
two years, when, in 1838, he settled on section 7, in Almena, 
on the Allegan road, and there, after a while, opened a tav- 
ern. He died in Almena in 1863. 

Currier, who had been engaged in milling, with Morrill 
and others, in the southern portion of the town, made a 
settlement on section 7, and being by trade a machinist, 
set up a small shop on his place, which fronted the Allegan 
road. He died there in 1844. His widow married Wil- 
liam Markillie, who came to Waverly in 1843, and to Al- 
mena in 1845, since when he has occupied the old Currier 
farm. William H. Stephens, now living on section 4, was 
a bachelor when he made a settlement there, about 1840, 
and he has lived there ever since. 

James Ketchum, who lives on section 9, says that when 
he came there, in 1843, with his father Elibu, the settlers 
on the south side of the swamp included Newton Canady, 
Nathan and Joseph Williams, John Condon, Henry Van 
Tassell, Jerome Thrasher, Daniel Frary, and William H. 
Stevens. 

Henry Campbell, a New Yorker, came to Almena in 
1838, and worked at the company's saw-mill until 1839, 
when he married a daughter of Willard Newcomb and 
made a settlement in Waverly. Leaving there in 1844, he 
located in Almena, upon section 8, where he died in 1872, 
leaving a widow who still survives him. 

Thomas Clark, from New York, lived in Almena a year 
before locating, in 1847, upon a farm in section 18, where 
Alvin Crowell had preceded him as a settler. Mr. Clark 
still lives on the place, and his sons, James, Robert, and 
William, are living in the town. Silas Breed, the founder 
of Breedisville, in 1835, moved from there to Antwerp, and 
afterwards, in 1851, to section 7, in Almena, having bought 
the place of John Crowell, a previous settler thereon. Mr. 
Breed died in 1878. His widow and her son Silas now 
occupy the farm. 

J. W. Stoughton, who came to Michigan with his father 
in 1824, became himself a settler in Oakland County in 
1844, and in 1856 removing to a place in Almena pre- 
viously occupied by Jo.siah Hopkins, has lived there to the 
present day. 

The first birth among the settlers in the township was 
that of a child of Elder Warner. The same child was also 



the first to die in the new settlement, — the year of its birth 
and death being 1836. Isaac Barnum, whose death oc- 
curred in 1837, was probably the first adult person who 
died in Almena. Interments were made upon the Warner 
place until 1840, when the Almena cemetery was laid out. 
At that time seven bodies were transferred from other 
places and interred in the public burial-ground. The sec- 
ond child born was a son to Jacob Currier, Dec. 9, 1838. 
His name is George S. Currier, and from his birth to the 
present day he has been a resident of Almena. The first 
marriage was that of Alonzo Cobb, a school-teacher, to a 
daughter of Willard Newcomb, — Charles M. Morrill, jus- 
tice of the peace, performing the ceremony. 

The jury list of the township in 1842 was as follows: 
Jacob S. Currier, Roswell Cook, Jacob H. Van Antwerp, 
Amasa Tenney, Willard Newcomb, Benjamin Eager, C. 
H. Abbott, Nathan Eager, David Showerman, J. H. Rock- 
well. 

The voters in the town in 1843 numbered 18; in 1844 
they were 34; in 1845 there was an increase of 54 ; in 
1857 to 137; in 1861 to 144; and in 1874 to 224. 

EARLY MILLS AND MILL-OWNERS. 

As already chronicled, Jonas Barber built a saw-mill on 
section 28 in 1835, and after operating it a short time, dis- 
posed of it to Maj. Edwin Mears, of Paw Paw. In 1836 
fie sold it to a company composed of Charles M. Morrill, 
Nathaniel Livermore, Jacob Currier, and Thomas Brown 
who came there from Lowell, Mass., in the year named. 
They pursued the business on a large scale, and did also 
.something in the way of farming upon adjacent land. The 
company gave up the business after carrying it on a few years, 
Livermore removing to Paw Paw in 1847, and then re- 
turning to Massachusetts. Jacob Currier bought a farm 
on section 7, and lived there until his death, in 1844. 
Morrill farmed afterwards on the Territorial road in Ant- 
werp ; he engaged later in milling in Pine Grove, and re- 
moved ultimately to Lawton, where he now lives. Thomas 
Brown went back to Massachusetts after closing out his 
interest in the Almena mill. The mill property passed to 
the possession of Daniel 0. Dodge, and was best known as 
the Dodge mill. Walter Wise endeavored at a later date to 
utilize the power in the manufacture of heavy paper, but 
the scheme proved unsuccessful. The only saw-mill in the 
town now is the one on section 28, known as Brewer's 
mill. 

Prior to 1838 the nearest grist-mill was at Kalamazoo, 
but in that year Gremps & Willard's mill at Paw Paw 
furnished more accessible facilities. The first grist-mill 
erected in Almena was put up in 1859 by S. W. Fisk. 
That mill-site was originally owned by Jonas Barber, who 
contemplated the erection there of a grist-mill, but recon- 
sidering his determination sold the property to Stout & Co., 
of Kalamazoo, from whom Horace Bonfoey purchased it, 
and put up on it a saw-mill and earding-machine. 

MAIL SERVICE. 
The southern portion of the town was for years supplied 
with mail facilities only at Paw Paw, until the creation in 
1856 of an oiEce called Brewerville, at Brewer's mill, where 



TOWNSHIP OF ALMENA. 



403 



Brewer also opened a store. Lawrence Brewer was ap- 
pointed the first postmaster, and when the office was re- 
moved to the neighborhood of Fisk's grist-mill, and the 
name changed to Almena, Samuel B. Fisk was appointed. 
His successors in the office to the present time have been 
Simeon Brown, Ira Johnson, William R. Cotter, Russell 
W. Bonfoey, and Hubbard H. Hill. 

Waverly post-office, now in Almena north of the swamp, 
was originally established in Waverly township. Dr. Bab- 
bitt, who was instrumental in having the office established, 
was the first postmaster. Orlando H. Newcomb was Bab- 
bitt's successor, and upon Newcomb's death, the present 
incumbent, Hiram Goble, was appointed. In 1874 the 
office was removed from Waverly to Almena township. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 
One of the seven towns created in 1837, when Van 
Bureu was divided, was the town of Clinch, which embraced 
what are now the townships of Waverly, Almena, Bloom- 
ingdale, and Pine Grove. There was considerable discus- 
sion in reference to the name to be given the original 
town, and without coming to any agreement the inhabitants 
sent their petition to the Legislature with the various pro- 
posed names attached, and suggested that a choice might 
be made from the list. When they learned how the town 
was named the impression was that the name of Clinch had 
been given as an intimation to the citizens that instead of 
differing so widely in the matter of christening they ought 
to have been more harmoniously clinched. It proved, how- 
ever, that I. W. Clary, member of the Legislature, had 
chosen the name in honor of Judge Clinch, of Georgia, 
whom he greatly admired. When, in 1842, the town of 
Clinch was divided, F. C. Annable, then in the Legislature, 
presented the petition for a division, and named both new 
towns, — the western half Waverly and the eastern half 
Almena. At that time Indian names were in favor for new 
towns, and Mr. Annable, recollecting something about an 
Indian princess known as* Almena, bestowed that name upon 
his own town. In 1848 the northern half of Almena was 
set off and organized as a township with the name of Pine 
Grove. 

Appended will be found a full list of those who have been 
elected since 1842 to the offices of supervisor, clerk, treas- 
urer, and justice of the peace. 

1842. — Supervisor, Charles M. Morrill; Clerk, Junia Warner: Treas- 
urer, H. Barnum ; Justice of the Peace, J. S. Currier. 
ISW. — Supervisor, Samuel Turner; Clerk, G. H. Brown; Treasurer, 

Junia Warner; Justice of the Peace, A. Tenney. 
1844. — Supervisor, J. A. Ranney; Clerk, G. H. Brown; Treasurer, 

F. C. Annable; Justice of the Peace, A. S. Downing. 
1845. — Supervisor, J. A. Ranney; Clerk, G. H. Brown; Treasurer, 

F. C. Annable ; Justice of the Peace, Samuel Mills. 
1846.— Supervisor, G. H. Brown; Clerk, Samuel Turner; Treasurer, 

J. B. Hudson ; Justice of the Peace, D. Showerman. 
1847. — Supervisor, Henry Barnum ; Clerk, G. H. Brown ; Treasurer, 

J. B. Hudson ; Justice of the Peace, Samuel Turner. 
1848. — Supervisor, Ileury Barnum ; Clerk, 0. J. Heusted ; Treasurer, 

Freeman Hall; Justice of the Peace. J. A. Chase. 
1849.— Supervisor, J. B. Hudson ; Clerk, W. F. French: Treasurer, 

Freeman Hall : Justice of the Peace, Samuel Mills. 
1850.— Supervisor, F. C. Annable: Clerk, W. F. French; Treasurer, 

Elam Warner; Justice of the Peace, David Showerman. 
1851.— Supervisor, F. C. Annable ; Clerk, W. F. French: Treasurer, 

F. Hall ; Justice of the Peace, Amasa Tenney. 



1852.- 

1853.- 

1854.- 

1855.- 

1856.- 

1857.- 

1858.- 

1S59.- 

1860.- 

1861.- 

1S62.- 

186.3.- 

1864.- 

1865.- 

1866.- 

1867.- 

1868.- 

1869.- 

1870.- 

1S71.- 

1872.- 

1873.- 

1874. 

1875, 

1876, 

1877 

1878. 

1879.- 



Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, W. F. French; Treasurer, 

F. Hall; Justice of the Peace, A. S. Downing. 
Supervisor, J. A. Ranney; Clerk, J. G. Brown; Treasurer, 

Asa Hoyt; Justice of the Peace, B. F. Stevens. 
■Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, W. F. French ; Treasurer, 

Asa Hoyt ; Justice of the Peace, Josiah Hopkins. 
■Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, W. F. French ; Treasurer, Asa 

Hoyt ; Justice of the Peace, A. S. Downing. 
■Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, W. F. French ; Treasurer, Asa 

Hoyt; Justice of the Peace, N. H. Soule. 
■Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, Abner Soule; Treasurer, Asa 

Hoyt; Justice of the Peace, D. Showerman. 
-Supervisor, Silas Bree(i; Clerk, Asa Hoyt; Treasurer, Chaun- 

cey Palmer ; Justice of the Peace, Samuel Mills. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, Asa Hoyt ; Treasurer, Chaun- 

cey Palmer; Justice of the Peace, Chauncey Abbott. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk. E. L. Warner; Treasurer, 

Chauncey Palmer: Justice of the Peace, Asa Crofoot. 
-Supervisor, C. B. Palmer; Clerk, E. L. Warner: Treasurer, 

A. Bonfoey ; Justice of the Peace, A. Herron. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, E. L.Warner; Treasurer, C. 

B. Palmer ; Justice of the Peace, Jesse Wilson. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, E. L. Warner; Treasurer, C. 

B. Palmer; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Abbott. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, E. L. Warner; Treasurer, C. 

B. Palmer ; Justice of the Peace, James Stoughton. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, W. F. French ; Treasurer, R. 

W. Bonfoey ; Justice of the Peace, Charles Dean. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed; Clerk, E. D.Whitney; Treasurer, 

Jesse Wilson ; Justice of the Peace, Allen Watson. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed : Clerk, E. D. Whitney ; Treasurer, 

Jesse Wilson ; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Abbott. 
-Supervisor, .Silas Breed ; Clerk, E. D. Whitney ; Treasurer, 

Jesse Wilson ; Justice of the Peace, George W. Myers. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, E. D. Whitney ; Treasurer, 

Jesse Wilson; Justice of the Peace, C. B. Palmer. 
-Supervisor, Silas Breed ; Clerk, I. H. Johnson ; Treasurer, Jesse 

Wilson ; Justice of the Peace, Asa Crofoot. 
-Supervisor, S. W. Fisk ; Clerk, W. F. French : Treasurer, L. 

A. Brown ; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Abbott. 
-Supervisor, S. W. Fisk; Clerk, W. F. French: Treasurer, L. 

A. Brown ; Justice of the Peace, C. W. Brown. 
-Supervisor, W. F. French ; Clerk, A. D. Stocking; Treasurer, 

L. A. Brown; Justice of the Peace, W. H. Stevens. 
-Supervisor, W. F. French ; Clerk, A. D. Stocking ; Treasurer, 

L. A. Brown; Justice of the Peace, A. H. Lockwood. 
— Supervisor, W. F. French; Clerk, A. D. Stocking; Treasurer, 

P. N. Teed; Justice of the Peace, C. Goodwin. 
.—Supervisor, J. H. Darling: Clerk, A. D. Stocking; Treasurer, 

P. N. Teed ; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Abbott. 
.—Supervisor, J. H. Darling; Clerk, C. B. Palmer; Treasurer, P. 

N. Teed; Justice of the Peace, J. D. Abbott. 
—Supervisor, W. H. Stevens; Clerk, Frank Cure; Treasurer, 

Samuel Hayden; Justice of the Peace, N. Lillibrldge. 
—Supervisor, C. B. Palmer ; Clerk, S. A. Breed ; Treasurer, P. 
N. Teed ; Justice of the Peace, C. Goodwin. 



CHURCHES IN ALMENA. 

In the southern portion of the town Elder Warner used 
to preach the Methodist doctrine to the pioneers, and north 
of the swamp the settlers enjoyed the benefits of religion 
through Baptist and Methodist societies organized in Wa- 
verly shortly after 1840. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church of Waverly, although 
organized in the latter town and still retaining the old 
name, has its church edifice in Almena, a short distance 
across the line, on Covey Hill. The organization was ef- 
fected in 1843, at the house of Isaac Brown, in Waverly, 
with 13 members, whose names were Harvilaud Thayer and 
wife, Jonah Austin and wife, Isaac Brown and wife, Jephtha 
Waterman, Lucy Herron, Luciuda Aldrich, Peter Haines 



404 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and wife, Polly Marble, and Elizabeth Brown. Rev. Peter 
Haines, who organized the church, lived in Cooper, Kala- 
mazoo Co., and for a year or more came over to preach 
in Waverly once a month. Services were held in private 
houses until 1844, when the Bell school-house being built, 
that was occupied as a house of worship. Until 1866, 
various school-houses in Waverly and Almena were u.sed, 
but in that year the present church edifice in Almena was 
erected. The first deacons were Harvilaud Thayer and Isaac 
Brown. The pastor to succeed Mr. Haines was Rev. W. 
H. H. Myers, of Bloomingdale, who filled the pastorate 
about twelve years. After him came Elders Darling, Stan- 
ford, Whittaker, Keyser, Pre.scott, and Mrs. Annie Barton, 
— the latter now occupying the pulpit. The church mem- 
bership is about 75, and that of the Sabbath-school (of 
which Silas A. Breed is superintendent) is 100. The dea- 
cons of the church are C. M. Brown and David Loveland. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Almena was 
organized in 1853, and attached to the Oshtemo circuit, 
with Mattawan, Genesee Prairie, and the " Hurd" district. 
The members of the first class were five in number, — Philip 
Teed and wife, James North and wife, and Ann Smith. 
Philip Teed, who was chosen class-leader at the outset, has 
served in that capacity uninterruptedly until the present 
time. Among the early pastors were Revs. Wilson, Wil- 
liams (under whose ministry many members were added 
to the church), Watson, Beach, Hendrickson, Haviland, 
and Hoag. 

The Almena school-house was used as a place of worship 
until 1869, when the church now in use was occupied. It 
was dedicated in December of that year, the dedication 
sermon being preached by Dr. Joslyn, of Grand Rapids. 
The church is now in the Mattawan circuit, and has a 
membership of 14. The pastor is Rev. S. C. Woodman, 
and the trustees P. N. Teed, Hubbard Hill, and Abel 
Burns. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church of Almena was organized 
in May, 1877, at the Methodist Episcopal church, with a 
membership of 40. The deacons then appointed were G. 
W. Failing and Martin Erkenbeck, who still serve. Elder 
Darling, who organized the church, was the first pastor. 
Elder Roberts preaches now once in two weeks in a public 
hall at Almena Mills. The church has now a membership 
of 30, and the Sunday-school an attendance of 50. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school taught in the town was held in the War- 
ner settlement in a log cabin. The first teacher was Eliz- 
abeth Merry, a sister of the wife of Elder Junia Warner, 
and after her the teachers were Miss Myers and a Mrs. 
Palmer. East of that a log school-house was put up near 
where the grist-mill stands, and in that a Mr. Hurd, first, 
and then F. C. Annable taught a subscription school. 

Statistics of the public schools of Almena are given 
below, as found in the school report of 1879, viz. : Num- 
ber of children of school age, 303 ; average attendance, 
262; value of school property, $3110; amount paid for 
teachers' wages, $849. List of school directors at date of 
report: District No. 2, G. W. Failing; No. 3 (fractional), 
G. W. Van Dorn ; No. 4, D. C. Lockmau ; No. 5, C. B. 



Palmer; No. 7, W. Roland; No 8 (fractional), P. Cure; 
No. 9 (fractional), G. R. Palmer; No. 10, George Lemon. 

ALMENA AND PAW PAW TELEORAPH COMPANY. 

This company was organized in 1876, by Edward Anna- 
ble and others, and duly incorporated under the laws of 
the State, for tlie pui-pose of providing telegraphic commu- 
nication between Almena and Paw Paw, as well as to afford 
similar conveniences to persons living on the route. 

The company has now seven miles of wire in operation, 
and is doing excellent service, not only in the way of 
convenience of communication, but in the matter of fur- 
nishing practical experience in telegraphy to each of its 
patrons, all of whom have the privilege of direct communi- 
cation from their homes with any point on the line. Ed- 
ward Annable, chosen the first president, still serves in that 
capacity. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



EDWARD P. MILLS. 

Philo Mills, the grandfather of the above-named gentle- 
man, was born in Connecticut, about 1770, and not long 
after 1800 removed to Livingston Co., N. Y. He had a 
family of fourteen children, of whom Samuel Mills, the 
father of Edward, was the oldest, his birth occurring in 
1803 in Connecticut. He was, like his father, a farmer by 
occupation. In 1843, Samuel Mills settled in Almena town- 
ship. Van Buren Co., Mich., on the farm now owned by 
his son, E. P. Mills. He was a very ambitious, enterprising 
citizen, and did his duty as a pioneer, and no doubt his 
struggles incident to the improvement of a large farm, 
hastened his death. He was the father of nine children, 
who are all living but one, and six of whom came to Michi- 
gan with him. They were named as follows : 

Henry, the oldest, is now in the mercantile business at 
Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., where he married the eldest 
daughter of William McPherson, an old settler and promi- 
nent citizen of the place. 

Lyman, who married a daughter of William Sprague, of 
Oshtemo, Kalamazoo Co., is now living the greater portion 
of the time in Howell. His wife is deceased, and his 
daughter is the wife of Mr. Badger, of the " Burdick 
House" at Kalamazoo. 

Julia, married to Owen P. Morton, of Texas township, 
Kalamazoo Co., where she resides with her husband. 

Edward P., is now living in Almena. 

Lucius W., a teacher by profession, a graduate of the 
normal school at Ypsilanti, taught three years in the upper 
peninsula of Michigan, and in 1879 at Plainwell, Allegan 
Co. Married Laura, daughter of Dr. Kinney, of Ypsilanti, 
and is now teaching at Lawrence, Van Buren Co. 

Mary E. died in infancy. 

Harriet E. married Dr. J. P. Stoddard, of Albion, Cal- 
houn Co., his father being also a physician, and recently re- 
moved from Albion to Muskegon, Mich. 

Eugene W. married Nellie Hubbard, of Paw Paw, Van 
Buren Co., and is now carrying on a farm in California. 




f<E^lDEf^cFOF ASA CROFOOT Almena Mchigau 



'^^J^'fitir 










fl£S/D£iNCE OF EDIA'ARO P MILLS, AlmenaTp, \/anBurenCo,Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF ALMENA. 



405 



Frances A. taught ia various high schools at Albion 
and elsewhere, and was iiiariied to F. A. Wheelock, a dry- 
goods merchant of that place. 

These children were all teachers, except Eugene, and 
were engaged in numerous district and public schools. 
Maria Warner, the wife of Samuel Mills, was also a native 
of Connecticut, and the daughter of David Warner. She 
was one of a large family of children, and when very young- 
removed with her parents to Livingston Co., N. Y., where 
she was married to Mr. Mills. Samuel Mills died in 1860, 
on the farm now owned by his son, where by industry 
and economy he acquired a competency, and was respected 
by all who knew him. His widow is living with their 
youngest daughter, Frances, at Albion, Mich. 

After the death of his father Edward P. Mills purchased 
the interest of the other heirs, and owns and occupies the 
old homestead. Aside from his attendance at the district 
schools, he spent about a year at school in Paw Paw. His 
life as a teacher lasted through six terms of district school. 
At the age of twenty-two, until which time he had re- 
mained on his father's farm, he took a farm " on shares," 
working upon it summers and teaching school in winters. 
He was born Aug. 11, 1834, in Livingston Co., N. Y., 
and was therefore but a youth when he came to Michigan. 
July 3, 1859, he was married to Miss Phoebe A. Winslow, 
daughter of Samuel and Eunice Winslow, of Antwerp, Van 
Buren Co., Mich. Until 1867 he lived in different parts 
of the county, but in the latter year purchased the old farm 
of his father, and has since resided upon it. Mr. Mills 
and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church 
at Paw Paw. Politically, Mr. Mills is a Republican, and 
has held several offices of trust and responsibility in town, 
county, and in the church. Whenever improvements have 
been discussed in his township or county, Mr. Mills has 
been among the foremo.st to proffer aid and to urge on tlie 
work to completion. As a man and a citizen he stands very 
high in the estimation of all who know him. He is, with- 
out ostentation, a true gentleman, and his wife is a most 
estimable lady, and with such attributes as they possess the 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Mills cannot fail to be a happy one, 
although no children have added their sunshine to it. The 
stranger at their door feels a genial presence, and adds his 
testimony to that of others as to the excellence of this 
worthy couple. May the hand of Time rest lightly upon, 
and Providence continue to give them prosperity. 



ASA CROFOOT. 

Mr. Crofoot's ancestors were from Massachusetts. His 
father, Joseph Crofoot, was a native of that State, and a 
farmer by occupation ; the latter's wife was also born in the 
Old Bay State. This couple moved to Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
and lived in the township of Aurelius, near the city of 
Auburn, where they both died, the husband about 1870-71, 
and the wife some years previous. 

Asa Crofoot was born in the township named on the 8th 
of June, 1814. His parents' means were limited, and the 
boy earned most of the money to pay for his schooling. 



attending the district schools of the day. When nine or 
ten years old he left home and went to Ontario Co., N. Y., 
where be lived about four years with an uncle near Can- 
andaigua. Returning to Aurelius, he found employment 
at farming, and continued until his removal West. On the 
3d of March, 1836, he left Auburn and started for Michi- 
gan, arriving in what is now Almena township. Van Buren 
Co., about the middle of the month. The trip was made 
with a horse and cutter through Canada. He had placed 
a saddle in the sleigh before starting, to be used in case 
the sleighing was not good, but did not find it necessary to 
take it out, as the snow was unusually deep for the season. 
That winter is recollected as having been especially severe, 
and the snow remained on the ground until quite late in 
the spring. Mr. Crofoot purchased two eighty-acre lots 
from the government, the deed being signed by President 
Van Buren. His means were then exhausted, and he 
at once sought for employment. Proceeding to School- 
craft, Kalamazoo Co., he found an old friend in the person 
of Ira Lyon, uncle of Lucius Lyon, the surveyor. He 
hired out to him, and continued in his employ about nine 
years, in the meanwhile hiring some clearing and breaking 
done on his farm in Almena. Dec. 8, 1814, he married 
Ira Lyon's daughter, Charlotte Augusta, and early in 
March, 1845, located with his wife on the farm,— the same 
he now occupies, — moving into the frame house which had 
been erected by his orders. When Mr. Crofoot first came 
to the township, in 1836, it contained but two or three 
settlers, and the Indians many times outnumbered the 
white inhabitants. Mrs. Crofoot gave birth to a daughter 
— Charlotte A. Crofoot — on the 14th of April, 1847, and 
on the same day her soul went to join the innumerable 
throng " waiting the judgment day." The daughter was 
married, April 22, 1865, to Henry French, of Almena town- 
ship, and is now living in Montcalm Co., Mich. On the 
26th of January, 1856, Mr. Crofoot was married to Eleanor 
Erkenbeck, daughter of Jacob and Helen Erkenbeck, of 
Almena township. She was born in Johnstown, Mont- 
gomery Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1829, and came with her 
parents to Almena in the fall of 1846, settling on the farm 
where her widowed mother now resides, her father having 
died Nov. 8, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Crofoot are the parents 
of the following children, viz. : Euphemia, Frank, Fred 
(who died at the age of three), Eva M., Asa E., all of 
whom are living at home. Mr. Crofoot has increased his 
home-farm to two hundred and twenty-five acres, and is the 
owner of several others. He belongs to no religious or- 
ganization ; his wife is a member of the Dunkard Church. 
Mr. Crofoot was a Democrat until, as he says, the scales 
fell from his eyes, under the administration of President 
Buchanan, since which time he has been a Republican. 
Although not an active worker in the political field, he has 
held a few township offices, and was commissioner of 
highways for twenty-one years. He was one of the early 
members of the grange, and has long been a director in 
both the County Agricultural Society and the Van Buren 
County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. After working 
for others at stipulated wages for twenty years, he has 
amassed a comfortable amount of this world's goods, and 
undoubtedly enjoys their possession. 



406 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





JACOB ERKENBECK. 



MRS. JACOB ERKENBECK. 



JACOB ERKENBECK. 

This gentleman's life has been comparatively uneventful, 
so far as concerns the public, or society in general, and yet 
he has taken his full share of life's burdens and duties, and 
performed them faithfully, although unostentatiously. As 
one of the early settlers of this portion of Van Buren County, 
he is entitled to honorable mention. He was a native of 
the State of New York, and was born March 18, 1801. 
Dec. 19, 1824, he was married to Helen Cole, who sur- 
vives him. Mr. and Mrs. Erkenbeck were the parents of 
eight children, as follows: Cornelius, born Oct. 18, 1825; 
Maria, born June 25, 1827, died Aug. 22, 1866; Eleanor, 
born Nov. 17, 1829 ; Catharine, born Nov. 25, 1831 ; Wil- 



liam, born Feb. 10, 1834 ; Nicholas, born Feb. 25, 1836, 
died May 23, 1866; Martin, born Sept. 14, 1838; John, 
born June 1, 1845. 

In the fall of 1846, Mr. Erkenbeck removed to Michi- 
gan witli his family, and settled on the farm now occupied 
by his widow. He purchased eighty acres of land, and 
paid for it by trading off his team and wagon. It was very 
much of a struggle for him to take care of his family, but 
he finally triumphed over hardships and difficulties, and at 
his death, which occurred Nov. 8, 1877, he left them in 
good circumstances. His occupation was that of a farmer, 
and in it he was ultimately successful. Both he and his 
wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



ALONZO W. STEVENS. 

Silas Stevens, the great-grandfather of Alonzo, was a 
soldier in the war of the Revolution, and the worn old pow- 
der-horn which he carried is now in the possession of Jared 
A. Stevens, of Florence, Ala. He was born May 20, 1755, 
in Southwick, Mass., and married Lucy Simons, who was 
born Aug. 30, 1752; moved to Herkimer Co., N. Y., 
1796. Their children were seven in number, — three sons 
and four daughters. Their son, Jared Stevens (grandfather 
of Alonzo W. Stevens), was born May 3, 1782, and mar- 
ried Mary Brown, who was born Jan. 10, 1785. They 
became the parents of eight children, — five sons and three 
daughters. 

Alvah T. Stevens, the father of Alonzo, was the oldest 
in the family of Jared and Mary Stevens, and was born 
Nov. 16, 1806. On the 21st of June, 1832, he was mar- 
ried to Lucy Hubbard, and by her was the father of six 
children, — four sons and two daughters. His wife died in 
1852, and he afterwards married Mrs. Laura Love, a widow 
residing in Cass Co., Mich. By her he had four children, — 
two sons and two daughters. Of the ten children, all are 



living but two. One son, George E. Stevens, who was a 
member of the 6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, died at 
New Orleans during the war of the Rebellion. Almeda, 
the oldest daughter, and wife of G. W. Lewis, of Allegan 
County, died in the fall of 1879. Another .son, Jared A. 
Stevens, was a member of the 25th Michigan Infantry, and 
is now residing, with his family, near Florence, Ala. Mr. 
Stevens was a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., in which his 
father owned a farm. When the son was small the family 
removed to Jefferson Co., N. Y.,and settled in the town of 
Ellisburg, near the village of Belleville, where the young 
man assisted on his father's fi»rm as soon as his age and 
strength would permit. Miss Hubbard, to whom he was 
married at Belleville, was the daughter of an early settler 
in the vicinity. In the summer of 1837, Alvah T. Stevens 
left the old home in New York and proceeded to Michigan 
via the Erie Canal and the great lakes, and finally arrived 
at St. Joseph. He had traded his farm in New York for 
two hundred and forty acres in Van Buren Co., Mich., lying 
partly in Alniena township and partly in Antwerp. He at 
first located, however, south of Mattawan, in the township 





MRS. CHARLES U. CROSS. 



MR. CHARLES U. CROSS. 



CHARLES U. CROSS. 



Uriah Cross, the great-grandfather of Charles U. Gross, 
the subject of this sketch, was a native of Covington, Conn., 
and was born about the year 1774. His ancestors were Eng- 
lish on the father's and of Scotch on the mother's side. He 
had ten children, — Monlton, Calvin, Abrara, William, Lucy, 
Electa, Anna, Rebecca, Orrill,and "VYesHhy. He participated 
in the Revolutionary war as an orderly sergeant, in the regi- 
ment commanded by Ethan Allen ; was present at the capture 
of Fort Ticonderoga, and was in active service till near the 
close of the war, when he was severely wounded. He re- 
moved to Bennington, Vt , where several of his children were 
born. From thence he removed to East Hamilton, Madison 
Co., N. Y., about the year 1790. He afterwards removed to 
Georgetown, N. Y. 

Calvin Cro.ss was born in Bennington, Vt., in 1762, and 
came with his father's family to New York. He married 
Polly Osmer, and had ten children, — Ashbel, Lydia, Mary, 
Ambrose, Orrin, Amanda, Edmund, Charles U., Calvin, 
and Fanny. 

Charles U. Cross was born in Georgetown, Madison Co., 
Dec. 25, 1814. When about three years of age he was adopted 
by his uncle, Samuel Payne, a wealthy farmer of Hamilton. 
He received a thorough mathematical and classical education 
at Hamilton Academy. His life while at his uncle's was that 
of a student, athletic in mind as well as in person, but was not 
marked by striking events. As the intended heir of his cliild- 
less unci", he looked forward to a career in which earning 
his own livelihood did not appear as one of the factors. In a 
spirit of adventure he came to Michigan in the .summer of 
1834, in company with J. li. Monroe, and located in his 
uncle's name what is now a part of the village of Bangor. 
Soon after his uncle died intestate, and left Mr. Cross to 
depend entirely upon his forest tract of Michigan land and 
his own resources. In the spring and summer of 1835 Messrs. 
Cross and Monroe opened a road from Paw Paw to South 
Haven. In the winter of 183-5-36 he taught school on Big 
Prairie Ronde. He was married to Mary S. West at Hamil- 
ton, N". Y., Sept. 6, 1836. Mrs. Cross was the daughter of 
Orrin and Mary (Hubbard) West, who were born respectively 
in 1789 and 1791, and were married March 26, 1816. They 
had four children, — Evelyn; Mary S., born Feb. 6, 1818; 
Sarah M. ; and Abijah H. 

Mary S. resided with her parents until she came West with 
her husband immediately after their marriage. They made 
their home with John Inslie on Big Prairie Ronde until 
their log cabin was completed at Bangor, into which they 
moved March 8, 1837, becoming the first family that settled 



in what is now Bangor township. Then commenced that 
hard struggle for existence, which was the lot of all or nearly 
all of the early settlers ; and the family of Mr. Cross prob- 
ably were not exceptions to the general rule. Although the 
education of Mr. Cross had apparently unfitted him to endure 
the privations of a pioneer life, yet the frequent calls for his 
services as a surveyor and counselor gave him more lucrative 
employment than was found by some of his more muscular 
neighbors. 

Mrs. Cross was well qualified for the wife of a pioneer, 
being of a genial and fearless disposition. And the " white 
squaw," as the Indians called her, had much need of her 
courage when, alono by the fireside at night, the sound of the 
wind moaning and sobbing among the tall pines was only 
varied by the long drawling howl of the wolf They had 
seven children, viz. : Samuel P., born April 14, 1838; Orrin 
W., Feb. 21, 1841; Sarah M., Jan. 0, 1843; Herberts., 
April 1, 1845; John S., May 4, 1849; Charles U., Jr., Dec. 
25, 1853 ; and Albert C, Nov. 1, 1855. Of these but four are 
now living, — Samuel P., Sarah M., John S., and Albert C. 
Herbert S. was killed by a railroad accident at Lawton, Sept. 
21, 1863 ; Charles U., Jr., died when an infant; Orrin W. 
served with distinction through the war, was promoted to 
lieutenant, and died within a few days after reaching home 
after his discharge, in September, 1865. 

In 1846, Mr Cross, in company with his brother, Calvin 
Cross, erected a saw-mill on the site now occupied by J. H. 
Nyman. This was conveyed wholly to Calvin Cross in the 
spring of 1850. July 11, 1867, he platted Cross' addition 
to the village of Bangor, and watched with pride and pleasure 
the rapid growth of the village. He was largely instrumental 
in securing the location of the railroad to this point, and 
gave liberally of his means towards this enterprise, as well 
as to induce the Bangor Furnace Company to establish their 
works at Bangor. 

He lived only to see the dawn of that prosperity which he 
had so materially assisted to promote, and which has been so 
abundantly sustained since his death. He died where he had 
fought the battle of life. May 9, 1872, on the same spot where 
thirty-five years before his log cabin was built. His wife 
survived him two vears, and died at the old homestead, Nov. 
17, 1874. 

Charles U. Cross was a man of extended influence and the 

strictest integrity; one who will long bo remembered by the 

people of Van Buren County for his genial manner and wise 

counsels, hi.s sterling honest}', and his munificent jiatriotism. 

" Requiescat in pace." 



TOWNSHIP OP BANGOR. 



407 



of Antwerp, where he had purchased forty acres, and lived 
on that and on a rented farm in Texas township, Kalamazoo 
Co., for twelve or thirteen years. The farm for which he 
had traded his New York homestead was in a state of na- 
ture when he moved upon it, no improvements of any kind 
having been made. A board shanty was erected and occu- 
pied by the family, and subsequently an unfinished frame 
was purchased, moved to the place, and completed. This 
was used for some time. Another house was bought and 
moved on, and occupied until three or four years before 
Mr. Stevens' death, when he erected a fine frame residence. 
He was always a farmer ; was a Whig, and afterwards a 
Republican in politics. He held several township ofiSces, 
although he was never an active politician. His death oc- 
curred Aug. 12, 186.5, in Antwerp township. Van Buren 
Co., Mich. His brother, Horace Stevens, who came with 
him from New York, stayed but five or six years, living with 
him part of the time, and finally returned to New York, in 
which State he now resides. 

Alonzo W. Stevens, the oldest of his father's children, 
was born near Belleville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 
1833, and was consequently but four years of age when he 
came with his father to Michigan. Until he was twenty- 
six years old he remained with his father on the home-farm. 
Finally, in company with his father, he purchased the place 
he now occupies, on section 25, Almena township, on which 
no improvements had been made. They cleared forty acres 
together, and the balance of the one hundred and sixty was 
cleared by Alonzo himself. He has since sold twenty acres, 
the farm now containing one hundred and forty. For a 
year after buying this place he boarded with his father. 
He was married, Feb. 25, 1860, to Miss Hortense Phillips, 
and soon after occupied the farm, living for several years in 
a board shanty. Mrs. Stevens traces her ancestry back to 
the Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth, Mass., but is herself a 
native of the township of Freedom, Wood Co., Ohio, 
where she was born Feb. 24, 1840. Her mother was a 
daughter of Joseph Fuller, who had come to Wood County, 
with his family, in 1835. Mrs. Fuller's parents were from 
Bristol Co., Mass. Jacob Phillips, the father of Mrs. 
Stevens, was also an early settler of Wood Co., Ohio. 
His father was a native of Germany. 

Mr. Stevens is a Republican in politics, but is not an 
active politician. He has held a few of the minor offices 
in his town. He is a member of the Masonic order, and 
is prominent in connection with the township grange, to 
which latter Mrs. Stevens also belongs. She is an Episco- 
palian in religion, and evinces taste in literary matters, hav- 
ing furnished numerous articles for publication. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stevens are the parents of two children, sons, who 
both died in infancy. Had they lived they would now 
be, respectively, fifteen and ten years of age. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

BANGOK TO'WISrSHIP.* 

Boundaries, Soil, and Streams — First and Early Settlements and Set- 
tlers — Resident Tax-Payers in 1856 — Civil History — Village of 
Bangor — Incorporation and Village Officers — Hotels — Manufactu- 
ring Enterprises — Bank — Societies and Orders — Religious Societies 
— Public Schools. 

BOUNDARIES, SOIL, AND STREAMS. 

The township of Bangor is one of the interior divisions 
of Van Buren County, and situated northwest of its geo- 
graphical centre. In the United States survey it was des- 
ignated as township No. 2 south, of range No. 16 west. 

Adjoining township organizations are Geneva on the 
north, Arlington on the east, Hartford on the south, and 
Covert on the west ; and being but a few miles distant from 
Lake Michigan, it enjoys many commercial advantages 
from its location. 

It is well watered, the most important stream being the 
Black River, which in its flow towards Lake Michigan 
crosses the northeast corner, and at the village of Bangor 
affords good water-power privileges, which have been util- 
ized for many years. Smaller streams tributary to it flow 
through the centre and northwest portions, and numbers of 
small lakes also dot its surface. 

Van Auken Lake, embracing portions of sections 28, 32, 
and 33, is the largest of these. In the centre of the town- 
ship is School Section Lake, and north of it Pleasant Lake, 
while Duck Lake is located on section 26, and southeast of 
it a number of smaller lakes. A portion of Rush Lake 
lies in the southwest corner of Bangor, and Mud Lake, a 
body of water insignificant in size and of little importance, 
lies on sections 26 and 27. The soil of the township varies 
in different localities. There is to be found in some places 
a gravelly loam, in others an admixture of sand, but the 
prevailing soil is a heavy clay loam. This enables Bangor 
to produce excellent crops of corn and wheat, and places it 
in the front rank among the townships of the county in its 
agricultural products. 

The census of 1874 gives 992 acres of wheat and 944 
of corn, which produced 13,237 bushels of the former and 
37,957 bushels of the latter grain. 

The surface of Bangor is gently undulating, presenting 
few sudden or abrupt declivities, and smooth and easily- 
tilled land prevails. This was originally covered with a 
heavy growth of timber, embracing beech, maple, whitewood, 
walnut, elm, pine, and hemlock. Good timber still abounds, 
but the clearing of the lands of the township has materi- 
ally depleted the forests. 

FIRST AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

In the year 1837 the newly-organized township of 
South Haven, which then embraced the present township 
of Bangor, boasted but a sparse number of inhabitants, and 
they, with two or three exceptions, were all living near the 
present village of Breedsville. (See history of Columbia 
township.) 

Charles U. Cross, the first settler in this township, and 
the founder of the present village of Bangor, was then the 

* By E. 0. Wagner. 



408 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



sole representative in surveyed township No. 2 south, of 
range No. 16 west. He first settled upon the east half of 
the northeast quarter of section 12, and soon after erected 
thereon a habitation for himself and family. Although 
separated from his Breedsville neighbors by several miles of 
timbered lands, he found constant society in the presence 
of " land lookers," who daily claimed his hospitality. He 
devoted himself with much vigor to the development of the 
resources of the country, did much toward the growth of 
the village, and remained one of its residents until his 
death in 1872. 

The settlement of Mr. Cross occurred in March, 1837, 
and in June, 1837, came John Smith, from Orange Co., 
N. Y., who located upon section 11. He had been appren- 
ticed in early boyhood, and finding the confinement irksome 
had taken unceremonious leave of his employer and departed 
for a seafaring life. Following this pursuit for many years, 
and visiting almost every port on the face of the earth, he 
determined to devote his declining years to the rough ex- 
periences of a pioneer life. While clearing his land Mr. 
Cross opened the door of his cheerful but not very elegant 
home to him, and he remained there until the completion 
of his own house, when, with his wife and son, who had 
meanwhile arrived, he removed to it. 

The next pioneer to the wilds of Bangor was John 
Southard, who came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in Novem- 
ber, 1837, and entered 480 acres on section 25, and imme- 
diately began the erection of a cabin, which was constructed 
in a very simple manner, troughs forming the roof of the 
building. After doing some labor in the way of clearing, 
Mr. Southard returned to the East and the following spring 
brought his family to their Western home. His presence 
during the winteY enabled them at once to locate comforta- 
bly in quarters of their own, with no delays to inconvenience 
them. Mr, Southard's attention was at first devoted to 
clearing a spot on which to raise supplies for the subsist- 
ence of his family. During the interval he repaired to 
Little Prairie Ronde, a journey of thirty miles, for supplies, 
and to Kalamazoo for milling purposes, there being no grist- 
mill at a nearer point at that early day. The following 
summer a mill was built at Paw Paw, which materially 
lessened the distance. The year after Mr. Southard's ar- 
rival, 1838, the first school district was organized, and em- 
braced nine square miles of territory. In that area were 
but three families and four children, the youngest, Samuel 
P. Cross, but an infant. A school was not opened, however, 
until 1845, under the teaching of Miss Mehitable North- 
rop. It will be readily determined that the lady was quite 
beyond any sordid motives in the pursuit of her profession 
when it is stated that for her weekly labor she received the 
munificent sum of 8.s., with the privilege of enjoying the 
hospitality of her patrons in turn. On the authority of Mr. 
O. M. Southard, who resides on the land entered by his 
father, John Southard, it may be stated that a school-house 
was built as early as 1840, in the southeast portion of the 
township. The earliest teacher was Miss Delia Rice, who 
enjoyed the hospitality of Mansel M. Briggs while in 
charge of the scliool. 

Among the scholars were four children from the family 



of John Southard and two from the family of Caleb Nor- 
throp. The building was constructed entirely of logs, with 
planks resting upon stakes for seats, and a writing-desk 
composed of a plank smoothed on one side. Since that 
time the educational interests of Bangor have steadily pro- 
gressed. It now embraces five whole and four fractional 
districts, over whom preside, as directors, James A. Wil- 
liams, C. C. Phillips, Chapin Reynolds, D. Chidester, Wil- 
liam S. Charles, John Watkins, Benjamin Heist, 0. G. 
Reynolds, Polk A. Wood. The number of children re- 
ceiving instruction is 644, over whom are placed 7 male 
and 15 female teachers, whose aggregate salaries amount to 
$3028.00. The total educational resources of the town- 
ship amount to $3488.83, $342.38 of which is derived 
from the primary-school fund. The value of school prop- 
erty is $11,300. 

Caleb Northrop came the latter part of the year 1837, 
with his two sons, from Cayuga County, and entered 160 
acres on section 36. Leaving his family in Lawrence, 
at the house of J. R. Monroe, he began the erection of a 
cabin for their occupation, to which they repaired on its 
completion. He then devoted himself to improving his 
land, and made much progress in his pioneer labor. On 
this farm he resided until his death, and by his industry 
and good judgment established a reputation as a successful 
farmer. The sons of Mr. Northrop manifested a keen in- 
terest in public affairs connected with the township, and 
held many offices of trust. One of them still resides in 
Bangor. 

Mansel M. Briggs came as a pioneer to the State in 1836, 
and selected Bangor as a home in 1838. He first resided 
upon the farm of John Southard, taking a contract to clear 
a tract of land for him, and meanwhile erecting a small 
house, which he covered with bark, for the occupation of 
his family. On the completion of his contract he removed 
to section 24, where he purchased a farm and erected upon 
it a comfortable log house. In 1854 he changed his loca- 
tion and removed to his present house, where he has since 
resided. 

At the time of Mr. Briggs' settlement, and for many 
years after, Indians comprised a large proportion of the 
population of the township. Their constant intercourse 
with the whites aided much in civilizing them, so that ulti- 
mately but a trace of their former aboriginal life was per- 
ceptible, and some of them became possessors of comfortable 
homes. 

Daniel Taylor came from Monroe Co., N. Y., in the latter 
part of 1837, and entered 160 acres on section 14. His 
son Charles had the year previous entered half a section, 
and retained 120 acres for himself, disposing of the re- 
mainder. 

Another son, William M., had located in Arlington, and 
with him Mr. Taylor and his sou Charles remained while 
building a house on their land. Mr. Taylor brought with 
him a horse and a yoke of oxen, and with these aids he 
speedily cleared five acres. He was obliged to go to School- 
craft, a distance of thirty-six miles, for grain, and then to 
Kalamazoo to get it ground. 

Mr. Taylor built his log house. entirely alone, no neigh- 
borly assistance being at hand. He walked daily to Breeds- 



TOWNSHIP OF BANGOR. 



409 



ville, a distance of seven miles, performed a day's labor, and 
returned at night. Of such sturdy material were the pio- 
neers of Bangor made. To him may be accredited the 
raising of the first orchard, the seed for which was brought 
in his pocket from New York State. Perrin M. Northrop 
was also another settler prior to 1838, and located 140 
acres upon section 36. He was a prominent pioneer. 

There seem to have been no other settlers locating here 
during the years 1838-39, as is shown by the following 
copy of the assessment- roll of South Haven, made Nov. 13, 
1839, and which includes the names of all designated as 
resident tax-payers in township 2 south, of range 16 west, 
viz. : 

Names. Section. Acres. Tax Paid. 

Charles U. Cross 12 80 ¥1.35 

Daniel Tavlor 14 160 3.59 

Charles A." Taylor 14 IfiO 3.20 

John Smith 11 ill 65 

John Southard 26 467 10.02 

P.M. Northrop 36 141 2.83 

Caleb Northrop 36 40 78 

Mansel M. Briggs, personal estate 20 

Caleb Northrop was assessed for real estate only. Mansel 
M. Briggs for personal estate only. All others were taxed 
for both real and personal estate. 

Thomas Kemp was one of the Cayuga County pioneers 
who came early. He entered 80 acres on section 34, and 
devoted his time for three years to the manufacture of 
maple-sugar, for which there was at that time a consider- 
able demand. For this purpose he erected two shanties, 
and with the proceeds of this labor he was enabled to pay 
for his land. Returning to the East, he remained two years, 
and then became a permanent settler upon his purchase. 
He found much labor necessary in the preparation of his 
land for future crops, and was subjected to many depriva- 
tions. A journey to the nearest mill required a week, and 
many expedients were resorted to during the interval when 
bad roads or other obstacles made it necessary to postpone 
the journey. For many days the settlers lived on green 
corn grated and made into cakes, and regarded them as 
very palatable. It was not only impracticable but impos- 
sible to keep horses, as there was no fodder for them. Wil- 
liam E. Kemp, brother of Thomas, came four years later 
and located upon 80 acres, which he purchased of his 
brother, on section 27, upon which he still resides. This 
land he improved and converted into a fine farm, though 
in a very primitive condition when he first secured it. Wild 
animals were abundant, and deer would frequently be seen 
feeding with the cattle within a short distance of the door. 

Mason Wood emigrated from Jefferson County in 1838, 
and for a while followed the occupation of a peddler. He 
finally settled upon section 8, where he entered 240 acres 
of land and became the first settler in the northwest por- 
tion of the township. He immediately erected a log house, 
at the raising of which all the residents of the township 
were congregated. Mr. Wood was a man of much intelli- 
gence. He served acceptably as justice of the peace, and 
in his business transactions displayed a characteristic energy. 
He left to his sons, Polk, and Dallas Wood, a highly-im- 
proved farm, upon which they still reside. 

Other settlers of 1840 were S. W. Bancroft, on section 
35, Orlando S. Brown, on section 14, and William Jones, 
on section 24. 
52 



The 22 tax-paying residents in 1845 were Thomas Kemp, 
section 34 ; William E. Kemp, .section 27 ; S. W. Bancroft, 
section 35 ; H. Potter, section 35 ; J. L. Northrop, section 
36 ; P. M. Northrop, section 36 ; Mansel M. Briggs, sec- 
tion 36 ; J. Ball, section 36 ; John Southard, section 25 ; 
William Jones, section 24; Charles A. Taylor, section 14; 
Daniel Taylor, section 14; John Smith, section 11 ; Wil- 
liam S. Camp, section 12 ; Mason Wood, section 8 ; Wil- 
liam Henry, section 8; Charles TJ. Cross, section 12; R. 
Hoppin, section 12 ; Calvin Cross, section 12; Orlando S. 
Brown, section 12; William H. Hurlbut, section 13; and 
Hial Swan, section 13. 

Daniel Van Auken removed to the township from Wayne 
Co., N. Y., in 1846, exchanging Eastern property for the 
land upon which he settled, on section 34, embracing 110 
acres. He brought his family soon after, and enjoyed the 
hospitality of Thomas Kemp, who assisted him in building 
his house and removing to it. Aaron Van Auken came to 
Bangor the same year, and made his son's house his home. 
In April, 1850, he became lost in the woods, and for two 
weeks no tidings of the wanderer were received. An or- 
ganized band of 100 men from the adjacent country con- 
tinued the search for days without avail. The following 
summer his remains were found at the outlet of Mud Lake, 
to which place he had wandered and was drowned. This 
melancholy event for months cast its dark shadow over the 
community. John Van Auken, brother of Daniel, resides 
upon an adjoining farm. 

Hiram Dean, who was a son-in-law of Aaron Van Auken, 
settled on land entered by the latter on section 33, upon 
which he still resides. He followed the trade of a carpen- 
ter, and erected a large number of the buildings in adjacent 
portions of the township. He is also known as a .successful 
farmer. 

Sterne D. Ripley's settlement occurred soon after that of 
the Van Auken family. He was a former resident of 
Western New York, and on his arrival in this township se- 
lected 118 acres on section 28, which he entered, and on 
which he built a log house. Mr. Ripley subsequently 
entered the army, and died in the service. 

Charles D. Craft came early, and with his father settled 
upon section 13, where he soon established a reputation as 
a disciple of Nimrod. Later he removed to land on sec- 
tions 15 and 16, where he now resides. 

J. D. Kingston was a former resident of Jefferson Co., 
N. Y. In 1843 he came with his step-father, Hial Swan, 
to Van Buren County, the latter gentleman having entered 
320 acres, embraced in the present townships of Bangor 
and Geneva. Mr. Kingston located upon section 13, and 
remained with Maj. Heath while building a log shanty and 
preparing a comfortable resting-place for his family. The 
nearest neighbor at this time was David Taylor, who had 
located upon the adjoining section. Mr. Kingston cut 20 
acres of timber the first season, and cleared a sufficient tract 
on which to raise supplies for domestic use. The country 
was for the most part unsettled, Indians and wolves were 
plentiful, and occasionally a panther was to be seen, which 
caused no little consternation in the immediate vicinity. 

Mr. Kingston brought with him a team of horses, which 
so captivated the eye of a settler whom they mei on the 



410 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



route that 40 acres of land with a house upon it was offered 
for them and refused. On his arrival he found the use of 
horses impracticable, and was glad to exchange them for a 
yoke of oxen. A grist-mill had been built at Paw Paw to 
which the settlers repaired for flour, though at an earlier 
period they were obliged to go as far as Kalamazoo with 
their grists. 

Elder Gage was an early preacher, services being held in 
the Southard school-house. Elder Hinckley, of Breedsville, 
also officiated at the first religious services held in the town- 
ship. 

John Watkins, an Ohio pioneer, removed to .section 3 of 
Bangor in 1855, where he purchased, in connection with 
E. P. Harvey, 105 acres. The land had been somewhat 
improved, and a log house built upon it, having originally 
been entered by the Ostrom Company. He followed, in 
connection with farming pursuits, the trade of carpenter, 
and, in company with John MeNitt, was employed in the 
erection of the woolen-mills in Bangor. Mr. Watkins has 
never altogether relinquished the labors of his farm, and 
resides upon it still. 

W. L. Thomas came from Otsego Co., N. ¥., in 1856, 
and purchased 100 acres on section 17, remaining with 
one of the early settlers on section 12 while erecting a 
house and barn. With the aid of an ox-team which he 
brought, he improved four acres, and sowed it with wheat, 
which afforded them subsistence the following year. Mr. 
Thomas ultimately cleared and converted his land into a 
productive farm. 

William S. Charles was a pioneer to the county in 1855, 
and three years later made the township his home. He at 
first worked a farm on shares, but by energy and judgment 
became the owner of 480 acres, a portion of which is 
highly cultivated, and on which he has built a fine brick 
residence. Mr. Charles, though in debt when he arrived, 
is now one of the most substantial residents of Bangor. 

RESIDENT TAX-PATERS IN 1856. 
The resident tax-payers in the township of Bangor in the 
year 1856 were as follows : Thomas Curtis, N. Travis, Wil- 
liam S. Travis, M. P. Watson, John Watkins, John Funk, 
Norman Brown, A. C. Earl, Francis Burger, Erasmus Bur- 
ger, 0. Goss, Daniel Wainwright, S. V. Arnold, A. Brown, 

C. B. Gross, Benjamin F. Hamin, Charles Quigley, M. C. 
Lacock, W. A. Burlingame, Eliza Winters, A. P. Hunt, 

D. T. Fox, E. P. Harvey, Rossiter Hoppin, John Smith, 
William Kinney, Fred Taylor, William S. Camp, Charles 
U. Cross, B. F. Ewing, 0. S. Brown, William H. Hurl- 
but, Alonzo Shepard, Willard Kingston, Solomon Ellis, 
Charles Ellis, Lafayette Kingston, J. D. Kingston, George 
Halleck, C. A. Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Noble S. Taylor, 
Carlton Coon, Charles D. Croft, Harvey Overton, 0. M. 

Trudi, D. T. Taylor, Calvin Haner, Mamqua, Daniel 

Disbrow, Philo Cook, Fletcher Harris, William Jones, 
A. M. Graves, J. S. Waterhouse, William Moon, James 
Southard, David Southard, Charles Southard, A. Updike, 
Henry Goss, John Clark, W. E. Kemp, John Spurbeck, 
Elijah Crow, Charles Gates, Harlow Dean, S. Reynolds, 
Sterne L. Ripley, Alexander Haner, Lorenzo Haner, A. 
H. Kemp, Alonzo Haner, L. Disbrow, L. S. Branch, Daniel 



Dean, Joseph Caughey, John Van Auken, Amos Thompson, 

Hiram Dean, Daniel Van Auken, Comatea, J. B. 

Sheldon, P. Pecnuidder, Benoni Lawson, Harvey Potter, 
Patrick Finley, William Webster, J. L. Northrop, Thomas 
Kemp, M. M. Briggs, Emory 0. Briggs, P. M. Northrop ; 
and the total amount of tax levied during the same year 
was $1044.99. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

By an act of the State Legislature approved March 11, 
1837, surveyed township No. 2 south, of range No. 16 west, 
became part of the old township of South Haven. This 
relation, as regards this township, was continued until Oct. 
11, 1853, when the Van Buren County Board of Super- 
visors, acting under the authority vested in them, erected 
as Marion the territory described as township No. 2 south, 
of range No. 16 west. Five days later, or Oct. 14, 1853, 
the supervisors amended their action to the extent of 
changing the name to Bangor. 

The act as amended then read as follows : 

" Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors 
of Van Buren County, at the annual session holden at the 
court-house in said county, October, 1853, have .set off and 
organized into a new township by the name of Bangor all 
that portion of the township of South Haven comprised in 
and known as township 2 south, of range 16 west, according 
to the United States survey, and have ordered that the first 
township-meeting be held on the first Monday of April, 

1854, at the school-house in District No. 1, of the township 
of South Haven, situated on section 12, town.ship 2 south, 
of range 16 west, and that Charles U. Cross, Perrin M. 
Northrop, and Mansel M. Briggs are appointed to act as a 
board of inspectors of said election. 

" And that the next annual township-meeting in the 
township of South Haven be held at the school-house in 
District No. 4, of the township of South Haven. 
" Dated at Paw Paw, Jan. 6, 1854. 

" John Andrews, 
" Chairman Board of Supervisors." 

First Township Election. — In accordance with the above 
notice, a meeting of the electors of the township was held 
April 3, 1854, and organized, with Charles U. Cross, Perrin 
M. Northrop, and Mansel M. Briggs as inspectors of the 
election. As a result of this meeting the following men 
were chosen township officers for 1854 : Supervisor, Man- 
sel M. Briggs; Township Clerk, Charles U. Cross; Treas- 
urer, Perrin M. Northrop; Highv^ay Commissioners, John 
Smith, David Van Auken ; School Inspector, Charles B. 
Hurlbut; Justices of the Peace, M. M. Briggs, W. H. 
Hurlbut ; Constables, David I. Taylor, Henry Goss, John 
L. Northrop, Francis Burger. 

List of Township Officers. — The following list embraces 
the various township officers from 1855 to 1879, inclusive: 

SUPERVISORS. 

1855, William H. Burlingarao ; 1856, Charles U. Cross; 1857-58, 
William H. Hurlbut; 1859, Moses S. Hawley; 1860-61, Daniel 
Van Auken; 1862, Samuel A. Tripp; 186.3, Daniel Van Auken; 
1804-65, E. P. Ilarvcy; 1866, Joel Camp; 1867, Ephraim Har- 
vey; 186S-6'.(, C. E. Heath; 1870, Daniel Van Auken; 1871-79, 
Charles E. Heath. 



TOWNSHIP OF BANGOR. 



411 



TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 
1855, A. P. Hunt; 1S56, \V. H. Ilurlbut ; 1857-58, E. P. Harvey; 

1859, Harrison Balfour; 1860, Alonzo Shepard ; 1861, 11. x\l. 
Overton; 1862, Noble S. Taylor; 1863, E. P. Harvey; 186i-65, 
Alonzo Shepard; 1866, Dennis Chidester; 1867, A. J. Nyman ; 

1868, Fred. N. Overton ; 1869-70, D. K. Charles; 1871, Alonzo 
Shepard: 1872-71, Josiah G.Miller; 1875, Willifim B. Edmonds; 
1876, Charles Southard; 1877, Charles W. Peters; 1878, Frank 
Lombard; 1879, Charles W. Peters. 

TREASUREKS. 
1865-56, Daniel Van Auken ; 1857-58, H. M. Overton; 1859, Perrin 
M. Northrop; 1860, H. M. Overton; 1861, John Watkins; 1862, 
Isaac Gate; 1863, John Watkins; 1864, Richard Owens; 1865, 
Paul S. Reynolds: 1866, Asel A. Hough; 1867-68, W. S. Charles; 
1869-71, Samuel P. Harvey; 1872-74, Horace Sebring; 1875, 
J. E. Sebring; 1876-77, R. C. Nyman ; 1878-79, E. S. Harvey. 

SCHOOL INSPEUTORS. 

1855, William A. Burlingame; 1856, Charles U. Cross; 1857, W. H. 
Hurlbut; 1858, William A. Burlingame; 1859, Adolphus Brown; 

1860, William Burlingame: 1861, Harrison Balfour, M. S. Hawley ; 
1862, Samuel A. Tripp, Henry Goss; 1863, N.S. Marshall, Daniel 
Van Auken; 1S64, Harrison Balfour; 1865, Charles U. Cross; 
1866, Moses S. Hawley; 1867, Orson M.Baker; 1868, C. E. Heath ; 

1869, Orson M. Baker; 1870, F. N. Overton ; 1871, D. K. Charles; 

1872, Moses S. Hawley; 1873, D. K. Charles; 1874, Charles E. 
Heath; 1875-76, F. N. Overton; 1877, Daniel Van Auken; 1878, 
Thomas Cross; 1879, Oscar G. Reynolds. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1856, Daniel T. Fox, Rossiter Hoppin, Daniel Van Auken ; 1857, 
David T. Taylor; 1858, M. M. Briggs; 1859, Joseph H. Nyman; 
1860, Daniel Van Auken; 1861, H. M. Overton; 1862, William 
Webster; 1863, John Watkins; 1864, Butler M. Smith, Harlow 
J. Dean, H. S. Worrallo; 1865, William Webster, Daniel Van 
Auken, B. M. Smith, D. T. Taylor: 1866, M. S. Hawley, Harrison 
Balfour; 1867, James E. Ferguson, Dallas Wood; 1868, John 
Miller, Daniel Van Auken, 0. M. Baker; 1869, W. S. Charles, 
N. S. Taylor; 1870, N. S. Taylor, W. N. Gilbert; 1871, Orson 
M. Baker, Daniel Van Auken; 1872, John Miller, M. M. Briggs; 

1873, E. M. Hipp; 1874, 0. Herrington, W. B. Tripp; 1875, 
Harrison Balfour; 1876, John S. Brown, E. G. Russell; 1877, 
Daniel Van Auken; 1878, H. M. Overton, D. W. Sias; 1879, 
John B. Royce. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 
1855, W. H Hurlbut; 1856, H. M. Overton; 1857, Henry Goss; 1858, 
William Webster; 1859, Joseph H. Nyman; 1860, Stephen Rus- 
sell; 1861, Harlow Dean; 1862, William Cook; 1863, Alanson 
P. Hunt; 1864, Harrison Balfour; 1865, C. A. Taylor, Lewellyn 
Dlsbrow ; 1866, James Stewart, John Watkins ; 1867, H. M. Over- 
ton; 1868, E. P. Harvey, L. H. Perkins; 1869, W. M. Gilbert, 
Thomas Horton ; 1870, Asel A. Hough; 1871, John Goss, Dallas 
Wood; 1872, W. N. Gilbert; 1873, Oliver Herrington; 1874, Ed- 
win Ruthruff; 1875, W. N. Gilbert; 1876-77, Edwin Ruthruff; 
1878, William Cook; 1879, Warren N. Gilbert. 

DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 
1872, J. G. Miller ; 1873, Thomas Cross ; 1874, William Kinney ; 1875, 
John P. Goss; 1876, Thomas Cross; 1877, record not found; 
1878, J. D. Kingston. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
1875, Moses S. Hallevy; 1876, Adelbert Mortian ; 1877, Frank E. 
Withey; 1878, John H. Reese; 1879, John L. Cross. 

CONSTABLES. 
1855, John L. Northrop, Henry Goss, Francis Burger, Harvey Over- 
ton; 1856, D. T. Taylor, M. S. Laycock, H. M. Overton, Henry 
Goss; 1857, William S. Camp, 0. M. Trude, Henry Goss, J. L. 
Northrop ; 1858, J. D. Kingston, J. L. Northrop, Charles Kelly, 
J. J. Clark; 1859, James Southard, Andrew Goss, Alvin P. Earl, 
Michael Yeider ; 1860, Erastus Hazard, 0. M. Trude, H. D. Smith, 
J. L. Northrop; 1861, James B. Travis, J. L. Northrop, 0. M. 
Trude, J. G. Miller ; 1862, H. S. Warallo, 0. M. Trude, J. J. Clark, 
Fletcher Harris; 1863, J. L. Northrop, Harlow iMerriman, 0. G. 



Reynolds, J. W. Whitney; 1864, Benjamin Reist, F. S. Taylor, 
Jacob K. Gring, Erastus Hazard : 1865, J. A. Hewitt, L. J. Raven, 
Thomas Cross, J. W. Cross; 1866, R. A. Earl, Henry Goss, Sam- 
uel P. Cross, Alonzo Palmer; 1867, James Gilbert, Thomas Hor- 
ton, James J. Clark, William H. Willis; 1868, A. S. Palmer, C. 
G. Russell, J. J. Clark, F. Harris ; 1869, J. F. Lee, J. J. Clark, 
Harlow Merriman, A. P. Hunt; 1870, R. A. Taylor, J. J. Clark, 
C. G. Russell, William Cook; 1871, J. B. Hopkins, Philander 
Hunt, J. J. Clark, Harlow Merriman; 1872, George M. Wilson, 
James E. Stewart, John Goss, Hezekiah Ditts; 1873, William G. 
Russell, John B. Hopkins, Alanson P. Hunt, J. J. Clark; 1874, 
G. W.Wilson, H. K. Nichols, Edwin Ruthrufr, J. J. Clark; 1875, 
H. K. Nichols, G. W. Wilson, Walter Ruble, Henry Goss: 1876, 
Thomas Horton, E. L.Gilbert, A. P. Hunt, Solomon Jennings; 
1877, John L. Van Auken, Lewis Wood, George W. Wilson, A. J. 
McLaughlin ; 1878, G. W. Wilson, A. D. Hale, E. F. Ruble, H. 
K. Nichols ; 1879, Charles Ford, James Gilbert, Chapin Reynolds, 
Harvey J. Cooper. 

VILLAGE OF BANGOR. 

The village of Bangor is situated near the northeast 
corner of the township, a portion of its site extending into 
Arlington. 

Good water-power privileges are here afibrded by the 
Black River, and the village is also a station on the line of 
the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. 

The lauds embraced within the corporate limits were 
purchased from the general government by the following- 
named parties : The east half of the southwest quarter of 
section 1 , Bangor township, by J. R. Monroe ; the south- 
east quarter of section 1, by Ostrom, Walker & Co.; the 
east half of the northeast quarter of section 12, by Samuel 
Payue ; the west half of the northeast quarter of section 
12, by T. S. Camp; the east half of the northwest quarter 
of section 12, by T. S. Camp; the northeast quarter of the 
southwest quarter, and the north half of the southeast 
quarter of section 12, by Tomllnson & Co. 

In Arlington, the southwest quarter of section 6, by 
Peter Schermerhorn ; the west half of the northwest frac- 
tional quarter of section 7, by John Allen ; the east half 
of the northwest quarter of section 7, by J. R. Monroe, 
and the north half of the southwest quarter of the same 
section, by Horace Butler. 

First and Other Early Settlements. — To Charles U. Cross, 
the first settler in the township, may be accorded the honor 
of being the first settler upon the village-site of Bangor. 
Mr. Cross came to the State of Michigan from Madison 
Co., N. Y., in 1834. Having come into the possession of 
lands entered by him in 1834, in the name of his uncle, 
Samuel Payne, he, about the 1st of March, 1837, began 
the construction of a log house upon the same, and in this 
dwelling his family (consisting of only his newly-married 
wife) was installed upon its completion, on the 8th of the 
same month. His attention was not wholly devoted to 
farming pursuits, however, for he depended much upon his 
profession as a civil engineer and surveyor. The country 
was meagerly supplied with roads and bridges, and an al- 
most constant demand was made upon his skill for years 
to aid in their construction. 

During the following spring (April 14, 1838) a son was 
bora to Mr. and Mrs. Cross, who enjoyed the distinction of 
being the first white child born in the township. 

The second settler in the village was Orlando S. Brown, 
who removed to the State from Monroe Co., N. Y., in 



412 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1837, and to Bangor in 1839. Mr. Brown had already 
entered 80 acres on section 1-1, in the township, on which 
he liad made a slight improvement, when an opportunity 
was afforded him to effect an exchange for 80 acres on sec- 
tion 12, entered by Wm. L. Booth. One half of this land 
is now embraced within the village limits. On this ground 
but a single tree had been felled, probably by the Indians 
in search for honey. Its owner at once began a vigorous 
system of improvements. After the erection of a log house 
of sufficient dimensions to contain his family he cleared six 
acres and planted it with corn. The timber which at this 
time covered the present village limits was of the most 
gigantic proportions, some of the trees of black walnut and 
whitewood reaching six feet in diameter. For these splen- 
did monarchs of the forest no market could be found, as the 
want of roads made their transportation in the form of 
lumber impossible. Later, the opening of highways cre- 
ated a demand, and ultimately made the timber of the set- 
tler one of his most profitable sources of revenue. Many 
Indians were to be found following the streams for fish or 
pursuing the hunt, those in the immediate vicinity being 
under the direction and control of a chief of the Pottawat- 
tamies named Pi-pa-wa. They were on amicable terms 
with the settlers, often exchanging supplies of game for 
bread, and were frequent visitors to the cabin of Mr. 
Brown. When overtaken by the approaching night, they 
found a cordial welcome and as comfortable a lodging-place 
as they desired upon the floor, where, wrapped in their 
blankets beside a blazing fire of logs, they slumbered, 
oblivious of care. 

The early pioneers were for a time profitably employed 
by the highway commissioners in making roads, for which 
they were paid in orders. These orders, which were the 
nearest approach to currency obtainable, were exchanged in 
Paw Paw for supplies at a discount of twenty-five per cent. 
Mr. Brown while engaged in this lucrative pursuit was 
accustomed, when at a distance from his home, to build a 
hut of brush for shelter at night. A cluster of boughs 
answered as a bed, and a fire of logs modified in some 
degree the severity of the frost. Frequently the morning 
would find him almost enveloped in snow, and on many oc- 
casions the dinner was so frozen that his axe was called into 
requisition to cut it in pieces. 

A schooner laden with apples and shipwrecked on Lake 
Michigan afforded an opportunity for raising an orchard. 
The seeds of the apples washed ashore were planted in 1841, 
and produced the earliest fruit raised in the township. Mr. 
Brown still resides within the village limits, on the land of 
which he became an early possessor. 

Calvin Cross, a brother of the earliest pioneer in Bangor, 
came in May of 1844, and pursued his calling of a mill- 
wright. Discerning the advantages to be derived from the 
fine water-power, in connection with Charles U. Cross he 
erected in 1846 a saw-mill on the Black River, being 
assisted in its construction by William Rea, Orlando S. 
Brown, David Taylor, Christian B. Gross, and William H. 
Hurlbut. An examination of the records establishes the 
fact that this property was conveyed by Charles IJ. Cross 
and wife to Calvin Cross, May 3, 1850. Mr. Cross man- 
aged it for a period of six years, and then sold to Marcello 



P. Watson, who conveyed in 1856 to Joseph H. Nyman, 
who subsequently erected upon the .same site a sash- and 
blind-factory. Mr. Cross then removed to Paw Paw and 
erected a mill, and later another mill in Hartford, on the 
Paw Paw River, which was sold two years later. After 
following agricultural pursuits during the interval, he re- 
moved again to Bangor in 1873, where he now resides. 

William Rea purchased in 1846 a fractional quarter 
lying in the township of Arlington, a portion of whicli is 
now embraced in the village. He improved this land, 
erected upon it a small dwelling, and removed his family 
there tlie following year. 

William S. Camp settled upon 160 acres of land on sec 
tion 12 in 1846, and became a resident of the hamlet. 
He took immediate mea.sures to clear and cultivate his 
land, and resided upon it until his death, in 1870. The 
land was entered by his father, Thomas S. Camp. Rossiter 
Hoppin and Christian B. Gross soon after located within 
the village limits. 

Marcello P. Watson was the earliest settler who em- 
barked in commercial pursuits. In 1852, in connection 
with Albert Comstock, he purchased a stock of goods and 
opened a general store. The demand for their wares was 
not large, and the ambitious merchants found it expedient 
to reduce their stock, and finally to close it out, Mr. Wat- 
son soon after becoming the owner of the saw-mill. 

A very marked impetus was given to the growth of 
Bangor and its business interests by the settlement of 
Joseph H. Nyman, who came from Niles, Mich., in 1856, 
and purchased the saw-mill and water-privilege. He re- 
placed the old mill by a new and larger one, and the year 
following his arrival built a grist-mill. In 1865 he erected 
an extensive woolen-mill, having meanwhile much improved 
the water-power. Through his influence a post-office was 
established, of which he was postmaster, — the mail having 
been carried at first from Arlington. Later, a tri-weekly 
stage conveyed it from Paw Paw and South Haven to 
Bangor. 

The store erected by Watson was in 1862 purchased by 
J. D. Kingston, and in response to the urgent demand of 
travelers in search of shelter and good cheer, he converted 
it into a hotel and became the first landlord of the place. 
L. S. Russell became his successor, who added considerably 
to its dimensions and sold to L. H. Perkins, who in turn 
sold to its present proprietors, when it was christened the 
Sebring House. 

In 1864, A. B. Taft came from New York State and 
opened what was at the time the only general merchandise 
store in the place, in a building standing just north of the 
present site of the depot. The room was not only very 
limited in proportions but exceedingly dilapidated in Con- 
dition, and the citizens did Mr. Taft the justice not to 
judge the quality of his stock by the uninviting aspect of the 
store. The same building did good service in the celebra- 
tion of the opening of the railroad, in 1870. Mr. Taft was 
followed by the Ferguson brothers, who embarked in busi- 
ness on the north side in the spring of 1866, and the same 
summer Silas Do Long opened a stock of goods, which the 
following year was sold to D. K. Charles. 

The village was already assuming importance as a busi- 



TOWNSHIP OF BANGOR. 



413 



ness centre, and attractin<r enterprising settlers from adja- 
cent parts of the State, when the question of building a 
railroad within its boundaries was agitated. The agent of 
the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, now called 
the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, visited the 
county and secured from the inhabitants of the township 
a pledge of $80,000 to aid in its construction. This was v 
by a subsequent decree of the State Supreme Court reduced 
to one-half that amount,* and $15,000 was raised by the 
citizens and paid towards the completion of the project. 
This railroad opened a means of transportation for the 
products of the adjoining country, and made Bangor a 
central point of shipment, very materially advancing the 
value of property and insuring for the little village a future 
career of prosperity. 

The most powerful lever to the advancement of Bangor 
since the opening of the railroad has been the Bangor Blast 
Furnace. The company was organized in 1872, with a 
capital of $100,000, and was influenced by the ample 
supply of hard timber and the inducements offered by lead- 
ing residents of the township to locate in the village. Its 
extensive demand for material and its immense shipping 
interests have greatly advanced the business activity of the 
place. 

The Bangor Chemical Works were .next established, and 
they add materially to the industries of the village. 
These interests, supplemented by the prosperity of its 
business men and the ambition of its citizens, will event- 
ually place Bangor among the most advanced villages of 
the State. 

Village Plats. — The first plat of the village was made 
by Joseph H. Nyman, and recorded Nov. 12, 1860. It 
embraced 55 acres on the north side of the river, and was 
known as the village of Bangor. The year following Mr. 
Nyman built on one of the lots of this plat his present 
residence, which was the first dwelling erected on the north 
side of the river. The second plat was made by Charles 
U. Cross, July 11, 1867, and included about 63 acres, em- 
bracing the east half of the northeast quarter of section 
12. North of this plat Mr. Cross owned 17 acres, which 
he disposed of in parcels, giving five acres to the Blast 
Furnace Company as a site for their works. 

In 1872, Alexander H. Morrison platted the west half 
of the ea.st half of the northeast quarter of section 12. 
In 1874 he also platted 80 acres in addition, embracing 
the east half of the northwest quarter of section 12, and 
later sold it. The latter plat is now cultivated as a farm. 

Incorporation, Village Officers. — The act to incorporate 
the village of Bangor bears date March 21, 1877, and reads 
as follows : 

" An Act to incorporate the village of Bangor. 

" Section One. — The people of the State of Michi- 
gan enact that all the tracts of land situated in the town- 
ships of Bangor and Arlington, in the county of Van Buren,. 
and State of Michigan, which are known and described as 
follows, to wit : the southeast quarter and the east half of 
the southwest quarter of section one (1), the northeast 

* The township voted a tax of $30,000, which was declared uncon- 
stitutional and void; the $15,000 was raised and paid by private 
subscription. 



quarter and east half of the northwest quarter, the north- 
east quarter of the southwest quarter, and the north half 
of the southeast quarter of section twelve (12), township 
two south, of range sixteen west, the southwest fractional 
quarter of section six (6), the northwest fractional quarter 
and the north half of the southwest fractional quarter 
of section seven (7), township two south, of range fifteen 
west, be and the same are hereby made and constituted 
a village corporate by the name of the village of Ban- 
gor, by virtue of and under the provisions of Act Num- 
ber Sixty-Two of the Session laws of Eighteen Hundred 
and Seventy-Five, entitled ' An act granting and defining 
the Powers and duties of incorporated villages, approved 
April 1, 1875, and such amendments as made thereto.' 

" Section Two. — The first election for ofBcers of said 
village shall be held on the third Monday of April, Eighteen 
Hundred and Seventy-Seven (1877), at the oflSce of Se- 
bring's warehouse, in said village, notice of which shall be 
posted in three public places of said village by the board 
of registration hereinafter appointed, at least ten days 
previous thereto." 

The first election was held at the office of Sebring's ware- 
house, April 16, 1877. The ofScers of the village elected 
at that time and at subsequent elections have been as 
follows : 

1S77. — President, Ephraim Harvey j Trustees (two years), R. C. Ny- 
man, John Desmond, Judson B. Hall, (one year) William H. 
Reynolds, James Salisbury, Mark Remington ; Clerk, Wil- 
liam H. Reynolds; Treasurer, John E. Sebring; Assessor, 
James E. Ferguson ; Street Commissioner, Edwin Ruthruff; 
Constable. Thaddeus McNitt. 

1878. — President, James E. Ferguson; Trustees (two years), Mark 
Remington, .James Slinger, Josiah G. Miller ; Clerk, AYilliam 
H. Davis; Treasurer, Nathan W.Deak; Assessor, Enoch S. 
Harvey ; Street Commissioner, James Livermore ; Constable, 
William Ford. 

1879.— President, N. W. Drake; Trustees (two years), J. G. Todd, W. 
H. Davis, A. J. McLaughlin; Clerk, William H. Reynolds; 
Treasurer, H. D. Harvey ; Assessor, E. S. Harvey ; Street 
Commissioner, Edwin Ruthrufi'; Constable, W. Q. Russell. 

HOTELS. 

Sebring House.— 'Y\\\s hotel building had its origin as 
early as 1852, when the portion now in use as a kitchen 
was erected by M. P. Watson as a dwelling. Ten years 
later I. D. Kingston purchased the building, and opened the 
earliest house of entertainment in the village. Later it be- 
came the property of various parties, until its purchase by 
Horace Sebring in 1869. It had previously been greatly 
increased in capacity, and Mr. Sebring added other apart- 
ments after his purchase of the building. He established 
its reputation as a well-kept house, and drew by his uniform 
courtesy and attention a large patronage. In 1878 the 
building was still further enlarged. The proprietor died 
the same year, since which time it has been managed by 
his son, John E. Sebring. 

Russell House. — This hotel is among Bangor's recent 
acquisitions, having been built in 1879 by C. G. Russell, 
who is also proprietor. It is conveniently located, and is 
obtaining a good patronage from travelers. 

MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES. 
The Bangor Blast Furnace. — This is an establishment for 
the smelting of iron ore and the manufacture of pig iron. 



414 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



It is under the direction of a stock company, the officers of 
which are A. B. Hough, President, Cleveland, Ohio; J. 
D. Bradley, Vice-President, Chicago, 111.; C. T>. Rhodes, 
Treasurer, Chicago, III. ; H. S. Pickands, Secretary aud 
General Superintendent. The furnace was built in 1872, 
and began operation in November of the same year, the 
company having been led to choose Bangor as a location 
from the abundant supply of wood which the adjacent 
country affords, as well as for its convenience as a shipping- 
point. 

The furnace has run steadily until the present time, with 
the exception of four weeks of each year, when it goes out 
of blast to permit repairs, which usually require that length 
of time for completion. The furnace, including the works, 
kilns, and wood-yards, occupies 10 acres of ground, and 
gives employment in all its branches to more than 400 
men. The best single day's product of the furnace is 45 
gross tons of pig iron, and tlie average day's results 36 
tons. The month of March, 1879, indicated a yield of 
1181 tons. There is daily consumed nearly 125 cords of 
wood, and the timber from a square mile of forest is con- 
sumed annually. The immense resources of the country in 
this particular are fully equal to the demand, which is sup- 
plied either by wagon or rail. These figures afford an idea 
of the magnitude of the business and the extensive employ- 
ment given to the population of Bangor and vicinity. The 
enterprise is under the general direction of Maj. H. S. 
Pickands, and the furnace department is under the imme- 
diate supervision of Maurice Ring. 

The Bangor Cheynical Works. — These works, which 
are probably the largest of the kind in the world, are 
located in Bangor, adjacent to the blast furnace. They 
were built by Ira B. Lyon, of Flint, Mich., from plans and 
specifications furnished by H. M. Pierce, of Buffalo, N. Y., 
the products of the works being acetate of lime, from which 
acetic acid is produced, and wood alcohol. Of acetate of 
lime, 35,000 pounds, or 2 car-loads, is produced per week, 
while the yield of alcohol is 50 barrels per month. The 
pyroligneous acid, from which these products are reduced, 
is obtained by condensing the gases thrown off in the car- 
bonization of wood in charcoal-kilns belonging to the Ban- 
gor blast furnace. In these kilns about 70 cords of wood 
are daily reduced to charcoal. Each cord will yield about 
180 gallons of acid liquor, the entire 70 tons yielding about 
60 tons of liquor, which must be daily handled in these 
chemical-works. 

To give some idea of the magnitude of the work, a few 
figures are appended. There are six buildings of the fol- 
ing dimensions : engine-house, 22 by 30 feet ; oflice, 14 
by 22 feet; still-house, 16 by 30 feet; neutralizing-house, 
24 by 56 feet ; alcohol department, 30 by 50 feet ; acetate 
department, 56 by 100 feet. The daily yield of liquid from 
the kilns is about 13,000 gallons. The tanks and stills 
hold in the aggregate about 50,000 gallons. There are 9 
evaporating-pans with a capacity of 1356 cubic feet, and 2 
drying surfaces of 1600 feet. 

Mr. Pierce has recently greatly enhanced his reputation 
as a scientist by the discovery of a process of utilizing 
smoke for purposes of fuel. 

The Bangor Mills. — The sawmill, as has been previously 



stated, was built by Charles U. and Calvin Cross in 1846, 
the latter gentleman havin<r disposed of it to M. P. Watson, 
from whom it was purchased by Joseph H. Nyman in 
1856. The next year he demolished the old mill and 
erected a new one in its place, with a capacity of 12,000 
feet per day. In connection with it is a planing-mill and a 
sash", door-, and blind-factory. Mouldings and scroll work 
are manufactured to order, and lumber and lath are em- 
braced in the stock for sale. The mills are managed by R. 
C. Nyman, a son of the proprietor. 

The flouring-mill was built by Mr. Nyman in 1857, and 
was in active operation in 1870, when it was destroyed by 
fire. The present structure at once replaced it, which has 
four run of stones and a capacity for 125 barrels of flour 
per day. It is a substantial three-story building, and fitted 
with all the machinery for making flour by the latest and 
most approved methods. The products of the mill formerly 
found a distant market, but more recently have been devoted 
to supplying the home demand. 

The Woolen-Mills. — The woolen-mills were built by Mr. 
Nyman in 1860, and manufactured flannels, cloths, and 
yarn. They arc substantially built, conveniently located, 
and have a capacity for a considerable business. They have 
not lately, however, been run to their fullest capacity. The 
mills are operated by John Crow, a son-in-law of the pro- 
prietor. All these mills are run by water power supplied 
by the Black River, and rank among the most advantageous 
in the State for location and capacity. 

Wagon- Manufactory. — The wagon- and sleigh-manufac- 
tory of Stephen McMillan is one of the most important 
enterprises in the village of Bangor. He has twice been 
compelled to rebuild, owing to the demands upon his skill. 
In 1875 he erected the spacious brick building at present 
occupied, in which are manufactured wagons, carriages, 
sleighs, and a general custom work is also done. Seven 
men are constantly employed, and the shop has a capacity 
equal to the production of 100 wagons per year, exclusive 
of the manufacture and repair of sleighs. Four furnaces 
are constructed in the shop, each provided with Root's 
patent blower, which greatly facilitates the labor. Con- 
nected with the establishment is an extensive blacksmithing 
department. 

MONROE'S BANK. 

This bank was first established by E. M. Hipp, of St. 
Joseph, Mich., in 1872, as a bank of deposit aud exchange. 
It was managed by its founder until 1874, when it was 
purchased by Messrs. J. E. Sebring & Co., and by them 
owned and conducted for three years, during which time 
the bank did a prosperous business. In 1877 it again 
changed proprietors, N. S. Taylor becoming the purcliaser, 
who employed J. E. Sebring as cashier and general mana- 
ger. The bank building later became the property of 
Messrs. Charles & Chapman, who rent it with the fixtures 
to the present banking company. It is now known as 
Monroe's Bank, and is still a bank of deposit, exchange, 
and collection, and under the same management as the First 
National Bank of South Haven. The officers are C. J. 
Monroe, President, South Haven, Mich. ; S. R. Boardman, 
Vice-President, Chicago, 111. ; A. B. Chase, Cashier, Ban- 
•ror, Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OP BANGOR. 



415 



SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Coffinhury Lodge, No. 204, F. and A. i)/.— Thi.s lodge, 
which is one of the most flourishing in the county, obtained 
its charter Jan. 10, 1867, and began work with the follow- 
ing ofiBcers : Emory 0. Briggs, W. M. ; Dennis Chidester, 
S. W. ; Charles U. Cross, J. W. It has since that time 
enjoyed a steady growth and^ great degree of prosperity. 
Its meetings are held in a well-appointed hall in the Nyman 
block, which was designed, when the building was erected, 
for the use of the lodge, and has by them been neatly fur- 
ni.shed. The present officers are A. J. Nyman, W. M. ; 
John B. Hopkins, S. W. ; Thaddeus T. McNitt, J. W. ; 
George H. Remington, Sec. ; Edwin RuthrufF, Treas. 

Tillotson Lodge, No. 165, /. 0. 0. F.—T\ns lodge was 
instituted June 26, 1871, and worked under a dispensation 
until Jan. 8, 1872, when a charter was granted by the 
Grand Lodge of the State. The charter members were 
James H. Besore. Joseph M. Coffelt, William H. Reynolds, 
James Slinger, Samuel Hoppin, W. H Davis, Joseph H. 
Nyman. 

The charter officers were J. H. Besore, N. G ; J. M. 
Coffelt, V. G. ; William H. Reynolds, R. S. ; James Slinger, 
P. S. ; James E. Ferguson, Treas. The lodge meets Mon- 
day night of each week in a neatly-appointed lodge-room 
in the Reynolds block. The present officers are James 
Slinger, N. G. ; A. B. Taft, V, G. ; L. S. Russell, R. S. ; 
William H. Reynolds, P. S. ; M. Hammond, Treas. The 
lodge embraces GO active members. 

Bangor Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. — This 
chapter was organized April 12, 1876, under a dispensation, 
its first officers having been the following : Mrs. Alice M. 
Cross, W. P. ; John M. Burch, Vice P. ; Mrs. A. M. Taft, 
Treas. ; Mrs. J. A. Harvey, Sec. ; Mrs. P. J. Cross, 1st 
Patron ; Mrs. E. J. Ruthruif, 2d Patron ; Mrs. M. Rem- 
ington, 3d Patron ; Mrs. S. M. Nyman, 4th Patron ; Mrs. 
E. A. Hopkins, 5th Patron ; Mrs. J. M. Burch, Conductor ; 
Mrs. A. Chidester, Guard ; A. B. Taft, Sentinel ; J. S. 
Brown, Chaplain. The present officers are Mrs. S. M. Ny- 
man, W. M. ; A. J. Nyman, W. P. ; Mrs. A. C. Cross, A. 
M. ; Mrs. J. M. Burch, Sec. ; Mrs. J. S Cross, Treas. ; 
Mrs. Phoebe Cross, Conductress; Mrs. G. H. Remington, 
Associate Conductress ; Mrs. N. W. Drake, Chaplain ; Mrs. 
M. McGrath, Adah ; Mrs. Edwin Ruthruff', Ruth ; Mrs. J. 
B. Hopkins, Esther ; Mrs. George F. Foster, Martha ; Mrs. 
J. Jeff'erson, Electa; Mrs. C. H. Dowland, Warder; C. H. 
Dovvland, Sentinel. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
Methodist Episcopal Church. — In the fall of 1865, Rev. 
William Paddock held a series of meetings in what was 
known as the old red school-house, located southwest of the 
village. x\s the result of these meetings a class was organ- 
ized embracing 45 members and probationers, who soon 
after took the preliminary steps towards the building of a 
church. Very strong inducements having been offered to 
build on the north side of the river, then the business 
centre of the liftle village, ground was broken and the edi- 
fice begun, under the direction of the building committee, 
consisting of Messrs. J. 11. Nyman, N. S. Taylor, and John 
Miller. Rev. E. L. Kellogg, the next preacher in charge. 



continued the work of building, and at the Annual Confer- 
ence of 1868 succeeded in effecting a division of the South 
Haven circuit, by which Bangor and Geneva were embraced 
in the Bangor circuit. Rev. Irvin Skinner, a young 
preacher, next presided over the Bangor charge, receiving a 
salary of $575. The Stewards at this time were P. Hoag, 
J. Crakes, N. S. Taylor, A. B. Taft, H. Willis, T. Emer- 
son, and E. L. Tucker; District Steward, A. B. Taft; Trus- 
tees, N. S. Taylor, A. B. Taft, E. L. Tucker, William Rey- 
nolds, J. H. Nyman, and D. K. Charles. In 1869, Rev. 
D. C. Woodard was appointed preacher in charge, with a 
salary of f 800, his field of labor being at Bangor and the 
Wood school-house. Under his ministry the church was 
completed and dedicated, but was unfortunately not free 
from debt. Rev. William McKnight was placed in charge 
in 1870, at a salary of $700. Illness compelled him to re- 
tire from labor before liis term had expired, and Rev. 

Bacon filled the vacancy. In December, 1870, the society 
not being able to liquidate the indebtedness on the church 
building, it was sold under mortgage. The ladies of the 
congregation, however, with their accustomed zeal, soon 
raised a sufficient sum with which to purchase a lot for the 
erection of a new building. In 1871, Breedsville was an- 
nexed to the circuit, and Rev. G. W. Patterson became the 
pastor, with a salary of $600, and later $700. In 1872 
the board of trustees was reorganized, and the church then 
became known as the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Bangor. N. S. Taylor, A. B. Taft, D. K. Charles, and 
C. F. Ford were appointed a building committee, to super- 
intend the erection of the new edifice. It was completed 
in 1873, at a cost of $12,000, N. S. Taylor being the effi- 
cient chairman of the building committee. Rev. J. R. 
Odin was the pastor in 1873, with a salary of $600, and 
was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. T. Clark, who received a 
salary of $676. Rev. William Harper became preacher in 
charge in 1875, at a salary of $895, with assistants at the 
various fields of labor under his charge. Rev. C. W. Pear- 
son came in 1876, receiving $600 as salary, but in conse- 
quence of failing health left the charge in care of Rev. 
William Jakeway in 1877. In 1877-78, Rev. E. H. Spar- 
ling filled the pulpit, at a salary of $700 and $600, respec- 
tively, Bangor having been set apart as a separate circuit. 
Rev. J. T. Iddings became pastor in 1879, with a salary of 
$700. 

The present officers are : Stewards, N. Drake, A. J. 
Lewis, A. B. Taft, S. McMellen, E. A. Withey, and J. L. 
Cross ; Recording Steward, A. B. Taft ; District Steward, 
J. L. Cross ; Class-Leader, 0. S. Brown ; Trustees, D. K. 
Charles, C. C. Phillips, N. Drake, 0. S. Brown, and A. J. 
Lewis. 

There is connected with the church a flourishing Sunday- 
school of 100 scholars, the superintendent being C. C. Phil- 
lips and the librarian F. W. Bidwell. 

Church of Christ. — Through the influence of several 
members of this church, who were residents of the village 
of Bangor and deemed it essential to carry out the prin- 
ciples which they had imbibed elsewhere. Elder William M. 
Roe, then pastor of the (Uiurch of Christ at Paw Paw, held 
a series of union services, with the pastor of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of this place, in February, 1876. The 



416 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



interest awakened in those services induced them to call to 
their aid Eider J. H. Reese, pastor of the church at Mill- 
burg, Berrien Co., who responded to their call on the 18th 
of March following, and organized them, according to New 
Testament usage, on the 22d of the same month, in Ny- 
man's church building, on the north side of the village, 
with 13 members. J. L. Cutting and C. L. Brown were 
appointed overseers, and H. H. Williamson and J. A. Sher- 
rod deacons. The record now shows 127 names, but death 
and emigration have lessened that number to 88. J. H. 
Reese and Ira B. Winch were added to the overseers on 
accepting the resignation of J. L. Cutting. A. Miiliken, 
A. Whiteman, and J. B. Roys were added to the list of 
deacons on dismissing H. H. Williamson. Owing to an 
increase in membership and a desire to hold services every 
Lord's day, it became absolutely necessary to change the 
place of meeting, which was accomplished in October, 1878, 
by removing to Ransom's Hall, on the south side. The 
Sunday-school, under the wise management of Mr. C. L. 
Brown as superintendent, has been quite successful from the 
beginning. Its financial condition is good, and its average 
attendance is about 60 scholars at present. 

Elder J. H. Reese has had the pastoral care since the 
organization of the church. The society is free from debt, 
and under an act of incorporation has secured a lot and 
pledges to the amount of $700 for the erection of a place 
of worship. 

Church, of God. — This society was organized in the year 
1867, by Elders R. H. Bolton and William Reading. Since 
that time the following ministers have had charge of the 
church : J. H. Besore, J. C. Drake, A. J. Hull, B. D. 
Bright, J. Selkirk, R. Robbinson, J. E. Moffit, J. B. White, 
and W. Seifried, and 65 members have been received into 
church fellowship. The congregation worships in an edifice 
on the north side of the river. 

A fine church edifice has recently been erected on sec- 
tion 8 by the United Brethren Society, but the writer has 
been unable to obtain a history of the organization. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The first school district was organized July 25, 1838, 
and comprised the northeast quarter of the township, em- 
bracing nine square miles, and numbering but three fami- 
lies and four children. 

The first school building erected within the limits of the 
present village was built by Calvin Cross iu 1845, and lo- 
cated southwest of the centre of the village. It was for 
years known as the " red school-house," and the school was 
presided over by Miss Mehitable Northrop, who may be 
regarded as the pioneer teacher of the village. Other 
teachers followed, most of whom enjoyed the hospitalities 
of the district patrons and " boarded 'round." It being 
deemed advisable to change the site of the school building 
and afford more spacious quarters, on account of the in- 
creasing list of scholars, the building at present occupied 
was erected. There was, however, no change in the method 
of conducting the school until the coming of A. C. Martin 
as principal, in 1872. With his presence was manifested 
an increasing interest in education on the part of the citi- 
zens, which resulted, the second year of his engagement, in 



the organization of a graded school. The building, which 
had not been wholly occupied, was finished, and with two 
competent assistants Mr. Martin inaugurated a course of 
study similar to that of other graded schools in the State. 
In 1879 the increase of pupils was so manifest as to require 
additional assistance, and the principal was allowed in all 
four assistants. The school, with its large number of pupils 
and its able corps of teachers, felt greatly the need of a spa- 
cious and comfortable building. The immediate demand for 
more space was met by removing the staircase and hall of the 
present building, all available space being thus utilized; a 
recitation-room of limited dimensions was provided for the 
high school. It is thought that a new school building will 
ultimately replace the one in present use. The instruction 
in all the departments of the Bangor Graded School has 
been so thorough that its pupils find themselves fully 
prepared for admission to the most advanced institutions 
of learning in the State. 

The corps of teachers at present engaged are A. C. 
Martin, Principal ; Mrs. A. C. Martin, Assistant ; F. W. 
Bidwell, Grammar School ; Miss Emma Cross, Intermediate 
Department; Miss Hattie Alvord, Primary Department. 

The members of the school board are C. C. Phillips, 
Director; George Remington, Moderator; W. B. Tripp, 
Treasurer ; W. W. Davis, J. E. Ferguson, William Kinney, 
Trustees. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM W. KINNEY. 

This gentleman's parents were married in 1821. His 
father, Buell Kinney, was a native of Connecticut, and his 
mother of New York. Buell Kinney, a clothier by occu- 
pation, worked at his trade in New York until 1837, when 
he removed with his family to Monroe Co., Mich., where 
he had purchased a farm. William W. Kinney was born 
in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 1, 1823, and remained with his 
parents until 1848. On the 22d of February in that year 
he was married to Miss Amanda Clark, who was one of a 
family of five daughters. Her father was born in Con- 
necticut and her mother in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kinney became the parents of nine children, of whom 
seven arc living. After marriage they settled on a farm 
in La Salle, Monroe Co., Mich., where they remained until 
1855. In that year Mr. Kinney purchased the farm he 
now occupies (sixty acres) in Bangor township. Van Buren 
Co. At that time it was unimproved, but the result of 
Mr. Kinney's labors upon it for twenty-five years will 
become apparent when the reader glances at the accom- 
panying view. Mr. Kinney's mother died in Monroe 
County in 1853, and his father in Eaton County, where 
he was living with a daughter, in 1868. Mrs. Kinney's 
fiither died in Monroe County in 1850, and her mother in 
Bangor in 1872. Mr. Kinney is in politics a Republican, 
and in religion liberal. Although his own advantages in an 
educational line were not the best, he takes great interest 
in all affairs relating to schools, and has ever been among 



TOWNSHIP OF BANGOR. 



417 



the foremost to improve the tone and character of the 
various institutions of learning in his locality. He has 
held a school office for seventeen years, and is a staunch 
supporter of the cause of education. 



JOHN M. VANAUKEN. 

This L'entleman, the son of Aaron Vanauken, and one of 
a family of nine children, was born in Knox, Albany Co., 
N. Y., March 3, 1816. His parents were both natives of 
New York, although his mother was of German descent. 
When seventeen years of age, John Vanauken began to do 
battle with the world on his own account. In the sjiring 




comparatively poor circumstances to an enviable position as 
regards true worth and prosperity, and his own labors have 
accomplislied this end. 



riioto. by Nurthrup, Baugor. 
.JOHN M. VANAUKEN. 

of 184(5 lie purchased the land which he now occupies, 
including one hundred and fifty-five acres on section 33, 
Bangor township. Van Buren Co., Mich. It was entirely 
unimproved, but in the lapse of years a wonderful change 
has been wrought, and 

"Where once frowned a forest a garden is smiling.'" 
At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Vanauken was married 
to Miss Phebe A. Dawlcy in the town of Lyons, Wayne 
Co., N. Y., of which State her parents were natives. 
Nine children blessed this union, of whom but three are 
living, — a son and two daughters. Mrs. Vanauken died 
in November, 1857, and in 1860 Mr. Vanauken was mar- 
ried to Mrs. D. J. Northrop, a member of the Kingston 
flimily, of Jefferson Co., N. Y. She had come very early 
to Michigan. Her death occurred April 22, 1869, and 
Mr. Vanauken's household is now presided over by his 
youngest daughter, Mrs. Stowe. Mr. Vanauken has about 
seventy acres under cultivation, and is in every respect a 
thorough and enterprising farmer. He has dealt to some 
extent in fine stock, and takes much jiride in having the best 
varieties. He at one time sold a pair of .steers, two years 
old. whose combined weight was three thousand and twelve 
pounds. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion 
liberal. One of his sons served three years in the war of 
the Rebellion. Believing that " whatever is worth doing 
at all is worth doing well," Mr. Vanauken has risen from 
53 



THOMAS CROSS. 

John Cross was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1810, 
married Miss Martha Sterling, and in 1840 removed to 
Hancock Co., Ohio, where he remained twenty-three years. 
In 1863 came to Bangor, where he purchased a farm, upon 
which he still resides. In Columbiana County three chil- 
dren, viz., James, Mary, and Margaret Jane, were born to 
them, and in Hancock County six more, named as follows: 
Thomas, Wilson, Cornelius, Jacob Sampson, Clarissa, and 
Nancy. Jacob Sampson and Clarissa died in Hancock 
County, and Wilson and Nancy in Bangor. Also Mrs. 
Cross died in Bangor, Jan. 27, 1877. 

Thomas Cross was born in 1841, and when sixteen years 
of age, his father having only fifty acres of land and a large 
family, he started in the world for himself; worked for 
Thomas Morgan three seasons, going home to attend school 
during three winters; the fourth year worked for a Mr. 
Sampson ; then moved to Bangor, where he arrived Oct. 
16, 1861. Necessity compelled him to commence work at 
once, and in eighteen days he had earned as many dollars ; 
then contracted with Daniel Taylor for one year's labor, re- 
ceiving therefor one hundred and sixty dollars ; second year 
received one hundred and eighty, and the third two hun- 
dred and twenty dollars. With this money, in 1863, he 
purchased his first farm of eighty acres, a view of his resi- 
dence on which appears in this work. In November, 1864, 
he married Mary J. Bennett, a native of Cleveland, Whitley 
Co., Ind., who was born in 1844. Her father, Hiram Ben- 
nett, was born in Brooklyn, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1806 ; 
removed to Pennsylvania in 1824, to Indiana in 1834, and 
to Geneva in 18.55, and since the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Cross has resided with them. They removed to their 
farm in 1865. Their first child, Amanda J., was born in 
July of that year, died in July, 1876 ; Linford T., in Sep- 
tember, 1867, died in July, 1870; Carrie L., in May, 
1869 ; Gertrude M., in October, 1871 ; Irving J., in May, 
1873 ; and Emma E., in September, 1875. In 1871, pre- 
vious to the construction of the railroad, — anticipating it 
and realizing its tendency to advance the interests of his 
section, — he purchased three hundred and twenty acres, 
incurring a debt of five thousand dollars, necessitating the 
mortgaging of his original farm for full value. In 1872 
the road was built, making a market for lumber. Then 
came the Chicago fire, to which point he made profitable 
shipments, and by disposing of one hundred acres to the 
Bangor Furnace Company he was enabled to remove all 
incumbrances. The reader will perceive from the foregoing 
that Mr. Cross has carved out his own fortune, with the 
assistance only of Mrs. Cross, who has contributed her 
share towards his success. His farm is highly cultivated, 
with fifty acres of timber, good improvements, and he 
claims the best barn in Van Buren County. His children 
are educated at home, employing a teacher in the house. A 
Republican since the organization of the party. Independ- 
ent in circum.stances, he enjoys all the comforts it affords. 



418 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Photos, by Northrup, Bangor. 



JOHN SOUTHARD. 



MRS. JOHN SOUTHARD. 



JOHN SOUTHARD 

was born ia Albany Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1795, and was the 
fifth in a family of eleven children. His parents were both 
natives of the State of New York. His grandfather, Thomas 
Southard, was born in Rhode Island, and served seven years 
in the American army during the war of the Revolution. 
John Southard was married, Feb. 16, 1823, in the town 
of Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., to Miss Harriet A. Haight. 
Her parents were natives of that State, and raised a family 
of eight children. In 1837, Mr. Southard emigrated with 



his family to Michigan, and located in Washtenaw County, 
removing a year later to Bangor town.ship. Van Buren Co., 
and settling on the farm which Mrs. Southard and her son 
now occupy on section 25. Mr. and Mrs. Southard raised 
a family of seven children, five of whom are now living. 
Mr. Southard received his education in the district schools 
of his day. His death occurred Oct. 30, 1864, after a 
wedded life of forty-one years, and when his existence had 
nearly reached the lengthened period of threescore years 
and ten. 



DAVID K. CHARLES. 

The ancestors of Mr. Charles, as far as they can be 
traced, were originally from Scotland. His parents, how- 
ever, were natives of Ireland ; and in County Londonderry, 
of the " Emerald Isle," Mr. Charles himself was born, 
March 25, 1829, being the second in a family of twelve 
children. When he was twelve years old he came to Amer- 
ica, in company with his uncle, Andrew Charles, who had 
lived in America several years, but was back visiting his 
old home ; they arrived in New York in April, 1841. His 
father and the rest of the family emigrated ten years later. 
Andrew Charles was a harness-maker by trade, and had car- 
ried on the business in Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y., for 
several years. David K. lived with him two years, learning 
the trade. At the expiration of two years, he worked in the 
same town one year at the tanner's trade. He then learned 
the art of St. Crispin, — shoemaking, — and worked at the 
latter until 1849, when he established a business of his own 
at Angelica. On the 8th of April, 1851, he was married, 
at that place, to Miss Caroline Barnum, daughter of David 
and Elizabeth Barnum, who was a native of Angelica, and 
whose parents were both born in New York. She is one 
of a family of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
have been born four children, as follows : Amelia C., born 
Feb. 13, 1852, died March 30, 1853; Emma C, born 
July 20, 1854; Clifton B., born June 21, 1857; Hattie 
E., born Dec. 22, 1858. 



In July, 1858, Mr. Charles' property at Wellsville, 
N. Y., was destroyed by fire, after which he commenced 
business in Olean, where a like disaster occurred in 1866. 
This somewhat disheartened him, but he was not of the 
nature to be totally despondent, and removed with his fam- 
ily to Illinois. In 1867 he came to Michigan and located 
at the village of Bangor, where he opened an establishment 
for the sale of general merchandise, and continued in busi- 
ness five years. In 1872 he moved upon the farm he now 
occupies, on which is one of the finest residences in the 
township, a sketch of which is inserted in this volume. 
The farm contains four hundred acres, and is well adapted 
to both grain and stock-raising. Mr. Charles makes a 
specialty of hay, cutting about one hundred tons annually. 
His early schooling was in the district educational institu- 
tions where he lived, his attendance being principally dur- 
ing winters. At the age of twenty he entered Richburgh 
Academy, New York, and remained one term. In poli- 
tics Mr. Charles is a Republican, but is in no sense of the 
term an ofiice-seeker. Both he and his wife are members 
of the Episcopal Church, but as there is no society of that 
denomination in Bangor they have worked with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Their children, except the one 
who died in infancy, have all grown to maturity. The 
oldest daughter is married ; Clifton, who has recently com- 
pleted a foui- years' course at the Agricultural College, is 
working his father's farm. Mr. Charles, since his arrival 



TOWNSHIP OF BANGOR. 



419 



in the township, has erected seven dwellings and five barns, 
and aside from his farm owns a hotel and other property 
in Bangor village. His start in life was humble, but his 
ventures have been eminently successful, and great credit 
is due him for his achievements. 



WILLIAM S. CHARLES. 

This gentleman was born in County Derry, Ireland, June 
28, 1839, and was the seventh in a family of twelve chil- 
dren. In the spring of 1851 he accompanied his parents 
to America, settling in Angelica, N. Y. When sixteen 
years of age he left home and came to Michigan, arriving 
at Detroit with but twenty-five cents in money remaining. 
His subsequent experience was for a time varied and 
somewhat exciting. He was for two weeks in the em- 
ploy of Dr. Sweeney, at Dearborn, and subsequently 
found employment in Van Buren County as a wood-chop- 
per until 1856. He then went to Allegan County, re- 
maining until June of the latter year, and from thence to 
Paw Paw, where he lived three years, finally coming to 
Bangor, where, in 1860, he purchased forty acres of land, 
on which he still resides, and to which he has added numer- 
ous purchases, having at the present tiuie a total of five 
hundred acres in the home-farm, besides lands in other 
portions of the county. Oct. 14, 1861, Mr. Charles en- 
listed as a private in Battery B, First Michigan Artillery, 
and was in the service of the nation three years and eight 
months. He was promoted, step by step, and on the 14th 
of November, 1864, received a commission as second lieu- 
tenant. He was an exemplary soldier, and was never ab- 
sent from duty. His command formed a part of the 
Western army. He participated in the memorable battle 
of Pittsburg Landing, and took part in various engagements 
in Georgia and the Carolinas, having a varied experience, 
until the 21st and 22d of March, 1865. Oct. 31, 1865, 
he was married to Mary Jane Cramer, at Hudson, Mich. 
She was the only daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Ster- 
ling) Cramer, and was born in Medina, Lenawee Co., Mich., 
Nov. 29, 1840. Her parents were natives of New York, 
and came to Michigan not long before their daughter was 
born, settling in Lenawee County, where Mr. Cramer still 
resides. Four of his sons are now living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Charles are the parents of the following children, viz., 
Frank L., born Aug. 24, 1866 ; Carrie B., born Oct. 14, 
1868 ; and two others, who died young. In politics Mr. 
Charles is a Republican : has for two years held the po- 
sition of township treasurer, besides having held minor 
offices. In religious matters his views are liberal. His 
advantages for obtaining an education were of an ordinary 
nature. 



ANSON GOSS. 



The subject of the following sketch is a native of Shalers- 
ville township. Portage Co., Ohio, where he was born, July 
29, 1834. His paternal ancestors boasted of a Scotch ex- 
traction, and were descended from the rugged character of 
the Highlanders. His grandfather, John Goss, and his 
grandmother, Polly Davidson Goss, reared a family of three 



sons and five daughters. Ormond, the third of the family, 
and Anson's father, was born June 29, 1802. On the 
maternal side Anson is descended from pure English stock ; 
his mother's father, Elisha Haven, was born at Montpelier, 
Vt., Jan. 28, 1772, and married a widow, Mollie Streator, 
whose maiden name was Goodell, Jan. 22, 1790. By this 
alliance there were five sons and four daughters. Roby, 
the sixth child, and mother of Anson, was born at Mont- 
pelier, the home of her parents, Aug. 22, 1804. They 
removed to the Western Reserve, Portage Co., Ohio, in 
1819. There three of the family still reside. 

Ormond Goss, in occupation a stone-cutter, emigrated to 
Ohio, where the matrimonial alliance with Roby Haven 
was contracted, March 12, 1829. They reared a family of 
four sons and two daughters, viz., Henry, Ruth, Anson, 
Fred, Polly, and John P. 

Henry, having purchased a soldier's claim, came to Ban- 
gor township in 1853, and laid his claim on government 
land. A severe drought occurring on the Reserve, many, 
his father among the number, disposed of their dairy cows, 
and sought a climate less subject to such changes. Henry's 
parents were attracted by him to Bangor, and came on a 
tour of inspection, little expecting to be satisfied with its 
soil, timber, or climate, but were .so happily disappointed 
that they secured one hundred and twenty acres of land on 
section 22, made arrangements for some clearing and the 
building of a log house, and returned to Ohio. 

In the spring of 1854 the parents and remainder of the 
children, except Anson, removed to this claim in Bangor. 
In the following autumn he also came and located his first 
piece of land, the east half of the northeast quarter of 
section 22, which cost him the small sum of sixty dollars, 
— three shillings an acre. 

Dec. 31, 1859, he married Mary Jane Vanauken, 
daughter of John Vanauken, of Bangor. He keeps his 
old log house, which is incorporated with the view of his 
present residence, to remind him of their beginning in life. 
They struggled together during the twenty years which 
have elapsed night and day, and by their industry, economy, 
and skillful management have amassed a snug little fortune, 
owning now seven hundred and twenty acres of land, a 
large amount of which is under cultivation and with good 
farm buildings ; being a skillful mechanic, these he has 
superintended in construction. Mr. Goss is a man who 
never allows pleasure to interfere with his business, it 
seemingly being his greatest pleasure to push his business 
interests, and in this he certainly commands the admiration 
of all whose notice he attracts. 



THOMAS KEMP. 



This gentleman was born in Burwash, Sussex County, 
England, Nov. 15, 1813, and was the oldest in a family of 
thirteen children. His father, Thomas Kemp, Sr., and 
mother, Eleanor (Kirkland) Kemp, were both natives of 
England, although the latter was of Scotch descent. Thomas 
Kemp, Sr., emigrated to America in 1829, sailing from 
London the 9th of May, arriving at New York City on the 
3d of July, and proceeding thence to Cayuga County, in 



420 



HISTORY OF VANfBUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the same State, where they settled and remained until 
death. Mrs. Kemp died when her .son Thomas was seven- 
teen years of age, and her husband survived her until 1863. 
Thomas Kemp, Jr., commenced to earn his own living 
when eighteen years old, finding employment near home 
until 1835. In that year he hired to Isaac Barnum, at 
twelve dollars per month, came to Michigan, and purchased 
his present farm, on section 3-t, Bangor township, Van 



in Lawrence township. Van Buren Co., Mr. Kemp was 
married to Miss Julia Raven, who has borne him eight 
children, all but one of wKom are living, — the deceased 
member being Thomas Francis, who was drowned July 15, 
1877, aged sixteen. The father of the present Mrs. Kemp 
was a native of New Jersey, and her mother of New York, 
Mrs. Kemp being one of a family of six children. Her 
parents came to Van Buren County in 1840, and settled in 





PhntoH. by Northrup, Bangol. 



THOMAS KEMP. 



MRS. THOMAS KEMP. 



Buren Co. Mr. Kemp has been three times married, his 
marriage with Miss Cone, in Hartford township, being the 
first wedding celebrated among the settlers thereof Mrs. 
Kemp died July 6, 1846. After her death Mr. Kemp 
visited Ohio, and before returning was married to Miss 
Mary Cone, a sister of his first wife. Less than a year 
afterwards his fireside was again left desolate, but the de- 
parting left, as did her predecessor, a child to take her 
place. Both these children are now living. Dec. 5, 1847, 



the township of Lawrence, where her father died in July, 
1843, and her mother in 1846. Mr. Kemp's educational 
advantages were not the best, and his attendance at public 
school aggregated but about five months. Both he and his 
wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
since 1858, and have never shrunk from what appeared to 
be their duty. In politics Mr. Kemp votes with the Re- 
publican party on general issues, and in local matters for 
whom he considers most fit for the position in question. 



ORLANDO S. BROWN 

was born Sept. 29, 1816, in Monroe Co., N. Y. His father, 
Orlando Brown, was a farmer and a native of one of the 
Eastern States, and married a Miss Gould, of the same na- 
tivity. Mr. Brown, Sr., died when his son was but seven 
years of age. His widow married again, and in 1837 came 
with her husband to Michigan, settling in Monroe County. 
In 1839 they removed from the latter to Van Buren County, 
locating on section 13, in the township of Bangor, but a few 
months later trading for Mr. Brown's present place on sec- 
tion 12, consisting of eighty acres. Orlando S. Brown was 
married, Sept. 17, 1836, to Miss Polly Ann Taylor, in 
Monroe Co., N. Y. Her parents were natives of Connec- 
ticut, in which State she also was born. Their present 
home in Bangor was in the midst of a forest when they 
first occupied it, and the village of Bangor had scarcely 
been dreamed of Mr. and Mrs. Brown became the parents 
of two children, — a son and a daughter ; the latter is now 
deceased. Mrs. Brown died March 2, 1871, and on the 



14th of August, 1872, Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. 
McCrary, a native of Indiana. Her parents were born in 
the State of New York. In politics, Mr. Brown was a 
Republican, and, with his wife, belonged to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. His mother died in Bangor, Feb. 1, 
1872. By his integrity as a man and his habits of in- 
dustry and economy, Mr. Brown achieved his success in 
life. He held several of the offices in his township, and 
departed this life Feb. 2, 1880. 



J. G. MILLER. 



John and Fannie Miller were among the pioneers of the 
State of Michigan, having settled here before it was ad- 
mitted as a State. They were natives of New York, were 
married there, and made a permanent settlement in Monroe 
Co., Mich., in 1831. Their children were as follows: 
L. B., born in New York ; J. G., Cynthia S., L. C, John 





0. S. BROWN. 



MRS. O.S. BROWN. 




Residence OF ORLANDO S. B ROWN ,8ANGORyANBuR^HGo.Micn 



TUWNSHIP OF BLOOMINGDALE. 



421 



F., Fannie, and Sophia J., born in Michigan. The chil- 
dren are all living but two, — Cynthia S. and Sophia J. 
L. B., John F., and Fannie are still residents of Monroe 
County ; L. C. has made his home in Bangor. 

J. G. Miller was born in 1833, and was reared sur- 
rounded by the impediments and difEeulties usually at- 
tending the settlement of a new country. Losing his 
mother when only thirteen years of age, necessity compelled 
him to depend upon his own efforts for a livelihood, and 
he began his career under adverse circumstances. Real- 
izing the advantages even of a limited education, he made 
a manly effort to secure one, and engaged for two winters 
in sawing wood, this affording him the opportunity of 
attending school. He afterwards worked two years, re- 
ceiving as compensation three dollars per month, which 
enabled him to clothe himself and also to render assistance 
to his sisters. The following year his salary was doubled, 
and he then passed seven summers as an employee on the 
Wabash and Miami Canal, where he made his first one 
hundred dollars. Finding employment during a portion only 
of the last three years, he invested his money in a thrash- 
ing-machine and a horse, Esquire Thomas McManus, of 
Monroe County, becoming bis indorser, as Mr. Miller was 
compelled to incur some indebtedness. In this business he 
remained until 1856, when he leased an uncle's farm. 
Cynthia and Lovisa superintended the internal arrange- 
ments of the household, Cynthia teaching a portion of the 
time, and here several members of the family were able to 
attend school. In 1858 he arrived with a team and wagon 
in Bangor, which he exchanged for forty acres of land. 
He immediately returned, securing a siiuation in a brick- 
yard. In the fall he purchased a hor.se and buggy and 
drove to Bangor, where he purchased the ftirm now owned 
by him, and of which a view appears in this work, giving 
in payment one hundred dollars, his first purchase of forty 
acres, and his horse and buggy. In 18G0 he followed his 
trade, that of carpenter and joiner, and worked in a saw- 
mill as an employee of J. H. Nyuian. In the spring of 
1861 he returned to his trade, working at it until Sept. 25, 
1861, when he united in marriage with Miss Eveline Wat- 
kins. They began their married life with a farm paid for 
and thirty dollars in cash. 

Thomas Watkins, the father of Mrs. Miller, was born near 
Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1802. He married there, and moved to 
Mount Vernon, Ohio, where John and William were born. 
He lost his first wife in Mount Vernon, and afterwards 
married Miss Katie Spaughn. Mrs. Miller was born at 
Mount Vernon, Ohio, in 1836. James and Levi were also 
born there. Katie, Mrs. Miller's mother, died in Hancock 
Co., Ohio, to which place they removed in 1857. Mr. 
Watkins then married Melvina Litrick. The names of 
his last children are Henry, Martin, Francis, Martha Jane, 
Charles, and Jackson, who, with the exception of one who 
died in Ohio, are still living. 

After Mr. and Mrs. Miller's marriage they passed eleven 
years on the farm, where three children were born, viz., 
Ida, July 10, 1862, died in 1872 ; Omar, Sept. 6, 1865 ; 
John J., Dec. 26, 1869. 

Mr. Miller having achieved .success in farming, and 
having acquired the necessary means, engaged in business 



in the village of Bangor in 1872, having built a store in 
1871. He commenced with a partner, whose interest he 
purchased in February, 1875. The village had been con- 
tinually increasing in population, and the surrounding 
country been rapidly developed. Mr. Miller recognized the 
importance of having a public hall. The Opera House, of 
which a view is given, is the result. It is a building forty- 
four by ninety-four feet, with a seating capacity of five 
hundred. The hall is on the second floor, and Mr. Miller 
occupies a portion of the first floor as a hardware-store, 
renting the remainder. 

Mr. Miller's career was begun as a poor boy. By energy 
and perseverance, united with economy and good business 
qualifications, he has secured a competency, and is now liv- 
ing in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries wealth 
affords. The records show him to be one of the heaviest 
tax-payers in his school district and township. Politically, 
he is a Democrat. 



CHAPTER LV. 

BLOOMINGDALE TO^¥NSHIP.* 

Boundaries, Soil, anil Waters — First and other Early .Settlements — 
Civil History — Blooiniagdale Village — Gobleville — Berlamont — 
Anderson's Mills — Township Public Schools. 

BOUNDARIEt;, SOIL, AND WATERS. 

Upon the northern border of the county of Van Buren, 
with Pine Grove on the east, Waverly ou the south, Colum- 
bia on the west, and Allegan County on the north, is situ- 
ated the township of Bloomingdale. 

It comprises the territory designated in the United States 
survey as township No. 1 south, of range No. 14 west, 
which, with the present township of Pine Grove, was organ- 
ized as Bloomingdale in 1845. The surface is rolling, and 
originally was heavily timbered with pine, hemlock, and 
the many varieties of deciduous forest-trees indigenous to 
this latitude. Pine largely predominated in the northern 
part, yet it was found to a considerable extent in many 
other portions. 

The soil is a sandy and clay loam, fertile and well adapted 
to the culture of fruits and the cereals. In the quality and 
extent of its productions Bloomingdale takes a front rank 
among the northern tier of townships. 

Some twenty-two small lakes dot its surface, embracing 
a total area of about 1000 acres. Those dignified with 
names on the map are Great Bear (which also extends into 
Columbia township), Muskrat, Sweet, Twin, Three-Legged, 
Mud, Lake-Mill, Max, Little Brandywine, Thayer, and 
Smith's. 

As forming outlets and inlets to the lakes mentioned 
numerous unimportant streams are observed. 

The people are chiefly devoted to the pursuits of agri- 
culture, and the State census of 1874 returned a total 
of 1690 inhabitants. 

FIRST AND OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

During the bleak, cold days of December, 1837, the first 
settlement was made in this township by the brothers Mal- 

* By John S. Schenck. 



422 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



lory H., William H. H., Reuben J., and Merlin M. Myers, 
accompanieJ by their mother and sisters, Sarah O. and 
Ruth Ann. 

The Myers were natives of Oneida Co., N. Y., where 
their father died in 1826. In later years they removed to 
the town of Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y. Here the widow's 
children had nearly all reached the estate of manhood and 
womanhood ere a removal was contemplated to the new 
State of Michigan. 

In the spring of 1836 the brothers Mallory H. and 
William H. H. started out on foot and walked the entire 
distance from Genesee Co., N. Y., via Canada to this State. 
For six months Mallory worked in Monroe County, and 
during the same time William in White Pigeon. The 
latter then returned to the State of New York, and brought 
out with him the remainder of the family, all being estab- 
lished at White Pigeon in the fall of 1836. 

One year later they decided to settle permanently upon 
section 36, in this township, and here, as previously men- 
tioned, they arrived amid the snows and wintry blasts of 
December 22d, with no shelter awaiting them other than 
that aflfordcd by the tall monarchs of the forest. 

The frozen earth — after snow one foot in depth had been 
melted away by a rousing fire — afforded them a resting- 
place the first night. The next day a rude cabin was built, 
which was followed soon after by a substantial log house, 
14 by 33 feet in dimensions, which, with no floors, was 
roofed after the primitive manner, — with wooden troughs. 
Thus situated, their nearest neighbors seven miles distant, 
— at Breedsville and Paw Paw, — this family passed their 
first winter. Yet they were not idle. Slashings were made 
preparatory for crops the coming spring season, and con- 
siderable quantities of shingles were manufactured for the 
Paw Paw and White Pigeon markets. This latter branch 
of industry added materially to the exchequer of this family, 
as well as of all other settlers, during the first and second 
decades of their residence. 

Mallory H. Myers, the eldest of this family of brothers, 
was twenty-three years old at the time of his settlement in 
this township. He was one of the first officers in the old 
township of Clinch, also of Waverly, and in 1845 was the 
first supervisor chosen in Bloomingdale. He now resides 
in the small village of Berlamont. 

William H. H. Myers taught the first school, in the win- 
ter of 1838 and 1839. In later years he became a minister 
of the Free- Will Baptist Church. He died in 1865. 

In the spring of 1838, Ashbel Herron, from Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., and Daniel G. Robinson, from Ohio, settled near the 
Myers', while Joseph S. Peck located in the extreme north- 
west corner of the township, on section 6. Mr. Peck's 
locality was for years known as " Pecktown," his early 
neighbors being Melvin Hogmire, Horace Humphrey, and 
Peter Smith. 

Joseph Brotherton, from Cayuga Co., N.Y., settled upon 
section 34 in the fall of 1838. 

During this year a school-house was built upon section 
36, and the first marriage took place. The contracting 
parties — James Scott, of Decatur, and Miss Ruth Ann 
Myers, of the Myers settlement in Clinch — were married 
at the house of M. H. Myers, by Elder Warner. 



Orlando H. Newcomb, who had previously lived in Al- 
mena, settled on section 36 in 1 839. 

Among other events of this year was the preaching of 
the first sermon, by Noah D. Sweet, Sunday, Aug. 11, 1839 
(the services were held in the school-house) ; the burial of 
William Brownell, a young shingle-maker, who was the 
first person to depart this life in the new settlement. In 
December occurred the first birth. The child enjoying this 
distinction is now known as John Wesley Herron, of the 
village of Gobleville. Elder Warner also preached in the 
school-house during the fall of 1839. The same year two 
of the settlers' houses took fire in a mysterious manner and 
were burned with all their contents. Suspicion rested 
upon the Indians, who still frequented the country in con- 
siderable numbers ; but they were finally dispelled by the 
uniformly friendly manner and general good conduct of the 
aborigines. 

The following list of resident tax-payers of the old town- 
ship of Clinch, made in the summer of 1839, will be of 
interest to early settlers, as well as to the general reader, for 
it proves conclusively just who the residents were at that ' 
time in the present townships of Almena, Waverly, Bloom- 
ingdale, and Pine Grove : John A. Ranney, Joseph Dero- 
sier, Asa Crofoot, Luther Howe, F. C. Annable, Blakely 
Barnes, Horace Boufoey, A. S. Downing, Samuel Turner, 
Ruhama Barnum, Henry Barnum, Freeman Hall, Bolivar 
Barnum, H. P. Barnum, C. D. Grimes, S. Grimes, Junia 
Warner, Jr., Willard Newcomb, Amon Covey, D. Critten 
den, Benjamin Fink, W. Hurlbut, Morrill, Brown k Co., 
Levi Libbey, R. Bell, Nathaniel Livermore, Ashbel Herron, 
Mallory H. Myers, Reuben J. Myers, William H. H. Myers, 
Joseph Brotherton, Daniel G. Robinson, Joseph Peck, 
Joseph Williams, and John Condron. These residents then 
paid taxes to the amount of $185.97. 

Harviland Thayer, a native of New Hampshire, who 
afterwards became one of the prominent men in this town- 
ship, came here first in the fall of 1839, and purchasing 
lands situated on section 34, partly completed a dwelling- 
house thereon. He was then residing in White Pigeon, 
whither he had removed from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1836. 
On the 3d of March, 1840, his family arrived here in the 
woods and began improvements, in the near vicinity of 
which many descendants still live. 

Other settlers of 1840 were Alanson Todd, on section 
24 ; Ira S. Frary, on section 25 ; and N. Kennedy, on section 
15. Dennis E. Whelan settled in 1842. 

HenryMower, who was born in the town of Woodstock, 
Windsor Co., Vt., removed from the latter State to Herki- 
mer Co., N. Y., in 1829, from thence to St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., in 1830, and to Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1832. In 
Kalamazoo he entered the lands where are now situated the 
fair-grounds. From 1832 to 1843 he traversed on foot 
over the greater portion of Southern Michigan, while acting 
as guide to " land-lookers" and in the employ of Theodore 
Sheldon. He finally, in 1843, purchased land and settled 
where he now resides in this township. 

He was present at the first township election, in 1845, 
and was elected township clerk in 1846, an office which he 
continued to hold during the succeeding nine years. Iq 
1849 he served as supervisor. Though chilled by the snows 






& 





m 



TOWiNSHIP OF BLOOMINGDALE. 



423 



of nearly eighty winters, Mr. Mower is still the possessor 
of good mental faculties and much physical vigor, and to 
him are we indebted for many facts concerning the early 
history of this and neighboring townships. 

Thomas Hodgson, another active pioneer, settled on sec- 
tion 30 in 1844. 

The township of Bloomingdale was formed in 1845. 
The 22 persons returned upon the assessment-roll of that 
year as resident tax-payers were : 

Sec. Sec. 

Ashhel Henon 36 Daniel G. Kobinson 25 

Willinm H^ H. Myers 35 Peter T. Valleau 13, 24 

Joseph Brotherton 34 Alanison Todd 24 

Harviland Thayer 34 Ira S. Frary 25 

Thomas Hodgson 30 Eobert Moon 24 

Dennis E. Whehvn 25 Henry Mower 23 

Mallory H. Myers 36 Elisha C. Co.^ 5 

Levi W.Thayer 35 L. Jackson Lacy 4, S 

David Loveland 35 Melvin Hogmire 6 

H.T.Houghton Personal Joseph Peck 6 

Burroughs Abbott 25 Daniel G. Robinson A Co 16 

Orlando H. Newcomb 36 

Additional tax-paying residents in 1846 were Reuben H. 
Ward, Jonathan Goodell, William L. Houghton, William 
H. Story, Alson A. Greaves, township treasurer, John Wait, 
Josiah Sweet, Daniel Jewell, and Henry Whelpley. The 
latter, as a boy, was one of the first settlers, coming here 
and working in the Myers settlement in 1838. 

An early saw-mill (water-power) was erected by Daniel 
G. Robinson & Co., upon section 16, in 1848. Messrs. 
Myers & Newcomb built the first steam-mill, about three 
years later. John Hudson built the first grist-mill, in 1866. 
It was burned two or three years afterwards. 

Here, as in other newly-settled regions, all the early 
settlers kept open house for the entertainment of weary 
and belated travelers. When ill, and previous to the 
coming of Dr. Barber, they were attended by Dr. Andrews, 
of Paw Paw. 

Samuel Lane, at present a prominent resident of the vil- 
lage of Bloomingdale, removed from Monroe Co., N. Y., to 
Cheshire, then Trowbridge, Allegan Co., Mich., in the 
spring of 1845. He purchased 80 acres of land from the 
government, built a log dwelling, and became the third 
settler in that township. In 1848 he settled upon the Cox 
farm, section 5. About the year 1866 he sold the farm, 
and removing to the village of Bloomingdale, became one of 
its early merchants, also the first hotel proprietor. Among 
other quite early settlers were Harrison Cooley, Isaac L. 
Knapp, John Barnard, Truman B. Dougal, Henry W. Du- 
rand, Zenas L. Chase, Chester Barber, William J. Merwin, 
0. M. Bessey, Rufus M. Brown, Arch. W. Bishop, Alex- 
ander Miller, Christian Spicher, Shadrach S. Austin, Harvey 
H. Howard, Matthew Munn, E. Baughman, the Haven 
brothers, and Henry Killefer. 

Augustus Haven, from Portage Co., Ohio, in the spring 
of 1854 settled one mile west of the present village of 
Bloomingdale. There were then about 40 voters in the 
township, and Paw Paw was the nearest post-oflBce station. 
The only framed dwellings were in the Myers and Herron 
settlement, and the Methodists — the only religious organi- 
zation — held meetings in Joseph Peck's barn. Since his 
settlement here, as a farmer, merchant, and township official, 
Mr. Haven has been prominently identified with the varied 
interests of the township. In 1860, with a herd of 20 



cows, he first began the manufacture of cheese. His cows 
were gradually increased to 40 in number. In 1870 he be- 
gan using the milk of his neighbors' cows, and in 1873 
cheese was made from the milk of 200 cows. Since 1877 
his brother Warren has continued the business with success, 
yet Mr. A. Haven still manufactures individually from a 
herd of 30 cows. 

In wealth, numerical strength, and the embellishment of 
their homes, great strides have been taken by the people of 
Bloomingdale since the completion of the railroad, in 1870. 
In its course through the township the line of the Kalama- 
zoo and South Haven Railroad traverses sections 15, 16, 
17, 18, 22, 23, 24, and 25, and from the stations of Goble- 
ville (on the east border), Bloomingdale (near the centre), 
and Berlamont (on the west border), the residents are 
afforded ample fiicilities for travel and the shipment of 
freight. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

The territory embraced within the limits of this town- 
ship, with Almena, Waverly, and Pine Grove, formed the 
old township of Clinch. It became Waverly in 1842, 
Bloomingdale in 1845, and by the erection of Pine Grove, 
in 1849, assumed its present proportions. 

During a fire which occurred in the village of Blooming- 
dale, Aug. 23, 1878, the township records were completely 
destroyed, and it is now a matter of impossibility to ever 
compile a complete list of the township officers. 

We learn from early residents, however, that the first 
township election was held at the house of L. Jackson 
Lacy, in April, 1845, and 17 votes were polled. 

From records on file in the county clerk's office we find 
that the first officers elected were as follows : Mallory H. 
Myers, Supervisor; H. T. Houghton, Township Clerk; 
Ashbel Herron, Treasurer; Harviland Thayer, Orlando H. 
Newcomb, Assessors ; Mallory H. Myers, Joseph Brother- 
ton, Orlando H. Newcomb, Highway Commissioners; Wil- 
liam H. H. Myers, Dennis E. Whelan, School Inspectors; 
Ashbel Herron, L. Jackson Lacy, Overseers of the Poor; 
Ira S. Frary, William H. H. Myers, Justices of the Peace. 

Subsequent supervisors and justices of the peace elected, 
as shown by the same source of information, — i.e., county 
records, — were as follows : 

SOPERVISOKS. 

1846, Elisha C. Cox; 1S47, L. Jackson Laey ; 1848, Harviland 
Thayer; 184U, Henry Mower; 1850-5.3, Ashbel Herron; 1854- 
55. Harrison Cooley; 1856, Isaac L. Knapp; 1857, Harrison 
Cooley; 1858, Ashbel Herron ; 1859-60, Harrison Cooley; 1861- 
62, Harvey H. Howard; 1863-66, Henry Killefer; 1867-68, Tim- 
othy Cooley; 1869, Pliny Wait; 1870-71, Augustus Haven; 
1872-77, Harvey H. Howard; 1878-79, James M. Robertson. 

JUSTICES or THE PEACE. 
1846, L.Jackson Lacy, Ashbel Herron; 1847, John Barnard; 1848, 
L. Jackson Lacy, Harviland Thayer; 1849, Daniel G. Robinson, 
Reuben Ward, Truman B. Dougal ; 1850, Ashbel Herron, John 
Wait; 1851, Henry W. Durand ; 1852, Zenas L. Chase; 1853, 
Chester Barber, Zenas L. Chase; 1854, Harvey H. Howard, Wm. 
J. Merwin, 0. W. Bessey; 1855, Rufus M. Brown; 1856, John 
Wait; 1857, Archibald W. Bishop, Alexander Miller, Christian 
Spicher; 1858, Zenas L. Chase, Shadrach S. Austin; 1859, Rufus 
M. Brown: 1860, Thomas Hodgson, Henry A. Effner; 1861, 
Archibald W. Bishop; 1862, Ingraham Eaton; 1863, Rufus M. 
Brown; 1864, Thomas Hodgson, Casper Dunham; 1865, Archi- 
bald W. Bishop; 1866, Egbert Cooley,'; 1867-72, no record; 1873, 



424 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



J. G. Lockard, James L. Clement; 1874, Marshall Ferguson, 
David H. Smith; 1875, Warren Haven, Egbert Cooley, H. H. 
Howard; 1876, Hiram E. Goble ; 1877, Philiman Bush, John N. 
Herron ; 1878, Oscar L. Millspaugh, Calvin J. Baughman ; 1879, 
Hyman H. Shaw. 

The total number of votes polled in 1878 was 384. 

In 1879, 345 votes were cast, and the following (present) 
township officers elected, viz. : James M. Robertson, Super- 
visor; William Killefer, Township Clerk; Fitz E. Adams, 
Treasurer; Horace M. Stout, Township Superintendent of 
Schools ; John M. Baxter, Highway Commissioner ; Hyman 
H. Shaw, Justice of the Peace ; Samuel Lane, Lewis W. 
Vaughn, Benjamin C. Stout, John W. Gilson, Constables. 

BLOOMINGDALE VILLAGE. 

The village of Bloomingdale, situated west of the geo- 
graphical centre of the township, is a station on the line of 
the Kalamazoo and South Haven branch of the Michigan 
Central Railroad. 

It was platted by William Killefer and Lucius B. Ken- 
dall, May 23, 1870, the original plat embracing portions of 
sections 16 and 17. 

An addition was made by George W. Haven, Sept. 15, 
1870. 

As a commercial centre it is the most important point 
between Kalamazoo and South Haven. 

It contains three stores of general merchandise, two hard- 
ware-stores, one drug- and grocery-store, two church edifices 
(Baptist and Christian), Masonic and Odd-Fellows' lodges, 
one hotel, one graded school, two medical offices, several 
small mechanical shops, and about 300 inhabitants. 

The first settler upon its site was Henry Killefer. About 
1854, Davis Haven, of Portage Co., Ohio, purchased 160 
acres in the vicinity of the present village, and soon after 
the entire north half of section 17. As an inducement for 
Mr. Killefer to settle here, he — Mr. Haven — gave him 
one acre of land, now embraced within the depot grounds. 
In the fall of 1857, Mr. Killefer came on from Putnam 
Co., Ohio, and erecting a .small building, now a portion of 
the hotel, established his fiimily in the second story, while 
he opened a small stock of boots, shoes, and groceries in the 
first. This was the first house erected on the village-site, 
although William J. Merwin and Rufus M. Brown were 
then living on the hill, about eighty rods east of the same. 

Shortly after his settlement Mr. Killefer received the 
appointment of postmaster, and held the office until 1862. 
J. P. Howard was then appointed, and continued as post- 
master to 1866. He was succeeded by William Killefer, 
who held it two years. In 1868, J. E. Rankin received 
the appointment, and in 1871 was succeeded by John Kil- 
lefer, the present incumbent. 

After occupying his first building three years, Mr. Kil- 
lefer erected the building now owned by his son John. 
Some two or three years later he sold it to Barber & Lane, 
and built the store which, in December, 1868, with J. P. 
Howard's store and Barber Brothers' drug-store, was burned. 
The building now owned by Augustus Haven was erected 
by Mr. Killefer in 1869. 

About 1860, Messrs. Merwin & Brown opened a store 
near their residence on the hill, previously mentioned. 



Prior to 1869, Messrs. Barber & Lane established a mer- 
cantile business, which, until the near completion of the 
railroad, comprised, with those already named, the business 
men of the village. 

The first passenger train on the Kalamazoo and South 
Haven Railroad arrived at the village July 4, 1870. 

Augustus Haven then owned the one acre first settled 
upon by Mr. Killefer, having paid therefor $800. Samuel 
Lane became owner of the original Killefer building, and 
removed it to the present hotel site. He built an addition 
to it, and first opened the present hotel. 

A. W. Torrey set up the first steam saw-mill — a portable 
one — in the fall of 1870. It was removed to Bangor in 
1878. Mr. Killefer built the present saw-mill in 1871. 

Dr. L. A. Barber was the first physician. He had prac- 
ticed previously while residing one mile west of the village. 
Drs. C. W. Morse and H. R. Bulson have also lived and 
practiced here. The present physicians are Drs. Barber 
and William B. Anderson. 

VILLAGE CHURCHES. 
The First Methodist Episcopal Society* in Bloomingdale 
was organized in the winter of 1856, by Rev. Mr. Corey, 
assisted by Rev. H. Caldwell, a junior preacher with him on 
the circuit, the society being in the Black River charge of 
the Kalamazoo district. Rev. I. Cogshall, presiding elder. 
The names of the original members were A. Miller, Class- 
Leader ; W. C. Wait, Steward ; F. Miller, J. A. Wait, H. 

E. Miller, E. Caughey, William J. Merwin, T. Merwin, L. 
Cook, M. Cook, and M. S. Miller. 

They belonged to various charges, and part of the time 
were in the Niles district. In 1874, when Rev. Mr. Van 
Fossen was sent to them, they became a separate charge 
and head of a circuit, and have since built a parsonage 
valued at $600. 

The following pastors have officiated here since 1856. 
Their names may not be arranged correctly in the order of 
their succession, but are nearly so, viz. : Revs. Mr. Penland, 
T. T. George, W. I. Blowers, J. Hoyt, G. W. Tuthill, C. 
H. Fisher, J. R. Berry, D. C. Woodard, W. C. Mafi'att, 

G. W. Goslin, J. S. Valentine, A. W. Torrey, Van 

Fossen, J. F. Orwick, G. Daniels, A. E. Tanner, F. N. 
Jaynes, and C. H. Fisher again in 1879. 

The society now numbers 75 members. They are in a 
prosperous condition, and hope in the near future to erect 
a church edifice. 

The Christian or Disciple Church-f of Bloomingdale was 
organized April 5, 1858, and held their early meetings in 
the school-house on section 15. 

The 25 original members were Harrison Cooley, Austin 
Melvin, Frederick Melvin, Eli Bell, Margaret Bell, Russell 
Loomis, Rebecca Loomis, M. L. Healey, Maria Healey, R. 

F. Loomis, Mary P. Loomis, W. D. Ensminger, Polly 
Ensminger, George Pierce, Henrietta Pierce, Augustus 
Haven, William Armstrong, Abby Killefer, Azubah Cooley, 
Corintha Strong, Lucretia Brown, Julia M. Paxon, Marinda 
Loomis, Louisa Loomis, and Margaret Corning. 

For some seven years they were without the services of 



* From information kindly furnished by the pastor. 

t Inforiuation furnished by George W. Haven, Esq., church olerk. 



TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMINGDALE. 



425 



a resident pastor. Since then they have had here with 
them Revs. p]dwin Barnuni, J. W. James, Elias Sias, and 
E. C. Faunce. 

A house of worship was erected in the village of Bloom- 
ingdale in 1871, at a cost of $3500, and has a .seating 
capacity for 300 persons. 

The Baptist Church of Bloomiiigdale. — The Baptist 
Church of Allegan, on the 8th day of July, 1853, granted 
to A. B. Eaton, Maria Eaton, Ann B. Palmer, M. E. 
Eaton, and L. J. Kannon, members of its body, the privi- 
lege of associating together as a branch church. This privi- 
lege they exercised as best they could in their scattered con- 
dition. They met in their log dwellings for prayer and the 
study of God's word, and were occasionally favored with the 
privilege of hearing from ministers who might happen 
among them. Elder H. Munger had purchased a farm on 
Eagle Lake, and was laboring to make it a home. Being 
in their midst, he held his membership with them, and his 
name frequently appears upon the record in connection with 
their meetings. Elder Case's name also appears on the 
record. The first baptism was administered by Elder Mun- 
ger. Orrit Lane and Harvey Munger, son of Elder Mun- 
ger, were by him baptized in Eagle Lake, April 9, 1854. 
From this small beginning the work went on, additions being 
made by letter, experience, and baptism, until March 2, 
1859, when 32 had been added to the original number, 
16 by baptism. 

In the winter of 1858-59, Elder Burk, of the Protestant 
Methodist persuasion, held meetings at the Base Line 
school-house, which resulted in the conversion of a large 
number, among them many prominent heads of families. 
Finally, believing that there was an inconsistency between 
Elder Burk's teachings and church associations, they were 
baptized into the fellowship of the branch church. 

On the 1st of March, 1859, two only of the original five 
were members of the branch. Two had been dismissed by 
letter and one had died, but with the additions that had 
been made to them they felt that the time had come when 
they should receive an independent organization, and take 
their place in the family of churches in defense of the 
truth. 

Accordingly, on the (ith of March, 1859, a council con- 
vened at the call of the branch, composed of delegates from 
the churches in Paw Paw, Keeler, Hartford, Watervliet, 
and Allegan. After hearing the Declaration of Faith pre 
sented by the brethren, it was unanimously resolved to 
admit them into the denominational family, to be known as 
the " Base Line Church." Rev. A. J. Bingham, of Allegan, 
preached ; Rev. H. Munger, then pastor at Keeler, gave 
the hand of fellowship ; and Rev. Daniel Piatt, of Allegan, 
gave the charge to the church. 

March 12th the church met for the first time, as an inde- 
pendent organization ; at which time they elected M. Lane 
and Egbert Cooley deacons, and S. Strong church clerk. 
Two were received at this meeting, one by experience, one 
by letter; and on the following day five were baptized by 
Elder Munger and the Lord's Supper was administered, this 
being the first mention of its celebration. 

On the 3d of March, 1860, the church voted to extend 
a call to Elder Munger to continue his labors another year, 
54 



one-half the time for which they voted to raise $150 by 
subscription. They also voted to ask the State Convention 
for aid, but no mention is made of their receiving any. 

March 2, 1861, Elder Munger tendered his resignation, 
which was accepted by the church, on the ground that they 
were not able to pay him as much as he could get in other 
places. 

It seems from these records that Elder Munger served 
the church from its organization up to this time, and meet- 
ings were held in the Base Line .school-house. 

In November, 1861, Rev. W. H. Prentiss became pastor, 
and continued until January, 1863. There appears on the 
record during this period some evidence of church trouble 
and several exclusions. 

April 1, 1864, the church voted to hire Elder 0. C. 
Dickinson for one year, one sermon each Sunday. It appears 
from the mention previously made that Elder Dickin.son 
had been laboring with the church two months prior to this 
vote. Elder Dickinson tendered his resignation, Oct. 1, 
1864, which was accepted. During his term of service the 
first record of any talk about securing a parsonage is re- 
corded. 

On the 1st of April, 1866, Elder J. H. Ra.sco became 
pastor of the church, and continued as such till Septem- 
ber, 1868. On the 2d of January, 1869, the church 
elected I. P]. Eaton clerk, S Strong having resigned, and 
who died in November following. During the administra- 
tion of Elder Rasco, Deacon Cooley resigned, and Timothy 
Church was elected deacon. There was also a committee 
appointed to select a site for a meeting-house, but it does 
not appear that they ever made a report. At that time 
there was a disagreement in regard to location.s, which de- 
feated all action. 

In January, 1869, the church voted to request Elder 
Pierce to preach for them, and in March following. Elder 
McCarthy was mentioned as leading a covenant meeting, 
and subsequently referred to as pastor. April 10, 1869, 
the following resolution was adopted : " That Elder Rasco 
and Elder McCarthy be dropped, and no more considered 
as candidates for pastor of this church." This was to com- 
promise difl'erences of opinion in regard to pastor. In May 
following Elder Webb was hired to serve the church for one 
year. William Munger was invited, September 12, 1870, 
to preach for them as long as it should be thought best. 

On the 5th of November Elder Pierce conducted meet- 
ings, and on the 13th, same month, the church voted to 
make an efi'ort to secure his services. 

A meeting was called March 4, 1871, to take into con- 
sideration the hiring of a pastor and building of a meeting- 
house and parsonage, but nothing came of it. Elder 0. 
C. Dickinson was recalled to the pastorate of the church, 
commencing in June or July, 1871, and closing in Feb- 
ruary, 1873. 

By this time the village of Bloomingdale, having become 
a railroad town, began to assume importance, and suggest 
to some that it was the proper place for the church to locate 
her buildings and centralize her labors. 

During a portion of Elder Dickinson's time he j)rcached 
every other Sunday morning in the Disciples' House in 
Bloomingdale, and the alternate Sunday morning at Base 



426 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Line. The church had already bought a house and lot in 
Bloomingdale for a parsonage. This had the effect to in- 
tensify preferences, and to render the canvass sharp for the 
ascendency in locality of buildings and the place of meet- 
ings. The brethren finally compromised the matter of 
where the meetings should be held by agreeing to be united 
in the decision of the man who should be employed as 
minister. Rev. R. S. Dean commenced his labors as pastor 
in May, 1873, which still continue. For the first sixteen 
months he held meetings at the Base Line every Sunday 
" morning. All the covenant meetings and the Sunday- 
school were held there. He established an evening ap- 
pointment in Bloomingdale, and a Union Sunday-school 
was organized, in which the Methodist class were partici- 
pators, they, at the time, holding meetings in the .school- 
house every other Sunday morning. During this time the 
interest in the preaching and Sunday-school on the Base 
Line decreased, and that in Bloomingdale increased. 

This had the effect to prepare the way for a change in 
the place of holding meetings, and in August, 1875, the 
church voted to abandon Base Line and make their head- 
quarters in Bloomingdale. Notwithstanding Providence 
seemed to point so clearly to the wisdom of making the 
change, quite a number demurred, and some felt that it 
would result in loss to the church and the cause. In 
March following the Lord opened the windows of heaven 
and showered a gracious blessing upon the community, es- 
pecially upon the Sunday-school, through the prayers of the 
faithful few who had asked in faith. This had its effect in 
uniting the church as to the wisdom of the removal. The 
still further divine blessing enjoyed through the visit of 
Elder A. P. Graves took away the last feeling that it was 
a mistake to transfer their interests to Bloomingdale. 

During the year 1873 and the spring of 187-1 the par- 
sonage was enlarged and painted, and its surroundings 
greatly improved. In the spring of 1875 the church 
bought lots for a meeting- house, for which they paid $200. 
Having no legal record in the county of Van Bureu, meas- 
ures were taken to effect the change of the name of the 
church from Base Line to Bloomingdale, and secure cor- 
porate powers and privileges, which were successful, and 
the title to the property was made to correspond therewith. 

On the 23d of August, 1876, the corner-stone for a 
meeting-house was laid with appropriate services. Dr. Hodge, 
of Kalamazoo, making the address. The trustees of the 
church, to whom was committed the whole work of build- 
ing, both in planning and securing the funds, worked with 
a will, and in spite of discouragements, which thickened as 
they advanced, gave a finished structure into the hands of 
the church, which was dedicated to the service of Almighty 
God on the 7th day of February, 1878, Dr. Hodge preach- 
ing the dedicatory sermon. 

Thus the church, after long years of " wilderness life," 
are settled in the possession of a comfortable parsonage, a 
very neat and pleasant meeting-house, with good shelter 
for their faithful beasts, for all of which they have reason 
to praise their heavenly Father, as they endeavor to do. 

Since the commencement of the pre.sent pastorate there 
have been added to the church by letter, 1(J ; by experience, 
18 ; and by baptism, 74. The total additions to the church. 



in all ways, commencing with the five, have been 227. The 
total decrease, in all ways, has been 100, which would give 
a present membership of 132. This we find by actual 
count to be six less than the number on the records. 

I. E. Eaton was succeeded as clerk by Charles H. Miller, 
in 1875, and he by E. M. Eaton, in 1877, who now holds 
that ofiice. George Hopkins was elected deacon in 1877, 
and J. A. Leavitt in 1879. 

During the entire history of the church there has been 
a good working band heartily engaged in the Sunday-school 
work. With very little interruption Deacon Lane has 
been the superintendent, and a large portion of the church 
take interest in the school. It has been the nursery of the 
church, very many having been transplanted from it into 
the more advanced position of burden -bearers in the church. 

The above sketch has been compiled from the minutes 
of a meeting of the Kalamazoo River Baptist Association, 
held in Bloomingdale, Mich., Aug. 13 and 14, 1879. 

VILLAGE .SKCRET ASSOCIATIONS. 

Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 221, i^. and A. M. — The first 
meeting of this lodge was held May 5, 1866, and they be- 
gan work under dispensation. The following were the first 
board of ofiicers: Samuel Holmes, W. M. ; A. D. Muuger, 
S. W. ; H. H. Shaw, J. W. ; Henry Killefer, Treas. ; S. 
L. Barber, Sec. ; L. K. Holmes, S. D. ; E. A. Colwell, 
J. D. ; Homer Shepard, Tiler. 

A charter was granted Jan. 12, 1867, and the first ofii- 
cers elected thereafter were Samuel Holmes, W. M. ; E. A. 
Colwell, S. W. ; H. H. Shaw, J. W. : Henry Killefer, 
Treas. ; M. A. Barber, Sec. ; J. E. Rankin, S. D. ; L. K. 
Holmes, J. D. ; C. N. Remington, Tiler. 

Samuel Holmes was reelected Worshipful Master each 
successive year until January, 1873; then H. H. Shaw 
from 1873 to 1876, inclusive; Warren Haven served dur- 
ing the year 1877, and William Killefer in 1878 and 1879. 

Other ofiicers of the present year are H. H. Shaw, S. W. ; 
Warren Haven, J. W. ; J. E. Rankin, Sec. ; H. H. How- 
ard, Treas. ; C. E. McArthur, S. D. ; Philemon Bush, J. D. ; 
Albert Taylor, Tiler. 

The first meetings were held over Henry Killefer's store. 
After the store was burned but one meeting was held until 
Killefer's new store was erected. The lodge-rooms were 
then continued there till June, 1877, when they removed 
to their present quarters. For furnishing, fixtures, etc., the 
lodge has expended about $5U0. Present membership, 55. 

Regular communications are held Saturday evenings on 
or before the full moon, in the village of Bloomingdale. 

Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 161, /. 0. of 0. F., was in- 
stituted May 16, 1871, by Grand Treasurer A. H. Mor- 
rison. 

The officers first installed were Stephen Baker, N. G. ; 
Eugene Cooley, V. G. ; C. H. Miller, Recording Sec; J. 
M. Howard, Treas. ; Stark Lampman, Warden ; J. P. 
Howard, Conductor. 

The first and all subsequent meetings have been held in 
Masonic Hall, both lodges renting in conjunction. 

The presiding officers since first installation are named as 
follows: 1871 (last half), Eugene Cooley; 1872, J. P. 
Howard, C. H. Miller; 1873, Stephen Baker, L. A. Bar- 








3) / 

5/ 





TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMINGDALB. 



427 



ber; 1874, H. S. Groves, H. H. Howard; 1875, D. P. 
Gilbert, H. A. Starkweather; 187(i, C. S. Brewster, C. H. 
Miller; 1877, R. S, Babcock, George Post; 1878, B. M. 
Eaton, William Killefer ; 1879, C. V. Nash, J. M. How- 
ard. Present membership, 45. 

Regular meetings are held every Thursday evening. 

GOBLEVILLE. 

The village of Gobleville derives its name from the fam- 
ily named Goble, who were quite early settlers in its vicin- 
ity and proprietors of the village plat. 

It is a station of some importance on the line of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad, or branch of the 
Michigan Central Railroad, and includes territory lying in 
both Blooniingdale and Pine Grove townships. The orig- 
inal plat was made by Hiram E. Goble, April 16, 1870, 
being part of section 25, township 1 south, of range num- 
ber 14 west. 

Warren Goble's addition was platted March 12, 1872, 
and included lands situated on section 30, of township 
number 1 south, of range number 13 west. The village 
now contains one church edifice (Free-Wiil Baptist), one 
hotel, two stores of general raerchandi.se, one drug- and gro- 
cery-store, one harness-shop, one shoe-shop, one barber- 
shop, two blacksmith-shops; one cooper-shop, one meat- 
market, one grist-mill, one saw-, slave-, and shingle-mill, 
one cider- and lath-mill, a graded school, and a population 
of about 250 inhabitants. 

The hotel seems to have been the first building erected 
here. It was built by John Goble, in 1SG4 or 1865, front- 
ing the highway then known as the Allegan State road. In 
1867, Hiram E. Goble built a store near the hotel, and Fes- 
senden & Hayes established their blacksmith-shop. Dr. 
A. E. Bulson came in 1869, and during the ten years of 
his residence was very successful both in his practice and 
pecuniarily. 

James G. Clark, from Monroe Co., N. Y., first settled 
two miles south of the village. After a few years' residence 
there he removed to Geneva township, in 1868. He came 
to the new village of Gobleville in 1870, and his recollec- 
tions of those who had preceded him are already mentioned. 

During the same year in which he built his store, John 
Fessenden erected the building now occupied as a harness- 
shop, and the railroad was completed to this point, Hiram 
E. Goble donating the depot grounds. 

In 1871 the school-house was built, at a cost of $2500. 

Dr. Bulson's store and J. L. Clement's steam saw-mill were 
erected in 1873. Mr. Clement afterwards added buildings 
and machinery for the manufacture of lath, wood-turnings, 
shingles, and staves. Hiram E. Goble's saw-mill was built 
in 1874. The following year G. B. Boughton built his 
drug-store. 

In 1877 the church edifice of the Free-Will Baptist 
Society was completed. 

J. L. Clement's mills were burned in April, 1878. Dur- 
ing thersame fall he rebuilt stave- and shingle-mills. The 
Post Brothers then built their grist-mill, obtaining power 
from Clement's engine. The grist-mill is now separate 
and complete in all its appointments, and the Messrs. Post 
have since erected a saw-mill. 



Post- Office. — The post-office was first established at 
" Lake Mills," Arch. W. Bishop, postmaster. In 1867 
the office was removed to the village, Hiram E. Goble be- 
coming postmaster, and the name of the office changed to 
Gobleville. Mr. Goble was succeeded by G. B. Boughton, 
who continued until the spring of 1878, when the present 
incumbent, Sldward Keeler, received the appointment. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church of Gobleville* was organ- 
ized April 23, 1872, the ministers present being Revs. 
J. H. Darling and A. H. Whitaker. 

Hiram E. Goble, S. A. Goble, A. E. Bulson, S. A. Bul- 
son, James G. Clark, Mary Morris, and Delia Richardson 
composed the original members. 

Their meetings were held in the school-house until 1877, 
when a house of worship was completed, at a cost of $3300. 
It has sittings for 400 persons. 

The building committee consisted of Messrs. J. G. Clark, 
A. E. Bulson, and J. L. Clement. Messrs. Ames, of 
Blooniingdale, and Roberts, of Kalamazoo, performed the 
work. 

The church was dedicated June 2, 1878. Prof R. 
Dunn, of Hillsdale, preached the dedicatory sermon. 

In 1877 also a parsonage was erected, and the property 
of the society is now valued at $4200. 

Rev. J. H. Darling was the first pastor, and began his 
work in August, 1872. 

Rev. J. M. Kaiser was here during the years 1873 and 
1874, his successor being the present pastor, Rev. B. L. 
Prescott, who came in April, 1876. 

A Sabbath-school was first organized in the summer of 
1871, and has been very successfully continued to the 
present time. 

James G. Clark was superintendent until the spring of 
1874. Then Dr. A. E. Bulson held the office until his re- 
moval to Wisconsin, in October, 1879. Rev. B. L. Prescott 
succeeded him. The school numbers 120 pupils. 

BERLAMONT. 

The small village of Berlamont, formerly known as 
" Bear Lake Mills," is a station on the railroad between 
Bloomingdale and Grand Junction. The first settlers in 
its vicinity were William St. Clair, Stephen Baker, Anson 
Stafibrd, John Barnard, Russell Johnson, and Boyer. 

It now contains a hotel, store, post-office, the extensive 
mills of S. B. Anderson, and a population of about 100 
inhabitants. 

ANDERSON'S MILLS. 

Dr. H. Anderson, from Genesee Co., N. Y., settled in 
Breedsville in 1855. Two years later he, together with 
Amos S. Brown, built a saw-mill at Bear Lake. In 1862 
they purchased Heath's grist-mill, situated on the outlet of 
the same lake. Brown sold out his interests to his partner 
in 1868. In 1869, Col. David Anderson became a partner. 
During the year 1871 the Anderson Brothers built the grist- 
mill in Berlamont and removed the machinery from the old 
mill to it. The saw-mill and complete sets of wood-work- 
ing machinery were added in 1874. The mills are nojv 
controlled by S. B. Anderson (son of David). His engine 
is of 100 horse-power, and from 10 to 25 men are employed. 

* From information kindly furnished by James Q. Clark, Esq. 



428 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Col. David Anderson gained distinction during the war 
of the Rebellion as lieutenant, captain, major, and colonel 
of the 19th Michigan Infantry. Dr. H Anderson has 
been supervisor, and an otherwise prominent citizen of the 
township of Columbia. 

TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

During the year 1838 a school-house was built in the 
Myers settlement, on the extreme southwest corner of sec- 
tion 36. The finst school was taught the following winter 
by William H. H. Myers, and his pupils, seven in number, 
represented the families of Ashbel Herron, Daniel G. Rob- 
inson, Mrs. Myers, and Joseph Brotherton. 

Mr. Myers taught this school several terms. Mr. Charles 
A. Thayer, who, with his father's family, settled in the same 
neighborhood in the spring of 1840, recollects that he at- 
tended school the following winter. Mr. Myers was the 
teacher, and the pupils were Andrew, Mary, Nancy, Jane, 
and Harrison Herron, Henry Whelpley, Merlin M. Myers, 
Elisha, Elizabeth, Jared, and John Brotherton, Joseph 
Robinson, Levi W., Luciuda, Abigail, Charles A., and 
Jane Thayer. 

An early school-house was erected in " Pecktown," yet 
not earlier, we believe, than 1844 or 1845. The people in 
the latter neighborhood were included in fractional district 
No. 2, which embraced portions of Bloomingdale, Columbia, 
and Trowbridge townships. (See Columbia township his- 
tory.) 

By the loss of township records we are unable to trace 
farther, with any degree of correctness, the development of 
schools and school districts in Bloomingdale. 

Prom an incomplete report of the township board of ed- 
ucation for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, and now on file 
in the township clerk's office, we take the following statistics: 

Number of districts (whole, 7; fractional, 2) 9 

Children of school age residing in the township.... 547 

Children attending school during the year 528 

Non-resident children attending schools 32 

Number of frame school-houses 9 

Seating capacity of houses 795 

Total resources during the year for school purposes $.3994.44 

The schools of fractional district No. 5 (village of Goble- 
ville) and District No. 10 (village of Bloomingdale) are 
graded. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN SEBRING. 

This gentleman was born Aug. 4, 1818. His ancestors 
emigrated early from Germany, and settled in the State of 
New Jersey. The tide of emigration which swept west- 
ward to Central and Western New York carried them as far 
as the Holland Purchase, in that State, and they chose a 
location in the county of Genesee. John Sebring, at the 
age of sixteen, after the death of his father, began life for 
himself as a journeyman cooper, and at nineteen was mar- 
ried to Betsey A. We.st, of Oneida Co., N. Y. In 1853, 
Mr. Sebring entered the mercantile business at Walworth, 
Wayne Co., N. Y., continuing until 1857, when be removed 
to Kalamazoo, Mich., and established a business — locally. 



and "on the road" — in company with his son, J. L. Seb- 
ring, now a prominent citizen and produce merchant at that 
place. Mr. Sebring's wife died July 23, 1864, leaving 
eight children, who are all, except one, now living in Van 
Bureu and Kalamazoo Counties. In 1865, Mr. Sebring 
was married to Clarissa S. Hall, and in 1866 retired from 
business and located upon a farm in the township of Porter, 
Van Buren Co. In the spring of 1867 he removed to 
Bloomingdale township, in the same county, where he now 
resides, an engraving of his home appearing in this work. 



AARON K. TEDROW. 

This gentleman, who was another of those who stood 
bravely up to do battle with the wilderness of Blooming- 
dale, and carve therefrom a home, deserves honorable 
mention. He was born in Somerset Co , Pa., Dec. 3, 
1827, and was the third in a family of seven children. At 
an early age he was deprived of his mother, and was thrown 
upon his resources at a time when many, in like circum- 
stances, would have despaired. He learned the trade of a 
stone-mason, and worked at that and on the farm until he 
was twenty-seven years of age. In 1855 he married Catha- 
rine Koover, also a resident of Somerset Co., Pa., and 
having accumulated a few hundred dollars, he determined 
to emigrate, with his wife, to the West, settling finally on 
an eighty-acre tract which he purchased in Bloomingdale 
township. Van Buren Co., Mich. A log hou,se was first 
erected, and the work of clearing and improving was com- 
menced ; and life was begun in earnest by thi.s pioneer 
couple. To his first purchase Mr. Tedrow afterwards added 
three hundred and sixty acres, and resided upon the farm 
until his death, which occurred March 12, 1876. Although 
he held some local offices, he preferred to devote most of 
his time to his own business. Although he did not live to 
enjoy fully the results of his labors, he left a competence 
for his family, — a blessing not always bequeathed by a de- 
parting husband and father. To Mr. and Mrs. Tedrow 
were born the following children, viz.: Amanda, May 10, 
1857 ; Elerann, Marchl, 1860 ; Charles A., Nov. 5, 1862 ; 
John F., April 7, 1865 ; Sarah A., June 28, 1868 ; Flor- 
ence, Nov. 5, 1871. All are living at or near home. Mr. 
Tedrow died comparatively young, but his memory will 
long be cherished by the relatives and friends who survive 
him. 



J. G. CLARK. 



Mr. Clark was born in the town of Clarkson, Monroe 
Co., N. Y., in the year 1846, and was the eighth in a 
family of eleven children. His parents, Benjamin and 
Elizabeth Clark, came from Lincolnshire, England, in 1830, 
settling in the town where the son was born, and in which 
the father died, in 1854. In 1857, Mrs. Clark removed, 
with her large fiimily of children, to Bloomingdale, Van 
Buren Co., Mich., where she purchased a small farm. J. 
G. Clark, who remained at home until he became of age, 
entered then into the mercantile business at Geneva, in 
company with his brother. Upon the completion of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven Railway, he withdrew from 



TOWNSHIP OF COLUMBIA. 



429 



the partnership with his brother and opened an establish- 
ment at Gobleville. This venture proved a success, and in 
connection with it, during the past two years (1878-79), he 
has engaged quite extensively in bee culture. May 8, 1875, 
he was married to Hattie A. Goble, who has borne him one 
child, Pearl J. Clark, born July 25, 1876. Mrs. Clark's 
parents, Warren and C. M. Goble, came from Monroe Co., 
N. Y., and settled at Gobleville. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are 
members of the Free- Will Baptist Church at the village, to 
which they have contributed largely in both time and money, 
the church and parsonage having been erected mainly 
through their efforts. This church was organized in 1871, 
and a view of the church property may be seen in this 
work, in connection with that of the home of Mr. Clark. 



H. H. HOWARD 

was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., on the farm of his parents, 
B. M. and Nancy (Hinkley) Howard, in the year 1825. 
The family was in prosperous circumstances. After the 
days of his infancy had passed Mr. Howard continued 
upon the firm until 1850, in which year he was married to 
Sarah, daughter of James B. and Adaline Cooley, also a 
native of Monroe County. With the characteristic energy 
of newly-wedded people, they sought for a suitable location 
in which to build up a home of their own, and turning 
their faces and footsteps westward, were soon among those 
who wore striving for mastery with the mighty forests which 
covered the township of Bloomiugdale, Van Buren Co., 
Mich. Each succeeding year witnessed the growth of their 
" clearing," and new fields of plenty " smiled amain," and 
at present Mr. and Mrs. Howard are the occupants of one 
of the best-improved farms in the township. Mr. Howard 
has been chosen to the most responsible positions in the gift 
of his fellow-townsmen. In 1861, when public interest 
demanded that the best and most patriotic citizens should be 
at the helm, he was elected supervisor, and re-elected the fol- 
lowing year. From 1872 to 1878 he held the same position, 
and was only retired later by a change in the ( " Greenback") 
party majority. Without ostentation it may be affirmed 
that should a .smilar emergency to that of 1861 arise, Mr. 
Howard would undoubtedly be found an unswerving sup- 
porter of justice and equity and the principles of freedom. 
Such traits are doubtless owing, in the lives of many indi- 
viduals, to the influences of home, and this — not taking 
into consideration his natural character — is the case with 
Mr. Howard. His estimable wife has been a consistent 
member of the Regular Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 
since its organization, and has always exerted what influence 
she possessed towards the elevation and refinement of her 
family, and mankind in general. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard 
have been born two children, — ^Clara A., Jan. 3, 1859, and 
Edward M., April 26, 1865. A glance at the accompany- 
ing views of the present and former residences of Mr. 
Howard reminds the observer of Carleton's famous poem, 
"Out of the Old Home into the New." 



CHAPTER LVI. 

COLUMBIA TO^WBrSHIP.* 

Location and Description of Township — E.arl.v .Settlements and 
Settlers — Civil History — Villages — Breedsville — Columbia — Grand 
Junction — Secret Associations — Educational. 

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF TOWNSHIP. 

Occupying a central position on the northern border of 
Van Buren County lies the township of Columbia. 

It was formed from South Haven in 1845, and embraces 
the territory designated in the field-notes of the United 
States as " township number one south of the base line, of 
range number fifteen west of the principal meridian." 

The general surface is rolling, diversified by irregular 
ranges of low hills and numerous lakes. Heavy forests of 
pine, hemlock, oak, beech, and maple covered it originally. 
Pine and hemlock predominated, however, in the northern 
part. 

The lakes, some 13 in number, cover an expanse of about 
1300 acres, Saddle Lake being the largest. Other lakes 
are known as Mud, Deer, Little Bear, Base Line, Cofiee, 
Dollar, Eleven, Fourteen, North, Monson, Jephtha's, part of 
Great Bear, and a portion of Scott's. 

The outlet of Great Bear Lake, or the south fork of 
Black River, is the most important water-course, and affords 
good water-power privileges, which are utilized in the vil- 
lage of Breedsville. 

The soil of the township is generally a sandy loam, inter- 
mixed here and there with clay. It yields abundantly of 
wheat, fruit, and all other products common to this portion 
of Michigan. 

For many years lumbering was the principal occupation 
of the people ; but with the disappearance of the monarchs 
of the forest agriculture is slowly assuming its due impor- 
tance. 

Ample railroad facilities are afforded by the Kalamazoo 
and South Haven branch of the Michigan Central Rail- 
road and the Chicago and Michigan Lake-Shore Railroad. 
The former, running in a northwest course, intersects sec- 
tions 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, its stations being Ber- 
lamont, Columbia, Grand Junction, and Brown's. The 
latter passes from north to south through the western half 
of the township, intersecting in its course sections 5, 8, 17, 
20, 29, 31, and 32, Grand Junction and Breedsville being 
stations. Both roads were completed in 1870. 

Although settlements and their consequent development 
of the country did not commence in the northern half of 
the township until about 1868, the State census of 1874 
returned a total population of 1736 inhabitants. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

In May, 1835, Rev. Jonathan N. Hinckley and Barnard 
M. Howard, both from Monroe Co., N. Y., visited the re- 
gion now known as Columbia township, then unorganized 
territory attached to Cass County, and purchased several 
tracts of land in the immediate vicinity of the present vil- 
lage of Breedsville. 

Upon the south side of the creek, and east of the present 

* By John S. Sohenoli. 



430 



HISTORY OF VAN BTJREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



mill-yard, they erected the walls of a log house, and after 
covering; them with a bark roof they returned to their 
homes in the State of New York. 

Early in the fall of the same year a party of about 25 
persons, all from Monroe Co., N. Y., started out for the 
purpose of making a settlement on the new purchase. They 
journeyed via the Erie Canal to Buffiilo, thence by Lake 
Erie to Detroit. In the latter city they bought an ox-team 
and wagon. Upon their wagon they loaded their household 
goods and the small children, and then, with the major por- 
tion of their number on foot, set out via the Territorial 
road for Paw Paw. It occupied two days to cut out roads 
and make their way from the last-mentioned settlement to 
the cabin awaiting them on the banks of the outlet. Here 
all arrived safely, however, Oct. 1, 1835, and here began 
the first settlement of any importance in the northern half 
of Van Buren County. 

■This party of emigrants was composed of the following- 
named persons : Rev. Jonathan N. Hinckley, William N. 
Taylor, Silas Breed, his wife and children, — Stillman, Phoebe 
Ann, Hinckley, Joshua, — and an adopted daughter named 
Sarah Taylor ; Samuel Watson, his wife and children, — 
Leonard, Lyman, Sarah, — and a grandson, whose name is un- 
known, all from the town of Parma ; Jonathan N. How- 
ard and his wife, Elizabeth, from the town of Sweden ; 
Amos S. Brown, his wife, and children, — Elizabeth, Amos 
S., Jr., Wells G., Minerva, and Jesse R., — from the town 
of Ogden. 

The unfinished cabin was soon made in a habitable con- 
dition. The next house built was for Mr. Brown's family, 
which was followed soon after by the one erected for Mr. 
Watson's occupancy. These three houses sheltered the col- 
onists during the first winter. Prior to that time, however, 
William A. Babbitt joined them. Elder Hinckley re- 
turned to New York in January, 1836, and did not again 
make this locality his residence until several years later. 

The first death occurred during the winter of 1835-36, 
in the person of Sarah Taylor. 

During the year 1836, Jonathan N. Howard and others 
erected houses for themselves, and Silas Breed built his 
saw-mill, which was then valued at $700. 

The events of the year 1837 were the organization of 
South Haven township, of which the residents were nearly 
all members of the Breedsville settlement ; the arrival 
and settlement of Elijah Knowles, William Bridges, and 
George Cochrane, from Livingston Co., N. Y. ; Dr. Hervey 
Manley, from Ashtabula Co., Ohio; and Myron Hoskins, 
from Paw Paw. Mr. Hoskins settled in Paw Paw in 1835, 
and it is believed erected the first framed house in this 
township. 

The first child — Nancy — was born to Jonathan N. How- 
ard and wife in 1837, and during the fall of the same year 
the second death took place. Samuel Watson, then about 
sixty years of age, had gone on foot to Paw Paw in quest 
of medicine for some member of his family. Upon his 
return he died alone in the woods, where his body was 
found upon a seardi being instituted. The parties named 
in the first marriage contract were George Cochrane and 
Miss Sarah Watson. By whom they were married, or the 
precise date of the wedding, is unknown. 



In 1838 the first tannery was commenced by Elijah 
Knowles and John Barrows, the first school-house — in 
which Lorenzo D. Cate taught the first school — was built, 
and the settlement was still further increased in numbers 
by the arrival of Jephtha Waterman, Horace Humphrey, 
John Barrows, and probably a few others. 

For several years the early residents procured their mail- 
matter at Paw Paw. Upon the establishment of the 
Breedsville office, Amos S. Brown became the first post- 
master, and Jesse R. Brown carried the first mall between 
Breedsville and Paw Paw. The assessment-roll of the 
townships of South Haven for the year 1839 shows that 
the resident tax-payers in township No. 1 south, of range 
No. 15 west, their location of lands, number of acres 
owned, and value of real and personal estate were as fol- 
lows : 

Silas Breed, section 33, 80 acres ; aggregate of real and 
personal estate, $1020; saw-mill, $700. 

Elijah Knowles, section 32, 160 acres ; aggregate of real 
and personal estate, $720. 

Hervey Manley, section 29, 240 acres ; aggregate of real 
and personal estate, $770. 

Jonathan N. Howard, sections 19, 28, 240 acres; aggre- 
gate of real and per.soual estate, $705. 

J. M. Babbitt, sections 1, 33, 160 acres; aggregate of 
real and personal estate, $515. 

Myron Hoskins, sections 26, 32, 33, 880 acres ; aggre- 
gate of real and personal estate, $880. 

Leonard Watson, section 33, 40 acres ; aggregate of real 
and personal estate, $140. 

Amos S. Brown, section 32, 160 acres ; aggregate of 
real and personal estate, $765. 

Luman Brown, section 32, 80 acres; aggregate of real 
and personal estate, $240. 

Jephtha Waterman, section 35, 69 acres ; aggregate of 
real and personal estate, $162. 

Horace Humphrey, section 1, 40 acres ; aggregate of 
real and personal estate, $120. 

Joseph Peck,* section 1, 80 acres; aggregate of real and 
personal estate, $240. 

D. C. Ackley, section 29, 80 acres ; aggregate of real 
and personal estate, $240. 

Other names added to the rolls in 1840 were those of 
William A. Babbitt, Henry Babbitt, and Dustin Murch, 
and the total amount of taxes paid by the residents in that 
year was $30.23. 

Thomas P. Page settled in the village of Breedsville in 
1841. He, with many others, kept an open house for the 
accommodation of travelers. About 1848, when the stages 
began running between Paw Paw and South Haven, he 
opened a regularly licensed hostelry. 

Charles W. Luce, a present prominent resident of the 
township, settled on section 23 the same year. 

Alexander Lytic, township treasurer for a long period of 

*■ Jcseph Peck, of " Pecktown," wa« a resident of the present town- 
ship uf Bloomiugdalo, section 6, but owned land on section 1, in this 
township. Messrs. Breed, Knowles, Manley, Howard, Babbitt, Wat- 
son, and Amos S. lirown were tlie only ones assessed for personal es- 
tate, and, e.tcept three, the foregoing twelve men comprised nil the 
resident tax-payers of the then township of South Haven in 1839, 



TOWNSHIP OF COLUMBIA. 



431 



years, early purchased lands situated upon sections 28 and 
34, and settled here in 1842. 

Other early settlers, who were here prior to 1845, were 
Peter Smith, Lyman Loomis (the first supervisor of Co- 
lumbia), Jethro Barber (one of the earliest pioneers in the 
county), Amos E. Barber, Edmond Sawtell, David Barker, 
Hirim Chappell, James Richards, S. N. Pike, A. Bugsbee, 
and James Moore. 

Jonathan N. Hinckley, a grandson of Elder J. N. Hinck- 
ley, came from Barry, Orleans Co., N. Y., in the fall of 
1845, and settled where he now resides, having purchased 
an improvement made by Jephtha Waterman. Mr. Hinck- 
ley drove out his team of horses, coming by the route south 
of the lakes. In the spring of 1846 his family, accompanied 
by his brother Marenus, joined him here. Henry Mower 
was his nearest neighbor on the east, and Paw Paw the 
nearest post-oiEce station. 

Among other quite early settlers in this township were 
E. L. Bushnell, who first came to Van Buren County in 
1833 ; John King and his brother, 1845 ; Eli Bell, 1849 ; 
A. H. L. Teal, 1851 ; the Laoells, 1852; E. T. Pepper, 
1854; Dr. H. Anderson, 1855; R Jones, 1856; and 
James Thompson, 1857. 

In 1858 the first grist-mill was erected by Heath, on the 
outlet of Great Bear Lake. 

No improvements of any importance, except in the vicin- 
ity of " Pecktown," were made in the northern part of the 
township until 1868 to 1870, when they were hastened by 
the contemplated building of the railroads. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

Upon the organization of the county, in 1837, South 
Haven was one of the seven townships then formed, and 
the inhabitants of the territory now known as the township 
of Columbia comprised nearly all the residents of South 
Haven. This geographical condition of atfairs, as regards 
this township, was continued until 1845, when, by an act of 
the State Legislature, townships 1 south, of ranges 15 and 
16 west, were set oft' as the township of Columbia. Geneva 
became a separate organization in 1854. 

Compilations from Township Records. — It was proposed 
under this head to give in full the proceedings of the first 
township elections, other early items of interest, and com- 
plete lists of township officers elected annually from 1845 
to 1879, inclusive ; but, in consequence of the unaccountable 
disappearance of records to 1858, they can only be given 
from the last-named year to 1879, inclusive, as follows : 

SUPERVISOES. 
1858-59, Amos S. Brown; 1860, Doctor H. Anderson; 1861, Jona- 
than N. Howard; 1862-64, Amos S. Brown; 1865, Doctor H. An- 
derson: 1866-67, William U. Knowles; 1868, V. F. Randall; 
1869-70, Norman H. Adams; 1871, Jonathan N. Howard; 1872, 
William H. Knowles; 1873, Amasa M. Brown; 1874, Duane D. 
Briggs; 1875-79, Amasa M. Brown. 

TOWNSHIP CLEEKS. 
1858, Enoch White, Jr.; 1859, Thomas P. Page: 1860, Lemuel C. 
Clow; 1861, James M. Gray ; 1862-79, Abner D. Enos. 

TREASURERS. 
1858, Jonathan N. Howard; 1859-64, Alexander Lytle; 1865, Jona- 
than N. Hinckley; 1866-69, Alexander Lytle; 1870, James M. 
Gray; 1871, William H. Knowles; 1872-78, Alexander Lytle: 
1879, William H. Knowles. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1S6S, William W. Smith, Richard Bessey ; 1869, Doctor II. Anderson, 
Thomas P. Page, C. La Rue; 1860, Charles B. Hurlbut ; 1861, 
Jonathan N. Howard, Sumner Bisbee ; 1862, Charles B. Hurlbut; 
1803, C. Lane, Chester C. Leathers; 1864, Chester C. Leathers; 
1865, Eleazer C. Vincent; 1866, Charles B. Hurlbut; 1867, Joel 
C. Sayre, Richard B. Cooper; 1868, Chester C. Leathers, A. G. 
Eastman, William R. Fox; 1869, Richard B. Cooper; 1870, 
Augustus D. Munger; 1871, A. G. Eastman; 1872, George M. 
Osman, D. S. Headley ; 1873, Richard B. Cooper, J. D. Seringer, 
George W. Chrouch ; 1874, Stephen Baker, George M. Osman; 
1875, A. G. Eastman, H. W. Burkholder, Charles S. Sharon ; 1876, 
Norman H. Adams, A. T. Anderson, James Smith; 1877, C. J. 
Slafter; 1878, Eri Summay ; 1879, Charles B. Hurlbut. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 
1858, Uriah H. Chapman ; 1859, Jonathan N. Hinckley ; 1860, Obed 
W. Quint; 1861, A. E. Barber; 1862, 0. Hoag, Albert B. Bessey i 

1863, Doctor H. Anderson, Jesse R. Brown, Timothy P. Bewley, 
Hiram B. Hayes; 1864, Richard B. Cooper; 1865, Joseph Bo- 
gardus; 1866, Amos E. Barber; 1867, Jonathan N. Hinckley, 
Jesse R. Brown; 1868, Wells G. Brown; 1869, Amos E. Barber; 

1870, Chester C. Leathers; 1871, William Rodenbough ; 1872, 
Edwin T. Pepper; 1873, Amos E. Barber; 1874, AVilliam Red- 
ding; 1875, Edwin T. Pepper ; 1876-77, Wells G. Brown; 1878- 
79, John A. Wright. 

DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 
1S70, Asahcl A. Hough; 1877, Henry Hioe; 1878, Benjamin Smith. 

TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1875-76, Seneca Anderson; George R. Baker, appointed October, 1876 ; 
1877-79, Levi Ackley. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 
1858, Francis M. Jones; 1859, Doctor H. Anderson, Samuel Clow; 

1860, Abner D. Enos; 1861, William H. Knowles, Doctor H. An- 
derson; 1862, Norman H. Adams; 1863, Charles B. Hurlbut; 

1864, Valentine Bennett; 1865, William W. Smith; 1866, Robert 
Baker; 1867, William W. Smith; 1868, Jonathan N. Hinckley; 
1869, William H. Knowles; 1870, Wells G. Brown; 1871, N. J. 
Cranmer; 1872, George W. Chrouch; 1873, Seneca Anderson, 
Chester C. Leathers ; 1874, William H. Knowles ; 1875, Seneca 
Anderson; 1876-77, Charles B. Hurlbut; 1878, N. R.Baldwin; 
1879, A. Throop Anderson. 

CONSTABLES. 
1858, Uriah H. Chapman, James M. Moore; 1859, James Gilbert, 
James Crocker, Amos B. Barber, George M. D. Tucker; 1860, 
William H. Knowles, 0. Gcsler, 'Joseph Allen, Amos E. Barber; 

1861, Uriah H. Chapman, Marenus Hinckley, Thomas P. Page, 
John Barnard; 1862, Amos E. Barber, Truman Fletcher, Au- 
gustus D. Munger, Jeiferson Ostrander ; ] 863, John W. Fisk, 
Amos E. Barber, D. D. Root, Charles Leathers; 1864, Hiram B. 
Hayes, Amos B. Barber, Uriah H. Chapman, John W. Fisk ; 

1865, William Lafferty, Uriah H. Chapman, Amos E. Barber, 
John W. Fisk; 1866, William Lafferty, A. G. Eastman, Charles 
Leathers, Jerome Rockwell ; 1867, William Lafferty, Stephen 
Baker, Uriah H. Chapman, 0. Gesler ; 1868, George Rossman, 
Thomas P. Page, DanaD. Root, John Starbuck ; 1869, Millard J. 
Smith, Charles Leathers, E. AVood, G. Reynolds; 1870, Benjamin 
Brown, Millard J. Smith, A. G. Eastman, George W. Cheesebro ; 

1871, William Rhodes, George W. Cheesebro, J. M. Gray, Benja- 
min F. Woodruff; 1872, Solomon Cox, William Peck, Arthur W. 
Barber, Gilbert W. Hudson ; 1873, William Curtis, Willard J. 
Smith, E. V. Allen, H. P. Siboll ; 1874, H. P. Siboll, A. Root, 
Millard J. Smith, George Bidwcll ; 1875, Amos E. Barber, George 
S. Bidwell, Henry P. Siboll, Fred. H. Brown ; 1876, Amos E. 
Barber, Edward Fox, William Lafferty, Daniel Ramsay; 1877, 
Elijah E. Brown, Edward Fox, William Lafferty, Amos E. Barber; 
1878, William Lafferty, 0. H. Barker. Orlando C. Fox, Stephen 
Stafford ; 1879, William Lafferty, Charles F. Peck, 0. J. Barker, 
L. D. Townsend. 

RESIDENTS IN 1845. 
Tax-paying residents in 1845, and the sections upon 
which their lands were situated, were as follows : 



432 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Sec. 1 

Peter Smith 1 Hiram Chappell 

Horace Humphrey ;i Jiimes Richards A 

Lyman I.oomis 1, 33 Elijah Knowles 

Amos iS. Brown 32 Knowles & Barrows 4, 

Weils G. Brown 28 S. N. Pike 

Thomas P. Page 33 A. Bugsbee 

Jethro Barber 33 Rev. Jonathan N. Hinckley 

Amos E. Barber 32 18, 20, 28, 29, 33, 

Dustin March 33 Jephtha Waterman 

Edmond Sawtell 32 Charles W. Luce 

Jonathan N. Howard 19, 28 Alexander Lytle 28, 

Hervey iVIanley 29 James Moore 

David Barker 29 



Breedsv'dle. — The village of Breedsville, which enjoys 
the distinction of being the oldest settlement m the north- 
ern part of the county, is situated in the southern part of 
the township, on the outlet of Great Bear Lake. It is 
also a station on the line of the Chicago and Michigan 
Lake Shore Railroad. 

It contains one church edifice (Methodist Episcopal), 
Masonic, Knights of Pythias, and Odd-Fellow's lodges, one 
commodious hotel, three stores of general merchandise, one 
grist-mill, one saw-mill, one extensive tannery, several small 
mechanical shops, and about 350 inhabitants. 

The original owners of its site were Barnard M. Howard, 
Miss Laura White, Amos S. Brown, Sr., Rev. Jonathan 
N. Hinckley, and Samuel Watson. Although quite regu- 
larly laid out. no survey and plat has ever been placed on 
record. 

Thomas P. Page kept the first tavern, and Lorenzo Pain- 
ter, Woodson & Co. opened the first store. Previous to 
their establishment of a store here they had brought in 
goods and exchanged with the early settlers for shingles, 
produce, etc. The grist-mill was built by Wells G. Brown 
in 1873. 

Columbia. — A village-site of this name was platted by 
Marvin Hannahs, William P. Dickinson, and Samuel 
Rogers, Feb. 20, 187L It is merely a station on the line 
of the Kalamazoo and South Haven branch of the Michi- 
gan Central Railroad. 

Grand Jimction. — This village, as its name implies, is 
situated at the junction of the two railroads which intersect 
the township. It was platted by Samuel Rogers, Marvin 
Hannahs, Conrad Crouse, and George W. Chrouch, Dec. 
8, 1871. It contains three stores of general merchandise, 
two hotels, one restaurant, black.smith-, wagon-, and shoe- 
shops, and about 200 inhabitants. 

Settlements were first made here in the ftUl of 1869 by 
David Young, a native of England. Mr. Young emigrated 
to America in 1848. In 1855 he settled in the township 
of Geneva, which was then a comparatively wild region. 
His nearest neighbor, Jesse Lane, was three miles distant, 
and many Indians frequented the vicinity. 

In 1869 he purchased six lots in the prospective village 
of Grand Junction, and during the fall of the same year 
became its first settler. The two railroads were then in 
process of construction, and his nearest neighbors were in 
Breedsville. Soon afterwards he began the erection of the 
building known when completed as " Young's Hotel," and 
opened the same in 1871. 

The next settler was a colored man named Hungerford, 
who kept boarders. 



Conrad Crouse, a German, and one of the village pro- 
prietors, sold the first goods, about 1874, in the building 
now occupied by himself and others as a dwelling. 

Merchandising has since been carried on here by John 
Collins, Harvey Munger, Henry P. S. Voll, William H. 
Knowles, and others. 

John Collins was the first postmaster. The office has 
since been held by Harvey Munger and W. A. Teazell, the 
present incumbent. 

Patrick Mead opened the first smithy in 1872, and 
during the same year the first physician, Dr. Delaplaine, 
located. He has been succeeded by Drs. Webster, Andrews, 
and Cornell. 

The school-house was built in 1871. John A. Wright 
built his .saw-mill in 1874. 

George W. Chrouch, another of the village proprietors, 
was the first station-agent and an energetic citizen. 

The country immediately surrounding the village was 
originally heavily timbered with pine and hemlock. During 
the burning of Chicago, forest fires, wide-spread and very 
destructive to life and property, raged with great violence 
in many portions of the Western States. Such an one 
swept around and over the little hamlet of Grand Junction. 
After destroying thousands of acres of valuable timber, the 
fiery element spent its force in Allegan and Ottawa Counties, 
yet not before the village of Holland was laid in ashes. 
Here the depot and every other building was destroyed, 
except Young's Hotel and a portion of the Temperance 
House. 

The small village of Berlamont, lying partly in the town- 
ship of Bloomingdale, and the site of Anderson's extensive 
mills, is mentioned more particularly in the history of the 
latter town,ship. 

SECRET ASSOCIATIONS. 
Headley Lodge, No. 163,/. 0. 0. i^., was instituted, under 
a dispensation, May 31, 1871, the first members being A. 
G. Eastman, Abner D. Enos, Chester C. Leathers, H. C. 
Kelley, Samuel Hoppin, and T. P. Bewley. They met in 
Masonic Hall. The first board of ofiicers installed were A. 
G. Eastman, N. G. ; Chester C. Leathers, V. G. ; Abner 
D. Enos, Sec. ; T. P. Bewley, Treas. A charter was 
granted Jan. 18, 1872. The Noble Grands during suc- 
ceeding terms to present are shown as follows : 1872, Ches- 
ter C. Leathers, Abner D. Enos; 1873, C. Herold, A. G. 
Eastman; 1874, John Swan, Henry Hice ; 1875, Chester 
C. Leathers, S. Snell ; 1876, O. Hoag, A. E. Barber ; 1877, 
L. D. Townsend, S. Snell ; 1878, H. J. Scrimger, George 
R. Heath; 1879, Abner D. Enos, S. Snell. 

The present officers (January, 1880) are L. D. Town- 
send, N. G. ; George Rossman, V. G. ; George R. Heathe, 
Sec. ; Abner D. Enos, Permanent Sec. ; James M. Gray, 
Treas. Regular meetings are held Saturday evenings of 
each week, in their lodge-rooms opposite Snell's hotel. 

Bailey Lodge, No. 287, F. and A. M., was chartered 

Jan. 13, 1871. The first officers were Duane D. Briggs, 

W. M. ; P. C. Hathaway, S. W. ; and P. A. Dulerrow, J. W. 

Damascus Lodge, No. Q,K. of P., v/ as chartered March 

21, 1873. 

These lodges all have their lodge-rooms in the villaije of 
Breedsville. Further data concerning the Maisonic and 



TOWNSHIP OF COLUMBIA. 



433 



Pythian lodges, and also of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, were earnestly solicited, and promised by official 
members, but we failed to obtain the desired information. 

EDUCATIONAL. 
As previously mentioned, the first school-house was built 
in the Breedsville settlement in 1838, and Lorenzo D. 
Cate taught the first school. 

From the township records we learn that School District 
No. 1, comprising sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 
and 33, was formed Jan. 31, 1845. Fractional District 
No. 2, including sections 1 and 12 in this township, and 
portions of Trowbridge and Bloomingdale, was organized 
Dec. 26, 1845, by Jonathan N. Howard, Hervey Manley, 
Daniel Foster, Sidney Smith, William H. H. Myers, and 
Henry T. Houghton, school inspectors of said townships. 
This meeting was held at the house of Horace Humphrey. 

Lewis Van Vliet was granted a certificate to teach the 
school in District No. 1, Nov. 29, 1845, and one year later, 
Dec. 16, 1846, John Roby was licensed to teach the same 
school. 

The sum of $7.36 was received from the county treas- 
urer in July, 1847, which was apportioned to District No. 
1, it having 23 children of school age. Also during the 
same year Miss Adelia Sexton received a teacher's certificate. 

The teachers licensed in 1848 were Miss Minerva Brown, 
Miss Mary R. Piatt, Miss L. L. Gray, and Joel Camp. 

The apportionment of school moneys received in March, 
1848, was as follows: total received, $42 ; paid to District 
No. 1, having 25 scholars, $42. In July of the same year 
$19 was received. The apportionment gave to District No. 
1, $14.41 ; to Fractional District No. 2, $4.59. 

Mi.ss Harriet Brown received a certificate in 1849, and 
the following was the July apportionment same year : Dis- 
trict No. 1, 25 scholars, $8.25; Fractional District No. 2, 
22 scholars, $7.21. Other early teachers, from 1850 to 
1853, were Miss Sarah A. Peacock, Miss H. D. Peacock, 
William B. Hathaway, Miss Minerva Brown, and Miss 
Harriet N. Ladd. 

SCHOOL STATISTICS OF 1879. 

Number of districts (whole, 7; fractional, 2) it 

Children of school age residing in the township.... 432 

** attending school during the year 354 

Frame school-houses 9 

Seating capacity 528 

Value of school property $5360 

Number of teachers employed (male, 3; female, II) 14 

Paid male teachers $601.00 

" female " $979.25 

Total expenditures during the year $2172.90 

Cash on hand, .'^ept. 1, 1879 .<;679.86 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



A. S. BROWN. 

One of the first four families that located in the town- 
ship of Columbia was that of A. S. Brown, Sr. ; this oc- 
curred in the fall of 1835. Mr. Brown^came from the 
town of Essex, Chittenden Co., Vt., where the subject of 
our sketch, A. S. Brown, was born in the year 1819. The 
members of Mr. Brown, Sr.'s family who came to Van 
55 



Buren County with him, besides A. S. Brown, Jr., were 
his wife, Mrs. Eliza (Bullock) Brown, Welles G., Jesse R., 
Minerva, and Sarah, — the latter remaining in Paw Paw, 
where she still resides. Besides these who came with him, 
there were Amasa M. and Luman (who remained in Ver- 
mont). Amasa is a practicing physician there. Luman, at 
a later period, followed the family to Michigan, entered the 
army, was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, 
and died from its effects. Sarah, Minerva, and Amasa M. 
are the only surviving children. 

A. S. Brown, Sr., purchased upon his arrival a farm of 
eighty acres, and with the three younger boys, A. S., W. 
G., and J. R., continued the working of this farm until his 
death, which occurred in 1842, at which time the boys 
formed a copartnership, and remained with interests united 
until the beginning of the Rebellion, when W. G. with- 
drew. Previous to this, in 1860, A. S. had married Miss 
Sarah Deming, daughter of Roswell and Mariana U. 
(Boughton) Deming, who were married in Avon, Livings- 
ton Co., N. Y., where Philena C., Amos, William, Sarah, 
Almena, Martha, and Catharine were born, the last named 
dying in infancy. The others are still living, the first four 
in Michigan, Almena in Livingston Co., N. Y., and Martha 
in Minnesota. Mrs. Brown's mother had died in Livings- 
ton County, March 3, 1841, Mr. Deming removing with 
two of the children to Arlington, Van Buren Co., where he 
remained until Sarah's marriage to Mr. Brown, after which 
he made his home with them. The two brothers finally 
dissolved partnership, and in the division of property A. S. 
became owner of the homestead, a view of which appears 
in this work, and where the four children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown were born, the dates and names as follows : Sarah 
E., born April 3, 1862; Henry A., born Aug. 8, 1863; 
Ella C, born April 28, 1865, died July 30, 1867 ; Amos 
S., born May 3, 1867, died Aug. 8, 1869. 

Mr. Brown, from time to time, added to the original pur- 
chase until his farm contained over two hundred acres. 
His health failing him, he proceeded to Minnesota, hoping 
the change would be beneficial, but such was not the case, 
and on the 4th of September, 1872, he died. By his pre- 
eminent abilities he arose from comparative obscurity, and 
has bequeathed to his family a handsome fortune. The 
soundness of his judgment and sterling integrity had se- 
cured for him a high place in the estimation of his fellow- 
citizens, whose voluntary suffrages had for nearly thirty 
years retained him almost constantly in some official posi- 
tion. During the years 1867-68 he represented his dis- 
trict in the State Legislature on the Republican side with 
fidelity and ability. Public enterprises and improvements 
always found in him a liberal and efficient patron. Mrs. 
Brown resides at the old home, using the means her hus- 
band provided for her in the education of their children. 



J. N. HINCKLEY. 
Dexter and Elizabeth (Dotyj Hinckley were natives of 
New York, and were married in Monroe County, where J. 
N., Levilla, Marenus, Nancy, and Betsey Jane were born. 
J. N. was born in 1819, received a limited education, and 
at the early age of fifteen was compelled, of necessity, to 



434 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



become the support and mainstay of the family. He 
worked upon the Erie Canal six seasons, and then removed 
to Columbia township, Van Buren Co., Mich., his mother, 
Marenus, Levilla, and Jane accompanying him. Nancy 
had previously married and settled in Columbia, and Mr. 
Hinckley bought an adjoining farm of forty acres, for 




living. Charlotte married B. W. Cornwall, and lives on the 
home-farm. Flora married R. Holland, and lives in Charle- 
voix Co., Mich. Ella married Joseph Baxter, and lives in 
Bloomiiigdale township. The others are living at home. 

Mrs. Hinckley died May 2, 1873 ; she was a devoted 
wife, a faithful mother, ;ind loved and respected by all who 




J. N. HINCKLEY. 



Pliotos. by L. L, Northrup, Bangor. 



MRS. .J. N. HINCKLEY. 



which he paid one hundred dollar.^. Several years later he 
bought forty more, and has continued adding to the orig- 
inal forty until now he is the owner of one hundred and 
eighty acres. 

He married Mi.ss Harriet L. Bcssey and settled upou the 
place now occupied by him. Of this union seven children 
were born, viz., Charlotte A., Flora E., Orrin N., Ella J., 
May E., Perry N., and Harriet A., all of whom are still 



knew her. Mr. Hinckley afterwards married Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Leathers. 

When Mr. Hinckley first came to Michigan he had four 
hundred dollars, and by good management, economy, and 
industry has secured a competency, and now, in the after- 
noon of life, takes the world easy. He is a Republican in 
politics, and much interested in the grange, of which he is 
a member. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

COVEBT TOWNSHIP.* 

Deerfield changed to Covert — Description of the Township — Pioneer 
Settlers in Deerfield — The Village of Covert — Resident Tax-payers 
in lS56^Civil History — The Congregational Church. 

DEERFIELD CHANGED TO COVERT— DESCRIPTION OF 
THE TOWNSHIP. 

The town.ship of Covert was for many years after its 
organization known as the township of Deerfield. This 
name proving inconvenient, from the fact that there were 
other towns and villages of the same name in the State, a 
bill was introduced into the Legislature in 1876, by W. 0. 
Packard, Esq., praying that it be changed to Covert, which 
was accordingly done. It is designated as township 2 south, 
range 17 west, and is located on the western side of Van 
Buren County, its western border being washed by the 
waters of Lake Michigan. On its northern side lies South 
Haven, on the east Bangor, while Berrien County joins it 
on the south. 

« By Edgar 0. 'fragner. 



Its name was suggestive of the early pioneer days, when 
the deer roamed unharmed through its forests ; and when 
circumstances rendered a change in its cognomen necessary 
these reminiscences were not ignored in its subsequent 
christening. The soil of Covert presents a very attractive 
field of labor to the agriculturist, and is especially well 
adapted to the growth of fruit. It is a mixture of sand 
and clay, which is very productive, and yields abundant 
crops of corn and wheat. Notwithstanding this fact settlers 
were tardy in availing themselves of its advantages, and it 
was not until 1 844 that the first settler broke the soil and 
began clearing the forests. The surface is gently undulat- 
ing until the lake-shore is approached, when it becomes 
broken and uneven, abrupt and often picturesque hills adorn- 
ing the land.scape. One or two of these have from their 
height and striking appearance something of the dignity of 
mountains, and are objects of some interest to the traveler. 
From their summits is aSbrded a view of the lake, which 
is at once commanding and expansive. Covert is well 
watered by numerous streams which meander through its 
limits, principal among which is Brandywine Creek, a con- 
siderable stream, which flows west of the centre of the town- 





WM. PACKARD. 



W. O. PACKARD. 



WILLIAM PACKARD. 



The grandfather of this gentleman was born in Bridge- 
water, Mass., and at the age of fourteen years entered the 
Revolutionary army. At twenty-four he was married to 
Miss Edson, and by her became the father of eight children, 
— five sons and three daughters. His occupation was that 
of a farmer. Among his children was Amasa Packard 
(father of William), who, at the age of eighteen years, 
married Lucinda, daughter of John Ford, her parents bein"- 
also natives of Bridgewater, — where Amasa Packard was 
born, Jan. 6, 1788. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Packard occupied a tract of wild land, which they improved 
and resided upon until 1832, when they removed to Ohio. 
William, son of Amasa and Lucinda Packard, was born 
in Plainfield, Mass., July 23, 1808, and was the first in a 
family of eight children, — five sons and three daughters. 
Until he had reached his majority he assisted his father on 
the home farm, and for two years subsequently hired " by 
the month." May 19, 1831, he married Mary F., daughter 
of Thaddeus and Mary Rude, a native of Massachusetts. 
The wedded pair removed to Ren.sselaer Co., N. Y., and 
occupied a farm which Mr. Packard had previously pur- 
chased. In 183G they changed their residence to Chatham 
township, Medina Co., Ohio, where Mr. Packard bought 
and cleared a farm, and remained upon it until 1859. In 
the latter year he removed to Allegan Co., Mich., and in 
1870, to the place he now occupies in Covert township. 
Van Buren Co. 

Mr. and Mrs. Packard are the parents of the following 
children : William 0., born Sept. 14, 1832 ; Alfred S., born 
Sept. 22, 1834 ; Mary P., born August 18, 1836 ; Helen 



Celestia, born Oct. 28, 1842, died at the age of six months. 
July 14, 1863, Mr. Packard was called upon to mourn the 
loss of his wife, who died and was buried in Allegan Co. 
Sept. 5, 1864, Mr. Packard was married to Mrs. Mary F. 
Rood, widow of Marshall Rood. Her death occurred in 
Covert township August 25, 1875; and on the 19th of 
September, 1876, Mr. Packard was married to Josephine 
L. Seymour, daughter of William H. and Ruth Seymour. 
This union has been blessed with one child,— Ruth Celestia, 
born Oct. 5, 1879. Mr. Packard united with the Congre- 
gational Church in 1844. He is a .staunch Republican in 
politics, and has been the recipient of numerous favors from 
his fellow-citizens, in the shape of offices of greater or less 
importance. While a resident of Ohio he occupied all the 
official positions in his township, and was twice chosen to 
the Legislature from Allegan Co., Mich. Since he settled 
in Michigan, Mr. Packard has, in company with his sons, 
been extensively engaged in the lumber business, their pos- 
sessions at one time including upwards of four thousand 
five hundred acres of timber, with four saw-mills in full 
operation. In 1877, Alfred S. Packard withdrew from the 
firm, and is now individually engaged in business. William 
Packard and his son, William 0. Packard, are yet asso- 
ciated, and own and operate the .saw-mills at Covert, one 
saw- and planing-mill having a run of stone attached for 
the purpose of grinding feed. Mr. Packard's brother, 
Josiah Packard, with his son-in-law, belonged to the firm 
of Packard, Sons & Co. for eight years. William 0. Pack- 
ard was elected to the State Senate in 1876, from Van 
Buren County, serving one term. 



TOWNSHIP OF COVERT. 



435 



ship, and finds an outlet in Lake Michigan at the northwest 
corner of section 8. 

On section 30 is Mud Lake, which, though not of large 
size, is the only lake of consequence, and aflfords attractions 
to the lover of piscatorial sports. Covert, however, derives 
its importance from the fact that it lies adjacent to Lake 
Michigan, and is thus afforded commercial facilities which 
are denied its inland neighbors. The last census, 1874, 
does not indicate a flattering yield of grain, but since that 
time much additional land has been cultivated and its pro- 
ductiveness greatly increased. 

PIONEER SETTLERS IN DEERFIELD. 

The township is a comparatively new one, and very little 
progress was made in its development until after 1860. Its 
timbered lands, until the enterprise of later residents made 
them the chief sources of its revenue, offered many obsta- 
cles to the pioneer, and retarded rather than promoted its 
advancement. It contained no rich prairie land, and every 
acre of tillable soil was obtained at a cost of much labor in 
clearing. The coming of the earliest settler occurred in 
1845. In that year Benoni Young migrated from the dis- 
tant State of Maine and located upon section 13, where he 
entered 160 acres. Here, with his family, in the midst of 
the forest, he lived for seven years an isolated life, with no 
other settler in the township, and for a long period no in- 
dication of an increa.se in its population. His nearest 
neighbor. Mason Wood, resided in the township of Bangor, 
and became a resident after Mr. Young's arrival. Isaac 
Swain, another neighbor, lived in the township of Water- 
vliet. Mr. Young was obliged to depend chiefly upon his 
own exertions for the improvement of his i'arni, and realiz- 
ing this fact, he began with a will the preliminary work of 
chopping and erecting the necessary buildings for the com- 
fort of his family. By industry he soon rendered a portion 
of this land productive, and proved the fine quality of the 
soil in the abundant crops which he produced. Mr. Young, 
however, seems not to have been strongly attached to the 
scene of his early pioneer experiences, for in 1861 he made 
the township of Hartford his home, and still resides there. 
In his family occurred the earliest birth in Covert, that of 
his daughter, Marietta Young. His home was the scene 
during the year 1859 of a very merry gathering, which 
celebrated the earliest marriage in the township, that of 
Miss Jane Young, his daughter, to Mr. Allen Fish. They 
still reside in Covert. 

The next settler was John Peters, who purchased a farm 
and located upon section 32, the land having been previously 
owned by one Ingraham. He did not, however, remain long 
to improve his purchase, but removed to Berrien County. 
He afterwards entered the United States army and died in 
the service. 

Matthias Farnum's settlement soon followed that of Mr. 
Peters. He chose section 7 as a location, and built upon 
it a saw-mill, the first in the township, in which for a 
period of years much of the lumber was sawed which was 
used in the construction of the frame houses and barns of 
the township. Mr. Farnum later removed to Benton Har- 
bor, where he now resides. 

On the site of this early mill was built in 1857 a saw- 



mill, which formed the nucleus of an extensive enterprise 
under the direction of a settler named Paul. The scheme 
of this ambitious company seemed to have been one of no 
small magnitude, contemplating the running of 60 saws 
which were to be propelled by steam furnished by three 
huge boilers. The .settlement was christened Paulville, and 
boarding-houses were erected for the numerous choppers. 
The enterprise, however, proved a failure, and the decline 
of the little village of Paulville on the shore of Lake 
Michigan was scarcely le.ss rapid than its mushroom growth. 
No vestige of its former importance remains, and other mills 
have performed the labor that was intended by its projectors 
to have been accomplished by this. 

Canada sent a pioneer to the township in the person of 
James Dobbyn, who arrived in 1854 and entered 280 acres 
on section 32. John Peters and family extended to the 
Canadian settlers a cordial welcome, and offered them such 
shelter and hospitality as was possible in their limited quar- 
ters. This was gladly accepted during the interval of six 
weeks in which Mr. Dobbyn was engaged in constructing a 
cabin for his household, and sixteen souls at this time com- 
posed the family circle. 

Mr. Dobbyn at once began the work of clearing and 
improving his land, and with the aid of the axe and the 
fire about five acres were soon cleared. During this period 
he suffered much from illness, which seriously impeded his 
progress, but a sufiBcient tract had been improved to render 
the family a modest subsistence. Arriving without a team 
their early labors were made the more arduous, and indeed 
this fact was the more apparent in their progress towards 
their new home, when all the household goods they possessed 
were borne upon their backs. Very great aid was afforded 
Mr. Dobbyn in his early struggles as a pioneer by the 
abundance of game to be found. Not only did this supply 
their larder with fresh and dried meats, but much of it was 
shipped to Chicago, where good prices were realized. 

The earliest school-house was built in the neighborhood 
of Mr. Dobbyn's farm, by the side of the highway, on sec- 
tion 33. The young lady who guided the youthful minds 
of Covert at this early day was Miss Geraldine Taft, who 
had just attained the age of fourteen summers, maturity of 
years not being deemed an essential element in the qualifi- 
cations of a district school-teacher. The years of her oldest 
pupil fully equaled her own, while the youngest had seen 
but four summers. 

The pupils at this early school were Josephine Lee, 
Henry Wygent, Violetta Wygent, John Dobbyn, Jane 
Dobbyn, Emma Dell, Isabella Dobbyn, William Lee, David 
Lee, William Wygent, Richard Dobbyn, Lita Fish, Mary 
Dell, Sarah J. Dobbyn, and Solon Ingraham. 

In connection with this it may be stated that the town- 
ship is now divided into five whole and one fractional dis- 
tricts, the directors of which are William Y. Trafford, Henry 
Curtis, Franklin Ganson, David Leslie, D. Ballen, and 
Bryan Everhan. 

The number of children receiving instruction is 287, who 
are taught by 1 male and 9 female teachers, to whom in 
salaries the sum of $1366 is paid. The value of school 
property is $4375, and the total resources are $2065.67, of 
which $172.12 is derived from the school fund. 



436 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



John Wygent arrived during the winter of 1854, with 
his family, and settled upon section 32, in the house vacated 
by John Peters. He cultivated and improved his land, 
converting it into a valuable property, but finally was at- 
tracted by the flattering prospects held out to the emigrants 
who were fast populating Nebraska, and became a resident 
of that Territory. Archibald Wygent arrived soon after, 
but ultimately made Watervliet his home, where he still 
resides. 

Hiram Fish was another of the New York State pioneers 
who came in 1854. He selected section 21 as a home, 
where he became a considerable land-owner, having entered 
360 acres. This he began early to improve, his first effcirts 
being devoted to the building of a log house. During the 
interval he remained at Watervliet. Mr. Fish was among 
the most active of the early pioneers, and manifested a 
deep interest in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the 
township. This, however, did not conflict with the more 
pressing business of cultivating his farm, to which he de- 
voted himself with an energy which was afterwards amply 
rewarded. His three sons — Allen, Miram, and Draper — • 
still reside in the township. 

Frank Beal entered, in 1855, 80 acres under the gradu- 
ation act. He found his land entirely uncultivated, and 
began at once the work of chopping a suflScient space on 
which to erect a house, meanwhile remaining in Berrien 
County. His land lay upon sections 34 and 35. With 
him came William Kelley and W. W. Lampson, who en- 
tered 160 acres on section 35. William and J. McConnell 
took up their abode on section 36, where they still reside. 

The settlers were principally occupied at this time in lay- 
ing out and improving highways. For this service fair 
wages were paid by the commissioners, wliioh greatly aided 
them in living, and afl'orded them means to carry on the 
work of clearing and improving their lands. Often while 
engaged in this labor at a remote distance from their home 
night overtook them, and such shelter as the woods afforded 
was gladly accepted. With a log for a pillow and a cluster 
of boughs for a couch, they would enjoy the rest which toil 
had made sweet, regardless of the howling of the wolves 
around them. The first highway cut through the forests 
of the township was probably the one leading to the saw- 
mill of Matthias Farnum. James Dobbyu and his neigh- 
bors also cut an early road in the immediate vicinity of 
their own homes. 

William A. Dell, who enjoyed the distinction of having 
been chosen as the first supervisor, was a former resident of 
New York State, from which he emigrated in the summer 
of 1855 and purchased 80 acres in Covert, on section 29. 
Mr. Dobbyn's log house afl'orded him a temporary abode, 
while the neighbors made a " bee" for the purpose of build- 
ing a cabin for his family. His experiences were not un- 
like those of other pioneers, but Covert seems not to have 
offered permanent attractions, as later years found him a 
resident of Watervliet, where he died. 

The same year came Reuben Lee, who settled upon sec- 
tion 33, where he purchased and improved 60 acres. He 
seems to have found the township a more congenial abode 
than his neighbor, Mr. Dell, as he is still a resident upon 
the farm he purchased. 



Ohio sent to Deerfield a pioneer in the person of J. 
Enlow, who purchased of John House, in 1857, a farm on 
section 12. This land was entirely uncultivated, and no 
settlers had located in the immediate vicinity, the nearest 
neighbors being Mason Wood, in Bangor, and a settler 
upon section 11. His family were left in Lawrence while 
he engaged in the construction of a log house, he himself 
making Bangor his temporary abode during its progress. 
After the house was completed Mr. Enlow removed his 
family, and at once found an extended field of labor in the 
clearing of his land. The southern portion of the township 
having been earliest settled, the centre and northern sec- 
tions were at this time almost in their primitive condition. 
No roads were visible, those originally .surveyed having 
been covered by a heavy growth of brush, which, from 
want of travel, made them almost impassable. The Indian 
trail was the highway most used until late emigration made 
good roads a necessity. Mr. Enlow succeeded in improving 
this land and developing its resources, and ultimately cleared 
a fine farm, upon which he now resides. 

Dawson Pompey came from Indiana in 1866, and pur- 
chased of William Sherburne 160 acres on section 13. 
This farm had previously been owned by Benonl Young, 
and was the first land cleared in the township. Mr. Pom- 
pey had, therefore, to undergo none of the severe experi- 
ences of his pioneer neighbors in its early improvement. 
He has by his industry added greatly to its productiveness, 
and is esteemed as one of the most successful farmers in 
Covert. 

The township has in later years had many accessions to 
the ranks of its agricultural population, but none of them 
can properly be included among its pioneers. 

THE VILLAfiE OF COVERT. 

The hamlet of Covert — which by courtesy is termed a 
village, though not incorporated — is located principally on 
section 14, though a portion of it crosses the section line 
and covers a part of section 1 3. Its growth may be re- 
garded in some respects not only as rapid but remarkable, 
the year 1866 having witnessed the earliest effort which 
later resulted in a promising settlement. Messrs. Hawks & 
Lambert, of Niles, Mich., being attracted by the very luxu- 
riant growth of timber in the township, purchased timber- 
lands in the vicinity, and immediately began the erection 
of mills, locating them where the grist-mill of Packard & 
Sons now stands. They carried on a lumbering business 
for three years, when their interest was purchased by 
Packard & Co. 

To these gentlemen may be ascribed the credit of 
having promoted the growth of the village, and placed the 
township on a business equality with the most enterprising 
townships of the county. Alfred H. Packard, Jr., had 
previously established himself upon section 2, where he 
had in 1868 erected saw-mills and made large purchases 
of land. Messrs. Packard & Co had added much to 
their timbered lands purchased of Messrs. Hawks & Lam- 
bert, and finding the capacity of the mill already built in- 
sufiiciont, erected in 1872 a mill of larger dimensions, 
which was operated by steam. One of these mills was 
later devoted to .sawing and planing, and a grist-mill was 



TOWNSHIP OF COVEKT. 



437 



built for the purpose of doing custom work. In this mill 
corn, and feed of various kinds are ground, but no flour. 
The saw-mills have a capacity of 4,000,000 fett a year, 
and the firm also deal largely in bark and wood. They 
employ in the various departments of labor about 40 men, 
most of those being engaged in chopping. A horse-railroad 
has been built from the mills to the lake, which affords 
them superior advantages of shipping. For this purpose 
substantial piers have been built on the lake-shore at the 
terminus of the horse-railroad. 

The mills of Alfred H. Packard, Jr., saw nearly 6,000,000 
feet of lumber annually. They also have a horse-railroad, 
which conveys lumber directly to the lake. The market 
for this lumber is found in Milwaukee. Chicago, Racine, 
and other lake-ports. The store was formerly connected 
with the business, but is now owned by Josiah Packard, 
who removed from Ohio, and was previously a member of 
the firm of Packard & Co. 

There is much business activity manifested in Covert 
aside from the lumber interest. Josiah Packard conducts 
a general merchandi.se store, in which an extended trade is 
had. E. G. Allen & Co. deal in drugs and medicines, 
with which they combine groceries, and E. A. Rood is a 
heavy dealer in hardware. In addition there are two black- 
smith-shops, kept by 0. B. Shine and Mark Peters ; one 
watch- and clock-shop, kept by J. R. Shine ; one livery- 
stable, owned by S. D. Kenney ; one market, kept by G. H. 

Michaels; one shoe-shop, the proprietor of which is 

Colvin ; and a master-builder, G. R. Ross, who has shown 
much skill in the construction of the new church at Covert. 

Dr. G. D. Carnes, the only allopathic physician, enjoys 
an extensive practice. 

The public school is under the superintendence of De 
Forest Ross, with Miss Ellen Shaw as a.ssistant. 

RESIDENT TAX-PAYERS IN 1856. 
The following list embraces the resident tax-payers in 
Deerfield (now Covert) for the year 1856 : Matthias Far- 
num, Benoni Young, Charles Phillips, Allen Fi.sh, Draper 
Fish, Miram Fish, John Burnham, Ira H. Derby, William 
A. Dell, James Dobbyn, John Wygent, A. G. Wygent, 
Reuben Lee, F. Real, W. W. Lampson, William Kelley, 
Nelson Kelley, George Sinkler, J. Packard, R. Parker. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

This township, originally forming part of the old town- 
ship of Lafayette, was included within the boundaries of 
South Haven by an act of the State Legislature erecting 
the latter township, bearing date March 11, 1837. It con- 
tinued as South Haven until Oct. 8, 1855, when, by the 
action of the Board of Supervisors of Van Buren County, 
surveyed township No. 2 south, of range No. 17 west, was 
organized as Deerfield. Its name was changed to Covert 
by the State Legislative body, then in session, March 29, 
1877. 

First Township Election. — Pursuant to the act of organ- 
ization, the electors assembled at the house of Hiram Fish 
on the first Monday in April, 1856, and organized by 
choosing William A. Dell chairman, Miram Fish and John 



E. Wygent inspectors of election, A. G. Wygent and Miram 
Fish clerks. As the final result of this meeting the follow- 
ing-named ofBcers wore declared elected, viz. : William A. 
Dell, Supervisor ; Miram Fish, Township Clerk ; Draper 
Fish, Treasurer; Hiram Fish, J. E. Wygent, Franklin 
Beal, Highway Commissioners ; Benoni Young, A. G. Wy- 
gent, John A. Hunt, Reuben Lee, Justices of the Peace ; 
A. G. Wygent, William A. Dell, School Inspectors ; R. 
Packer, Allen Fish, A. E. Wygent, George Sinkler, Con- 
stables ; Hiram Fish, Wallace Lawson, Directors of the 
Poor. 

Township Civil List. — The township officers elected at 
subsequent annual town-meetings (from 1857 to 1879, in- 
clusive) have been as follows : 

SUPEEVISORS. 

1857, Willi.am A. Dell; 1858-59, Miram Fish; 1860-61, George H. 
Earlier; 1S62-6.S, Miram Fish ; 1864-67, George H. Barker : 1868, 
William F. Trafford; 1869, Miram Fish; 1870-74, George H. 
Barker; 1875-76, George Grant; 1877-78, 0. S. Shaw; 1879, 
George Grant. 

TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 

1857, James Dohbyn ; 1858, A» Cress; 1859, William A. Dell; 1860, 
James Dobbyn; 1861, Miram Fish; 1862, R. R. Randall; 1863- 
64, William A. Dell; 1865, R. R. Randall; 1866, J. S. Packard; 
1867, William F. Trafford ; 1868, W. M. Simpson ; 1869-70, Jere- 
miah Hartman ; 1871-74, J.S.Bunnell; 1875, George H. Bar- 
ker ; 1876, 0. S. Shaw; 1877-79, E. G. Allen. 

TREASURERS. 

1857-59, John A.Hunt; 1860, A. G. Wygent ; 1861-63, Allen Fish ; 
1864-65, James Dobbyn; 1866-67, Miram Fish; 186S, Robert 
Bartley; 1869, George H. Barker ; 1870-75, William F. Trafford ; 
1876, James Dobbyn; 1877-78, Robert Hartley: 1879, William 
J. Shattuck. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

1857, William Willcorab; 1858, A. G. Wygent; 1859, Charles Phil- 
lips, J. S. Packard; 1860, 0. F. Ingersoll ; 1861, George H. Par- 
ker ; 1862, 0. F. Ingersoll, J. S. Packard ; 1863, C. H. Sherborne ; 

1864, G. H. Parker, 0. F. Ingersoll ; 186.5, J. S. Packard; 1866, 
G.II. Barker; 1867, Charles Lookwood ; 1868, George H. Barker ; 
1869, Miram Fish; 1870, D. B. Allen ; 1871, Thaddeus Rood ; 1872, 
D. B. Allen, Miram Fish ; 1873, D. B. Allen ; 1874, Miram Fish; 
1875, James 0. Keith; 1876, A. B. Sherborne; 1877, D. B. Allen ; 
1878-79, George H. Barker. 

•TDSTIOES OF THE PEACE. 

1857. James Dobbyn, J. S. Packard, Benoni Young; 1858, William 
Willoomb, Miram Fish ; 1859, C. C. Leathers, J. S. Packard ; 1860, 
William Sherborne; 1861, Miram Fish, G. H. Barker; 1862, Wil- 
liam Sherborne; 1863, John A. Hunt: 1864, William Willey; 

1865, J. S. Packard, R. R. Randall; 1866, W. F. Trafford, Miram 
Fish; 1867, W. F. Trafford; 1868, Bryant MiUiman, G. H. 
Barker; 1869, William Kenney, A. R. Sherborne; 1870, Miram 
Fi,sh; 1871, J. S. Packard; 1872, Daniel Lutz; 1873, A. B. Sher- 
boine, William II. Wynn; 1874, Miram Fish; 1875, William F. 
Conner; 1876, J. S. Packard; 1877, Thaddeus Rood; 1878, E. 
G. Allen. Gordon Sinclair; 1879, J. 0. Keith, E. 0. Rood, Miram 
Fish. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 

1857, Franklin Real; 1858, H. F. Wing, S. C. Paul; 1859, Franklin 
Beal, Draper Fi.sh ; 1860, Charles Phillips; 1861, W. W. Lamson; 
1862, Draper Fish, George Andrews; 1863, C. U. Sherborne, W. 
Patterson: 1864, J. W. Tripp, George F. Mast; 1865, J. S. Pack- 
ard, C. W. Darling, Allen Fish; 1866, J. W. Tripp, Draper Fish; 
1867, Charles Lockwood, Draper Fish; 1868, C. W. Bunnell; 
1869, Stephen Reed, Bryant Hilliman ; 1870, I. S. Bunnell ; 1871, 
J. S. P.ackard; 1872, Draper Fish; 1873, I. S. Bunnell; 1874, R. 
R. Randall; 1875, C. E. Lockwood; 1876-78, W. J. Shattuck ; 
1879, Robert Bartley. 



438 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



DEAIN COMMISSIONERS. 
1872, Charles Phillips; 187:i, Stephen Reed; 1874, R. R. Randall; 
1875, William E. Knapp; 1876, C. 0. Frazier : 1877, F. W. Conner; 
1878, John A. Hart; 1879, Jacob Gunsaul. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
1875, Biainard Allen; 1876-78, D. B. Allen; 1879, A. N. Ballen. 

CONSTABLES. 
1857, George Sinkler, J. B. Greenlee, S. B. Greenlee, Ernest Lepolt; 
1858, C. M. Blom, George Sinkler, A. G. Wygent; 1859, R. B. 
Cooper, Allen Fish, William A. Dell, George Sinkler; 1860, W. 
H. Sherborne, Ira A. Derby, William A. Dell, George F. Mast; 
1861, George F, Mast, George Andrews, W. W. Lamson, William 
A. Dell; 1862, George Andrews, George Sinkler, Charles H. Sher- 
borne, C. T. Tilton ; 1863, Reuben Lee, Charles H. Sherborne, II. 
P. Sinkler, John Burnham ; 1864, William A. Dell, T. H. Hum- 
phrey, W. MoConnell, B. F. Jenkins ; 1865, R. R. Randall, George 
Sinkler, B. F. Jenkins, C. W. Darling; 1866, B. R. Randall, 
George Sinkler, J. A. Derby, J. W. Tripp ; 1867, Charles Phillips, 
Lyman Ingram; 1868, Thomas Anderson, R. R. Randall, W. 
S. Lambert, Charles Stoddard, Sr. ; 1869, John Lilly, JeH'rios 
Reed, John Carpenter, A. Lilly; 1870, Thomas Wynn, G. P. 
Williams, S. G. Jameson; 1871, I. S. Bunnell, D. W. Wesnall, R. 
R. Randall, Thomas Anderson; 1872, Orin Hill, C. 0. Frazier, 
Charles Burton, John West; 1873, T. B. Wynn, 0, Shine, N. 
Kelley, C. E. Lockwood; 1874, H. L. Dobbyn, E. M. Symonds, 
William Chapin, N. Bartes; 1875, Thomas J. ChafTee, Ezekiel 
Milliman, B. F. Wynn, Alfred Packard; 1876, George Michaels, 
William Tripp, A. Lovelace, Thomas J. Chafl'ee; 1877, J. Dalson, 
H. Curtis, T. B. Wynn, J. Hartman ; 1878, John Dalson, George 
Michaels, Jeremiah Hartman, Frank Stewart; 1879, B. Milliman, 
F. B. Harris, C. 0. Frazier, George Michaels. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The Congregational Church at Covert was organized Sept. 
27, 1870, Rev. D. F. Peet and Kev. Ander.son offi- 
ciating at the services held on the occasion. Its early 
membership embraced the following names: Josiah Pack- 
ard, Elizabeth Packard, Perlia Packard, Margaret Smith, 
Edward Rood, Pamelia Packard, Alfred Packard, Flora 
Rood, Mary Packard, William Packard, E. P. Shaw, Mrs. 
E. P. Shaw, Milan Packard, W. F. Traiford, Martha ]-]. 
Trafford, Gordon Sinclair, Thaddeus Rood, Martha Rood, 
Flora A. Allen, and D. B. Allen. The early services were 
held in a barn fitted for the purpose, and soon after the 
members convened in a new school-house that had mean- 
while been built. The congregation, however, increased so 
rapidly that these quarters were too limited, and Packard's 
Hall was opened for the use of the congregation. 

For a period of more than five years this spacious apart- 
ment was occupied as a place of worship without expense 
to the society. The first regular pastor, Rev. F. W. Bush, 
began his ministry in January, 1873, and a parsonage 
costing $1500 was ready for his occupancy and paid for on 
his arrival. 

In 1878 the congregation determined to erect a house of 
worship, and in August of that year began the work. The 
building is of wood, with stone foundations, and having a 
side-tower from which entrance is effected into both audi- 
ence- and lecture-rooms. These rooms open into each other 
through doors mounted on rollers and running into the 
walls. The edifice is well built, neatly finished, and will 
seat comfortably 400 people, having cost, completely fur- 
nished, more than $4000. The building was finished in 
October, 1879, and the dedicatory services were hold on the 
5th day of November, 187U. These exercises, which were 



conducted by the former pastor. Rev. F. W. Bush, Revs. 
E. A. Paddock, and N. D. Lamphear, were of a very inter- 
esting character. The church roll embraces a membership 
of 90, the present pastor being Rev. Levi Parsons Spell- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

EDWARD A. ROOD. 

This gentleman traces his ancestry back to days of Puri- 
tanism in New England, his mother, whose maiden name 
was Abigail Hawes, being a direct descendant from a mem- 
ber of the colony which crossed the Atlantic in the " May- 
flower," and settled at Plymouth, Mass. His father, Josiah 




EDWARD A. ROOD. 

F. Rood, was born in Buckiand, Franklin Co., Mass., and was 
married to Mi.ss Hawes, June 13, 1815. Their children 
were as follows: Abigail G., born April 16, 1816 ; David, 
born April 25, 1818; Marshall, born May 26, 1820, died 
April 12, 1854 ; Aurelia, born Sept. 16, 1822, died June 19, 
1860 ; Josiah, born June 30, 1824, died July 10, 1863, in 
the army; Henry F., born March 1, 1828, died March 13, 
1852 ; Susan A., born March 21, 1831, died Feb. 15, 1864 ; 
Thaddeus, born June 8, 1833 ; Edward A., born May 18, 
1840. Of these the oldest son now living is a missionary 
in South Africa. Josiah F. Rood died Aug. 19, 1864, his 
wife's death having occurred July 28, 1863. 

Edward A. Rood came from Massachusetts to Michigan 
in 1861, and settled in the township of Ganges, Allegan Co. 
After one year he returned to his old home, and on the 
25th of October, 1863, he was married to Miss Flora M. 
Warner, daughter of William and Annis Warner. She 
was born Oct. 24, 1843, and was the third in a family 
of four children. Her brother, Edwards W. Warner, died 
in the army ; F]liza A., her oldest sister, was married to W. 



TOWNSHIP OF DECATUR. 



439 



J. Sliattuck, and is now living with her husband in the 
township of Covert. The youngest sister is now the wife 
of George Campbell, residing at Florence, Mass. 

Mr. Rood and his wife are the parents of two children, — 
Frank E., born Oct. 27, 18G4, and Lillian A., born Oct. 7, 
1868. Mr. Rood came to Michigan for the purpose of en- 
tering the employ of Messrs. Packard & Sons, and remained 
with them about eleven years. In 1863 he purchased land 
in Allegan Co., Mich., and at present is the owner of two 
hundred acres in the township of Covert, Van Buren Co. 
In 1873 he established a hardware store, which he still con- 
tinues to operate, handling agricultural implements and a 
general line of hardware. Mr. Rood and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Covert Congregational Church, having united 
with it at its organization. Politically, Mr. Rood is a Re- 
publican, but he has not aspired to oflSce. 



ALFRED S. PACKARD, 
son of William and Mary (Rude) Packard, was born in 
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1834, and was the second 
in a family of four children. His father was a native of 
Massachusetts. In 1836 the family removed to Ohio, where 
Alfred S. Packard remained with his father, working on the 
farm and lumbering, until he became of age. On the 1st 
of May, 1859, he married Laura A., daughter of Irani and 
Cynthia Packard, she being a native of Plainfield, Mass. 
To this couple was born one son, Ernest H., his birth oc- 
curring April 2, 1870, and his death five months later. 
Mrs. Packard died April 10, 1870, and on the 22d of June, 
1871, Mr. Packard was married to Mary E., daughter of 
Nelson T. and Emily C. Burnham, who was born in Mid- 
dletown. Conn., April 28, 1846, and moved, with her father, 
to Ohio, in which State she resided until her marriage. Mr. 
Packard came from Ohio in 1859, and settled in the town- 
ship of Ganges, Allegan Co., Mich. ; removed from Ganges 
to Deerfield (now Covert) in 1867. Until 1877 he was in 
business with his father and brother, but in the fall of that 
year a division was made, Mr. Packard taking what is known 
as the " upper mill" property. He now owns and operates 
that, also one at South Haven, and has a horse-railway from 
the former to a pier on the lake-shore, four miles distant. 
He is at present the owner of two thousand five hundred 
acres of land, from which he is clearing the timber, and his 
home is situated on two hundred acres already cleared and 
well improved. Mr. Packard is a Republican in politics, 
and both himself and wife are members of the Congrega- 
tional Church. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

DECATUR TOWNSHIP.* 

The Pioneer Township and its Early Settlers — The Swamp Road — 
Township Organization and Civil List — Decatur Village — Churches 
— Schools — Incidents. 

THE PIONEER TOWNSHIP AND ITS EARLY SETTLERS. 

Decatur, known as town 4 south, range 14 west, lies in 
the southern tier of townships bordering upon Cass County, 
and enjoys the distinction of being the township that re- 

* By David Schwartz. 



ceived the first white settler in Van Buren County. Its 
boundaries are Paw Paw on the north, the Cass County line 
on the south. Porter on the east, and Hamilton on the west. 
Originally covering a territory six miles in width by twelve 
in length, half of its area was set oif to Porter in 1845, so 
that it remains to-day six miles square. 

Decatur is a fine wheat-growing township, and as to gen- 
eral agriculture will compare favorably with any township 
in the county. The wheat shipped at Decatur station for 
the six months ending Dec. 1, 1879, aggregated 84,000 
bushels. The business of sheep-raising is likewise an im- 
portant and profitable feature of farming industry. Far- 
mers who pay especial attention to sheep-raising own flocks 
numbering from 500 to 1000. 

Decatur bears the palm as the pioneer township of Van 
Buren County in point of early settlement, and until 1831 
contained within its limits only the family of the man who 
led the way into Van Buren County as its first white set- 
tler, — Dolphin Morris, a resident of Deer Creek, Scioto 
Co., Ohio, who, accompanied by his father, Henry D. Swift, 
and Jacob Morlan, came to Decatur, and on the 27th of 
March, 1829, began to cut logs for a cabin, which he built 
upon section 35, near the centre of its southeast quarter. 
During the first week in April he moved his family into the 
cabin, and from that time forward remained a settler in the 
town.ship. Morlan settled in Cass County, while Swift, al- 
though he worked for Mr. Morris, did not become an actual 
settler until 1831. For two years, therefore, Mr. Morris 
was the only settler in Van Buren County, although he 
was not without neighbors in Ca,ss County. 

Dolphin Morris' log cabin was a historical structure, and 
deserved preservation among the pioneer relics of Van 
Buren. It not only sheltered the first family of white set- 
tlers in the county, but beneath its roof occurred the first 
birth and first death. Within its walls the first sermon 
was preached and the first school taught, while it enjoyed 
likewise the minor distinction of being the first hotel in the 
county. The material structure has passed away, but the 
spot upon which it stood is well remembered. 

Dolphin Morris continued to be a resident in Decatur 
until his death, in January, 1870. His son Henry lived 
on the old place until Sept. 28, 1879, when he and his wife 
were murdered in a mysterious manner. Dolphin Morris 
split with his own hands the first rail, and turned the first 
furrow in Van Buren County. Mr. Morris' sons now 
living are Samuel, Elias, and Amos, the latter residing in 
Lawton and the two former in Cass County. Elias Morris 
is now the oldest person living of those born in Van Buren 
County. 

H. D. Swift, who came to Michigan with Dolphin Morris, 
located a piece of land on section 36, and being without 
funds to purcha.se it, held it as a " claim," and selling the 
claim to Le Grand Anderson in 1831, was enabled with the 
money thus obtained to buy a tract near at hand, and upon 
that place he lived until his death. 

George Tittle, a brother-in-law to Dolphin Morris, came 
from Ohio in 1831, and settled upon 80 acres on section 35, 
where his son Dolphin now resides. George Tittle died on 
the old farm in 1866. 



440 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Samuel, a brother of Dolphin Morris, came to Cass 
County in the spring of 1S29, and after a residence there 
of two years settled in Decatur, in 1831, upon section 36, 
where he lived until his death. 

Le Grand Anderson came from Ohio to Michigan in the 
spring of 1831, and bought 434 acres of land in Decatur 
township, on sections 26 and 36, there being in the tract 80 
acres of prairie land. Instead of working his own lands, he 
rented 40 acres in Cass County, on Young's Prairie, and 
broke it. He returned to Ohio in the summer, and in Oc- 
tober of the same year came back to Michigan to close his land 
purchases. Journeying once moi-e to Ohio, he came back in 
the spring of 1832 to Michigan, bringing with him on this 
occasion men and teams, with which he worked his land and 
put in crops. In the summer of 1832 he brought his family 
from Ohio, and in November of that year they became per- 
manent members of the infant settlement. Mr. Anderson 
lived on section 36 which was his home, until his death, in 
1869, and which is now the home of his son, L. 11. Ander- 
son. His other children living in the township are William 
and Jane. The only settlers in November, 1832, in what 
is now Decatur were Le Grand Anderson, Dolphin and 
Samuel Morris (brothers), George Tittle, their brother-in- 
law, H. D. Swift, and David Curry. 

David Curry, one of Decatur's foremost pioneers, was a 
young unmarried man when, in 1830, he migrated from 
Indiana to Volinia township, Cass Co., Mich., in search of 
a new home. He lived in Cass County two years, and 
marrying, determined to settle in Decatur, where, upon 
section 34, he entered 160 acres adjoining Dolphin Morris' 
farm, and whither he removed with his wife in 1832. At 
that time there were already on the ground Dolphin and 
Samuel Morris, George Tittle, John Eekenberger, Le Grand 
Anderson, and H. D. Swift. Mr. Curry's cabin measured 
18 by 20, but had neither floor, window, nor door. Pun- 
cheon floors were common enough, but Mrs. Curry pre- 
ferred to have no floor until she could have a better one, 
and accordingly in the January following their settlement 
Mr. Curry hauled from Whitmanville, twelve miles distant, 
some rough lumber with which a floor was laid. Mrs. 
Curry then enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing that her 
floor, even if rough, was the only "sawed" floor in the 
township, and that she lived also in what was then conceded 
to be the best house not only in Decatur, but on the 
"Prairie." Mr. Curry lived until 1846, when he was 
killed by a fall from a wagon. Five of his children still 
occupy the old homestead, to wit : Jonathan, Joseph Q, 
Juliette, David Q., and Elizabeth. David Q. served through 
the war of 1861-65 as a member of the 4th Michigan 
Cavalry, and participated in the capture of Jefferson Davis, 
his souvenir of that incident being a pair of saddle-bags 
taken from Gen. Reagan, of Davis' cabinet. David Curry's 
old log cabin, which stood near the present Curry home, has 
passed from view, but the old " lean-to" is yet preserved 
although in a state of decay. 

Jo.seph Van Hise, a resident of Butler Co., Ohio, came 
to Decatur in 1835, located 80 acres on section J 3, and 
then hired out to work a year for John Eekenberger, a set- 
tler then in Decatur. After serving his year Van Hise 
went back to Ohio, and in the fall of 1836 brought his 



family out, put up a log cabin on his 80-acre farm, and 
lived on the place until his death, in February, 1873. His 
widow and son Jared are now living on the farm. Another 
son, William K., lives on a place adjoining it on the west. 
With Joseph Van Hise came also to Decatur in 1836 his 
brother, William 0. Van Hise, and his father (Oakey) and 
mother, the parents living with William 0., on section 24. 
The latter subsequently removed to Cass County, where he 
now resides. 

John Eekenberger, of whom mention has been made, 
lived two miles south of Joseph Van Hise. He .sold his 
farm to Jacob Charles, of Cass County, and moved farther 
west, but returning again to Decatur, died in the township, 
as did Mr. Charles. 

A Mr. Lautrekin, who lived with his fiunily on section 
23 in 1836, moved away soon afterwards and was heard 
of no more. Thomas Scott and family lived in that year 
on section 13, in a cabin put up by one Johannet. Scott 
went to Schoolcraft, and becoming afterwards a resident of 
Antwerp and later of Illinois, died in that State. John 
W., a nephew of Thomas Scott, came from Ohio to Deca- 
tur in the spring of 1837, and worked as a farm laborer 
until 1842, when he returned to Ohio, married, and in 
1844 came back to Decatur and located upon the farm he 
now occupies. 

In the northern part of the township settlements were 
not made until a comparatively late date, and until even 
the beginning of the history of Decatur village that section 
was sparsely peopled. Joseph Van Hise used to say that 
when he was town treasurer, in 1848, there were but three 
tax-payers north of Lake of Woods, and to reach them re- 
quired from him a day's journey, which in the end gave 
him cash collections to the amount of fifty cents. 

The first white child born in Van Buren County first 
saw the light in Dolphin Morris' rude log cabin, Aug. 4, 
1830. The child was Lewis Creighton, a son of Dolphin 
Morris, and the little fellow gave up his young life, under 
the same roof, December 20th of the same year, this being 
the first death in the county. In that cabin, too. May 11, 
1832, was born Elias Morris, now living in Cass County ; the 
second white child born in Van Buren, and now the oldest 
of all natives of the county. The first marriage in the 
county was that of Elijah Goble, of Cass County, to Eliza 
Tittle, of Van Buren. John Shaw was the justice who per- 
formed the ceremony, and Sept. 28, 1833, was the date on 
which the knot was tied. Daniel Alexander and Margaret 
Tittle were the second couple married in the county, and set 
up housekeeping in the old Morris cabin. 

Among the trials of the settlers in 1831 was the failure of 
seed-corn, which threatened much distress, but Dolphin 
Morris was equal to the occasion. He dispatched one Kir- 
kendall and John Tittle, a lad of fifteen, to Fort Defiance, 
on the Maumee River, one hundred miles distant, for a 
fresh supply. They made the distance with a pack-horse, 
returned one Saturday night with two bushels of seed-corn, 
and on Sunday morning the settlers turned out and ])lanted 
it. The crop rai.sed from that planting was about all the 
corn they had that year. June 20, 1835, was memorable 




Pholu. by C. F. rjitchiiid, Dt'Ciitur 



ALEXANDER B. COPLEY. 



Alexander B. Copley is of Euglish descent; his 
ancestor on the paternal side, four generations back, 
having emigrated from England to Boston in the be- 
ginning of the eighteenth century, and settled in Suf- 
field, Hartford Co., Conn. He was born in Champion, 
Jeflerson Co., N. Y., March 11, 1822. He subse- 
quently resided with his parents at the manufacturing 
villages of Whitesboro', New York Mills, Walden, 
and Mattawan, in that State, until Sept. 12, 1829, 
when he removed to Dayton, Ohio, from which place 
the family emigrated to Michigan Territory, arriving 
at Little Prairie Ronde July 1, 1833. His education 
was limited to the meagre facilities afforded at that 
early day by the common schools of the Territory, 
having been a pupil in the first school taught in 
Van Buren County, in the winter of 1834—35. 

Left at the age of twenty with a widowed mother, 
and one brother and five sisters younger than him- 
self, to help care for, — added to the^ illness of his 
father several years ])revious to his death, — there was 
not much time to cultivate the intellect, had there 
been opportunity to do so. 

By occupation he is a farmer, taking a just pride 



in agricultural experiments and improvements. He 
has on his farm over a mile of the finest Osage 
hedge in Western Michigan. 

In 1850 he married Jane H. Hathaway, sister of 
B. Hathaway, Esq., the " Farmer Poet" of Michigan ; 
his family at the present time consists of himself, 
wife, and two sons, the elder of whom is married 
and manages the farm. 

In 1874 he moved to the village of Decatur, 
where he now resides. He is president of the First 
National Bank of Decatur, of which institution he 
was one of the original stockholders. Mr. Copley 
has frequently been honored by his fellow-citizens 
with places of trust and responsibility, having served 
as supervisor of Volinia township, Cass Co., for six 
years, and rejiresenting the northern district of that 
county in the Michigan Legislature for the sessions 
of 1865-72, and the eastern district of Van Buren 
County for the session of 1875. 

The magnificent road built across the swamp south- 
east from Decatur was projected and brought into 
successful operation largely through his individual 
efforts. 



TOWNSHIP OF DECATUK. 



441 



because of a severe frost, that destroyed almost all the crops 
except those near the small lakes. 

It is told of Dolphin Morris that in 1882 he started for 
Niles to mill, and encountering a terrible snow-storm as well 
as very bad roads, he was fourteen days making the trip, and 
when he got home it was with but the fore-wheels of his 
wagon, his team, and a bag of flour. 

A stage-route was opened through Decatur between Cass- 
opolis and Paw Paw in 1838, and was for some years 
thereafter a much-traveled thoroughfare. Along that line, 
now covered in part by the valley road, was erected the 
first telegraph road put up in the State. In Decatur there 
were on the road no wayside inns, although Jacob Charles, 
who lived near " The Spring," kept at times a house of 
public entertainment. 

THE SWAMP ROAD. 

In the year 1848, when the growth of Decatur village was 
sluggish, the subject of a road through the great swamp was 
agitated, and in a little while it became apparent that such 
a road was a vital necessity, since without it there could be 
no communication with the district on the south and south- 
east. Beers & Sherwood undertook the construction of the 
road, which was estimated to cost $2000, the railroad com- 
pany giving $500 and the villagers $300 towards it. Ex- 
cept for one-fifth the distance, which was planked, the road 
was built of split puncheons about ten feet in length, laid 
on pole stringers, and being but a single track, had turn- 
outs at intervals. It was a rough thoroughfare, but a 
great convenience. The first person to cross it towards 
the south was Miss Hathaway (now Mrs. A. B. Copley), 
who, arriving at Decatur Nov. 6, 1849, was conveyed by 
Mr. Goddard, station-agent, over the road to her home, 
the roadway having been completed three days before. A 
new road, west of the old one, was built in 1856, and in 
1865 material improvements were put upon it, the total 
expenditures upon the road then amounting to $15,000. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

Under the act of Legislature, approved March 11, 1837, 
dividing Van Buren County into seven townships, Decatur 
embraced the territory now occupied by Decatur and Porter, 
and received its name in honor of Commodore Stephen 
Decatur, a naval hero of the war of 1812. In 1845 the 
township of Porter was organized from the eastern half of 
Decatur, each afterwards having a territory six miles square, 
as at present. 

The records of the township dating from 1837 to 1844 are 
not to be found, and the civil list for that period is, therefore, 
unobtainable. From 1844 to 1880, however, the records 
are perfect, and the names of those who have been chosen 
annually between those years as supervisor, clerk, treasurer, 
and justice of the peace are given below : 

1844. — Supervisor, Stephen Kinney; Clerk, G. S. Freese; Treasurer, 
Nathan Cook ; Justice of the Peace, V. C. Smith. 

1845. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford ; Clerk, Joseph Van Hise; Treas- 
urer, Thomas Scott ; Justice of the Peace, Thomas Scott. 

1846. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford ; Clerk, James Boyd; Treasurer, 
Thomas Scott; Justice of the Peace, W. C. Van Hise. 

1847. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford ; Clerk, James Boyd ; Treasurer, 
Thomas Scott; Justice of the Peace, W. C. Van Hise. 

56 



1848. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford; Clerk, W. 0. Van Hise; Treas- 
urer, Jamea Van Hise; Justice of the Peace, Ralph Mason. 

1849. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford; Clerk, W. 0. Van Hise; Treas- 
urer, James Boyd ; Justice of the Pt^ace, George B. Sher- 
wood. 

1850. — Supervisor, N. Lefever ; Clerk, W. N. Pardee; Treasurer, 
James Boyd ; Justice of the Peace, W. N. Pardee. 

1S51.— Supervisor, W. 0. Van Hise; Clerk, Henry Canoll ; Treas- 
urer, James Boyd; Justice of the Peace, W. 0. Van Hise. 

1852. — Supervisor, Lj'man Sanford; Clerk, H. Canoll; Treasurer, 
Hiram Potts; Justice of the Peace, William Campbell. 

1853. — Supervisor, Lyman Sanford; Clerk, R. Barden ; Treasurer, 
J T. Keables ; Justice of the Peace, M. F. Merrill. 

1854. — Supervisor, Jeremiah Teed; Clerk, E. M. Pool ; Treasurer, 
J. T. Keables ; Justice of the Peace, N. Jaquish. 

1855. — Supervisor, Jeremiah Teed ; Clerk, E. M. Pool ; Treasurer, J. 
E. Hollister; Justice of the Peace, John C. White. 

1856.— Supervisor, George Bennett; Cl%rk, E. M. Pool; Treasurer, 
W. E. Trowbridge; Justice of the Peace, George Bennett. 

1857. — Supervisor, George Bennett; Clerk, J. A. Stafford; Treasurer, 
H. Chamberlain : Justice of the Peace, H. C. Millard. 

1858.— Supervisor, J. Teed ; Clerk, J. A. Stafford ; Treasurer, H. Cham- 
berlain; Justice of the Peace, 0. T. Welch. 

1859.— Supervisor, 0. T. Welch; Clerk, J. A. Stafford; Treasurer, 
W. E. Trowbridge ; Justice of the Peace, E. S. Parker. 

I860.— Supervisor, 0. T. Welch; Clerk, W. K. Van Hise; Treasurer, 
Charles H. Keyes ; Justice of the Peace, I. W. Powers. 

1861.— Supervisor, 0. T. Welch; Clerk, W. K. Van Hise; Treasurer, 
D. C. Brown; Justice of the Peace, H. C. Millard. 

1862.— Supervisor, E. P. Hill; Clerk, Chiirles Shier, Jr.; Treasurer, 
M. Hinckley; Justice of the Peace, 0. T. Welch. 

1863.— Supervisor, E. P. Hill; Clerk, Charles Shier, Jr.; Treasurer, 
M. Hinckley; Justice of the Peace, W. K. Van Hise. 

1864.— Supervisor, E. P. Hill ; Clerk, W. T. Gerow ; Treasurer, G. W. 
Geer; Justice of the Peace, George Bennett. 

1865.— Supervisor, E. P. Hill; Clerk, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, H. A. 
Northrop ; Justice of the Peace, H. C. Millard. 

1866.- Supervisor, E. P. Hill; Clerk, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, George 
Bennett ; Justice of the Peace, C. Hollister. 

1867.— Supervisor, C. Hollister; Clerk, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, 
George Bennett; Justice of the Peace, W. K. Van Hise. 

1868. — Supervisor, Eri Beebe ; Clerk, L. D. Roberts ; Treasurer, C. 
Hollister; Justice of the Peace, J. Richards. 

1869.— Supervisor, Eri Beebe; Clerk, N. Foster; Treasurer, C. Hol- 
lister; Justice of the Peace, H. C. Millard. 

1870. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, N. Clark; Treasurer, W. E. 
Trowbridge ; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Haskins. 

1871.— Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, N.Clark; Treasurer, W. E. 
Trowbridge; Justice of the Peace, William Hall. 

1872. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, J. G. Haynes ; Treasurer D. 
Squier; Justice of the Peace, 0. W. Field. 

1873. — Supervisor, E. Nutting; Clerk, J. G. Haynes; Treasurer, D- 
Squier; Justice of the Peace, J. W. Lewis. 

1874. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, Samuel Ellis; Treasurer, A. N. 
Chamberlain ; Justice of the Peace, George Bennett. 

1875. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, Samuel Ellis; Treasurer, A. N. 
Chamberlaiu ; Justice of the Peace, J. Ransford. 

1876.— Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, Samuel Ellis; Treasurer, A. N. 
Chamberlain ; Justice of the Peace, J. G. Haynes. 

1877. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, J. G. Haynes; Treasurer, A. 
N. Chamberlain ; Justice of the Peace, W. Pritchard. 

1878. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, J. G. Haynes; Treasurer, A. 
N. Chamberlain ; Justice of the Peace, N. S. Rathbun. 

1879. — Supervisor, R. Nutting; Clerk, J. I. Sherman; Treasurer, A. 
N. Chamberlain ; Justice of the Peace, W. K. Van Hise. 

Decatur had in 1874 a population of 2306, and in 1879 
an assessed valuation of $523,300. 

DECATUR VILLAGE. 

Until 1847 the present site of the village of Decatur was 

simply a hunting-ground, and a favorite place of resort it 

was for the Nimrods of the time as far back as 1834, while 

near at hand, on the banks of Pickerel Lake, anglers o-ath- 



442 



HISTORY OP VAN BURBN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ered from far and near, for the waters of that lake were in 
the olden time very abundantly supplied with fish. 

In 1847, Beers & Sherwood, of New York City, had 
acquired government grants for 5000 acres of land, in which 
was included the site of the present village of Decatur, and 
when the Michigan Central Railway began to push its way 
westward from Kalamazoo they determined to lay out a 
village on the line and call it Decatur. They donated 
land for depot buildings, which were put up in 1848, in 
which year also the railway was completed from Detroit to 
Niles. October 7th of that year an excursion-train from 
Detroit to Niles, in celebration of the opening of the road, 
passed through Decatur. 

The village did not, however, begin its growth until 1849, 
when it was platted according to the original design, and 
christened Decatur. C. S. Tucker, who had been boarding 
railroad hands in a shanty south of the depot, opened a 
boarding-house in a building previously used by Beers & 
Sherwood as an oflfiee, which stood upon the place now oc- 
cupied by the Duncouibe House. In the same year a num- 
ber of village lots were occupied, and stores were opened 
by A. H. Dixon, Goss & Dixon, and T. E. Phelps, in the 
order named. Hiram Lee, now living in the village and 
resident longest therein, bought the first village lot, in 1848, 
before the village was platted. It was designated as the 
third lot west of the public square. The completion of the 
swamp road, in November, 1849, opened communication 
with a hitherto unapproachable tract of country, and gave 
to the new village a decided impetus. The first village 
school-house was built in 1848, and school was taught in it 
during the winter of 1848-49 by Miss Sarah Cook, whose 
pupils numbered 20. 

Trade, Past and Present. — In 1854 the present business 
centre of the village was occupied by a drug-store, two 
general stores, and one dry-goods store. Jan. 1, 1880, the 
village population was closely estimated at 2000, and, in 
the matter of mercantile trade, there were five general stores, 
two hardware-stores, two drug-stores, five grocery -stores, one 
furniture-store, one shoe-store, and various small business 
stands. Ten brick store buildings of some pretensions em- 
bellish the main street, and bestow upon the town an air of 
substantial thrift. Decatur is famous as a great " trading 
town," and is likewise an important grain-purchasing point, 
and makes large annual shipments by railway, as will be seen 
in a table of statistics printed elsewhere. 

In the earlier history of the village, when no man dared 
venture upon opening a store, trading was done at Kala- 
mazoo or Paw Paw. Dixon's store, which stood where 
Hathaway's store now is, was esteemed a fine establish- 
ment for that day, — indeed, some thought it rather finer 
than was needed. Theodore Phelps' store stood on " Chad- 
wick's Corner," and was ultimately converted into a hotel, 
known as the Downs House. lu 1851 the main street of 
the village boasted the stores of A. II. Dixon, Theodore 
Phelps, and E. Ingalls, and a bar-room, kept by Robert 
Willis. Willis was then known as the wealthiest man in 
Decatur, but subsequently his prosperity declined and he 
sunk to poverty. 

Henry CanoU was keeping a drug-store in the building 
put up by Dr. Bartholomew, and on the corner now occu- 



pied by the Duncombe House L. R. Barker was keeping 
the Decatur House. Barker had taken the place originally 
set up by Charles Tucker as a railroad boarding-liouse, 
added a front, named it the Decatur House and made it a 
reputable hotel. 

At that time the spot now occupied by the thriving vil- 
lage of Decatur was literally in the woods, and the sight of 
deer and wolves in the very heart of the village is said to 
have been no uncommon one. 

George Sherwood, an employee of Beers & Sherwood, 
was one of the first justices of the peace in the village, and 
with William N. Pardee practiced law whenever occasion 
required, but occasions of that sort were not plentiful 
enough to call for extraordinary exertions on their part. 

In 1850, Beers & Sherwood engaged Nathan Wilcox to 
put up a steam saw-mill near the village. A whisky-dis- 
tillery subsequently took the place of the mill, although its 
career was brief 

The first carpenter and joiner to locate in Decatur village 
was L. T. Olds, who came July, 1849, and who was for five 
years one of the only two mechanics plying their trades in 
the village. In July, 1819, the railway-depot, the kitchen 
of what was afterwards Barker's Hotel, and three dwellings 
comprised all there was of Decatur village. During the 
first five years of its existence the village was increased by 
about 75 new buildings, — 12 of which were erected by 
Robert Willis as tenements. L. T. Olds (above men- 
tioned) and Mary Elliott, who were married by 'Squire 
George Sherwood, May 18, 18^0, were the first couple 
married in the village. 

Village Physicians. — Decatur's first physician was Dr. 
Bartholomew, who put up in 1848 a small office and 
drug-shop on Railroad Street, — the building now doing 
duty as Shelter's Hotel. Dr. Bartholomew remained but a 
short time before taking the California fever, and went 
away to the Pacific slope. He now resides in Keeler. Dur- 
ing Dr. Bartholomew's time, and subsequent thereto. Dr. 
Wells, of Little Prairie, visited Decatur frequently to teach 
a singing-school, and occasionally practiced also the healing 
art in the town. In 1851, Dr. J. T. Keables opened an 
office in Decatur, and since that time has practiced medi- 
cine in the village continuously. Dr. Foster, of Climax 
Prairie, made a location in Decatur about 1855, but made 
his stay a short one. For some years Dr. Keables had the 
field to himself, and, like all physicians of the day, practiced 
over a wide extent of territory. The physicians of Decatur 
now number six, — Drs. Baker, Broderiek, Dillon, Keables, 
Rogers, and Rose. 

Toron Hall. — One of the most imposing architectural 
features in the village is the town hall, in which the post- 
office has roomy quarters, and where the township and 
village authorities have their offices. A commodious pub- 
lic hall gives accommodation for public entertainments, as 
well as town-meetings. The structure is of brick, measures 
37 feet front by 72 deep, was erected in 1870, and cost 
upwards of $11,000. 

The Union School. — The school in School District No. 
4 (embracing Decatur village) was organized in 1862 as a 
graded school. In 1868 work on a new school building 
was begun, and in September, 1864, sessions were held in 



TOWNSHIP OF DECATUR. 



443 



the edifice. It is of brick, of handsome and substantial 
appearance, cost 812,000, employs 7 teachers, has an aver- 
age attendance of about 400, and requires for its annual 
support about $4300. 

Post-Office. — A post-office was established about 1852, 
and George Sherwood appointed postmaster. W. N. Pardee 
succeeded Sherwood, and Charles N. Poor in turn followed 
Mr. Pardee. After him Theodore Phelps was the incum- 
bent. Upon his death his widow was appointed his suc- 
cessor, and following her Eri Beebe filled the place, which 
he relinquished to J. W. Rogers, the present occupant. 
The office receives and delivers four daily mails, and twice 
a week receives and delivers a stage mail. The sale of 
stamps, envelopes, etc., average about $600 each quarter, 
money-orders issued average $1300 each month, and money- 
orders paid about $000 during a like period. 

Tlw Village Press. — Decatur's earliest newspaper was 
called the Van Buren County Tnbune, and its earliest 
publisher T. 0. Sweet. The Decatur Clarion, edited by 
Moses Hull, was the successor of the Tribune. These and 
other newspapers will be found mentioned more fully in the 
general county history. 

Village Incorporation. — The village of Decatur was in- 
corporated by the board of supervisors Oct. 11, 1859, and 
reincorporated by Legislative act approved March 16, 1861. 
The first president of the village was E. P. Hill, and the 
first recorder Orrin S. Welch, both of whom were elected 
in 1859. The earlier records of the village are somewhat 
imperfect, and the list of those who have been chosen 
presidents, recorders, treasurers, and trustees each year can 
be given only from 1862 to 1880 : 

1862.— President, E. P. Hill; Recorder, Charles Shier; Trustees, 
Hiram Cole, Myron Hinkley, J. H. Wallace, Carlton 
Wheeler, Charles N. Poor, John Tarbell. 

1863.— President, J. Teed; Recorder, C. J. Poor. 

1864.— President, C. Wheeler; Recorder, L. C. Noble. 

1865.— President, C. Wheeler; Recorder, W. T. Gerow. 

1866.— President, E. P. Hill; Recorder, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, 
William Hodges; Trustees, E. L. Hawkes, R. Nutting, J. 
li. Higgins. 

1867. — President, J. M. Moore; Recorder, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, 
E. D. Clark; Trustees, 0. S. Abbott, H. A. Northrop, D. C. 
Rogers. 

1868. — President, J. M. Moore; Recorder, W. T. Gerow ; Treasurer, 
E. D. Clark; Trustees, J. B. Higgins, R. Nutting, E. L. 
Hawkes. 

1869.— President, E. P. Hill; Recorder, W. T. Gerow; Treasurer, 
E. D. Clark ; Trustees, 0. S. Abbott, M. Hinckley, J. S. 
Dowd. 

IS70. — President, James Haynes ; Recorder, David Squires; Treas- 
urer, J. P. Warner; Trustees, W. Tuttle, Jr., D. W. Stevens, 
Jacob Kissell. 

1871.— President, Eri Beebe; Recorder, H. C. Church; Treasurer, 
W. E. Trowbridge; Trustees, R. Nutting, A. A. Abbott, D. 
C. Rogers. 

1872.— President, E. Beebe; Recorder, A. A. Abbott ; Treasurer, W. 
E. Trowbridge; Trustees, Thomas Browning, William Tuttle, 
W. Russell. 

1873. — President, H. J. Hendryx ; Recorder, E. A. Blaokman ; Trus- 
tees, R. E. Nicholson, F. N. Chadwiok, R. Nutting. 

1874. — President, H.J. Hendryx; Recorder, E. A. Blackman ; Treas- 
urer, S. N. Thomas; Trustees, Thomas Browning, E. P. Hill, 
Walter Russell. 

1875, — President, Eri Beebe; Recorder, Jerome Coleman; Treasurer, 
S. N. Thomas ; Trustees, L. F. Rawson, David A. Squier, 
John L. Harrison. 



1876. — President, H. A. Northrop; Recorder, Samuel Ellis; Treas- 
urer, S. N. Thomas; Trustees, A. N. Chamberlain, L. D. 
Roberts, Henry Bull. 

1877. — President, Lucius Nutting; Recorder, R. E. Nicholson; Treas- 
urer, S. N. Thomas ; Trustees, M. Hinckley, George Bennett, 

E. F. Ruggles. 

1878. — President, Lucius Nutting; Recorder, Charles W. Barrett; 

Treasurer, S. N. Thomas ; Trustees, L. D. Roberts, Dennis 

Jordan, William Pritchard. 
1879.— President, E. P. Hill; Recorder, A. B. Johnson: Treasurer, 

S. N. Thomas; Trustees, A. B. Copley, William Tuttle, L. 

F. Rawson. 

Railway Sliipments. — Decatur is an important wheat and 
lumber shipping-point, and as a matter of interest a table 
is presented showing the shipments at the station of the 
three leading articles of grain, lumber, and stock for the 
six months ending Dec. 1, 1879, the figures in each case 
representing car-loads. 

Month. Gniiu. Lumber. Stock. 

June 31 23 2 

July lU 22 

August 70 15 9 

September 58 22 12 

October 08 19 17 

November 3 13 13 

Totals 240 114 53 

During the year 1878 the shipments of apples at Decatur 
station aggregated 10,000 barrels. 

Manufactures. — There is at the village of Decatur a 
manufacturing interest of considerable importance, which 
contributes in no slight degree to the prosperity of the 
town. 

M. Hinckley & Co occupy about two acres of ground for 
a barrel and stave manufactory, and employ from 25 to 40 
men. They turn out about 3,000,000 staves yearly, and 
an equal proportion of barrel-heading, besides making 
about 10,000 apple-barrels and 5000 packing-barrels. The 
works were established in 1858 by Jones & Chapin, and 
since 1871, Mr. Hinckley, of the present firm (which was 
organized in 1876), has been interested as a partner. 

Daggett & Percy, of Chicago, are doing a very flourish- 
ing business at Decatur in the manufacture of wooden butter- 
plates, fruit-packages, fruit-baskets, etc. They occupy a 
building formerly used by R. Hoppin & Son as a tannery, 
and have been engaged since January, 1879, in the present 
enterprise. About 20 men are employed. The manufac- 
tory is in charge of Mr. Charles King, who is the repre- 
sentative at Decatur of the owners. 

John M. Conkling & Brother carry on a foundry, which 
was built in 1870 by Mason & Herring. The present firm 
took possession in 1876, and since then have been steadily 
employed in the manufacture of plows and iron castings of 
all kinds. 

The other manufacturing industries are Charles Dun- 
combe & Co.'s grist-mill (with five run of stones), built in 
1867 by Abbott & Matthews; J. J. Balcomb's custom 
grist-mill, with two run of stones ; H, B. Babcock's plan- 
ing-mill, and the saw-mills of Bull & Ackley and Enoch 
Hopkins. 

Bank. — Previous to Oct. 15, 1870, Decatur village had 
enjoyed only such limited banking facilities as wore fur- 
nished by the private banks of John Tarbell and Joseph 
Rogers. On the date above noted the First National Bank 



444 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of Decatur was chartered, with a capital of $75,000, the 
first directors being Messrs. Charles Duncombe, C. W. Fisk, 
A. B. Copley, Levi B. Lawrence, E. P. Hill, 0. S. Abbott, 
and A. S. Hathaway. A. B. Copley was chosen president 
and E. P. Hill cashier. The capital of the bank is now 
$50,000 ; its circulation, 145,000 ; deposits, $45,000 ; loans 
and discounts, $55,000. In 1873, Mr. Charles Duncombe 
put up a fine brick building for the use of the bank, which 
the institution subsequently bought. The president of the 
bank is A. B. Copley and the cashier L. D. Hill. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS^ 

Decatur Lodge, No. 99, F. and A. 31., was organized 
Jan. 14, 1858, with 23 members, after having worked 
under dispensation a year. Under the charter H. CanoU 
was Master ; M. Winner, S. W. ; and J. E. Hollister, 
J. W. Of the 9 members of the lodge when it was consti- 
tuted 8 of them were Hubbell Warner, Loomis Warner, 

James F. Avery, M. Winner, Barney, Sloan, 

H. Canoll, and Edward Harris. The membership is now 
30, and the oflBcers as follows: Enoch Hopkins, M ; 
George Pollard, S. W. ; Charles Schuster, J. W. ; William 
Meade, Sec. ; H. A. Northrop, Treas. ; Marvin Hinckley, 
S. D. ; Warren Botsford, J. D. ; M. Winner, Tiler. 

Decatur Chapter, No. 75, R. A. M., was organized 
Jan. 10, 1871, with 10 members, of whom Horace Arnold 
was H. P. ; James Haynes, K. ; and E. R. Parmer, Scribe. 
The membership is now 16, and the ofiicers: H. A. Nor- 
throp, K. and Acting H. P. ; Enoch Hopkins, Scribe ; 
Henry Bull, Acting Sec. ; S. N. Thomas, Treas. ; L. D. 
Roberts, 3d V. ; Orrin Hodges, 2d V. ; Loomis Warner, 
1st V. The lodge and chapter occupy a handsomely ap- 
pointed room in Chadwick's block, Decatur village. 

Sprague Lodge, No. 113, /. 0. 0. F., was organized 
Oct. 28, 1867, with 5 members. The membership in 
January, 1880, was 50, when the officers were Norman S. 
Hammond, N. G. ; Peter Pardonnet, V. G. ; George W. 
Wait, R. S. ; Johnson Parsons, P. S. ; Benjamin Adams, 
Treas. Regular sessions are held every Tuesday night at 
Decatur village. 

Decatur Grange, No. 346, was organized in June, 1875, 
with 60 members. L. R. Anderson was the first Master, 

Thomas the first Secretary, and Jonathan Curry the 

first Treasurer. The officers Jan. 1, 1880, were Oscar Cad- 
well, M. ; S. Roberts, Overseer ; James Cadwell, Steward ; 
John Lewis, Assistant Steward ; C. A. Moulton, Sec. ; Mary 
Powers, Chaplain ; Julia White, Sec. ; William Powers, 
Treas.; Mrs. Blades, Ceres; Mrs. Lurkins, Pomona ; Mrs. 
Kidder, Flora ; Mrs. Lewis, Lady Assistant Steward. The 
membership is now 54. Regular sessions are held once in 
two weeks in Trowbridge's hall, Decatur village. 

The Decatur Reform Club. — A strong temperance move- 
ment was inaugurated in Decatur in the spring of 1877, 
by 0. D. Beebe, of Kalamazoo, and H. C. Rogers, of Do- 
wagiac, and so popular did the new departure become that 
when the Rogers Reform Club was organized in Decatur 
village, April 15, 1877, upwards of 800 persons were en- 
rolled as members. A reading-room was opened in the 
village, and subsequently the name of the club was changed 
to the one it now bears. The reading-room, which is still 



maintained, is free to all, and is a place of pleasant and 
profitable resort. The club membership numbers now 
about 300, and includes many prominent people. The 
officers for 1879 are Charles Labardy, President; J. H. 
Tuttle, Secretary ; A. C. Copley, Treasurer. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1831 public religious worship was held occasionally in 
Dolphin Morri.s' log cabin, and after that there was preach- 
ing in George Tittle's house and Le Grand Anderson's barn. 
Methodist preachers were itinerating through Michigan in 
those early days, and they stopped here, there, and at all 
places where the presence of new settlements promised a 
field for labor. Among the earliest Methodist preachers 
who held services in Decatur were the Revs. Felton, McCool, 
Cobb, and Elder Meek, an exhorter. There happened along 
also, once in a while. Baptist preachers and those of other 
denominations, but the names of these latter have not been 
preserved. A Methodist Episcopal organization was eifected 
in 1834, and July 27th of that year a first quarterly meeting 
was held at George Tittle's. 

Beyond the limits of Decatur village there is but one 
church building in the township, — that of the colored 
Baptists, in the northwest. Although small, this church 
congregation supports preaching once a week. There are 
in the south part of the township two church organizations, 
— Disciple and Methodist Protestant (worshiping in school- 
houses), — which are in a flourishing condition. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Decatur village was 
organized by Rev. Marcus Harrison, an evangelist, Feb. 1, 

1852, with the following members: Lydia Harrison, Mrs. 
Eli Rich, and Joseph MeClintock, three in all. Mr. Mc- 
Clintock, who was chosen ruling elder, is still living near 
the town. Mr. Harrison concluded to make Decatur his 
home after organizing the church, and continued to preach 
for the little band during the ensuing three years. Jan. 4, 

1853, the church was attached to the Kalamazoo Presby- 
tery. During Mr. Harrison's ministry he bought a village 
lot and erected upon it the frame for a school-house and 
meeting-house. The lot and building frame he set apart to 
be donated to the First Presbyterian Church Society when 
it should be formed, and the society being organized during 
the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Fleming, who succeeded Mr. 
Harrison ,in August, 1855, the building of the church 
edifice was pushed forward, and Sept. 18, 1856, the house 
of worship, the first one in the village, was dedicated, the 
dedication sermon being preached by Rev. A. C. Tuttle, of 
Paw Paw. 

The succession of pastors following Mr. Fleming includes 
Revs. T. C. Hill, S. R. Bissell, W. T. Bartle, J. J. Ward, 
E. M. Toof, B. P. Goodrich, Henry Hoyt, and C. W. 
Wallace. The elders are Joseph MeClintock (who has 
served as deacon and elder since the organization of the 
church), W. E. Trowbridge, E. P. Hill, D. Hodges, and 
Jerome Coleman. The deacons are Joseph MeClintock, 
W. E. Trowbridge, and D. Hodges. 

The original church building was sold in 1869 to the 
Universalist Society, which, dissolving in 1877, disposed of 
the structure to the Catholic congregation, by whom it is 
now used. The Presbyterians replaced their old house of 



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C. T. BAKER, M,D, 




Residence of C.T. BAKER, M.D.. Decatur, Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF DECATUR. 



445 



worship witli the fine hirge church now in use, and expended 
upon it upwards of $6000. The church has now a member- 
ship of 102, and in the Sabbath-school, of which Jerome 
Coleman is superintendent, the average attendance is 150. 
The number of members received into the church since its 
organization is 219. The church trustees are J. M. Conk- 
ling, Henry Upton, and John Pollock. D. Hodges, the 
clerk, has occupied that place since 1864. 

The Church of the Holy Family [Roman Catholic). — 
About 1855, Rev. Mr. Koopman,a Catholic priest of Mar- 
shall, visited Decatur village, and arranged with the few 
families there and in the vicinity professing the Roman 
Catholic faith to hold religious services there once in three 
months. The first meeting was held in the house of Henry 
Brown, where Father Koopman preached four or five times, 
and after that, when Mr. La Belle, of Kalamazoo, took 
charge, the place of worship was transferred to the house 
of Mr. Dennis Jordan, which remained the church for ten 
years afterwards, or until the congregation gaining strength 
more commodious quarters were necessary, and so public 
halls were used. In 1877 the church edifice formerly used 
by the Universalists, and before that by the Presbyterians, 
was purchased. Father La Belle preached once in three 
months for about twelve years, and was succeeded by Fathers 
Sweeney, Herbert, and Roper, from Silver Creek. Father 
Wernert, of Paw Paw, has been in charge about a year, and 
holds services once a month. The attendance includes about 
thirty families. The church trustees are Daniel Kearney, 
James Howland, and James Cregan. 

First Methodist Episcopal Church of Decatur. — The 
early records of this church having been lost, the date of 
its organization cannot be positively fixed, although it is 
generally believed that the class was first formed in 1856 ; 
at all events, it is known that in 1857 it contained but 7 
members. Of those who joined the first class none now 
live in the village, and personal recollection even of early 
events cannot therefore be utilized. In 1860, howevei', the 
church had grown considerably in strength, and in that 
year a commodious church edifice was erected. The church 
embraces now three points, to wit: Decatur, East Decatur, 
and South Hamilton, of which the combined membership 
is 200. Rev. Mr. Carlisle, the present pastor, preaches at 
Decatur twice each Sunday. 

The present ofiicers of the church are as follows : Class- 
Leaders, E. F. Ruggles, W. C. Acton ; Trustees, Thomas 
Browning, William Blowers, William Powers, J. Gr. Park- 
hurst, H. B. Clapp, W. H. Clark, J. F. Barry, E. F. Rug- 
gles, William C. Acton ; Stewards, J. N. Peters, W. M. 
Blowers, W. H. Clark, Thomas Browning, T. Threadgold, 
William Powers, J. M. Lombard, 0. Beach. 

The Sabbath-school, which has on its rolls the names of 
170 scholars and an average attendance of 120, is in charge 
of E. F. Ruggles, the superintendent, assisted by 18 teach- 
ers. The volumes in the library number 220. 

A Protestant Episcopal Mission, attached to St. Mark's 
Church of Paw Paw, has existed in Decatur since 1877. 
Services have been held in Trowbridge Hall once in four 
weeks, the average attendance being about 30. 



SCHOOLS. 

The first school taught in Decatur was opened in 1835 
in the house of Dolphin Morris. The teacher was William 
Alexander, and of his 20 pupils, several were from Cass 
County. Anderson was a relative of Le Grand Anderson, 
and coming from Virginia to visit Anderson, was persuaded 
to stop that winter and teach school. After a winter's 
term he went back to Virginia. John McKinney, of 
Porter, was a teacher in Decatur in 1837. Jonathan 
Curry, now living in Decatur, was one of McKinney's 
pupils. 

Appended is a table of statistics relating to the schools of 
Decatur, from a report for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879 : 

Number of district? (whole, 6; fraclional, 1) 7 

" children of school ivge 753 

Average attendance 651 

Number of school-houses (brick, 2 ; frame, 5) 7 

Value of school properly S19,900 

Number of teachers employed 22 

Amount paid teachers' wages .?;^H78.63 

Total expenditures $5412 

The school directors in 1879 were L. R. Anderson, W. 
K. Van Hise, E. F. Chappell, I. L. Harrison, F. Carpenter, 
A. M. Lyie, and Wm. Cole. 

INCIDENTS. 

The Morris Murder Mystery. — One of the remarkable 
tragic sensations of the West during 1879 was the mys- 
terious murder of Henry Morris and his wife at their resi- 
dence on section 35, in Decatur township. On the morning 
of Monday, September 29th, the dead bodies of Mr. and 
Mrs. Morris were found lying in tiieir home, where they 
had been shot down the previous night by an unknown 
assassin, whose identity has to this time remained hidden 
despite the most earnest efforts towards his discovery and 
the offering of large rewards to stimulate his pursuers. The 
mystery surrounding the tragedy was deepened by the evi- 
dence that a desire for plunder had nothing to do with the 
murder, since nothing of value was carried away, although 
valuable property was within easy reach. Van Buren 
County offered a reward of $2000 for the capture of the 
murderer, but the constant exercise of the powers of the 
country's most skillful detectives has thus far brought 
nothing to light. 

The Meteor Commotion. — The meteor of 1861 is well 
remembered on the south side of the swamp in Decatur, 
and the excitement it occasioned for a time is an almost 
fresh incident in the minds of many. Indeed, one valiant 
householder, with the knowledge of the newly-fledged 
Southern Rebellion keen upon him, made sure that the 
meteoric explosion was simply a rebel advance upon De- 
catur households, and rushing into his home with the cry, 
"The rebels are shelling us!" he proceeded to barricade 
doors and windows, put his family under arms, and, with 
musket in hand, declared that he was not only " ready for 
them," but that he would pledge himself to whip a dozen 
rebels single-handed. After a while he found out the true 
cause of his alarm, just as people in the neighborhood found 
out how he had laid himself out for war. It was a rich 
incident, and furnished food for merriment long afterwards. 



446 



HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 





DOLPHIN MORRIS. 

DOLPHIN MORRIS 
was the oldest son of Samuel and Rebecca Morris, and was 
born in Loudoun Co., Va., Aug. 16, 1798. When but a 
small boy his parents moved to Ross Co., Ohio. His edu- 
tion was confined to what a youth could learn in about four 
or six weeks. He learned the alphabet and to write his 
signature, though not a very legible hand. However, in 
after-years he learned to read, and took great comfort in 
reading his Bible and the newspapers. When he was 
twenty-one years old, in company with a number of other 
young men, he started on a voyage down the Mississippi 
River, on a boat laden with corn and bacon, bound for New 
Orleans, then a small town. Before reaching their destina- 
tion the boat grounded, and remained so for several days. 
The company becoming impatient, decided to undertake 
the journey on foot, so they (fourteen in number) provided 
themselves with cooking utensils, blankets, and a limited 
supply of provisions, thinking to accomplish the journey in 
a few days. But after several days' hard travel through 
forests, marshes, and streams, they began to get discouraged. 
As their supply of provisions ^as growing less every day, 
and no means of replenishing, they abandoned the idea of 
reaching the city, and concluded to turn their steps homeward 
as best they could, with but a small amount of money and 
no guide. The undertaking was a perilous one. Their supply 
was soon exhausted, or supposed to be. It turned out that 
Morris and two of his companions had each a biscuit, which 
they cut into fourteen pieces and distributed equally. These 
precious morsels sufficed to appease the gnawings of hunger, 
which were becoming almost unbearable. 

The party still pursued their journey ; three days passed 
and they had not tasted another morsel of food, — their situ- 
ation was becoming desperate. Death by starvation, or how 
to avert it, were thoughts that occupied their attention. 
Would they resort to cannibalism or would they starve? 
The former was fiually decided upon, and it was privately 
understood that the cook, an Irishman, who was one of 



MRS. NANCY MORRIS. 

their party who proposed it, should be the first victim. But 
Providence interfered and sent relief by way of a large ter- 
rapin, which the party succeeded in capturing. It was 
made into soup, which all partook of with a greedy relish, and 
the small fragments of meat distributed. Young Morris 
received the tail for his portion, and as he often remarked, 
" That was the sweetest morsel I ever tasted." The next 
day the party came upon an Indian village or encampment. 
The Indians being friendly, supplied the party with dried 
venison and such other provisions as they had. 

The party being in a strange country and not ^knowing 
which way to go, tried to hire a young brave to pilot them 
to the settlement, but he would not go for any price, but 
kindly gave directions as best he could. The next day they 
reached a rude habitation, where they rested and were fur- 
nished with a supply of boiled cider, which, for the time 
being, revived their drooping spirits. Here they laid in 
a fresh supply of provisions, which lasted till they reached 
the settlement, whore they were safe. 

Though uneducated, he was a man of good ideas and 
sound judgment, an excellent calculator, and free from most 
of the vices which beset young men. His father being 
poor, he was early in life thrown on his own resources, and 
young Morris turned his attention to agriculture. He being 
sober and industrious, had no trouble in leasing land " on 
shares and furnished." He thus worked for several years, 
until he had the nucleus of a small fortune formed. He 
then conceived the not uncommon idea " that it was not 
good for man to be alone," and sought the hand and 
heart of Nancy Beaver, then a young girl of about eighteen 
years of age. They were married March 27, a.d. 1823. 
After the birth of three children — Samuel, Zarilda (now 
deceased), and Amos — Mr. Morris concluded to seek his 
fortune in the wilds of Michigan. In July, 1828, he, 
in company with his ftither, came to Michigan to see the 
country, and before he returned to Ohio made a claim on 
La Grange Prairie, now known as the Ritter farm. Im- 



TOWNSHIP OF DECATUR. 



447 



mediately on his return home he was taken ill, which pre- 
vented his moving until the 1st day of November, 1828, 
when he and his brothers, Samuel, John, and James, 
with his family and eiFects, and his father and family, 
all started for their future home. They arrived at Joseph 
Gardner's (a relative), at Pokagon, on the 1st day of 
December. Here they remained for the winter. During 
the winter he visited Little Prairie Ronde, and made his 
location on the south half of section 35, township of Deca- 
tur, on the north side of Little Prairie Ronde (having 
abandoned his former claim). In February, about the 
15th, he came to Little Prairie and cut the logs for a cabin 
which he laised. A severe snow-storm precluded further 
operations, so he returned to his family. About the 1st of 
March he returned and completed his cabin, and moved his 
f\iniily into the same about the 20th of March, 1829. 

This cabin was the first built in Van Buren County, and 
was known far and near, and many a weary traveler reposed 
beneath its rude roof and was warmed by its cheerful fire. 
For nearly two years Mr. Morris was the only settler in this 
county. His rude cabin not only sheltered the first white 
family resident in this now prosperous county, but under its 
roof the first school was taught by William Alexander, in 
the winter of 1833-34. Here was born the first white 
child in the county, — Lewis Creighton Morris, — Aug. 4, 
1830, and here the little fellow left for his angel home, De- 
cember 20th of the same year. Here was born. May 11, 
1832, Elias Morris, the oldest living white person born in 
the county, now living in Cass County. Here it was 
that Daniel Alexander and Margaret Tittle (Peggy she 
was then called), the second couple married in the county, 
spent their honeymoon. A building that served to shelter 
the first family, was the first hotel, church, school-house, 
where the first birth and death occurred, where the first 
domestic altar in the county was set up, d&serves more 
than a passing tribute, and its site should be marked, as a 
reminder of our early history. 

Mr. Morris was a noble-hearted man, assisting all who 
came within his reach. Many of the early settlers bear 
testimony to his kindness. The family now living re- 
member distinctly very many of the hardships incident to 
pioneer life, through which they, with their parents, passed. 
Many of these incidents are detailed in the township history. 

Here, amid these hardships, Mr. Morris remained, and 
made for himself and family a home, to which by prudence 
and economy he was enabled to add, until at one time he was 
the owner of over eleven hundred acres of good farming- 
lands. Subsequently he gave to each of his children a fine 
farm ; all located in the immediate vicinity of his home. 

In 1865 the First National Bank of Paw Paw was or- 
ganized, and Mr. Morris was one of the stockholders, and 
for about three years prior to his death he was one of the 
directors of the same. For twenty-five years prior to his 
death he was a very consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and many a weary " circuit-rider" sought 
his home and shared his hospitalities. 

In October, 1869, he was taken ill, grew gradually worse ; 
finally, after an illne.ss of nearly three months, surrounded 
by his sorrowing family and friends, he quietly passed away, 
gathered in as a sheaf ripened and ready for the Reaper. 



NANCY (BEAVER) MORRIS 

was born in the State of Kentucky, Feb. 12, 1805, and 
when a small child moved with her parents to Ross Co., 
Ohio, and settled on a farm on Deer Creek, near Chilli- 
cothe. Her education was limited to a few months at the 
district school, where she learned to read and write. When 
about eighteen years old she was united in marriage to 
Dolphin Morris, and immediately began housekeeping in 
her father's log cabin on the farm, which he had vacated 
for one more modern. In 1826 she, with her husband, 
moved to another farm, which he rented, near London, 
same State, but owing to milk-sickness, which was very 
prevalent in that locality (the family being sick much of 
the time), it was decided to seek some healthier locality. 
So, on the first day of November, 1828, she, with her hus- 
band and three small children, started for Michigan, her 
future home, where she shared with her husband the hard- 
ships incident to pioneer life. Many times her courage 
was put to a severe test by some Indian tramp. Yet 
these red men, or rather their squaws, were often of real 
service, being friendly. They \vould often come to Mrs. 
Morris' house, help her wash, and do other work, and 
were extremely glad to be .shown how to make bread, which 
she always took pleasure in showing them. Many times she 
was left entirely alone, with her children, to care for all 
the stock, etc., while her husband was absent on business. 

She should be entitled to full credit for her share in the 
success in business affairs, which, in after-years, brought 
comfort and happiness to her husband and family. 

Mrs. Morris was the mother of seven sons and four 
daughterSjOf whom only three (sons) are now living. She 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 
more than thirty years prior to her death, which occurred 
Oct. 14, 1877, in the seventy-second year of her age. 



CHARLES HENRY MORRIS, 

youngest son of Dolphin and Nancy Morris, was born May 
9, 1847. He married, Dec. 24, 1869, Esther A., daughter 
of Asa Jones, of Edwardsburg, Cass Co., Mich. After the 
death of his fiither and mother Charles H. became the pos- 
sessor of the old homestead, where his father located in 
1829. While in the midst of a useful and happy life, sur- 
rounded by a host of friends, with bright hopes of the fu- 
ture, he was on the night of the 28th of September, 1879, 
shortly after retiring, called to the door, and there shot 
twice through the heart by a cowardly assassin. 

The fiend, not satisfied with the blood of one victim, en- 
tered the house, and immediately opened fire upon Mrs. 
Morris, whom he met coming, with a small revolver in hand, 
to her husband's rescue. She retreated to her bedroom, 
pursued by the fiend, who shot her twice through the body ; 
she then entered a closet adjoining, where she fell and was 
shot twice more. Thus ended one of the most horrible 
tragedies ever perpetrated in any civilized community. 

We also give a cut of the horse which carried the assassin 
from this frightful scene. He was ridden to South Bend, 
Ind., about forty miles distant, where he was found early 
the next morning in a very jaded condition. 



448 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Photos, by Pritchard, Decatur, 




l^k^ .^^. 



SAMUEL MORRIS. 



O"? — 7 — S^H^ 



ELI AS MORRIS, 

fourth son of Dolphin and Nancy Morris, was born in De- 
catur township, Van Buren Co., Mich., May 11, 1832, and 
is the oldest living white person born in the county. His 
education was obtained principally at the district schools in 
the vicinity, with the exception of three terms at the Wes- 
leyan Seminary (now Albion College), at Albion, Calhoun 
Co., Mich. He married, March 12, 1857, Charlotte, 
daughter of Allen Dunning, of Edwardsburg, Cass Co., 
Mich. 

Five children have been born to them ; three only are 
now living. By occupation he is a farmer ; he is now the 
owner of a fine farm, where he resides, just in the edge of 
Cass County, near his father's old home. 

We present the readers of this work the portraits of 
Dolphin Morris and wife, Charles H. Morris and wife 
(brother of Elias), and a sketch of their house ; these, to- 
gether with his own portrait, are all inserted by Elias 
Morris as a tribute of love and respect to his deceased 
father, brother, and sister. 



SAMUEL MORRIS, 

eldest son of Dolphin and Nancy Morris, was born in Ross 
Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1824, and when a lad four years old, 
with his parents, moved to Michigan. His education 
was obtained at the district school in the vicinity of his 
father's, on the north side of Little Prairie Ronde, with the 
exception of four months at a select school at Paw Paw, 
taught by Professor Jesse Vose, now deceased. lie being 



the oldest child of his father's family, was, at an early age, 
taught to assist in all the different departments on the farm 
as occasion seemed to demand. One of his duties was to 
watch his father's sheep during the daytime to prevent the 
wolves from depredations on the young lambs ; but despite 
his efforts, sometimes the hungry beasts would ignore his 
presence, seize upon a lamb, and run off with it. On one 
occasion seven wolves made their appearance at the same 
time, but owing to his courage and skill were prevented 
from doing serious damage. 

Indians were frequently his playfellows, with whom he 
often joined in their sports. So familiar did he become 
with them that he learned to speak their language, and 
often joined them in target-shooting with bow and arrow, 
with which he became an expert, many times vanquishing 
his opponents, to their great chagrin. Indeed, so great 
was his skill, that he could shoot a bird at a distance of 
fifteen rods with great precision. He also became skilled 
in the use of the rifle, with which he took delight in hunt- 
ing deer and other game. In fact, he furnished the family 
with meat a great portion of the time. Married, Oct. 3, 
1852, Harriet C, daughter of Thomas Simpson, of Cass 
Co., Mich., and immediately commenced housekeeping on 
his farm on Little Prairie Ronde, Cass Co. He has always 
been engaged in farming, in which he has been very suc- 
cessful. Has also been one of the stockholders in the 
First National Bank of Decatur since its organization, and 
for a period of seven years has been a director of the same. 
He is a living witness to the growth and prosperity of 
Western Michigan, having shared in many of the hardships 
incident to pioneer life. 





CHAS. H.MORRIS. 



MRS.CHAS.H MORRIS. 




Old Homestead of DOLPHIN MORRlS.AMaLtTi Rlsiolnce of CHAS. H MORRIS, Decajur, Mich 



TOWNSHIP OF GENEVA. 



449 



DR. C. T. BAKER 

was born in Howard village, Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 
1829, and was the youngest of a family of twelve chil- 
dren, — two having died previous to his birth. When but 
four years old his father, Andrew Baker, with his family, 
then consisting of a wife and six children (the rest having 
married and left home), moved to Allegany Co., N. Y. 
There he lived with his father, attending school and work- 
ing on the farm, until after the death of his mother, which 
occurred March 25, 1844, aged fifty-nine years. After his 
mother's death he made his home with a brother-in-law, 
William H. Gordon, a mercliant and lumberman living in 
Wellsville, in the same county. There he attended school 
and assisted as clerk and book-keeper until a short time 
before he commenced the study of medicine with his oldest 
brother. Dr. Andrew Baker, .Jr., of Norwicli, N. Y., where 
he also attended the academy for about two years. 

In 1852-53 and 1853-54 he attended the medical de- 
partment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, 
from which he graduated March 30, 1854. December 4th 
of the same year he located in Decatur, Mich., and com- 
menced the practice of medicine. He has since resided at 
that place, with the exception of the time spent in the army 
during the war of the Rebellion, when he served as con- 
tract surgeon, and was assigned to duty at post hospital, 
City Point, Va., General Grant's headquarters. He was 
on duty at that place when Petersburg and Richmond 
were evacuated by the rebels, and also when General Lee 
surrendered his army to General Grant, and returned to 
Washington on the memorable 14th of April, 1865, — the 
day of President Lincoln's assassination. 

He has been president, vice-president, and censor of the 
Van Buren County Medical Society, and has served as 
health-officer of the village and township of Decatur ever 
since the law establishing that office has been enforced. 
He is now surgeon to the Michigan Central Railroad at 
that place. In politics he is a Republican. 

His father and two brothers, Hiram and John, with their 
families, came to Michigan in 1855, locating in Keeler 
township, where the father died July 10, 1856, aged 
seventy-seven years. The brothers are farmers in the lat- 
ter township at this time. Three sisters are still living, 
viz., Mrs. Nancy Naramor, in Macomb Co., Mich. ; Mrs. 
Fanny Dolbee, and Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon, both in Penn- 
sylvania. 

Dec. 31, 1857, Dr. Baker was married to Adelia M. 
Nutting, daughter of Lucius and Eliza B. Nutting. 



CHAPTER LVIX. 

GEBTEVA TOWNSHIP.* 

Boundaries and Topography — Settlement of the Township — Organi- 
zation and List of Officers— Early Roads — Irvington — Schools — 
Religious Societies. 

BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY. 

The township of Geneva contains 36 full sections, and 
is the first full township from the lake in the north tier of 
townships. It is bounded on the north by Allegan County, 



« By A. N. Hungerford. 



57 



on the east by Columbia, on the south by Bangor, and on 
the west by South Haven. Its soil is varied and well 
adapted for fruit- and grain-raising. 

The surface is somewhat broken in the central part, but 
is in the other portions generally level or slightly un- 
dulating. Like all the territory in Southwestern Michigan, 
it was originally heavily timbered with whitewood, bass- 
wood, beech, maple, and ash, and in parts pine and hem- 
lock. 

It is well watered by the south branch of the South 
Black River and its branches. It enters the township on 
section 34, flows northwesterly, and passes out at the north- 
western corner of the town. 

SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The territory that now comprises Geneva was a wilder- 
ness after other townships east and north had become the 
homes of a few emigrants. The year that South Haven, 
then embracing several townships, was set off (1837) Clark 
Pierce, a native of Marlborough, Vt., bought of J. H. 
Monroe 160 acres of land, it being the southeast quarter of 
section 32, lying on the Monroe road, laid out two years 
before. He emigrated to Michigan in 1833, and lived at 
St. Clair for a time. After locating this land he built a log 
cabin, and lived alone about two years, his nearest neigh- 
bors being settlers at Breedsville and his brother Daniel, 
who was occasionally at South Haven, where he had bought 
land and put up a cabin. In the summer of 1839, Daniel 
and Clark Pierce rented 90 acres of land of Stephen Wil- 
bur and Elias Rawson at Schoolcraft, and sowed it to winter 
wheat. They retained the farm together till the fall of 
1841, when in October of that year Clark Pierce married 
Miss Royce, and remained on the farm till the flill of 1842, 
when he, with his wife and one son (A. J. Pierce, of South 
Haven), with their household goods, and a few young cattle, 
came back to the humble log cabin, and there passed two 
years of hermit life, being the only family in the town- 
ship till 1845. The lands at South Haven had passed into 
the hands of a New York company, of which William A. 
and William L. Booth and Dr Abbott were partners. Lewis 
A. Booth, a brother of William A., was the agent. In the 
spring of 1845 this company proposed to build a mill at 
that place and other improvements. Clark Pierce was hired 
to move there, erect a boarding-house and take charge 
of the property. His family moved there in 1845, having 
at that time two sons (Irving, the youngest, being the first 
white child born in Geneva township), and they remained 
at that place till June, 1846, when they returned to the 
fiirm, and from 1837 to February, 1846, no one had set- 
tled in the town. At that time Eri Eaton and Andrew 
Miner came in and settled near the centre of the town. In 
1845, Mr. Pierce moved to Illinois, and in the spring of 
1858 came back on the farm where he has since lived. 

Considerable land had been bought by speculators, and 
emigrants were slow in coming in and paying their prices for 
land. In the latter part of the fall and winter of 1845-46, 
Eri Eaton and Leander J. Eastman came through this sec- 
tion of country to seek locations. On their return home, at 
Adrian, they purchased land of Cornelius B. Bogart, of 
that place, — Mr. Eaton 40 acres, Eastman 20 acres, and 



450 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Andrew Minor, a son-in-law of Mr. Eaton, 20 acres, on sec- 
tion 15. In the February following, 1846, Eri Eaton and 
Andrew Miner, with their families, came in and stopped a 
few days with Hiram Chappell, until they finished their own 
cabins. At that time Clark Pierce, on section 32, was the 
only man living in the township. Mr. Miner afterwards 
sold and bought of government 90 acres on the northeast 
quarter of section 3, where he still resides. Mr. Eaton is 
living with his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Beebe, at the centre 
of the township. 

Philip Hoag, a native of Cuyahoga Co., owned a farm 
near Kalamazoo, and traded for land in this township, getting 
therefor 80 acres on the east half of northeast quarter and 
80 acres on east half of southwest quarter. In 1848 he 
built a log house on the northeast quarter, where he lived 
until 1878, and moved to the southwest quarter, where he 
now lives. He was instrumental in getting the town set 
off from Columbia. 

In 1847, Marvin Hannahs, of Albion, commenced a 
settlement on section 18, where he built a saw-mill (the first 
in the township) on the Black River. Tiie lumber for the 
construction of the mill and the boarding-house in connection 
with it, was hauled from Breedsville. The first family who 
kept the boarding-house was that of Henry Hogmire. In 
the following year a large tannery was built by him at the 
same place, and he also erected a school-house, and made 
several other improvements as an inducement for settlers 
to locate in the neighborhood. Eri Bennett came to the 
place as foreman for Mr. Hannahs. He was elected justice 
of the peace in 1855-56, and supervisor in 1859. The de- 
mands of the tannery for bark gave employment to many at 
that time, and the settlers in the vicinity employed their 
time when not engaged in their own clearings in working 
for Mr. Hannahs. 

The place was nicknamed Jericho by the workmen in 
the mill and tannery, but Mr. Hannahs named it Hunter. 
It was from this place that Joseph Sturgis and his as- 
sistants went down the river to commence the settlement 
that became South Haven. After the latter place became 
established, the Jericho or " Hunter" settlement lost its 
importance, but the nickname given it by the employees of 
Mr. Hannahs outlived both the tannery and the name be- 
stowed by its proprietor. 

Nathan Tubbs came from Grand Rapids to this town in 
1849, and bought land in the southeast quarter of section 
2, and remained here several years. He sold to John Chris- 
man, who in 1859 sold lo Jerome B. Watson, a native of 
Monroe County, who moved on the farm with his family, 
where they still live. Mr. Tubbs was the first supervisor 
of the town. 

Charles N. Hoag, brother of Philip, in the fall of 1851 
left Ohio and emigrated to this town, purchasing on the 
southwest quarter of section 1, where he lived till 1858, 
and removed to Lawrence, purchasing a farm there. He re- 
turned again to Geneva in 1865, and bought 120 acres on the 
south half of section 3, where he now lives. Charles Davy 
in the winter of 1851-52 purchased 80 acres on west half 
of the southeast quarter of section 3. James Bates came 
in 1851 and settled on 40 acres on the northeast quarter of 
section 14, where his son Edwin lives. 



Moses Welch, a native of Madison Co., N. Y., emigrated 
to Prairie Ronde, with his wife and three children, in the 
fall of 1847, and in the winter of 1850 bought of James 
Jones 80 acres of land on the southeast quarter of section 
3, and moved upon it with his family Jan. 15, 1852. Mr. 
Welch was one of the first members of the Methodist class 
in the township, and was instrumental in getting the first 
road through to South Haven, in 1852, and in 1853 had the 
contract for building the east end of the causeway of logs 
along the section line between sections 4 and 9, Jesse 
Lane having the contract for the other part. Mr. Welch 
lives on the place where he settled in 1852. His present 
wife is a sister of Andrew Miner. 

Jesse Lane in 1852 bought of William Knowles (a 
brother of Elisha, who settled at Breedsville in 1837) 160 
acres, the northeast quarter of section 10. He afterwards 
traded with W. D. Metcalf, of Kalamazoo, and moved to 
Missouri. 

James Kelly also in this year located land on the south- 
east quarter of section 4. Orrin G. Hoag, a brother, came 
in the fall of 1852, and settled near Charles and Philip, 
his brothers. Orrin and Charles married Laura and Har- 
riet, sisters of Charles Brott. Philip Brooks, a native of 
Genesee Co., N. Y., came to this township in the fall of 
1853, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 12. 
His widow and two sons are still on the farm. 

Benjamin Knowles, from Livingston Co., N. Y., emigrated 
with his father, Elisha Knowles, to Breedsville in 1837. 
He went through to the mouth of the Black River with 
Clark Shaffer in 1849, when nothing was there except the 
single house built in 1845, and the ruin of the Monroe 
house. In 1852 he first located at Geneva, on the north- 
east quarter of section 10, where he still resides. 

Charles Brott emigrated from Ohio to this township in 
1855, purchasing the year before the south half of the 
northeast quarter of section 1, and has lived there to the 
present time. He married a daughter of Mr. Chappell, an 
early settler. 

Samuel Lull, from Broome Co., N. Y., emigrated to Kala- 
mazoo County in 1840, and to Geneva township in the 
spring of 1 854. He bought his farm of John Glover, on 
the west half of the northwest quarter of section 11. 
With the exception of the little clearings of Nathan Tubbs, 
Moses Welch, and Charles Day, that neighborhood was then 
a wilderness. Mr. Lull is now largely engaged in the culture 
of peaches and apples. 

About 1856, Daniel and Mahlon Funk settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 34. About the same time 
William Miller purchased 80 acres on section 33, and the 
same on section 34. George McKenzie was the first set- 
tler in the southeast quarter of the town, on section 36. 

Between this time and 1862-63, Peter Chambers .settled 
on the northeast quarter of section 8, where he still resides. 
Perry Kidney settled on the .same section, where Mr. Cobb 
now lives. S. M. Trowbridge bought land on sections 6 
and 7, on Black River, and erected a mill there known as 
Geneva Mills. He is now engaged in a flour- and feed-store 
in South Haven. Yettcr settled on the Sand Hill cast of 
Trowbridge's mill. James Peters, about 1862, lived on the 
southwest quarter of section 10. Anson Warner, a native 



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TOWNSHIP OF GENEVA. 



451 



of New York, came in 1863, and purchased on the southeast 
quarter of section 9. He was the first to settle on that 
section. Soon after, Lucius Mead and Sjlvanus Cubb settled 
near him. Benjamin Westcott, a native of Wayne Co., 
N. Y., emigrated to Bangor in 1848, and in December, ISG-t, 
located on the southwest quarter of section 8, purchasing 
of Perry Kidney, where he still lives. William W. Worth- 
ington settled on section 18, near Mr. Westcott, in August 
of the same year. 

George H. Reeves, from Connecticut, moved to Suffolk 
Co., N. Y., and emigrated to Geneva in 1864, settling 
where he still lives, on section 22. 

Many others came in from 1858-64, among whom were 
Hubbard C. Pond, Abel Edgerton, Daniel D. Hathaway, 
F. M. Jones, J. G. Lafler, Henry Pease, Lewis B. Trues- 
dell, and Daniel Booker. 

ORGANrZATION AND LIST OF OFFICERS. 
This township, originally a part of Lafayette township, in 
the division in 1837 was made a part of South Haven. 
Again in 1845 it was set off from that township as a part 
of Columbia, then organized, and Jan. 5, 1854, it became 
a separate township by action of Board of Supervisors, by 
which body it was then 

" Besolved, thiit township 1 south, range 16 west, situated at present 
in and belonging to the township of Columbia be, and the same is 
hereby set off from said township and organized into a new township 
by the name of the township of Geneva, and that the time and place 
for holding the first annual township-meeting in said township of 
Geneva shall be on the tirst Monday of April ne.xt, 1854, at the dwell- 
ing-house of Nathan Tubbs, on section 2, in said township, number 1 
south, range 16 west, and that Nathan Tubbs, Clark Pierce, and 
Charles N. Hoag be and are hereby appointed to act as the Board of 
Inspectors of election to preside at said meeting.'' 

Election was held accordingly on the 3d of April, 1854, 
when twenty-two votes were cast and the following officers 
elected : Supervisor, Nathan Tubbs ; Township Treasurer, 
Philip M. Brooks; Township Clerk, Charles N. Hoag; 
Justices of the Peace, Kri Bennett, Leander J. Eastman, 
Jesse L. Lane, Philip Hoag; School Inspectors, Hiram 
Simmons, Francis M. Jones ; Commissioners of Highways, 
Clark Pierce, Leander J. Eastman, Jesse L. Lane; Direc- 
tors of the Poor, Eri Eaton, Clark Pierce. 

The principal township ofiicers from that time until the 
present have been those named in the following list : 

SUPERVISORS. 

1855-56, 0. H. Burrows; 1857-58, Nathan Tubbs; 1859, Eri Ben- 
nett; 1860-61, Jerome B. Watson; 1862, Hubbard C. Pond; 
1863, Jerome B. Watson; 1864, Abel Edgerton; 1865, V. D. 
Dille; 1866, Gideon Hall; 1867-68, Jerome B. Watson; 1869, 
S. M. Trowbridge; 1870-72, William R. Tolles; 1873-77, Jerome 
B. Watson; 1878-79, Goodwin S. Tolles. 
TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 

1855, Charles N. Hoag; 1856-57, Daniel D. Hathaway; 1858-60, 
Pomeroy Prince; 1861, F. M.Jones; 1862, J. G. Lafler ; 1863, 
0. S. Hoag; 1864, J. G. Lafler; 1865-66, Samuel B. Phelps; 
1867-68, Benson Paddock; 1869, J. G. Clark; 1870-71, James 
Martin; 1872-77, George H. Reeves; 1878, William A. Burlin- 
game; 1879, George H. Reeves. 

TREASURERS. 
1855-60, Philip M. Brooks; 1861, Benjamin Clark; 1862, Philip M. 
Brooks; 1863, Henry Pease; 1864, James W.Peters; 1865-69, 
H. Wenban; 1870-72, Goodwin S. Tolles; 1873-78, James Mar- 
tin ; 1879, Gilbert Mitchell. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1855-56, Eri Bennett; 1857, Daniel D. Hathaway; 1868, Clark 
Pierce; 1859, Lewis B. Truesdell ; 1860, Daniel Rooker; 1861, 
William Miller, Philip Hoag; 1862, Pierce M. Funk; 1863, 
Lewis B. Truesdell; 1864, Truman Fletcher, C. C. Terrill ; 1865, 
F. Reeve, George McKenzie; 1866, Clark Pierce, Benjamin 
Knowles; 1867, Philip Hoag; 1868, J. N. Osborn ; 1869, Jona- 
than T. Elliot, John N. Osborn; 1870, George McKenzie, 
Clark Pierce; 1871, John B. Hicks; 1872, Benjamin B. Clark; 
1873, Clark Pierce, Edward S. Jelly; 1874, A. J. Wyman, Clark 
Pierce; 1875, John N. Osborn, John S. Hicks ; 1876, Lucian F. 
Mace, George McKenzie; 1877, Philip Hoag, George McKenzie; 
1878, George McKenzie; 1879, Edward S. Jelly. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

1855-56, Clark Pierce; 1857, Charles N. Hoag; 1858, A. Edgerton; 
1859, Lewis B. Truesdell; 1860, George McKenzie; 1861, Philip 
Hoag; 1862, H. A. Pond; 1863, Francis M. Jones; 1864, Man- 
ley B. Peters; 1865, C. H. Emerson, F. M. Schurz; 1866, Charles 
N. Hoag; 1867, Allen W. Davis; 1868, James Abbott; 1869, 
John N. Osborn; 1870, Benjamin F. Chapman; 1871, John N. 
Osborn; 1872, Francis R. Cady ; 1873, Edward B. Jelly; 1874, 
Francis R. Cady; 1875, Aaron B. Gates; 1876, Irving W.Pierce; 
1877-78, Charles U. Mace; 1879, James Martin. 
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 

1875-76, John B. Hicks ; 1877-79, John H. Tripp. 

EARLY ROADS. 
The first road laid out in the township was the road that 
crosses .sections 32 and 30 diagonally, running in a north- 
wardly direction. It was laid out by Charles U. Cross and 
Judge Monroe, from Paw Paw to South Haven, in 1835, 
and was a continuation of the road from Prairie Ronde, 
laid out earlier. When the township was laid out the 
records of previous roads were transcribed from the Colum- 
bia records, March 30, 1853, as follows : Murch road, 
surveyed by Charles U. Cross, June 29, 1839 ; Stearling 
road, surveyed June 22, 1846 ; Eaton's road, surveyed 
June 25, 1846; Pierce's road, surveyed Dec. 14, 1846; 
Tubb's road, surveyed Oct. 5, 1852. 

IRVINGTON. 
Irvington is a hamlet on the line of the Kalamazoo and 
South Haven division of the Michigan Central Railroad, 
and lies in the northeast part of the township, in the centre 
of section 1. It was platted by Enoch Pease in July, 1871. 
It received its name from Irving Pierce, son of Clark 
Pierce, who was the first white child born in the township. 
It contains a Methodist church, depot, about thirty dwell- 
ings, three stores, steam-mill, coal-kiln, blacksmith- and 

wagon-shop. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school taught in the township was by Mrs. 
Caroline Miner, wife of Andrew Miner, about 1848, at her 
house. The pupils were the Eaton, Eastman, and Miner 
children. In the winter of 1849-50 a school was taught 
in the log house of Clark Pierce, by Laura Rogers, who 
was succeeded by Fanny Kidder. A school-house was 
built at Jericho by Marvin Hannahs, to induce emigrants 
to settle there, but some time elapsed before school was 
taught there. Ellen Fish was the first to teach in that 
house. 

In the northeast quarter of the town Laura Pratt, now 
Mrs. Orrin S. Hoag, taught a school in 1853, in a rough 
shanty near Eri Eaton's. Angeline Foster, in the summer 



452 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of 1854, taught in a board cabin on Moses Welch's place. 
\. school-house was erected about 1855 where the present 
school-house stands, in what is known as the Lull district. 
Mrs. Harriet Hoag, wife of Charles N. Hoag, and Augusta 
Smith, now Mrs. Benjamin Knowles, were both among the 
first teachers there. Soon after the organization of the 
township the taxable inhabitants met and petitioned the 
school inspectors to organize a school district. The peti- 
tion was granted and signed by Francis M. Jones and 
Charles N. Hoag, inspectors. The petition for the first 
district was signed by B. Knowles, J. L. Lane, P. M. 
Brooks, 0. S. Hoag, James Bates, Nathan Tubbs, M. 
Welch, and Henry Pease. 

Feb. 24, 1855, a new district (No. 2) was formed by 
dividing District No. 1. 

June 2, 1855, a school-house site was chosen on the 
northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 11. 

Oct. 6, 1855, the inspectors reported, as from District No. 
1, 20 scholars between four and eighteen years of age, and 
voted to raise f 1 by tax for each scholar. 

District No. 2 reported 17 scholars, and voted to raise 
$180 for building a school-house, $15 for contingent ex- 
penses, and $17 for tuition purposes. 

District No. 3 reported 6 scholars ; no report of date of 
organization of this district. 

Appropriation of school fund, 1857, $25.97, — 53 cents 
to each scholar, — District No. 1, $10.60; District No. 2, 
$12.19; District No. 3, $3.18. 

March 6, 1858, District No. 4 was organized, and was 
bounded by the base line on the north, town line on the 
west, sections 16, 17, 18 on the south, and sections 3 and 
10 on the east. 

The appropriation for 1857, as per taxes of 1856, are as 
follows (mill tax, $81.07) : District No. 1, $22.89 ; District 
No. 2, $26.31 ; District No. 3, $6.87. 

The township library was started while the township 
was a part of Columbia, and a subsequent division of books 
gave the new town a nucleus. At the present time the 
library numbers 251 volumes, 80 being purchased in 1878. 

A list of the teachers receiving certificates from the 
inspectors from the organization of the town to 1868 is 
given, as follows : 

1855. — Fanny Kidder, Jan. 26; same date. Angeliiie Foster; June 
11, Amvietta Blood; April 15, Helen M. Fish. 

1856.— Nov. 1, Wm. M. Welch; Nov. 7, Israel P. Boles. 

1857.— May i, Ruth Hunt; May 18, Mary E. Welch. 

1858.— April 24, Augusta Smith; May 15, Lucinda E. Youug. 

1859.— April 30, Evaline Fellows; May 2, Sarah Shaver; Nov. 26, 
Sarah Young. 

I860.— Nov. 5, Henry C. Rowman : Nov. 22, Francis M. Jones ; Nov. 
25, Olivia Kleckner. 

1861.— April 15, Mary H. Briggs; May 18, Sarah A. Peacock; June 
1, Amanda Rawen ; June 7, Aldena Hoag; July 15, Aure- 
lia Ellsworth; Nov. 2, Mary Lulte; Nov. 18, Helen Ails- 
worth ; Dee. 9, James Southard. 

1862.— April 12, Eliza Clark; April 26, Adaline Doming; Nov. 1, 
Kate C. Peters, Martha E. Grovcr. 

1863. — May 25, Mary A. Rowland; Nov. 9, Rebecca A. Burlingaiue; 
Dec. 2, Emily A. Loomis ; Dec. 19, Helen M. Pool. 

1864. — May 24, Georgia Williams ; Nov. 5, Cordelia Worralon, Han- 
nah Cross, Laura Pierce; Nov. 12, Aurelia Stillwell ; Dee. 
17, Aristene E. Metoalf. 

1865.— April 8, Susan A. Cassidy ; May :i, Janet Ilurlbut; Nov. -1, 
Gideon Hall; Nov. 25, Carrie Longwcll, Marion Balluur. 



1866. — Jan. 6, Fanny Peacock ; March 31, Mary Penrod; April 28, 
Ellen Chapin; May 19, Hattie Shaw, Hattie Fuller; Nov. 
3, Laura Mayberry, Emmeline Rowley. 

1867.— Jan. 12, Lettie Cornwall ; Feb. 9, Elsie A. Orowell : March 16, 
Theresa Dean. 

The following school statistics of the township are frofu 
the directors' report for 1879 : 

Number of Number of 

Dis- Children be- Frame Sealing 

trict, tween 5 and Scliool- Capacity. 

20 Years. Houses. 



No. 6.. 
No. 7.. 



S400 


3 


$285 


1000 


3 


152 


350 


1 


150 


1800 


2 


138 


500 


2 


215 


800 


2 


168 


100 


1 


132 



Total. ..442 



$4950 



RECEIPTS. 

j,j Moneys on 'r,j^,,.Aj:ii Primary- District Raised Total Re- 

. . I hand Sept. m,' School Taxes for from other sources for 

""^^- 1878. ^"''- Fund, all purposes, sources, the Tear. 

No. 1 $59.00 $110.90 $158.24 $1.00 $328.14 

No. 2 103.32 51.84 $22.88 115.35 14.00 311.39 

No. 3.. .. 50.53 59.36 28.94 57.00 195.83 

No. 4 6.16 79.68 37.92 92.50 19.75 236.01 

No. 5 128.39 60.00 33.12 48.53 17.25 287.29 

No. 6 22.66 62.62 28.32 159.38 29.75 302.73 

No. 7 14.96 31.68 130.00 16.50 193.14 

Total..S385.02 $524.40 SI 82.86 $761.00 $97.35 $1854.53 

EXPENDITURES. 

PHidaUothnr Amount on Total Expendi- 
District. Paid Te.achei-s. ™'"'" °'°'" band Sept. 1, ture during the 

purposes. ^^^^ y^^^. 

No. 1 $285.00 $21.51 $21.63 $328.14 

No. 2 152.00 68.74 90.65 311.39 

No. 3 150.00 33.85 11.98 195.83 

No. 4 138.80 49.50 47.71 236.01 

No. 5 215.00 20.10 52.19 287.29 

No. 6 168.00 40.41 92.82 302.73 

No. 7 132.00 11.05 50.09 193.14 

Total $1240.80 $245.16 $367.07 $1854.53 

The school directors for 1879 were Jerome B. Watson, 
Samuel Johnson, Isaac M. Saunders, W. W. Hodge, A. A. 
Hough, Lewis D. Port, Levi Ackley. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Methodist Church. — The first preacher in the township — 
one of the Methodist denomination — was the Rev. J. H. 
Robinson, who formed a class at the log house of Nathan 
Tubbs at the same time, March, 1854. The constituent 
members of that class were Nathan Tubbs and wife, Moses 
Welch and wife, Mrs. Harriet Hoag, Mrs. Catharine Miner, 
Mrs. Charles Davy, and Philip Hoag. 

The circuit that included this territory embraced Breeds- 
ville, Bangor, Watervliet, Coloma, and St. Joseph. The 
ministers who succeeded Mr. Robinson on the circuit were 
the Revs. Thomas Clark, Hendrickson, Blowers, Rodgers, 
E. L. Kellogg, I. Skinner, Paddock, Thomas Clark, J. 
Odin, Harper, Van Fossen, Jaynes, and Law- 
rence, the present pastor. The church has about 80 mem- 
bers, with a Sunday-school containing 60 pupils, — Adam 
White, superintendent. The church was built at Irving- 
ton in the summer of 1876, at a cost of $800. 

A Methodist class was started at Chambers' school-house 
in 1875, at the close of a revival, under the charge of the 
Rev. E. H. Mackinney. The class is under the charge of 
the South Haven Church, and has been supplied with 



TOWNSHIP OF GENEVA. 



453 



preaching; by the Revs. H. Parker, W. A. Huhnsber^'er, 
and N. D. Carroll. It has at present 15 memhcrs. 

Evaiiffelicdl Association. — The society was organized 
about 1872, as a branch of the Bangor Mission. Clarkson 
Cone and his wife wei-e the only members. Additions 
were soon made to the number, and the Rev. David Rol- 

land was the fifst pastor, succeeded by the Revs. 

Dewitt, Asel Russell, John Smaroz, George Provost, and 
John Snyder, the present pastor. Meetings are held at 
the Lee school-hou.?e, and the society now numbers 33 
members, who reside in the townships of Lee, Casco, and 
Geneva. 

A Free-Will Baptist Society was organized about 1855 
or 1856, at what was early known as Eatonburg. The 
Rev. Mr. Burrows became their pastor. He was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Mr. Myers. The society continued 
ten or twelve years and then declined. 

In the fall of 1876 a Baptist Society was organized at 
the Geneva Centre school-house, with 9 members, by the 
Rev. George S. Martin. They now number 12 members, 
and still hold their services at the school-house. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GILMAN AND PHILENA WHITE. 

Peregrine White was born on the " Mayflower" in 
1620, before the landing at Plymouth Rock. Nicholas 
White was a grandson of Peregrine White; married a Miss 
Gilman in 1725. Ebenezer White, second son of Nicholas, 
was born in Haverhill, Mass., in December, 1731. He 
married Hannah Merrill, by whom he had seven children, — 
three sons and four daughters. His wife dying, he married 
a second time, marrying for his second wife Ruth Emerson, 
by whom he had eleven children, — eight sons and three 
daughters. Gilman White, Sr., the ninth son of Ebenezer 
White, was born in Newburg, Vt., June 21, 1783. Gil- 
man White, Jr., was born in Topsham, Vt., Dec. 4, 1812, 
and was the eldest in Gilman White, Sr.'s family of five 
sons and three daughters, of whom Adam White was the 
youngest. Adam, Gilman, and William B., another brother, 
all married sisters, — Adam marrying Ruth Eastman, Gil- 
man, Nancy Eastman, and William B. marrying Philena 
Eastman, who, after the death of her husband, William B. 
White, which occurred in Black Brook, Clinton Co., N. Y., 
came to Irvington, where she has since resided. Aside 
from John D. White, who resides in Kalamazoo, and a 
sister, Mrs. Nathan Bigelow, who is also a resident in 
Kalamazoo, all of the other members of the family, except 
those named, have remained in the East. 

We give upon another page a view of the residences of 
Gilman and Mrs. Philena White, at Irvington ; a general 
store which is conducted by them also appears in the same 
view, together with a view of the depot and church. Adam 
White is prosecuting a large business in the manufacture 
of charcoal at Irvington, which is the principal industry 
there. 



Although only for about three years have the above 
named resided at Irvington, yet they have become well 
known throughout that section of Van Buren County for 
enterprise, energy, together with ability, uprightness, and 
public spirit. 



N. S. TAYLOR 



is the sou of Daniel and Phoebe (Churchill) Taylor, and 
was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1829. When an in- 
fant his parents removed to Brookport, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
where they lived eight years, removing to Bangor, Mich., 
Dec. 25, 1837, being among the first that made a perma- 
nent settlement there. As evidence of the unimproved 
condition of the country then, Mr. Taylor states that they 
frequently supplied their table with venison by shooting 
deer from the door, and often saw wolves near the house. 
The first winter was one of difiiculties, but having taken 
up one hundred and forty acres of land, he (Daniel Taylor) 
proceeded to improve it, and always took an active part in 
all local improvements until his death, which occurred Jan. 
9, 1865. His wife still survives, and has reached the age 
of eighty-nine, residing with a daughter near Lawrence. 

N. S. Taylor was the youngest of the sons, and after be- 
coming of age passed three years traveling in the West. 
Starting from Galena, 111 , went to California, where he ar- 
rived in 1852; remained four years, which were profitable 
ones to him. Returning in 1856, purchased one hundred and 
twenty acres of land near the old homestead in Bangor, and 
not only made fine improvements upon his own property, 
but has taken a prominent part in the general advancement 
of the township ; has acted as an ofiicial for the same in 
several capacities, but has been much interested in its im- 
provements, particularly in the erection of a Methodist 
church, contributing largely in that direction. Also con- 
tributed to the erection of the Bangor furnace and the rail- 
road, and to the establishment of the press. Was a zealous 
supporter of whatever related to the Sunday-school interests, 
in fact using the means he had acquired in promoting the 
general good as well as his own interests. 

In 1876 he wedded Mrs. Mary Smith, a very estimable 
lady residing in Bangor, visiting on their wedding tour all 
the principal Eastern cities and public resorts, and on their 
return purchased an elegant residence in the village of Ban- 
gor. Also bought a banking institution, with its interests, 
which he made a financial success. After two years an op- 
portunity to dispose of this business was ofl'ered, which he' 
accepted, and removed to his present residence in Geneva. 
Mrs. Taylor's parents, John and Eleanor (Parrish) Mc- 
Nett, were natives of New York, and moved to Monroe 
Co., Mich., afterwards to Texas township, Kalamazoo Co., 
where Mrs. Taylor was born. When seventeen years of 
age she was married to Butler M. Smith, of Prairie Ronde, 
Kalamazoo Co. ; moved to Kankakee, 111., where their first 
son was born. After remaining there two years removed to 
Bangor, and purchased a farm of two hundred acres. Here 
three boys and one girl were born to them. They contin- 
ued to reside on their farm until the death of Mr. Smith, 
who was a man not only loved and revered by his family 
and friends, but respected by all that knew him. 



454 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Photos, by Northup, Bangoi 



CLARK PIERCE. 



CLARK PIERCE 



MRS. CLARK PIERCE. 



was born in Marlborough, Vt., in 1814, and lived with his 
parents, Joseph and Sally (Bartlett) Pierce, until his 
mother's death, which occurred when he was ten years old. 
In 1832, Clark made his advent in the State of Michigan, 
stopping first in St. Clair County, where he remained two 
years, removing thence to Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co., 
and finally bought of J. R. Monroe a quarter-section of 
land on section 32, in the present township of Geneva, Van 
Buren Co., where he still resides. This purchase he made 
during the winter of 1837-38, paying twenty shillings 
per acre, thereby incurring an indebtedness which required 
some time to remove. He married Mary S. Roys, of 
Brady, Kalamazoo Co., Mrs. Pierce thereby acquiring the 
distinction of being the first resident white woman of 
Geneva township, Mr. Pierce being the first settler. There 
they have remained, witnessing the growth and development 
of the country about them, and have reared and educated 
their children, of whom they had six, viz., Almon J., 
Irving, Laura, Quincy, Gertrude, and Etta. Quincy died 
when twenty-three years of age. The rest are living in 
the vicinity of the old home, making the last years of their 
parents their best years. 

The first school taught in Geneva was at their house, 
three terms having expired before a school-house was built. 

His place was twenty-three miles from Paw Paw, the lo- 
cation of the nearest mill and post-office, and it required 
about three days to make the trip. He, as an employee, 
aided in building the first frame house in South Haven, 
living in it about eight months. 

Almon J. Pierce enlisted in Company G, 19th Michigan 
Infantry, was taken sick, and re-enlisted, from convalescent 
camp, in Ellet's Marine Brigade of the Mississippi River, 
where he participated in the siege of Vicksburg. On 
returning from the army, he entered the State Agricultural 
College, remaining two years. His studies included the 
rudiments of surveying ; and, leaving before completing the 
course, he began the practice of land-surveying in Van Buren 
and Allegan Counties. His success in this line gained him 



the election of county surveyor in 1869, which position 
he has .since filled, excepting one term. ^ 

Irving W. was a member of the 28th Illinois Infantry ; 
was at Mobile ; returning from the service, as did Almon 
J., uninjured. 

Mr. Pierce was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and 
now a Republican. The family attend the Congregational 
Church, and are firm advocates of the principles of temper- 
ance. Mr. Pierce is known as one of the landmarks of 
Van Buren County. His name is familiar in every house- 
hold, and he is eminently a self-made man. 



CHAPTER LX. 



HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.' 



Boundaries and General Description — Indian Occupancy — Early Set- 
tlements and Settlers — Organization and Township Officers — Post- 
Offices and Postmasters — The Village of Hartford — Societies and 
Orders — Schools — Keligious Societies. 

The township, lying in the southwest part of the county, 
is composed of 36 full sections, and is known as town 3 
south, range 16 west. It is bounded on the north by the 
township of Bangor, on the east by Lawrence, on the south 
by Keeler, and on the west by the township of Watervliet, 
in Berrien County. 

The surface is gently undulating, and originally was 
covered with a heavy growth of timber, consisting mostly 
of black walnut, beech, maple, ash, white and basswood, 
interspersed with oak, elm, and a little pine. 

The soil through the centre from east to west along the 
line of the old Watervliet road is quite sandy. The south 
part of the town.ship and that part north of the Paw Paw 
River is of a rich sandy loam, with a slight admixture of 
clay, and is equal in productiveness to any soil in the State. 
The valley of the Paw Paw River is narrow, and is com- 
posed of rich alluvium. The township is well watered by 

* By A. N. Ilungerford. 



TOWNSHIP OF HARTFORD. 



455 



the Paw Paw River and its branches, and by Rush Lake, 
which lies in this and the adjoining township of Bangor. The 
Paw Paw River enters on the south part of section 1, and 
flow.s southerly to the south line of section 11, then, in a 
winding course, westerly, and passes out of the township 
in the middle of section 18. The two larger branches rise 
in the southeast portion of the town, and flow in a north- 
erly course, one making a junction on .section 14, the other 
on the southwest part of section 8. One also rises in 
Bangor, with two or three branches, and joins the river at 
the east line of section 9. The Paw Paw River is a mean- 
dering stream as far as the forks below the village of Paw 
Paw, and in an early day was much used for shipping 
lumber and flour in flat-boats to St. Joseph. Mineral 
springs abound along the river, and on the farm of Fabius 
Miles, near the west line of section 12, is a sulphur spring, 
which issues from a mound about four feet above the level 
of the surrounding land. 

INDIAN OCCUPANCY. 

When the first white settlers began to locate in this sec- 
tion of country, bauds of Pottawattamies, Ottawas, and a 
few Chippewas were quite numerous, and were roving 
over the country, settling (or rather camping) in difi^rent 
parts in different seasons. In the spring of the year they 
gathered near the large maple-groves to make sugar. The 
sis-bah-quet (sugarj they would exchange with the che-mo- 
ke man (white manj for such articles as they wanted, which 
generally was, first, whisky, next, whisky, then quash-que 
(bread) and koo-koosh (pork). The largest of these sugar 
" orchards" was in the southeast part of the town, on sec- 
tions 23 and 24, from the Brown and Dowd neighborhood 
east to the Shafer and Johnson farms. Another was on the 
north side of the river, below Fabius Miles', on section 12, 
extending west down the river to the De Long neighbor- 
hood, and other smaller groves were in various parts of the 
town. 

In the summer season they moved their wigwams to the 
borders of berry swamps and near good fishing. The largest 
of these berry swamps was in the southeast part of the town, 
on the northeast quarter of section 35, near Orson Olds. 
Another was in the northwest part of the town, on the west 
line and north of the river. 

In the fall season they gathered on the lowlands, and 
selected a place for their wigwams in the heavy timber, 
where they were protected from the wind. Tlie game was 
principally deer, wild turkeys, and the fur-bearing animals. 

The most of the Indians were removed in 1838; a few 
remained and some returned, and in 1842 were again re- 
moved. Remnants of these tribes now live near Rush 
Lake, and in the townships of Hartford, Bangor, Covert, 
and Watervliet, at their intersection. They are mostly 
Catholics, and have a church at the south end of Rush 
Lake, which is attended by, Father J. Roeper, of Silver 
Creek. A cemetery is near the church. The first church 
was built of logs, and was for many years attended by 
Father Barron, of Silver Creek. Within a few years a 
number of white families in the adjacent townships have 
become attached to the church. About ten families living 
in this township are members. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

The section of country embraced in this township was 
not surveyed until several years after its cession by the 
Chicago treaty of 1821. About 1829 the lands were first 
opened for settlement, and emigrants from Ohio, Pennsyl- 
vania, and the Eastern States began to flow in slowly 
along the St. TToseph River. Several years after, settlers 
began to press back from the river, and locate and clear the 
land. At that time the section of country all along the 
western slope north of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor was 
almost a complete wilderness, and Hartford was the home 
only of Indians and wild animals. 

Not far from 1835 a noted hunter and trapper by the 
name of Harvey Saulsbury came first into what is now the 
township of Hartford, and built a cabin of basswood logs, 
with roof of bark, on the bank of the creek on the south- 
west quarter of section 14, on the farm of John N. Travis. 
This cabin was occupied by him in his hunting trip.s, in 
which he ranged the line of swamps from the Dowagiac to 
the Black River. There were no white settlers for a long 
distance, and this cabin was built as a half-way house between 
the northern and southern points of his range. His sum- 
mers were mostly spent at Niles, and as the hunting and 
trapping season came on he started out, dre-ssed in deer- 
skin trousers, blouse, and slouch hat, with his rifle on 
his shoulder and a load of traps on his back, would make 
his way to this place, and generally remain here till spring, 
occasionally going to Paw Paw ,to exchange his furs for 
articles to sell to the Indians. He continued his hunting 
and trapping excursions till about 1844-45. 

As early as 1835 a man known as " South Bend Taylor" 
was in the habit of passing through this section of country 
about three times in the course of the winter, and gather- 
ing furs of hunters and Indians. He traveled generally 
on foot, and when his burdens were gathered they were 
either packed on Indian ponies and sent out to the settle- 
ments, or down the river to St. Joseph. He now lives at 
South Bend, Ind., and is over eighty years of age. 

It is said that two men named Duncan and Sumner 
about 1828, before any settlements were in this section, 
followed up Paw Paw River as far as Watervliet, and built 
a saw-mill under the bluff, on the south side of the Paw 
Paw River, using the water of Mill Creek. This was near 
the mill of the Watervliet Mill Company. At about the 
same time three brothers by the name of Stone bought 
a tract of land in the northwest part of this township, on 
sections 5 and 8, for the timber. They cleared land for the 
logs, which were manufactured into lumber at the ihill 
below. This continued for a short time, when a flood filled 
the raceway with sand ; then they all left here, and their 
shanties became an Indian rendezvous. Sumner went to 
Cass County, where he was the founder of Sumnerville. 
The Stone brothers years afterwards .sold their lands to 
Alvah De Long, for five shillings per acre, receiving their 
pay in lumber. It is now occupied by Asher and Allen 
De Long. 

About Sept. 1, 1835, John Allen, a native of Vermont, 
left Ann Arbor for West Michigan, and located a number 
of lots in Van Buren County, established stage-routes; built 
mills, did business on the credit system, and failed. Mr. 



456 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAIS. 



Allen, Edwin Barnum, and Ephraim Palmer built a log 
house on the bluflF bank of Brush Creek, about fiirty rods 
north of the present union school-house of Lawrence. 
Mr. Allen, not being satisfied with moderate profits and 
steady business, was seized with the speculative mania, and 
located a number of lots of land on what is now known as 
Hog Creek, about a mile east of Hartford village. He platted 
this land into lots and started an imaginary village, calling 
it Middletown. A good story is told in connection with the 
village, about as follows:* In 1836, Mr. Allen attempted 
to establish a stage-route from Paw Paw to St. Joseph, via 
Brush Creek, Middletown, and Waterford (Watervliet). 
Some five or six families who had gathered at Brush Creek, 
having heard of Middletown, supposed it to be quite a vil- 
lage, and .some of the men of the settlement proposed to visit 
it. The company consisted of about half a dozen ragged men 
and as many barefooted boys ; but one of the company, John 
Mellen, a Mohawk Dutchman, being rather more destitute 
of clothing than the rest, felt a little ashamed to go among 
strangers, when Humphrey Barnum offered to lend him a 
coat. Mellen accepted, and the company started out, pass- 
ing a little south of where Holland Clark now lives. They 
soon struck the hills, and after going up and down for about 
half a mile, came to what seemed to be the last place in 
creation, being a deep hollow, about forty rods across and fifty 
or sixty feet below the land around it ; and as much of the 
timber in and around it was pine, the name of Pine Hollow 
was given to it. Climbing out of this they soon came to 
Mud Lake, and a little farther west passed Sutton's Lake 
and came to the great Indian trail which passed through 
the country north and south from Pokagon to Lake Mich- 
igan, crossing the Paw Paw River at Sturgeon Ripple, and 
through the Indian settlements in Bangor, striking the 
lake at South Haven. A little west of this they crossed 
the town line, which brought the party into a town not yet 
settled by a white man. Working their way through brush, 
over logs, and across small streams, they reached Middle- 
town Creek, and crcssing it, took a seat upon the bank 
where the barn stands on the Bouvier place. There the 
party partook of their lunch, when Barnum told Mellen he 
would show him the village, and going a few rods he in- 
troduced him to the public square and other imaginary lo- 
calities and business places, and also to the leading .settlers, 
which were none other than mosquitoes, and he thought 
they had made themselves acquainted at least with some of 
the family. The joke was relished by the whole company, 
and was the source of considerable sport for years after- 
wards. The party, after surveying the village and its sur- 
roundings for a few hours, returned home tired and hungry, 
but entirely satisfied with their inspection trip to the new 
village. 

With all the inducements offered, Middletown failed to 
realize the hopes of its projectors, and it was not even used 
for farm-lands for many years after. 

Upon the failure of Mr. Allen a Mr. Grant, of Oswego, 
N. Y., came into possession of it by foreclosure of the 
mortgage, and long after Sylvanus Casselnian bought the 

* This story and some of the incidents of the pioneers are gleaned 
from articles contributed by Luther Sutton in the Daif Sprint/ as 
historical notes, pioneer sketches, etc. 



land. Mr. Allen was a pioneer in three States, — Michigan, 
Iowa, and California. He was State senator from Washte- 
naw County in 18-1:7-48, and in 1850 went to California, 
where he died. 

The first actual settlers in the township were Ferdino 
Olds and family, consisting of his wife and daughter Julia 
(now Mrs. Ansel E. Reynolds). Mr. Olds was a native of 
Cayuga Co., N. Y., emigrated to this place in December, 
1836, and located land on the middle of the north half of 
section 29, where W. H. Haven now lives. On coming 
through to the place the family stopped at the house of 
Lyman G. Hill (who was the nearest settler and lived in 
the northeast part of Keeler township) while he put up a 
small log cabin, which was completed Jan. 25, 1837, on 
which day the family moved into it. Here they lived a 
short time, but the family increased so rapidly that a larger 
house had to be built, and a family of ten children were 
raised, nine of whom are living. Mr. Olds died in October, 
1856. 

His brothers, Hezekiah and John, came in soon after. 
The latter settled on the southwest quarter of section 29, 
adjoining Ferdino; Hezekiah was (and is .still) a bachelor and 
lived with John ; Orson settled south of John on the same 
quarter-section, and lives now in the village. His farm 
was sold to Sylvester McNitt. Ira and Harry came in 
later. Ira settled on section 28, where William Day re- 
sides, and now lives in Keeler, near the north line. Harry 
was a carpenter. He lived here a few years and returned 
to New York. Edwin R. Olds, a son of Orson, married 
Harriet, a daughter of Ferdino Olds, and in 1858 bought 
the farm now owned by A. N. Spaulding on the northeast 
quarter of section 28, and was engaged in farming and lum- 
bering for several years. He removed to the village and built 
the first hotel, known as the Olds House. He is now en- 
gaged in buying stock, grain, and wool, and is one of the 
foremost business men in the town. Ransom and Allen 
Olds are sons of Orson, and are engaged in the manufac- 
ture of sash, doors, and blinds, and are also building con- 
tractors. 

Henry Hammond was the next settler, and located on 
the southeast quarter of section 34, where Mr. E. B. Green- 
field lived. He erected a cabin for temporary use in the 
spring of 1837, where he lived till about the middle of 
May. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond unitedly worked together in 
building a log house 16 by 22, and moved into it as soon 
as completed. In this house, Jan. 3, 1838, a daughter was 
born to them, who was the first child born in the town- 
ship. This was Catharine Hammond, afterwards the wife 
of Hiram E. Stratton. 

Thomas Conklin, a native of Rutland, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., came to Kalamazoo in 1834, but not liking the 
country returned to New York. In November, 1836, in 
company with his brother James and a Mr. Sellick, he 
came back to Kalamazoo. They had with them a yoke of 
oxen and a wagon. The first night in the wilderness was 
passed under many difiiculties ; they felled a large beech- 
tree, and building a fire against it cooked their food. They 
slept on the ground with the wagon-box turned over them. 
Snow fell during the night to the depth of two feet, and 
continued the next day, and the weather getting colder 





THOMAS CONKLIN. 



MRS. THOMAS CONKLIN. 




hib u < HuMAS CONt^LIN, HakuohoTp.,\/anBuren Co ,MiuH. 



TOWNSHIP OF HARTFORD. 



457 



they decided to go to Battle Creek. While at Kalamazoo, 
in the fall of 1836, Thomas Conklin in behalf of himself, 
James his brother, Mr. Sellick, Burrell A. Olney, and 
James Spinnings, all schoolmates and associates, entered 
about 1000 acres of land and paid for it. The most of 
the members of this company were still in the East, and 
did not come out till the spring of 1837. In February of 
1837, James Conklin and Mr. Selliek, with the assistance 
of Thomas, put up their log houses on sections 5 and 6 in 
Keeler township. 

In March, 1837, B. A. Olney and James Spinnings came 
from the East, and they, together with Thomas Conklin, 
erected on Mr. Conklin's land a log cabin, 12 feet by 
12, in which they lived together six weeks, chopping and 
clearing land, doing their own cooking. The furniture was 
rude, as was usual in those days ; the only tool of the time 
was the axe. Marsh hay was gathered to fill an old tick 
to make a bed, — the three occupied the same bed, with two 
blankets for covering. About the 1st of May the party 
separated. After getting the land cleared, corn and pota- 
toes planted, and a new log house built, Thomas Conklin 
returned to the East, married, and returned to the new 
home about the 1st of October, 1837. Mrs. Conklin was 
a teacher in the East, and here, in this new log house, the 
first children of Hartford township were gathered together 
and taught by her. Before the organization of this town- 
.ship, Gen. Chadwick, Mr. Conklin, and Orrin Sykes were 
the first school inspectors. 

In 1839, Hezekiah Olds employed Thomas Conklin to 
erect for him a log house, 18 by 24 feet, in consideration 
for which service he was to receive a cow. The work was 
completed in thirteen days. Mr. Olds raked up the chips 
the same day and set them on fire, which not only burned 
the chips but the house also. Mr. Conklin lives near the 
village, and his son Luke ou a farm adjoining. Luke was 
the first male child born in town, Dec. 3, 1838. 

Burrell A. Olney, James Spinnings, and Thomas Conklin 
arrived in Hartford on the 14th of March, 1837, their land 
having been selected previously on part of the southwest 
quarter and west half of section 33. Mention is made of 
the selection of land and their first few weeks' labor together 
on another page. After the separation on the 1st of May, 
each commenced for himself Mr. Spinnings lived with Mr. 
Olney, and died May 2, 1841, his being the first death in 
the township. By the 1st of June they had cleared six acres 
of timber and planted it to corn and potatoes. Mr. Olney 
returned to Jefferson Co., N. Y., and in the September fol- 
lowing returned to the farm with his family, and for about 
a year did the work of the farm without a team. In the 
fall of 1838 he purchased a pair of oxen, which were used 
about ten years in the clearing up and logging incident to 
all new land in a timber country. He is a man of great phys- 
ical energy and business ability, and has kept pace with 
the progress of the country. He left the farm about fifteen 
years ago and formed a partnership which became the f rm 
of Swain, Olney & Co., in the village of Watervliet, entered 
into a large lumbering business, and is to-day engaged in 
buying grain, wool, and other produce. He is connected 
with his son Horace and Edwin R. Olds. 

In 1837 or "38, George Washington Springer settled 
58 



near the southwest quarter of the township. His occupa- 
tion was hunting, trapping, and fishing. He was noted for 
his success as a hunter and for telling stories which had a 
Munchausen flavor, and of which Springer was generally 
the hero. He moved away after about five years. 

Rufus Sayers, of Wayne Co., N. Y., was one of the .sur- 
veying-party who surveyed this section of country, and in 
1836 he located the northwest quarter of section 24 and 

made arrangements with Wetherby to clear 20 acres, 

for which he was to receive an eighty-acre lot. Wetherby 
made a clearing, built a log house, and lived there for a 
time, but soon left it. Sayers returned to New York, and 
in 1843 exchanged the land in- Michigan with a neighbor, 
Horace Dowd, for land there, placing the value of this land 
at $5 per acre. Mr. Dowd, who was a native of Massa- 
chusetts and had emigrated with his father's family to 
Wayne Co., N. Y., in :\828, came in the spring of 1844 to 
the farm he had purchased, with his family, consisting of 
his wife and three children. The farm was in a neglected 
condition, and about the first thing done was to burn the 
log cabin, which was nearly rotted down. Saplings had 
grown up in the clearing, and the place was as rough as at 
first. He was active in the organization of the Baptist 
Church in Hartford, and died July 4, 1870. His widow 
and sons, Jefferson S., Henry H., and daughter, Mary L. 
(now Mrs. A. H. Brown), all live on or near the first set- 
tled farm. 

Robert Wilcox and Henry jMiner, about 1837, settled 
on section 17, — Wilcox, where Z. K. Stickney now lives, 
and Miner across the road. They remained but a short 
time. 

Smith Johnson settled on section 17, and in 1843 sold 
to William Thomas, a native of Washington Co., N. Y., 
who came to Hartford in 1843, and bought 50 acres on 
section 17, of Smith Johnson, where he still lives. He 
married a daughter of Ira Allen. He was elected to the 
Legislature ia 1875, to fill a vacancy caused by the death 
of B. J. Geckley ; was supervisor in 1844, and has held 
the office of justice of the peace for many years. 

Caleb Johnson, brother of Smith, lived adjoining, and 
removed to Illinois about 1844. One Snay, a French 
Canadian, lived near the Johnsons for a few years. In the 
fall of 1837 William Everett and his son Richard B. came 
in and settled on section 26, in the southwest quarter, and 
Peter Williamson lived adjoining ; the latter still lives on 
the place, Everett in Keeler. Alexander Newton settled on 
section 13. In March, 1839, Joseph Ruggles, with his 
family, emigrated from Huron Co., Ohio, in a wagon drawn 
by a yoke of oxen, and settled on the southeast quarter of 
section 31, where H. S. Jennings now lives. 

In 1839, Alvah De Long, a native of St. Lawrence Co , 
N. Y., settled 40 acres in the northeast quarter of section 
29, purchased of Ferdino Olds, where J. D. Robinson now 
lives ; later, he bought the pine woods on the school section, 
and commenced the manufiicture of shingles. Afterwards, 
in 1846, he bought the Stow property, and in 1850 he 
moved to California, where he died. His brothers, Asher 
and Allen De Long, own the property, the latter living on 
the farm, the former in the village of Hartford. Francis 
De Long, the father of the above, came to this town and 



458 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



lived with his sons. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and 
died in the one hundred and third year of his age. 

Ira Allen, a native of Vermont, emigrated to near Buffiilo 
before the war of 1812, and was a soldier in the army at 
the time the British crossed to burn Buffalo, where he was 
wounded. He afterwards moved to Michigan, settling on 
the river Raisin, where he remained two years, then return- 
ing to New York. In 1835 he removed to Ann Arbor; to 
Lawrence in 1837, and to Hartford in 1839, locating on 
the north half of section 21, where James Beny now 
lives. He died about 1875, and was buried in the village 
cemetery. Four children are living, — Ira W., who opened 
a store at the village in 1855, and has been in business 
from that time to the present ; Mary, the wife of William 
Thomas; Lucy, the widow of James Griffin ; and William, 
who lives in California. 

Josiah Hill settled on the east part of section 13. He 
was also from St. Lawrence County, and with Cornelius 
Williams bought out Alexander Newton. 

Charles P. Sheldon, a native of Watertown, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., came to this township in the fall of 1841 ; he 
was the first settler north of the Paw Paw River, and 
located on section 2. At that time remnants of the Polta- 
wattamies and of the Oltawas lived near him, including 
Commodah,a war-chief of the Oltawas, with his sons, Pix- 
waxie, Paw Paw, and Nottawawas, also Watbimneto and 
his family, of the Pottawaltamies. Mr. Sheldon returned 
to New York, and in the spring of 1842 brought on his 
family. The following spring he was elected supervisor, 
and during that year succeeded in getting a vote of the 
people to build a bridge across the Paw Paw River on sec- 
tion 10. He filled the office of supervisor several terms, 
and was justice of the peace eleven years consecutively. 
In 1852 he was elected from this county as representative 
for the session of 1853-54. He moved to Tipton, Cedar 
Co., Iowa, in 1855, and has since served that State in the 
Legislature. 

The only road cut through this township was the old 
Watervliet road that ran from Paw Paw to St. Joseph, and 
was used as a mail-route. This was cut through in 1837 
by the commissioners of Lawrence. 

In the fall of 183(i, 32 men, 28 of whom were Canadian 
Frenchmen, came to Watervliet from Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
in the employ of Smith, Merrick & Co., to work on the im- 
provements they were then making in the construction of 
mills, digging a race, and clearing land, on the spot where, 
eight years before, Duncan & Summer had their mill. The 
old race was cleaned of sand and was enlarged. Of this 
party were Felix Rassett, Sircll Rassett, A. P. Pinney, and 
Edward Eber. Soon after their coming in A. P. Pinney 
purchased large tracts, among which wore section 13, and 
four eighties on section 17. In 1841, Felix Rassett pur- 
chased of Mr. Pinney the northeast (juarter of section 17. 
A short time after, Sirell Rassett bought where Z. K. 
Stickncy now owns, and Edward Eber on section 16 ; Eber 
went to California about 18G0, returned, and now lives in 
the village. Felix Rassett built a frame house on the 
Watervliet road, in the fall of 1843. He now keeps the 
Rassett House in the village of Hartford. 

The next spring Bartholomew Shuwrie settled at what is 



now the village. He remained several years, and removed 
to Kansas. In that year occurred the first wedding, and 
it was quickly followed by two others. Thomas Kemp, of 
Bangor, was married to Mehitable Cone, a sister of Mrs. 
Ferdino Olds, on the 22d day of September, 1844, at the 
house of Mr. Olds. About the same time James Griffin 
and Lucy Allen, daughter of Ira Allen, and Edward Eber 
and Abigail Mellon were married at the house of Ira 
Allen, on the farm now occupied by James Beany. William 
Thomas and Thomas Conklin were present, and both being 
justices of the peace, each married a couple. The bridal 
parties went to Watervliet, joined Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
Kemp, and held a wedding-feast together. 

The Allen lands, located by John Allen in 1835, passed 
to a Mr. Grant, and subsequently became the property of 
the Ostrom Company, of which Courtlandt Palmer was the 
principal and Bela Hubbard, of Detroit, agent. In 1852, 
Job Dunham, and John and Lyman McNitt purchased of 
the Ostrom Company 240 acres on .section 15, the west half 
of northeast quarter and northwest quarter. Mr. Dunham 
sold the west half of the northwest quarter to Andrew 
Bartlett ; John McNitt sold the ca.st half of the northwest 
quarter to one Percival ; Lyman McNitt sold to James 
Griffin the south half of the west quarter of northwest 
quarter, and to Griffin and Almon A. Olds the northwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter. 

In 1854, Roswell Hart, a native of Connecticut, emi- 
grated to this place, having purchased of Courtlandt 
Palmer, of New York, the northwest quarter of section 15 
and the contract of James Griffin. A part of the Hart farm 
is in the Olds addition. Mr. Hart was supervisor from 
1871 to 1874, inclusive. In 1875, Mr. Hart moved to the 
southeast quarter of section 14, where he still resides. 

During the year 1844, Ralph Taylor and his sons, How- 
land C. and Emory 0. Taylor, and three sisters, natives of 
Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., settled on the south half of 
section 4, and Austin Beaman, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
on land adjoining on the west. Howland C. Taylor lives 
now on the northeast quarter of section 20, and' Emory 0. 
Taylor in Wayne, Cass Co. Paul Weibar lived north of 
the river, also in the southwest quarter of section 11. 

Fabius Miles, a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., taught school in that place for twelve years, and 
emigrated to this town in May, 1844, locating 300 acres on 
the west half of section 12, intersected by the river. On 
the northwest quarter of the section a water-power was 
fitted up, and improved in the autumn of that year. The 
first saw-mill in the township was built at this place, and 
completed about April 10, 1847. 

Mr. Miles was supervisor in 1852, member of the Legis- 
lature of 1859-60, and has filled other positions with credit. 
He still lives on the farm he first settled. Wright, a son, 
is living in Colorado. 

Abram Yates came with Roswell Hart from Monroe 
Co., N. Y., at the same time, and settled on the cast half of 
the southwest quarter of section 15, where Clark Sampson 
now lives. He now resides in Watervliet. 

Melville Hathaway in 1854 lived in the village, on the 
corner where now stands the Masonic block. He was lost 
on the steamer " Hippocampus," in Lake Michigan. 



TOWNSHIP OF HARTFORD. 



459 



Harlow GriflBn, a brother of James, lived on the site of 
the old Day Spring office. 

Hilliard in the fall of 1834 came to the village of Hart- 
ford, and settled on section 15. He was one of the party 
that formed the original plat of the village, in 1859. He 
still lives in the village. 

Truman Stratton, a native of Vermont, emigrated from 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1858, and purchased 
on the west side of centre line of section 16. 

ORGANIZATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 

When this part of the Territory of Michigan was divided 
into counties, in 1829, the territory now called Van Buren 
County was set off and attached to Cass County for judi- 
cial purposes ; and the township of Lafayette was formed 
March 25, 1835, comprising the territory of Van Buren 
County.* 

By an act approved March 11, 1837, this township was 
divided into seven towns, of which Lawrence was one, and 
included the present towns of Lawrence, Hartford, and 
Arlington. At the same time the town.ship of Covington 
was formed, and included Keeler and Hamilton. In 
1838 these townships were organized from that town ; and 
Keeler also embraced in its new organization town 3 south, 
range 16 west (now Hartford), but in the spring of 1840 
this was set off and made a separate township. It was 
first intended to be called Hartland (after the town Mr. 
Olds came from), but there being another of that name in 
the State, it was called Hartford, at the suggestion of Mr. 
B. A. Olney. The township was organized by an election 
of officers in April of that year, this first town-meeting 
being held at the house of Smith Johnson, in section 17. 

The records of the township were destroyed by fire in 
June, 1877. The following list of officers is obtained 
from the records of the Board of Supervisors for the years 
given : 

1840. — Supervisor, Joseph Ruggles; Town Clerk, Burrell A. Olney; 
Treasurer, Joseph Ruggles; Justices of the Peace, Alexander 
Newton, Richard B. Everett, Smith Johnson, Burrcll A. 
Olney. 

ISII.— Supervisor, .Joseph Ruggles; Town Clerk, Burrell A. Olney; 
Treasurer, Joseph Ruggles ; Justices of the Peace, Richard 
B. Everett, Smith Johnson, B. A. Olney, Josiah Hill. 

1842.— Supervisor, Burrell A. Olney; Town Clerk, Joseph Ruggles; 
Treasurer, Richard B. Everett; Justice of the Peace, Ira 
Allen. 

1843.— Supervisor, Charles P.Sheldon; Town Clerk, R. B. Everts; 
Treasurer, B. A. Olney; School Inspectors, Freeman Rug- 
gles, C. P. Sheldon, B. A. Olney; Justices of the Peace, R. 
B. Everett, Joseph Reynolds. 

1844.— Supervisor. Charles P.Sheldon; Town Clerk, William Thomas; 
Treasurer, Thomas Conklin; Sehool Inspector, C.P.Shel- 
don; Justice of the Peace, William Thomas. 

1845. — Treasurer, Sylvester G. Easton; Justice of the Peace, B. A. 
Olney. 

184C. — Supervisor, William Thomas; Town Clerk, William Thomas; 
Treasurer, Sylvester G. Easton ; Justice of the Peace, C. P. 
Sheldon; School Inspector, Aaron P. Hammond. 

1847.— Supervisor, Burrell A. Olney; Town Clerk, William Thomas; 
Justice of the Peace, R. B. Everett; Treasurer, S. G. Easton; 
School Inspector, Fabius Miles. 

* Prior to the organization of Lafayettcf township the territory of 
Van Buren County, part of Cass, and land still north was embraced 
in Penn township, which was organized Nov. 5, 1829, and which ter- 
ritory was a part of St. Joseph township, organized April 12, 1827. 



1848.— Supervisor, B. A. Olney; Township Clerk, Martin Ruggles; 
School Inspector, Howland C. Taylor; Treasurer, William 
Thomas; Justice of the Peace, Austin Beaman. 

1871.— Supervisor, RoswcU Hart; Town Clerk, N. Thomas. 

1872-74. — Supervisor, Roswell Hart. 

1S7.3. — Supervisor, R. Hart; Town Clerk, Nathan Thomas; Treas- 
urer, H. M. Olney; Justice of the Peace, A. II. Chandler; 
School Inspector, 0. D. Hadsell. 

1878. — Supervisor, Lyman Bridges; Town Clerk, Thomas J. Johns; 
Treasurer, George H. Moore; Justices of the Peace, Albert 
H. Tuttle, Livara MoNitt ; Superintendent of Schools, James 
M. Lamb; School Inspector, William W. Shepherd. 

1879. — Supervisor, Lyman Bridges; Town Clerk, Henry Spaulding ; 
Treasurer, Thomas J. Johns : Justices of the Peace, J. E'. 
Packard, Charles Mortimer ; Superintendent of Schools, J. 
M. Rowe ; School Inspector, Luther Sutton. 

POST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 
The first mail-route through the township was established 
in 1854, from St. Joseph to Paw Paw, and passed through 
the village, but no mail was delivered there, and the near- 
est office was at Watervliet. The mail was carried on horse- 
back for about a year. In 1855, one Dolph carried the 
mail, and this year the office was established at Hartford 
Centre, with James E. Griffin as the first postmaster. The 
mail contract was successively taken, after Dolph, by Sam- 
uel Wolcott, James Griffin, and Harvey Tamblin. At this 
time passengers began to be carried. William Thomas and 

Fairbanks also had the contract for a short time. 

Jacob Crager took the contract about 1864, and has held 
it to the present. The route, which at first was from Paw 
Paw to St. Joseph, has been shortened from time to time 
until now it extends from Lawrence to Hartford. The 
postmasters since the appointment of Mr. Griffin have been 
M. F. Palmer, W. A. Engle, Nathan Thomas, and the 
present incumbent, J. W. Travis. 

THE VILLAGE OF HARTFORD. 

About 1844, in the spring, one Bartholomew Showrie 
came to this place, purchased of A. P. Pinney a part of 
where the village now stands, erected a small log cabin, 
and cleared a small piece of land east of where the furni- 
ture-store of M. Boynton stands. He afterwards built a 
frame house, and still later removed to Kansas. 

The only road was the road from Paw Paw to St. Joseph. 
A few years after his arrival, Martin Ruggles entered land 
from the State on section 16, and built the cabin afterwards 
occupied by Truman Fowler, which was near the present 
residence of Dr. M. F. Palmer. About 1852, Francis 
Wilkes, a bachelor, came to the place, and with Fowler 
erected a frame house on the south side of Main Street, 
corner of Centre, and put in a few goods and more whisky. 
James Griffin, with his wife, lived in the back part of the 
store. Thaddeus Drew was also here occasionally, but he 
was the traveling man of the party. At this time the 
place became somewhat notorious, and was known by the 
name of " Bloody Corners." The inhabitants, consisting 
of Fowler, Wilkes, Drew, and a few others, were always 
in active pursuit of horse-thieves, which were almost, but 
never quite, caught. About 1854-55 a better class of set- 
tlers began to gather at the Centre, and Roswell Hart, a 
native of New York, and Ware Hilliard, a native of New 
Hampshire, settled here, followed soon by Truman Stratton, 
John H. Van Ostrom, and James Wolcott. 



400 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



In 1855, Antoinette Stoughton (now Mrs. Hurlbut) 
taught the first school in the village ; the same year, Ira 
W. Allen and Willard Stratton built a store where the 
old Day Spring office stands, about 14 by 20, and one 
story high, and put in a small stock of goods. Dr. M. F. 
Palmer, in June, 1857, opened an office and commenced 
the practice of his profession. Benjamin Randall opened 
a blacksmith-shop on South Centre Street, west side. 0. 
H. P. Baker (better known as Alphabet Baker) is said to 
have kept the first tavern, in part of what is now the 
Rassett House. 

Cyrus Boynton, in the fall of 1858, opened a store in 
the Rassett House, and put in two cases of boots, several 
sacks of coifee, and a few dry goods. His store was the 
general resort for the long winter evenings. 

The growth of the village was very slow until about 
1870, when the building of the Chicago and West Michi- 
gan Railroad was an incentive to a more rapid settlement, 
and the village increased until at the present time it has a 
population of about 800. The business part of the village 
was nearly destroyed by fire in June, 1877, thirteen busi- 
ness places being burned. But it has steadily and healthily 
grown since, and now contains two churches (Baptist and 
Methodist), a brick school-house, the brick dwelling of 
Orson Olds, a brick hotel, Odd-Fellows' Hall, Masonic Hall, 
Reynolds' block, and thirteen business places in other blocks ; 
five dry-goods stores, two groceries, two hardware-stores, 
two drug-stores, five blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, 
post-office, school-house, new.spaper-office, two cabinet-shops, 
three millinery-stores, harness-shop, and stave-factory, two 
cider-mills, two saw-mills, two sash-, door-, and blind- 
factories, two markets, a lumber-yard, one flour- and feed- 
store, two livery-stables, one jewelry-store, two restaurants, 
one boot and shoe-store, three insurance-offices, one hair- 
store, two warehouses, depot, telegraph- and express-office, 
two lawyers, and four physicians. 

Village Incorporation and Officers. — Eflxtrts had been 
made for several years to perfect the incorporation, but were 
not successful until 1877 ; the charter being granted April 
1st of that year. The territory comprised the east half of 
section 16 and the west half of section 15. The officers 
were to be a president, recorder, six trustees, and a treasurer. 
The first election was held at the office of C. H. Engle, 
April 10, 1877, and the officers elected for 1877, '78, and 
'79 are as follows : 

1877.— President, John W. Hubbard; Trustees, Henry 1>. Phelps, 
Edwin R. Olds, Valentine I. Stratton, William Bennett, 
George H. Morse, Russell W. Stickney ; Recorder, Levi S. 
Warren ; Treasurer, Volney E. Manley. 

1878.— President, George H. Morse; Trustees, Henry P. Phelps, Ed- 
win R. Olds, Valentine I. Stratton, William Bennett, Albert 
H. Tuttle, Henry Spaulding; Recorder, Levi S. Warren; 
Treasurer, Volney E. Manley. 

1879. — President, Marvin L. Edmonds; Trustees, William Bennett, 
Albert H. Tuttle, Henry Spaulding, Arthur H. Young, 
Thomas J, Johns, William L, Pierce; Recorder, Levi S. 
Warren ; Treasurer, Volney E. Manley. 

Plats and Additions. — In the fall of 1854, Ware Hil- 
liard, a native of New Hampshire, purchased a part of the 
land on which the village of Hartford stands. At that time 
Roswell Hart lived north of the village, on section 15, where 



Eber Hart, a nephew, now lives, Mr. Hart having settled 
there the spring previous. Bartholomew Showrie lived in 
a frame house on the southeast corner of Watervliet road 
and Centre Streets, near the Rassett House ; he had lived 
there since about 1843 and '44. Fowler lived in a log 
house near where M. F. Palmer now resides. Francis 
Wilkes lived in a frame house near the southwest corner of 
Watervliet road and Centre Streets ; he afterwards sold to 
Truman Stratton. In March, 1859, Truman Stratton, 
Ware Hilliard, John H. Van Ostrom, James Smith, W. 
W. Shepherd, Roswell Hart, and M. F. Palmer laid out a 
plat of land for a village, which was surveyed by Sylvester 
McNitt, and contained a total of 47y'^% acres. 

The first addition is known as Van Ostrom's, and is de- 
scribed as the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter 
of section 15, containing about Sy"^"^ acres; also a strip of 
land adjoining, and on the east of original survey, 4 y^ir 
chains wide, extending to Main Street and the south half 
quarter-line running east and west through section 15, con- 
taining about 7 acres. 

Hilliard's addition is dated Dec. 15, 1870, and is the 
southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of northeast 
quarter of section 16, excepting the railroad grounds, and 
contains about 8 acres. 

A. E. Reynolds' addition bears date May 30, 1871 ; com- 
prises the west half of the southwest quarter of the south- 
west quarter of section 15, and contains 20 acres. 

Truman Stratton's addition is dated May 3, 1871, and 
comprises the west half of northeast quarter of southeast 
quarter of section 16, lying south of Main Street, and 3J 
line of said sections; it contains 14 acres. 

Allen, Huntley, and Stickney's addition, which bears 
date of Feb. 2, 1872, lies south of the centre of Main 
Street and west of the east i line of section 16, is lOj'/^ 
chains square, and contains 10 acres ; besides 6 rods wide 
through the same, owned and occupied by the Chicago and 
West Michigan Railroad Company. 

E. R. Olds' addition is dated Jan. 4, 1875 ; it lies in the 
northeast part of the village, is a strip of land 4 chains 
wide from the south .side of the southwest quarter of north- 
west quarter of section 15, except a piece of land on the 
west of same ^■fi(j chains wide, and contains 6J^ acres. 

Freeman Stowe's addition (dated Jan. 4, 1875) lies in the 
southwest part of the village, and is a strip of land 4-^/,^ 
chains wide off" the west side of northeast quarter of .south- 
east quarter of section 15 ; it contains 10 acres. 

Hilliard's second addition, dated May, 1875, contains 10 
acres. 

The Warren addition was made Feb. 23, 1876, and con- 
tains 16y*j/'jj acres. 

The whole number of lots in 1875 was 383, embracing 
an area of 134 acres. 

A CTirion School was organized and commenced in the 
village of Hartford about the year 1860, and the brick 
school building was erected in 1873. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDER!?. 

Floidn Lodge, JVo. 309, F. and A. .V.— This lodge was 
instituted Jan. l7, 1873, with E. C. Hurd as Worshipful 
Master ; Thomas J. Johns, Senior Warden ; and James C. 





/^^^<.. ^ jr i%^^ 




Resio^NCE OF HENRY P PHELFS, Van Burln Co..Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF HARTFORD. 



461 



Crandall, Junior Warden. They number at present 60 
members. The present oflBcers are George Moore, Wor- 
shipful Master ; John P. Van Ostrom, Senior Warden ; 
Volney E. Manley, Junior Warden ; James Lamb, Sec. ; 
Thomas J. Johns, Treas. 

Benevolence Eastern Star Lodge, No. 46. — This iodge 
was instituted as Benevolence Lodge, No. 46, Oct. 3, 1877, 
with Mrs. Allie Manley as Worthy Patron. In October, 
1878, it was changed to Benevolence Eastern Star Chapter; 
and the number was changed to No. 19 in October, 1879. 
The present ofiBcers are Mrs. Allie Manley, W. President ; 
Jessie Thomas, Vice-President ; Mrs. Bertha Reinhard, 
S ec. ; and Mrs. Ilortense Stickney, Treas. 

CJiarter Oak Lodge, L 0. of 0. F., No. 231.— This 
lodge was instituted May 7, 1874. The charter members 
were R. W. Stickney, Morris Jacobson, Luther Sutton, 
Oscar Stickney, and Geo. Harley. The lodge has a present 
membership of 48. The present officers are John Righter, 
Noble Grand ; A. P. Shaw, Vice-Grand ; H. E. Rich., Sec. ; 
Allen Olds, Treas. Meetings are lieid in Odd-Fellows' Hall. 

Hartford Encampment, I. 0. of 0. F., No. 73.— This 
encampment was organized Feb. 11, 1876, with the follow- 
ing cliarter members : James E. Durdcn, Charles G. George, 
Morris Jacobson, James H. Van Vrankin, Isaac S. Rose- 
velt, A. G. Eastman, 0. W. Oviatt, and H. E. Holland. 
The present number of members is 30, with the following 
officers : Charles Hilliard, Chief Patriarch ; H. Braught, 
Senior Warden; H. Spaulding, Junior Warden; C. Mor- 
timer, Scribe ; J. Jones, Treas. 

Hartford Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 24. — The lodge 
was instituted Feb. 22, 1879. The charter members were 
Henry Spaulding, Charles Mortimer, Geo. P. Collett, R. 
W. Stickney, John W. Hubbard, Luther Sutton, Chas. 
Hilliard, Mrs. Helen Spaulding, Elizabeth Mortimer, Addie 
Collett, Hortense Stickney, Annie M. Hubbard, Priscilla 
Sutton, and Mary Hilliard. The number of members at 
present is 45. The officers are Mrs. Geo. F. Collett, Noble 
Grand ; Mrs. R. W. Stickney, Vice-Grand ; Mrs. John W. 
Hubbard, Sec. ; Mrs. A. P. Shaw, Treas. 

Hartford Lodge, No. 862, L 0. of G. r.— This society 
of Good Templars was organized May 13, 1 875, with 20 con- 
stituent members, and J. E. Sweet as Worthy Chief Tem- 
plar ; Mrs. P. A. Travis, Worthy Vice-Templar; Rev. A. 
G. Parish, Sec. The present membership is 20, and the 
officers at present are Luther Sutton, Worthy Chief Tem- 
plar ; Miss Clara Thompson, Worthy Vice-Templar ; Mrs. 
Alice Russell, Sec. 

Charter Oak Lodge, No. 28, Knights of Ft/thias. — This 
lodge worked under a dispensation, granted Oct. 27, 1875, 
until Jan. 25, 1875, when a charter was obtained. The 
charter members are as follows : Milton L. Palmer, James 
H. Curtiss, Wm. H. Lefler, Hugh W. Taplin, Aaron Wal- 
dorif, Albert Hale, Richard Hale, Hiram P. Simmons, 
Cortez Hawkes, Benj. F. Sweet, and William Cook. The 
lodge at present numbers 20 members. David C. Ray, 
Chancellor Commander; Ansel E. Reynolds, Vice-Com- 
mander; John Rassett, Prelate ; M. F. Palmer, Keeper of 
Records and Seals. 

Hartford Grange, No. 89, F. of //.— Tliis order worked 
under a dispensation, granted Oct. 7, 1873, and a ch.arter 



was granted March 21, 1874. The present officers are J. 
D. Robinson, Master ; Miss Ida Irey, Sec. ; Geo. W. Shep- 
herd, Treas. Membership of 50. 



In 1837 the first school in the township of Hartford was 
taught by Mrs. Martha Conklin, wife of Thomas Conklin, 
in their house, while this territory was yet in the township 
of Lawrence. The next year Abigail Mellen taught in a 
log bouse, near where William Thomas now resides, and 
the same summer one was taught in a cabin opposite Mrs. 
Robert Olds. 

The first school-house was built in the spring of 1842, 
and the first teacher therein was Olive Pool, with only five 
scholars. She received $1.25 per week. District No. 5 — 
in the village — was organized in July, 1854, and Antoinette 
Stoughton taught in the house of Harvey Tamblin. The 
first school-house in the village was built, about eighty rods 
from the Rassett House, in the spring of 1856. In the fall 
of 1871 the district was changed to a graded school, and the 
brick building was erected in the summer of 1873, at a 
cost of $6000, including fixtures, and opened for services 
Oct. 31, 1873, with 140 pupils and A. L. Fox, principal. 
The principals since that time have been Horace B. Clapp, 
J. F. Smith, and J. M. Lamb, the present incumbent. 

The following statistics are taken from the school report 
for 1879 : 



District 
No. 1. 



Nunilierof Sclinol- Seating 

fliililren. Houses. Capacity. 

15 1* 40 $600 2 $90.00 

No. 2 .34 1» 80 800 2 28.00 

No. 3 50 1» fiO 700 2 113.60 

No. 4 42 1» 42 600 2 112.00 

No. 5 fiO 1» 60 1,000 2 71.10 

No. 6 54 1«- 60 600 2 36.00 

No. 7 266 It 244 6,000 4 913.00 

No. 8 56 1» 60 200 2 36.00 

No. 9 53 1-5 50 800 2 16.00 

No. 10 46 l-s 60 800 2 48.00 

No. 11 74 1« 40 50 2 



Totals.. 



750 



11 



769 $12,150 24 $1463.70 



Dist 

No. 

No 


ict. 

1 

2 


Moneys on 

Iiand Sept. 

1, 1S78. 

$32.50 

17.80 


Two-Mill 
Tax. 

$26.00 
60.00 
80.58 
45.80 
89.20 
116.55 
326.30 
78.70 


Primary- 
School 
Fund. 
$10.82 
15.64 
28.47 
31.47 
28.47 
27.52 
134.55 
27.38 


$100.00 $172.90 
40.00 139.28 


No. 
No. 
No. 

Nn 


3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

utals 

rict. 
1 


20.53 

27.95 

12.25 

67.27 

9.45 

41.15 

90.19 

70.11 

26.50 

$115.74 

Exr 


40.17 178.90 
100.00 220.71 
151.00 290.07 
220.19 


No. 

No. 

Vn 


1345.85 1930.71 
100.00 256.35 
90.19 


X(i. 
No. 


73.50 
40.12 

$936.76 

ENDITUEI 

Amoun 
Teac 

$9( 


21.82 
41.40 

$367.58 

!S. 

t Paid T 

.00 
.00 
.60 
.00 
.10 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 
.00 

.70 


59.50 252.95 
65.00 221.38 


T 

Dist 

Nil 


$2001.52 $3953.03 

ital Expendltnres, in- 

luding Cash on hand. 

$172.90 


No. 

Nn 


2 

3 




98 
113 


139.28 
178.90 


No 


4 




112 


220.71 


Nn 


5 




191 


290.07 


Nn 






166 


220.19 


No. 
No. 

No 


8 




1663 
18b 
76 


1930.71 
256.35 
90.19 


Nn 


II) 




138 


252.95 


Nn 


11 




160 


221.38 


T 


otals 




... .$2993 


$3953.63 



t Brick. 



462 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The school directors for 1879 were Elias Whipple, Jerry 
Wilcox, Solon Root, J. S. Dowd, George W. Shepherd, J. 
D. Robinson, Charles Mortimer, A. J. Traver, J. M. Potes, 
Dennis Hcaley. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — About the year 1859 a 
class was formed in the village of Hartford, in the old 
school-house, of which John and Maggie Van Ostrom. 
Charles and Sarah Doty, and Fanny Goodenough were the 
constituent members. Charles Doty was the first class- 
leader. The first pastors were the Revs. J. Hoyt and C. C. 
Kellogg. For several years the charge was supplied by 
two ministers alternate. These were followed by Soule and 
Col well, H. H. Joy and T. T. George, Hoag, G. A. Buell, 
John W. Miller, F. I. Beard, Fowler, John Webster, J. P. 
Force, E. A. Tanner, I. G. Parrish, C. Woodward, N. M. 
Steele, F. I. Bell, and E. V. Boynton, the present pastor. 
The church numbers at present about 80 members. 

About 1869 the church organized a Sunday-school, with 
C. H. Engle superintendent, who still holds the position. 
It has an average attendance of 100. A church edifice 
was commenced in the summer of 1866, and finished in the 
summer of 1867, at a cost of about $5000. The society 
at that time was in charge of the Rev. John W. Miller. 
The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Reed, 
of New York. 

First Baptist Church.— In 1858, Horace Dow and 
family and others were dismissed from the church of Law- 
rence, for the purpose of organizing a church in Hartford. 
Letters missive were sent out to the churches at Law- 
rence, Paw Paw, Dowagiac, Niles, and Watervliet. Dele- 
gates were present from all the churches except Niles. The 
Rev. S. H. D. Vaughan, of Dowagiac, was chosen moder- 
ator, and the Rev. A. Handy, clerk. The meeting was held 
in the school-house in Hartford village, in November, 1858. 
After examination as to doctrine, etc., it was unanimously 
voted that the First Baptist Church of Hartford be recog- 
nized and received with the following constituent members: 
Horace Dowd, Mary Dowd, Sylvanus Reynolds, Emma Rey- 
nolds, James Wolcott, Maria Wolcott, Alvah McNitt, Sylvia 
McNitt, Jane Disbrow, Elvira Hunt, Clarissa Craw, A. H. 
Brown, Mary L. Brown, Chapin W. Reynolds, Ann Jane 
Cassellman. Horace Dowd and S. Reynolds were chosen 
deacons, and J. S. Dowd church clerk. The sermon was 
preached by the Rev. S. H. D. Vaughan, and the right hand 
of fellowship was given by the Rev. A. Handy, of Paw 
Paw. 

The Rev. E. S. Dunham preached before the organization, 
and the Rev. H. Munger was sent as a missionary upon the 
establishment of the church. He was succeeded by Albert 
Gore, William Simons, William Gates, E. A. McGregor, 
R. S. Dean, M. Meacham, J. F. Ross, J. G. Portman, 
Sherman Hendricks, and S. A. Colo, the present pastor. 
The church edifice of the Universalists was purchased in 
1873, and repaired in 1879. The church membership is 
42. 

About 1854 the Rev. Mr. Rowe, of Lawrence, gathered 
together the Christian people of this place and formed a 
society known as Congregational. The Rev. Mr. Stevenson, 



also of Lawrence, ministered to them a year or two. No 
permanent society was organized. 

About 1860 a number of the inhabitants of the village 
of Hartford gathered together for the purpose of forming 
a Universalist society. Subscriptions were made for a 
church, and during the next year a church was built, at a 
cost of §3400. It was dedicated June 23, 1861. The Rev. 
Mr. Countryman preached the sermon, and remained here 
during that summer. The church was built almost entirely 
by the energy and means of Thomas Conklin. A Sunday- 
school was organized with about 100 pupils, and was sus- 
tained for some considerable time. The church was finally 
sold to the Baptist society in the .summer of 1873, and the 
society was abandoned. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. FABIUS MILES. 

Jonathan Eastman Miles, the father of the above, was 
born June 2, 1782, in Hampden Co., Mass. ; was one of 
a family of six sons and one daughter. Mr. Miles followed 
the occupation of a farmer his life long ; was very successful 
as such, and a man of great ability. When about four years 
of age his parents removed with him to the State of New 
Hampshire ; located at a point nearly opposite St. Johns- 
bury, Vt. At the age of sixteen he passed one year in 
Connecticut, and in 1799 went to Whitesborough, N. Y., 
and attended a school taught by one Dr. Stedman, under 
whom he completed his education. In 1800, with a sack 
of apple-seeds upon his back, he journeyed on foot to Water- 
town, N. Y., a distance of eighty-five miles. At that time 
but three fimilies resided in what is now the township of 
Watertown, and but one. Hart Massey, on the site of the 
city. Johnson Howk, who lived about three miles from 
Massey's, allowed Mr. Miles to sow his apple-seeds on his 
place ; and from this nursery sprang, and were transplanted, 
many of the best orchards in that region. He remained in 
Watertown until 1807, and there became acquainted with 
Miss Mary Sheldon, whom he afterwards married. She had 
come from Connecticut, about 1804, with her parents. In 
the fall of 1807 he took a prospecting trip through many 
of the Southern States, purchasing a pony in Alabama, 
which he brought to Watertown on his return, in the ftdl 
of 1808. The same season he was married to Miss Shel- 
don, who died in 1809, after giving birth to a daughter, 
Caroline May Miles, who is now living in Crete, Neb. 
After his marriage Mr. Miles settled upon the farm he 
continued to occupy until his death, which occurred in 
February, 1860. In 1810 he was married to Miss Lu- 
cinda Sheldon, a younger sister of his first wife, she having 
been born in 1791. By her he had seven sons and five 
daughters, all of whom reached maturity except one son, 
who died in infancy, and eight of the number are now 
living. One son, Pliny Miles, was for some time associated 
with his brother Fabius in the book business, in Water- 
town, afterwards becoming a noted newspaper correspond- 
ent, and wrote able articles upon various reforms in the gov- 





,^^J:LU^ .^Oi^' 



2X:C^^^ C^Ccy^i^ 



'^^2>^« 




Resioenceof FA6/US MILES, Hertford Tp., 1/a» Buren Co, Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF HARTFORD. 



463 



crnment service, especially Postal Department ; held situa- 
tions with the New York Tribune, Hartford Courant, Bos- 
ton Post, and the New York Herald. For three and a half 
years he was a very successful lecturer on certain scientific 
subjects in Great Britain, finally locating in London as cor- 
respondent from that city for the New York Herald. 
While on his way to witness and report the opening of the 
Suez Canal, in 1865, died on the island of Malta, in the 
Mediterranean. A sister of the above, Mrs. Eloise M. 
Abbott, well known in Van Buren County as a newspaper 
correspondent, in which business she has for many years 
been engaged, is now residing with her only child, a daugh- 
ter, at San Jos6, Cal. Emily, another sister, was a successful 
teacher in a female seminary at Watortown, of which a 
sister of Gen. Joseph Hooker was principal. 

Fabius Miles was born in the township of Watortown, 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 181-1. He received a good 
common-school education in the district where he lived, 
and in 1831-32 attended school in Buffalo; returning to 
Watertowu in 1832, he continued his studies in the Water- 
town Academy, and for several years taught school during 
the winter months, and continued the prosecution of his 
studies, including that of the French language, which he 
studied under the instruction of a French professor, who 
was a lieutenant under Napoleon in his campaigns in Spain. 

In 1838, Mr. Miles established the Watertown Normal 
School, which he continued with good success until 1844. 
Among die pupils was Dr. Bartholomew, of Keeler. Among 
the numerous patrons of his school was Madame De Lafola, 
the former wife of Count Joseph Bonaparte, an American- 
born lady, who, after her removal to Paris, became the witii 
of a wealthy Paris silk merchant, named De Lafola, subse 
quently returning to America. She was an accomplished 
French scholar. 

May 1, 1844, Mr. Miles left Watertown, and came to 
Michigan to visit his brother-in-law and cousin, Clias. P. 
Sheldon, then living on the north side of Paw Paw River, 
on section 2, Hartford township. Mr. Miles then had no 
idea of locating here, but journeyed to Chicago, thence to 
Beloit, Wis., back to Elgin, down the Fox, Illinois, and 
Mississippi Rivers to Island Number Ten, finally returning 
to Michigan, locating where he now lives, on the north 
bank of Paw Paw River, Hartford township. In the fall 
of that year (1844) he commenced to build a saw-mill. 
He had brought with him to Michigan the sum of twelve 
hundred dollars, his net earnings as a teacher in Watertown, 
and had about one thousand dollars left when he began his 
mill. The best mill-wright in that section agreed that a 
mill on the plan he wished to follow would cost about three 
thousand dollars ; but he expended his own capital and two 
thousand dollars borrowed, and his mill was not then nearly 
completed. Finding it impossible to obtain further credit, 
he took his valise on his back and started afoot towards his 
native town. He walked to Battle Creek, fifty-five miles, 
and there met a friend who loaned him seven dollars. This, 
in addition to the solitary English sovereign he had, made 
him feel more light-hearted, and he took the cars to Detroit, 
and a boat from there to Buffalo, where he arrived with 
twenty-five cents left. He boarded a packet-boat on the 
canal at Buffalo, and, fortunately, found friends who aided 



him to get to Watertown. He succeeded in raising five 
hundred dollars, and in the latter part of July, less than a 
month after he left Michigan, he started back, and arrived 
in due time at his mill, on which he resumed work. With 
money sufficient to pay his men, it was again easy to obtain 
credit, and his mill was finally completed, and commenced 
operations in April, 1847. The irons for the mill were 
procured at Mishawaka, Ind., forty miles away. In 1859 
he took a cargo of lumber to New York City via St. Joseph, 
the lakes, the Erie Canal, and the Hudson. He continued 
in the lumbering business, exclusively, until 1860. His 
first purchase of land was nine acres, including his mill- 
site ; to that he has added at different times until he now 
has six hundred acres, of which nearly two hundred are 
improved. 

On Christmas-eve, in Watertown, 1839, Mr. Miles mar- 
ried Miss Bethiah Mantle, a native of that place, born in 
July, 1817. She was of New England parentage, her 
mother being a daughter of Capt. Tilly Richard.son, of Mas- 
sachusetts, a Revolutionary soldier, who settled at Water- 
town in 1804. He had a large and respectable family, his 
children being mostly daughters, nearly all married, and con- 
tinued to live near that place until their death. 

In September, 1844, Mrs. Miles came alone to Michigan, 
and joined her husband, occupying, for a time, the house of 
Ohas. P. Sheldon, with him and his family. There, on the 
16th of October, 1844, a daughter was born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Miles, and named Rebecca Jane. She became the wife 
of Edward S. Jelley, and the mother of three children, and 
died in February, 1875. Her only living child, Isabel 
B., is now living with Mr. Miles. When their child was 
about three weeks old Mr. and Mrs. Miles moved into a log 
cabin, which had been erected on their own place. It was 
a characteristic structure of true backwoods style, with no 
floor, and a roof made of basswood troughs. While Mr. 
Miles was absent on his several trips, in 1845, his wife re- 
mained at home without fear of molestation, often for days 
and weeks together. On one occasion when her health was 
delicate he carried her on his back to the house of a neigh- 
bor, who had recently located, and lived about eighty rods 
distant, leaving her there during his absence. The trials 
and experiences of those days are yet fresh in the n^emory 
of Mr. and Mrs Miles, and bind them more closely together. 
They had lost an infant son before leaving Watertown, and 
after the birth of the daughter mentioned became the parents 
of the following children : Fiorine, born in November, 1846, 
died in April, 1847 ; Silas Wright, born Sept. 1, 1848, now 
an invalid from consumpiion, sojourning at Colorado Springs, 
educated at Hillsdale College, and was always an active, in- 
dustrious young man, possessing noble qualities; Pitt, born 
Aug. 2, 185U, was possessed of fine business ability, but 
died in December, 1873 ; Fiorine L., born Oct. 3, 1853, 
now living with her parents ; Lydia May, born in May, 
1859, married to Marsh Wurtliingtun, and now living at 
South Haven, Mich. 

Politically, Mr. Miles was originally a Democrat, and 
voted three times for Martin Van Buren for President. 
He was au adherent to the school of Democrats in which 
Martin Van Buren and Silas Wright were leaders, and was 
thoroughly imbued with anti-slavery principles. He was 



464 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



an active worker in the Free-Soil movement of 1848, and 
one of tlie organizers of the Republican party in Michigan 
in 1854. He was elected to the lower house of the Mich- 
igan Legislature in 1858, has been supervisor of Hartford 
township several times, and was for many years its principal 
school examiner. In 1872, Mr. Miles voted for Horace 
Greeley for President, and for Peter Cooper in 1876. 
Otherwise he has supported the Republican nominees. 
He has always been active in political affairs, and his voice 
has often been heard advocating the merits of his party 
candidates. In 1868 he was a delegate to the State Conven- 
tion which nominated delegates to the National Convention. 
To the Greenback movement he now gives his support. 

The hand of fortune has not always been held out to him, 
and he has undergone many trials ; yet the noble heart of 
the man .shows over all, and, with his excellent family to aid 
him, he, it is hoped, may triumph over all difficulties. 



THOMAS CONKLIN. 

Mr. Conklin's father, David Conklin, was born in the 
town of North Salem, "^Vestchester Co., N. Y., and was of 
English descent. He had a family of seventeen children, 
of whom Thomas Conklin was the eighth. 

Thomas Conklin was born in Rutland, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., Jan. 2, 1811, on a farm to which his father had 
removed from Westchester County, and upon which the 
young man remained until he was of age, attending the 
district schools and assisting in the care of the place. 
From his father he never received any money ; but when 
he became of age he was the possessor of ten dollars, which 
he had saved in small sums, from a cent to a shilling. With 
this amount of money he started for Rochester, paying eight 
dollars of it for stage fare. With a portion of what he had 
left he purchased an axe, and went into the country for the 
winter. For four successive seasons thereafter he hired out 
at the rate of one hundred dollars for eight months' work. 
In the early fall of 1836 he emigrated to Michigan, and 
purchased two hundred and twelve acres of government 
land in the township of Hartford. The snow soon fell to 
such a depth that he could not continue his improvements, 
and he spent the winter in Allegan County. He had been 
accompanied from Battle Creek to Hartford by his brother, 
James Conklin, and a cousin named Selleck, they having 
located previously at Battle Creek. The first night in the 
woods of Hartford was passed in a shanty made of a few 
boards and their wagon-bos placed against a tree they had 
cut down. The forest resounded through the night with 
the howls of wolves. In March, 1837, Mr. Conklin re- 
turned from Allegan County, and, in company with B. A. 
Olney and James Spinnings, built a log cabin on his place, 
and again began improvements. The three lived in the 
cabin for some time, Messrs. Olney and Spinnings settling 
in the neighborhood. When the weather moderated Mr. 
Conklin built a log house, covered it with boards, and lived 
in it alone for six weeks, cooking his food beside a burning 
stump. He cut the timber from six acres of his land, 
planted some corn and potatoes, and about July 1, 1837, 
started on his return to New York. In August of the 



same year he was married, in Jefferson County, to Martha 
Justina Ely, who was left an orphan when young. She 
attended the female seminary at Watertown, and became 
an excellent teacher. She was an estimable lady, and taught 
for the benefit of the children, although not always receiving 
her pay. After coming to Hartford she taught the first 
school in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin came to 
Michigan soon after their marriage, and moved into the 
log hou.se on the first day of October, 1837. The building 
contained no bedstead, and had neither doors nor windows, 
but was well roofed. A pole bedstead was constructed, of 
the fa.shion well known to pioneers, and the ticks were 
placed upon it. Mrs. Conklin became the mother of two 
children, one of whom, a daughter, died in infancy; Luke 
E., the son, was the first white male child born in the 
township, his birth occurring Dec. 3, 1838. He is mar- 
ried, has four children, and is a respected citizen of Hart- 
ford township. Mrs. Conklin died Dec. 6, 1843, and on 
her death-bed expressed the wish that her husband should 
marry Fannie Davison, who had assisted in caring for her 
during her sickness, and this union was consummated on 
the 29th of February, 1844. Mrs. Fannie Conklin became 
the mother of eight children, five of whom died young, and 
one died when fourteen years old, from the effects of the 
kick of a horse. Two of them are now living, — Charles 
Rodolphus, nineteen years of age, and Miland Chester, in 
his eighteenth year. Mrs. Conklin was a woman of un- 
usual financial ability, and Mr. Conklin attributes a large 
measure of his success to her efforts during the twenty- 
three years they lived together. She was highly respected 
by all. Her death occurred May 25, 1867. Her father, 
George Davison, settled early in Keeler township, and was 
from near Angelica, Allegany Co., N. Y. 

In June, 1867, Mr. Conklin was married to Samantha 
Kennedy (from whom he was divorced), who bore him 
three children, — T. J. Conklin, Odell Conklin, and Elon 
Conklin. All are living. May 26, 1879, he entered 
matrimony a fourth time, leading to the hymeneal altar 
Mrs. Nellie Poole Jones, divorced wife of Samuel Jones, 
who was living at Lawrence at the time of her marriage. 
She is the mother of a daughter, Blanche, by her first 
husband, and is an estimable lady. She was well and 
favorably known in former years as one of Van Buren 
County's most successful teachers. 

Mr. Conklin aided in building the Methodist church at 
Hartford village (^although not a member), and paid one 
thousand dollars towards the Chicago and West Michigan 
Railway. He built a church in the village and sold it to 
the Baptist society, and has also erected a brick store 
building, beside aiding other religious societies. He is a 
Universalist in belief, and a Douglas Democrat in politics. 
His nephew, John Conklin, also a native of Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., who had been for several years a sailor, was chosen 
as one of the first crew of the original " Monitor" during 
the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Conklin moved upon his 
present farm, on section 22, in 1868, and is the owner of 
five hundred acres of laud. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON. 



465 



HENRY P. PHELPS. 

This gentleman is the sun of Alexander H. Phelps, who 
came from Parkmiin, Ohio, iu IS-tl, and settled, with his 
family, in the village of Lawrence, Van Buren Co , Mich. 
He built a saw-miii, and for a few years was engaged in the 
milling business with his brother. Nelson Phelps, and Har- 
rison Balfour. He was also, in connection with the mill, 
engaged in the mercantile business. Both he and his wife 
were natives of Ohio. Mr. Phelps lived in Lawrence until 
his death, which occurred March 1, 1878, and his wife is 
now living in that village. They were the parents of ten 
children, — six sons and four daughters, — who are all living, 
except two sons. 

Henry P. Phelps, of Hartford, was born in Lawrence, 
April 7, 1842. At the age of twenty he left home, and 
enlisted in a regiment of sharpshooters, — the 66th Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry, — and was with Sherman in his various 
campaigns. He was taken prisoner near Dallas, Miss., and 
about three months afterwards was released on parole, but 
was not exchanged until about eight months from the time 
he was captured. At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., on the 22d 
of July, 1864, he was wounded, — the day being that on 
which the gallant McPherson was killed. Mr. Phelps re- 
mained in the service two years and eleven months, and in 
the winter of 1865-66, after his discharge, attended the 
Eastman Business College, at Chicago. In tlie spring of 
1866 he entered the store of H. M. Marshall, at Lawrence, 
and remained with him a year and a half, after which he 
engaged in the mercantile business at Hartford, in partner- 
ship with his brother, William A. Phelps. The firm was 
continued about two years, during which time a branch 
store was established at Keeler. H. P. Phelps finally pur- 
cha.sed his brother's interest in the business, and continued 
at Hartford, while the latter assumed entire charge of the 
store at Keeler. In September, 1879, Henry Phelps sold 
his establishment to Charles P. Young, who erected the 
fine three-story brick store he now occupies. 

Sept. 29, 1869, Mr. Phelps was married to Jennie 
Smiley, daughter of Mitchell S. Smiley, who was originally 
from Maryland, and who settled in Arlington township. Van 
Buren Co., in 1851. Mrs. Phelps was born in South Avon, 
Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1849. Politically, Mr. 
Phelps is a Republican, and has been assessor of his town- 
ship. He has also been interested to some extent in im- 
provements in the village of Hartford, and is now engaged 
in the real estate and loan business at that place. 



CHAPTER LXL 



HAMILTON TO'WNSHIP. 



General Description — Pioneers of JIamilton — A Winter Fright — 
Wolf Stories — Township Organization and Civil List — Religious 
Societies — Burial-Grounds — Schools — Hamilton Grange. 

Township 4 south, rauge 15 west, originally a portion 
of Covington township, later known as Alpena, and now 
called Hamilton, lies upon the southern border of Van 
Buren County, and is bounded on the north by Lawrence, 



* By David Schwartz. 



59 



on the south by Cass County, on the east by Decatur, and 
on the west by Keeler. The surface is generally level, and 
the soil, varied in its character, is richly productive in all 
classes of agricultural commodities. The northern portion 
was originally heavily timbered with walnut, whitewood, 
beech, maple, basswood, ash, and elm, while near the centre 
and in the south, oak openings prevailed. In the southeast 
there is considerable lowland, which is, however, being rap- 
idly reclaimed to a valuable purpose. 

In the north the town is watered by a branch of the 
Paw Paw, which aifords excellent mill-sites. In the .south- 
east a branch of the Dowagiac Creek rises in the Lake of 
the Woods, a fine sheet of water lying partly in Hamilton 
and partly in Decatur There are also numerous other pic- 
turesque lakes, among the largest of which are School-Lot 
Lake, Pine Lake, Knickerbocker Lake, Johnson Lake, and 
Osborn Lake. 

The Michigan Central Railroad line crosses the south- 
eastern corner of the town, but has no station there, Deca- 
tur village being the nearest railway depot, as well as the 
general market-town. 

Hamilton has no village within its limits, neither has it 
a store or church building. As to manufactures it has 
never boasted more than one grist-mill and two saw-mills, 
and the people of the town depend exclusively upon the in- 
terests of agriculture. Hamilton's population in 1874 was 
1074, and in 1879 its assessed valuation was $414,210. 

PIONEERS OF HAMILTON. 

The first structure erected in Hamilton was a hunter's 
cabin, put up in 1833 upon section 17, by Benjamin Rey- 
nolds and Joel Clark, of Kalamazoo, who used to come over 
into what is now Hamilton on periodical hunting excur- 
sions. In 1834, Reynolds brought his wife over with him 
and occupied tlie hut, with the intention of remaining for 
a time at least, as a settler, although he had entered no land. 
One day, while Reynolds was away, his wife set out in 
search of their cow, and searching fruitlessly for a while, 
found, upon wishing to return home, that she was lost in 
the woods. She cried out for help, but none appeared un- 
til the next morning, when there came to her assistance 
John and James Nesbitt, settlers in Keeler, and then, to 
her surprise, Mrs. Reynolds found that she had wandered 
into Keeler township, several miles from home. The Nes- 
bitts conveyed her to her house, and straightway, arriving 
there, she told her husband that she was disgusted with a 
life in a country where she could not take a walk with- 
out getting lost, adding, moreover, that she would not stop 
another hour. Despite her husband's protests against the 
move, she insisted upon going, and go she did. Reynolds 
settled shortly after in Porter, and there lived until his 
death. 

The first land entry in Hamilton was made by Robert 
Nesbitt, who located a tract on section 4, April 15, 1835, 
and at once settled there with a view to the erection of a 
saw-mill upon Brush Creek, which flowed through his land. 
Mr. Nesbitt, who with his brothers John and James had 
been living in Kalamazoo, came with them farther West, 
and decided to stop in Hamilton, while they chose their 
homes in Keeler. Robert Nesbitt had for years been con- 



466 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



cerned in the building of mills in Michigan, and, as already 
observed, he lost no time after locating in Hamilton in 
erecting a saw-mill. In October, 1835, he hauled 19 loads 
of lumber and supplies from Prairie Ronde, and pushed 
the mill-construction so rapidly that he began to saw lum- 
ber June 3, 1836. The same year he built a log house 20 
by 30 feet, and by that time had the company in the town- 
ship of a number of settlers, to whom extended reference 
will be made. Mr. Nesbitt's saw-mill was for years the 
only one for miles around, and when the Michigan Central 
Railroad line reached the vicinity of Decatur, it was run 
night and day in supplying the demand for lumber for the 
railway construction. So constant has been the work at 
his mill for upwards of forty years, that from 1836 to the 
present time (_1880) he has worn out five mills. 

In 1856 he built a grist-mill on the same site, and that 
mill he has operated continuously ever since. He was thus 
the first to enter land in Hamilton, he built the first saw- 
mill, as well as the first and only grist-mill, and to-day, 
living upon the place of his first settlement, he is the 
oldest settler in the township. 

During his early days in Hamilton, Mr. Nesbitt added 
to his other extensive business interests the business of 
land-agent for A. P. Grant, of New York, and others, and 
sold for them thousands of acres of land in Hamilton and 
adjoining townships. He was himself the owner at one 
time of 2600 acres of land, and now, after fifty years of 
pioneer life in Michigan, he enjoys well-earned ease and 
comfort in the most elegant home in Van Buren County. 

In May, 1835, Zebina Stearns came into the township 
and moved into the hunter's hut on section 17, earlier occu- 
pied by Reynolds and Clarke. Mr. Stearns afterwards 
entered land on that section, and continued to reside in 
the township until his death, in 1846. He was joined in 
the spring of 1836 by his son Sidney, who had before that 
been engaged in stage-driving between Detroit and Monroe. 
Sidney Stearns still lives in Hamilton, and ranks among 
the oldest settlers. 

James, brother to Robert Nesbitt, came in 1835 from 
Keeler, and located four 80-acre lots on sections 13 and 14. 
He lived upon his Hamilton farm until 1849, when he was 
found one day, dead, in the bottom of his well. There 
were suspicions that his death was the result of foul play, 
but a searching investigation failed to establish any positive 
evidence to that efi"ect, and to this day the tragic event has 
remained enveloped in mystery. 

The year 1835 brought also Lewis Johnson, who came 
from New York to Jackson in 1834, and to Hamilton in 
the following year, with his father and Zebina Stearns. 
The younger Johnson entered land on section 18, and there 
made a settlement. His father remained with him three 
years, and then returned to New York. Lewis, the son, con- 
tinued, however, a resident of Hamilton until his death, on 
the old place, in 1872. His son Andrew now occupies the 
place his father located. 

Aaron Barney, a New Yorker, was another settler in 
1835, and located upon land on section 30. His wife died 
in 1839, and he in 1858. His sou Austin resides in 
Hamilton upon section 31. 

A Mr. Lyon, who came in during 1835, remained but a 



short time, and upon leaving sold his property to Philotus 
Haydon. Mr. Haydon was a man of considerable note in 
Hamilton, and was well known and prominent in the county. 
He was withal a man of frank expression, bluff and hearty 
in his manner, and much given to eccentric speech and 
action. It is said that while hunting one Sunday he killed 
a deer near a school-house where a Methodist meeting was 
in progress. Haydon cut the animal's throat, and upon at- 
tempting to carry his prize away found his strength unequal 
to the task, whereupon, as if struck with a sudden thought, 
he rushed into the meeting, and undeterred by the fact 
that the preacher was in the midst of his sermon, held up 
his bloody hands and cried out, with a loud voice, " I've 
killed a big buck, but he's too heavy for me. Come along 
some of you and give me a lift in getting him home." It 
needs no very vivid imagination to conceive that preacher 
and congregation must have been somewhat taken by sur- 
prise. Whether Haydon got his required help or not is not 
related, but the story is vouched for as true, and a truthful 
illustration of his independence and eccentricity. On 
another occasion, a minister coming to him for assistance 
on behalf of the church, he exclaimed, " Well, I don't 
believe a word you say in the pulpit, but here's ten dollars. 
I'll help you along anyway." Mr. Haydon took an active 
part in politics, and during the civil war of 1861-65 was 
among the foremost in the county in the work of aiding 
the Union cause, towards which he gave liberally of his 
means and time. He died in Hamilton in 1866, upon his 
farm in section 18, which was his home for thirty years. 
His sons, Mortimer and Arthur, are well-known citizens of 
the township. 

James M. Lumbard and his father, Ebciiezer, settled upon 
section 15 in 1836. James removed later to Decatur vil- 
lage, where he now lives. In the same year Henry C. Mc- 
Clure and his son Henry came from New York to make a 
settlement. The elder McClure returned soon after to New 
York, and the son afterwards removed to Decatur village, 
and died there. 

James and Reason Comley, now living in Hamilton, oc- 
cupy the three 80-acre lots which their father, John Com- 
ley, located in 1836, and upon which he lived until his 
death. 

George W. Geer and his brother Elisha came from Con- 
necticut to Michigan in June, 1836. George located 240 
acres of land on section 32, and now lives on part of it with 
his son George N. In the days of 1836 roads were by no 
means found ready made for the pioneers when they came 
in. Indian trails were the best highways at hand, and over 
such roads the Geers found their way to their new settle- 
ment, while the dense forest gave no sign of occupancy ex- 
cept by the red man and wild beasts. Elisha Geer set up a 
cooper's shop on section 28, where he resided until his death. 

Among the other immigrants in 1836 were S. T. Howell, 
Hale Wakefield, Caleb Bartlett, and Joseph McClintock. 
Howell, who hailed from Ohio, lives now in Kan.sas. 
Bartlett lived on section 19, and went to California in 
1850. Joseph McClintock still lives on the land which he 
located in 1836, although he himself did not settle upon it 
until 1838 (a family by name of Luke working it for him 
two years). 




This gentleman was born in Gorham, Ontario Co., 
N. Y., in 1831 ; consequently, at the time of his 
death, which occurred on the 18th of March, 1875, 
he was just entering his forty-fifth year. At the 
age of twenty-two years he located at Ypsilanti, 
Mich., where he resided until 1860, when he re- 
moved with his wife to Hamilton township. Van 
Buren Co. He held the office of justice of the peace 
in Ypsilanti for several terms, being re-elected on 
account of his known capacity and unbending integ- 
rity. For the same reason he was chosen — and re- 
elected several terms — supervisor of the township of 
Hamilton, and received the handsome compliment 
of being elected chairman of the boai'd of super- 
visors. In the fall of 1874 he was chosen to rep- 
resent his district in the State Legislature, running 
far ahead of his ticket, his competitor being a fellow- 
townsman, and a very capable and deservedly popu- 
lar man. If, to do his whole duty to himself, his 
family, his neighbors, and the world — ever mindful 
of tlie Golden Rule, " Do unto others as ye would 
they should do unto you" — constitutes the true man, 
Mr. Yeckley, when weighed in the balance, was not 



found wanting. No death which had occurred in 
the county for many years had caused more deep 
regret in the public mind, or given rise to a greater 
sense of public loss. His funeral was the most im- 
posing ever witnessed in the county. It was under 
the direction of the grange of which he was an 
honored and useful member, the order of Odd-Fel- 
lows also participating. Several members of the 
Legislative body were in attendance. Mr. Yeckley 
Wiis a thrifty and enterprising farmer, and at his 
death left an amiable and affectionate wife, whose 
maiden name was Eliza Reed, daughter of Samuel 
Reed. Six children were born to them, and five are 
living, — all at home. Mrs. Yeckley was born Jan. 
11, 1829, in Connecticut, and came to Michigan 
when nine years old. She remains on the farm 
which her husband improved and owned when he 
died. The death of Mr. Yeckley, cut down in the 
midst of usefulness, is one of the mysterious dis- 
pensations of Providence. He died regretted by a 
host of friends, and his memory and that of his good 
deeds will long remain green in the hearts of the 
l)uople of Van Burcn County. 




AARON BARNEY 

was born in the State of Massaclmsetts Oct. 11, 
1785. In 1806 he removed to Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
and in 1821 to Michigan, landing at Detroit, where 
he remained one year. He then located at a point 
twenty miles west of that city, and three years 
later (1825) settled in Washtenaw County. In 
1835 he came to Van Bnren County, entering four 
hundred acres of land in Hamilton townshi]), and 
eighty in Keeler. The land located in Hamilton 
was on sections 14 and 30, and in Keeler on section 
25. Previous to emigrating to Michigan Mr. 
Barney was engaged in farming and milling, and 
after coming to Van Buren County was engaged 
in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- 
curred August 27, 1858. 

June 10, 1804, he was married to Miss Cynthia 
Barney, and they became the parents of twelve 
children, of whom but three are living. Mrs. 
Barney died April 15, 1839; and on the 24th of 
May, 1840, Mr. Barney was married to Mrs. Lucy 
Millard, who died about 1872. During his life Mr. 
Barney held several offices of trust in his township. 

In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious 
matters entertained liberal views. During his 
pioneer days in Michigan he experienced the various 
hardships and privations incident to backwoods 




C^ y/j^. ^oA/f^ 



life, and at the end could contemplate a noble handi 
work all his own. 



AUSTIN M. BARNEY. 

This gentleman was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 25, 1821, and was brought to Michigan at a 
very early age by his parents. As soon as his age 
and strength were sufficient he worked on the farm 
with his father, assisting in clearing the land and 
preparing it for cultivation. In 1840 he left the 
farm and found employment in a machine shop, 
and, after completing his trade, engaged as\an en- 
gineer on the Mississippi River, which occupation he 
followed for ten years. The age and failing strength 
of his father rendered it necessary for the son to 
return to the farm, which he did ; and he managed 
his father's business until the death of the latter, in 
1858, when he assumed the entire control of the 
place, and continued to conduct the business thereof 
until 1871. In that year he purchased forty acres 
near the old homestead, and in 1879 added forty 
acres more. He has since become the owner of a 
farm of eighty acres in the township of Keeler. 
Nov. 4, 1861, he was married to Miss Caroline C. 
Barney, daughter of J. A. and A. Barney. 

In political matters Mr. Barney has always voted 
and acted with the Democratic party. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON. 



467 



In 1837 the settlers included Henry Coleman, Samuel 
Bradt, Jackson Pratt, and his brother Caulkert, George S. 
Bishop, Marcus Merriraan, Calvin Field, and James Brooks. 
Bradt and Pratt have long since disappeared. Field and 
Merriman, who came in company from New York and 
located upon section 33, are both now out of the township. 
Field is in Kansas and Merriman in Paw Paw. Bishop 
went into the brick-making business, and put up a kiln on 
John Comley's place. The venture turned out a complete 
failure, for when the bricks were burned they crumbled to 
pieces, and Bishop, disgusted with the business, left and 
was heard of no more. 

James Brooks bought land on section 33 of one Shepard, 
and with his little family, consisting of his wife and two 
children, set himself resolutely to the business of making a 
home in the forest wilds. That mission he bravely accom- 
plished, and after a busy career of nearly forty years in 
Hamilton, he died in 1876, upon the place he first settled. 
He was one of the first members of the Methodist Episcopal 
society organized in the Field school-house, and remained 
one of its staunchest members until his death. Mr. Brooks 
was once lost in the woods so effectually that he wandered for 
four days and four nights, unable to find his way either to his 
home or to any other human habitation. Upon the termi- 
nation of the first forty-eight hours of his absence the dis- 
tress of his family aroused the .settlers, and they organized 
with horns, guns, etc , a systematic search for the lost one. 
At the close of another forty-eight hours they found him, 
and a glad welcome they received. His children in Hamil- 
ton are Mrs. O. P. Maxon (whose husband came to the 
township in 1850), John and James Brooks, Mrs. Cyrus 
Youells, Mrs. Robert Sloan, and Mrs. George Sloan. 

Marcus Merriman located land on section 33 in 1836, and 
in 1837 made a .settlement. As neighbors he found Calvin 
Field, John Comley, Elisha Geer, George W. Geer, and 
Aaron Barney. Mr. Merriman, now living in Paw Paw vil- 
lage, recollects that the country was rather inviting in its 
character, consisting of oak openings, through which the eye 
could penetrate a long distance. Brush-fires in the woods 
used to occasion much alarm, and at times threatened settlers' 
dwellings when not carefully watched. Indeed, Mr. Merri- 
man came very near losing his house by a fire of that kind, 
for returning home one evening he was just in season to see 
his fence ablaze, and threatening to sweep away his home, — a 
disaster which his timely arrival happily averted. Although 
not a famous hunter, he was nevertheless the hero of a bear- 
chase, in which he chased the bear, treed him, and event- 
ually killed him, and transported his carcass homeward 
with feelings of lively satisfaction. 

Of the pioneers who have been named above as having 
come into Hamilton during the years 1835-37, those who 
are known to be living now — January, 1880 — are J. M. 
Lumbard, in Decatur ; Sidney Stearns, G. W. Geer, Joseph 
McClintock, and Robert Nesbitt, in Hamilton ; Marcus 
Merriman, in Paw Paw ; and Calvin Field in Kansas. 
Among other eaily settlers were Barker, Tiiompson, Rid- 
dle, and several whose names cannot now be recalled ; but 
their identification with the pioneer interest of Hamilton 
was a transitory one, and history can record their presence 
only as a passing incident. Leonard Tisdale, now residing 



on section 33, had a prominent place in the foremost ranks 
of those who penetrated Hamilton as pioneers, as did Solo- 
mon Hagar, who lives now on section 28 with his son, 
S. B. Hagar, who has been supervisor of Hamilton since 
1875. 

George A. Bentley, Alexander Sloan, Ralph Mason, 
Eben Smith, and Palmer Earl were among the settlers of 
1838 and 1839. Sloan was an Ohio man, and located with 
his family of a wife and eight children upon section 16, 
where he had a quarter-section of wild land, taken in ex- 
change for his Ohio farm. He died upon that place in 
1865. Of his sons, Alexander, Robert, and George now 
live in Hamilton. 

Truman Foster, school-teacher and farmer, located in 
Hamilton in 1840, and remained a resident until his death. 
Before 1840 Mr. Foster taught school in Lawrence, and 
was the second school-teacher in that town. 

Thomas Harris came from New York in 1842, with a 
family of fourteen children, and worked a place then owned 
by Henry McClure, and now by C. Duncombe, on section 
17. He died in the township in 1863. His sons living in 
Hamilton are W. T., S. M., B. F., and S. R. 

George Bennett, an early settler in Hamilton, now lives 
in Decatur village. His son John, residing in Hamilton, 
served during the civil war of 1861-65, as second lieuten- 
ant in the 4th Michigan Cavalry, and was a member of the 
detachment that effected the capture of Jefferson Davis. 

In 1843, Stephen Osborn and wife, with a family of ten 
children, came from New York and settled in Hamilton, 
upon a place north of Osborn Lake. Mr. Osborn died in 
Hamilton in 1853. His widow still lives in the township, 
as do also his children, — Benjamin, James, Erastus, Horace, 
Charles, Harriet, and Mrs. Henry Geer. 

The first child born in Hamilton was Mason Wakefield, 
whose natal day was July 5, 1836. The second was Mary, 
daughter of Robert Nesbitt. She was born in September, 
1837, and died in her twentieth year. 

The first marriage in the town was that of Robert 
Nesbitt and Maria, daughter of John Comley, all of Ham- 
ilton. The ceremony was performed at Mr. Comley's 
house Dec. 1, 1836, by John D. Freeman, a justice of the 
peace of Lawrence township, and although this was the 
pioneer wedding, it was a singularly quiet afiair. True, 
the neighbors (what few there were) were at hand to wish 
the bride and groom unmeasured joy, but the wedding 
guests were few in number and composed of persons who, 
while earnest in their friendship, were not given to hilarity, 
for, in the pioneer days, joyous demonstrations were not so 
easily wrought out of the extremely matter-of-fact hard- 
ships and privations which intruded upon every hand. 

The first death in Hamilton was that of a Mr. Knicker- 
bocker, who, in the fall of 1835, located, with his family 
and his brother, upon the bank of the lake now bearing 
his name. Here he built a log shanty which, without floor, 
door, roof, chinking, or chimney, served as the habitation of 
the Knickerbocker family, until Knickerbocker, worn out 
by exhaustion and exposure, died in it of lung fever, only 
a few days after occupying the dwelling. Robert Nesbitt 



468 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and Zebina Stearns hearing of the case, went over and 
found, indeed, a cheerless picture. The dead man lay in 
one corner of the roofless hut, and a fire smouldered in 
another corner, while the weeping widow and children filled 
the measure of wretchedness. Stearns set out at once for 
Paw Paw for a cofiin, and in due time returned in a sleigh 
with Peter Gremps and Elder Warner, the former having 
provided the coffin. Elder Warner preached the funeral 
sermon at the house, and, in accordance with Knicker- 
bocker's dying wish, he was buried upon the island in the 
lake, and there his bones still lie. In the procession which 
followed him to the grave were the widow, Peter Gremps, 
Elder Warner, Robert Nesbitt, Zebina Stearns, William 
Knickerbocker, James and John Nesbitt, and one Wheeler, 
Robert Nesbitt's hired man. After her husband's death, 
Mrs. Knickerbocker returned to her friends in the East. 

Sidney Stearns recites the story of the entrance of Lewis 
Johnson and his wife into Hamilton, as an illustration of 
how some pioneers began their arduous tasks in the West- 
ern wilds, literally with almost nothing save their hands as 
capital. He says that one day there came along the Ter- 
ritorial road to his father's door two foot-travelers, Lewis 
Johnson and his wife ; he, with an axe over his shoulder and 
leading a cow, was followed by Mrs. Johnson, plodding 
wearily along under the weight of a bundle, which, with a 
bundle carried by Johnson, represented, together with the 
cow and axe, the sum of household effects possessed by the 
worthy pair. It was a slight outfit, it is true, but Johnson 
had secured his land and did not mind a short allowance of 
household supplies, since he knew his axe would do him 
good service, and the cow would do her share towards sus- 
taining the family in one direction at least. The Johnsons 
stopped with Zebina Stearns until they completed their own 
cabin, and then, like their neighbors, struggled and fought 
for even the common necessities of life until persistence 
won success. 

In September, 1837, Henry D. Coleman built upon the 
line of the Territorial road in Hamilton, on section 15, a 
commodious frame tavern, still standing and usually known 
as the " Brown Tavern." The Territorial road, passing 
through Hamilton from the west to the northeast, had up 
to that time no tavern upon it in that township ; but in 
Keeler township there was a Territorial road stage-house, 
known as Keeler's. When Coleman completed his tavern, 
he set about providing business for it, and by shrewd tact 
succeeded in getting the stages to stop at his house instead 
of at Keeler's. Staging, as well as other travel, was very 
brisk on that road for many years previous to the comple- 
tion of the Michigan Central Railroad, and as Coleman 
kept the stages at his house as long as the stage-route was 
maintained, he carried on a brisk and profitable business. 

When Coleman got his tavern ready for trade he had 
just twenty-five cents in money on hand, and having a 
hotel, he wanted a store. Accordingly, he borrowed $700, 
bought a small stock of goods, and opened business as a 
merchant in one corner of the tavern. Shortly after open- 
ing his house, Coleman succeeded in obtaining a post-office 
for Hamilton, and was himself appointed postmaster. He 
kept the office, of course, at the tavern, where it remained 



until shortly after the abandonment of the stage-route, 
when the office was abolished, Coleman having been the 
postmaster continuously. After that Coleman moved to a 
farm on section 4, and died in 18.'i7. 

The pioneer blacksmith of Hamilton was Charles N. 
Poor, who had a shop at Keeler's tavern in Keeler when 
Coleman built the Hamilton tavern ; but when the latter 
took the stage business from Keeler he followed with his 
shop to Hamilton, and stuck to the bellows at Coleman's as 
long as the stages stuck to the Territorial road, after which 
he went to California. 

The first store in the township was opened, as has already 
been told, by Henry Coleman, in his roadside tavern, but 
as a place of trade it was rather insignificant. Aaron W. 
Broughton, who came to Hamilton in 1839, brought with 
him a stock of goods valued at about $2000, and set up a 
store of some pretensions near Philotus Haydon's, and 
there transacted a flourishing business for some years. Mr. 
Broughton moved to Paw Paw and died there. 

A saw-mill was put up in 1842 by one Trader, near 
Robert Nesbitt's, but it lasted only a brief period. 

Grist-mills were not accessible to settlers of Hamilton in 
the early days, nearer than Flowerfield or Whitmanville, 
and carrying grist to mill was no pleasant task, but it was 
an important and necessary one, although there were times 
when the home-made corn-mill of tree-stump or tin pan had 
to suffice for temporarily supplying corn-meal, and deferred 
for a time the dreaded journey to mill. Hamilton was 
supplied by Robert Nesbitt with a grist-mill in 1856, and 
that, still doing good service, is the only grist-mill the town- 
ship has ever had. 

A WINTER FRIGHT. 

It is told that during the " hard winter" of 1842-43 
quite a number of the inhabitants became much exercised 
over the belief current in some quarters that the extraordi- 
nary snow-fall had been sent as an instrument for the ulti- 
mate destruction of the earth, — the theory being that the 
snow would, in melting, turn to oil. take fire, and so burn 
the world with everything upon it. Just how far that be- 
lief extended cannot be stated, but it is certain that it occa- 
sioned to some no little uneasiness, and somewhat disturbed 
the serenity of their existence until the advance of gentle 
spring turned the snow to water and warmed the blood of 
the timid into healthful action. 

WOLF STORIES. 
Of course wolf stories in endless profusion range through 
the early history of Hamilton, just as they do through the 
history of all early settlements in Michigan. Robert Nes- 
bitt relates that while staining a coffin he had made for a 
man named Fenton, — killed in Keeler by the fall of a tree, 
— a pack of wolves, attracted by the odor of the liquid 
coloring, surrounded him, and despite his effijrts to repel 
them they clung close to his cabin, and kept up a continu- 
ous howling the night through. The beasts frequently 
attacked Mr. Nesbitt's large watch-dog and chased him to 
the very cabin door. Coming home on foot from Kala- 
mazoo, Mr. Nesbitt was attacked at nightfiill by a pack of 
ravenous wolves, and he lost no time accordingly in climb- 





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JC.^.'^ 



ROBERT NESBITT. 



This gentleman, whose portrait appears above, was born 
near Belfast, Ireland, March 18, 1810, and emigrated to the 
United States in the spring of 1826, arriving in Pliittsburgh, 
N. Y., on the 4th of May, and remained there six months. 
He then proceeded to Ann Arbor, Mich., and settled near that 
place March 23, 1827, and began work at the mill-wright's 
trade. In the fall uf 1829 he removed to Kalamazoo County, 
and while there assisted in building the first saw-mill in the 
county. He took charge of the mill as sawyer, and prepared 
and sent to Kalamazoo the first load of lumber ever received 
there. In the spring of 1835 he located the first land entered 
in Hamilton township. Van Buren Co., settled upon it, and 
has since made it his home. His entry included three eighty- 
acre lots in the midst of a dense forest, and this has been 
transformed into his present excellent and finely improved 
farm. In 1871 Mr. Nesbitt erected the residence he now oc- 
cupies, — one of the finest in the county. He has been the 
owner of three thousand acres of land, his farm consisting at 
present of four hundred and sixty acres. Soon after his loca- 
tion he began cutting the valuable timber on his place, manu- 
facturing it into lumber, and shipping it in various directions. 
The first cargo of walnut lumber ever shipped around Cape 
Horn to California was furnished by Mr. Nesbitt, he being 
secured on it by real estate until returns were made. Five 
saw-mills were built and worn out by him in the manufacture 
of lumber, aside from a steam saw-mill in Allegan County. 

Mr. Nesbitt has been twice married. His first wife was 
Miss Masia Comley, daughter of John Comley to whom he 
was married Dec. 1, 1836, and who bore him four children, — 
Mary, Elizabeth, George, and Masia ; of these but two are now 
living. Mrs. Nesbitt died October 0, 1857 ; and on the 18th 
of September, 1858, he was married to Mrs. S. L. Griffin, by 
whom he has also had four children, — -Robert, Minnie, Nellie, 
and Dora; two of the number fell before the sickle of the 
great reaper, Death. Mr. Nesbitt is a well-known advocate of 



the doctrine of Spiritualism, and has devoted more than thirty 
'years of his life to an investigation of the subject. He is a 
firm believer in the ministrations and manifestations of de- 
parted friends, and frequent meetings of those interested in 
the study of the doctrine are held at his house, and largely 
attended ; prominent' mediums from this and other States 
being often present. 

Mr. Nesbitt, in summing up in December, 1879, said : 
" At this time I run one saw-mill and a grist-mill, beside a 
large farm, well stocked; am now in my seventieth year. I 
superintend all my own business, having but one son, who 
' paddles his own canoe.' My health is good, my spirits light. 
I walk several miles every day looking after my business." 
Mr. Nesbitt's qualities have made him a leader in many 
things, and his integrity, through his long business career, has 
won for him the confidence of those with whom he has asso- 
ciated. He has made many friends, and his home is a place 
of hospitality and generous entertainment. His anecdotes of 
the days of pioneer life are ever interesting, and no man was 
better fitted than he for the duties of such a life. He is one 
of the few landmarks of a swiftly passing generation, and is 

*'0nly waiting til! tlie Btiadows 
Are a little longer grown," 

when he will join the innumerable tliroug of those who have 
gone before. 

Mr. Nesbitt's father, George Nesbitt, emigrated to the 
United States in 1830, and purchased two thousand one 
hundred acres of land in Kalamazoo Co., Mich. He was en- 
gaged during his life in agricultural jiursuits, and died July 
22, 1843. The parents of Mrs. Robert Nesbitt came to "the 
States" about 1851, from Durham Co., Ont., Canada (where 
Mrs. Nesbitt was born Oct. 23, 1825), and settled in Breeds- 
ville, Van Buren Co., Mich. Her mother died in 1865, and 
her father in 1872. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON. 



469 



ing a tree. He was about a mile from his home, and from 
the tree-top he could see the fire-light at his cabin, but 
the wolves waited for him with savage bowlings at the 
foot of the tree, ready to pounce upon him as soon as he 
should descend. He was miserable enough indeed to be 
thus imprisoned, and to add to his discomfort the weather 
was bitter cold. Half frozen after a time, he became des- 
perate. Determined to fight his way out at all hazards, he 
cut a heavy stick, and, descending rapidly to the ground, 
made such a fierce onslaught upon his foes that they fell 
back. Taking advantage of the truce, he ran to the next 
tree, and braced himself for another encounter just in time 
to receive the hungry pack which had returned to the 
charge. In that fashion he was compelled to fight his way 
homeward, and although he reached his cabin in safety, he 
was wellnigh worn out by the excitement and violent ex- 
ertion. 

The taking of deer was an easy matter, and venison 
became as an article of food so plentiful as to become dis- 
tasteful. An old settler says that he once counted 27 deer 
within sight of his doorstep, and from the top of a tree 
counted 52 feeding in his turnip-patch. James Brooks 
used to tell how when he cut a tree ho found about 20 
deer browsing upon it as soon as it fell, and they were so 
tame that they did not appear to mind his presence. When 
the woods resounded with the howls of wolves, the general 
expression among the settlers was that the beasts were 
holding " Mormon meetings," although xvlcy Mormon meet- 
ings no one stands ready to explain. On one occasion they 
held meeting to such good purpose as to cany off two stray 
calves belonging to Lewis Johnson. Caleb Bartlett and 
the Geers, then occupying neighboring cabins, set out with 
guns in response to the cries of the calves, and for a time 
the sport of wolf-chasing was fast and furious. 

Two of Mr. Stearns' daughters going out towards evening 
in search of the cows, came suddenly upon the bovines just 
as the latter were flying pell-mell before a pack of wolves. 
The cattle were greatly demoralized, and that example the 
girls were not slow in following. Strange to say, the sound 
of human voices reassured the cows to that extent that they 
presently halted in their flight, while the wolves, disconcerted 
by the same agency, stopped short and vented their rage in 
howls. Each girl, crying loudly, and wofully frightened, 
seized the tail of a cow, and thus protected moved away 
from the threatening danger and reached home in .safety. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

The territory now occupied by the town.ships of Keeler 
and Hamilton was set oif under legislative act of March 
11, 1837, as the township of Covington, and included a 
district six miles in width by twelve in length. In 1839 
Covington was divided into two townships, that on the west 
being called Keeler, and that on the east Alpena. The 
record of proceedings at the first town-meeting in Alpena 
is given as follows : 

" The qualified electors of the township of Alpena met 
at the house of Henry Coleman, April 1, 1839, for the 
purpose of organizing said township. Appointed Philotus 
Haydon Moderator and Ralph Mason Clerk ; Henry Cole- 
man, Robert Nesbitt, and George A. Bentley, Inspectors. 



Whereupon township officers were elected as follows : 
Supervisor, George A. Bentley ; Clerk, Henry Coleman ; 
Treasurer, Marcus Merriman ; Assessors, Ralph Mason, 
Philotus Haydon, and Henry Coleman ; Constable and 
Collector, Ebenezer Lumbard ; School Inspectors, Ralph 
Mason, Calvin Fields, Jr., and James Nesbitt ; Directors 
of the Poor, John Comley and Aaron Barney ; Commis- 
sioners of Highways, Jackson Pratt, Philotus Haydon, 
Zebina Stearns ; Justices of the Peace, Henry Coleman, 
Robert Nesbitt, Calvin Fields, Jr., and Ralph Mason ; 
Overseers of Highways, Joseph B. Bradt, Marcus Merri- 
man, George A. Bentley, Robert Nesbitt, Henry C. Mc- 
Clure, and Elisha Geer." 

The name of Alpena did not suit the townspeople, and 
so, upon discussion, it was decided in 1840 to exchange it 
for that of Hamilton, in honor of the American statesman 
of that name, and Hamilton it has remained. 

The names of the persons chosen annually, from 1840 
to 1880, to be supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and justice of 
the peace are given in the following list: 
1840. — Supervisor, G. A. Beutley ; Olerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, 

James Nesbitt; Justice of the Peace, S. F. Howell. 
1841. — Supervisor, G. A. Bentley; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, 

James Nesbitt : Justice of the Peace, John Comley. 
1842. — Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, James 

Nesbitt. 
1843. — Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, H. C'oleman; Treasurer, James 

Nesbitt ; Justice of the Peace, Robert Nesbitt. 
1844. — Supervisor, G. A. Bentley; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, 

James Nesbitt; Justice of the Peace, P. Haydon. 
1845. — Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, James 

Nesbitt; Justice of the Peace, Joseph McClintock. 
1846. — Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, James 

Nesbitt: Justice of the Peace, C. Fields, Jr. 
1847. — Supervisor, Palmer Earl: Clerk, S. R. Barker; Treasurer, 

James Nesbitt ; Justice of the Peace, Robert Nesbitt. 
1848.— Supervisor, Palmer Earl; Clerk, S. B. Barker; Treasurer, 

H. Coleman ; Justice of the Peace, P. Haydon. 
184'J.— Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, H. Coleman; Treasurer, H. 

Coleman ; Justice of the Peace, T. Foster. 
1850.— Supervisor, P. Haydon ; Clerk, Truman Foster ; Treasurer, H. 

Coleman ; Justice of the Peace, John Baxter. 
1851. — Supervisor, G. A. Bentley ; Clerk, Truman Foster; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field; Justice of the Peace, R. Nesbitt. 
1852. — Supervisor, P. Haydon ; Clerk, Truman Foster ; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field ; Justice of the Peace, Prentice Geer. 
1853. — Supervisor, P. Haydon; Clerk, Truman Foster; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field; Justice of the Peace, George Bennett. 
1854. — Supervisor, P. Haydon ; Clerk, Truman Foster ; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field ; Justice of the Pejice, F. K. Adams. 
1855. — Supervisor, P. Haydon ; Clerk, Truman Foster ; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field; Justice of the Peace, T. Riddle. 
1856. — Supervisor, H. Coleman; Clerk, Truman Foster; Treasurer, 

Calvin Field; Justice of the Peace, J. F. Tuttle. 
1857. — Supervisor, R. Nesbitt; Clerk, H. A. Bradley; Treasurer, 

Charles Osborn; Justice of the Peace, 0. Atkins. 
1858.— Supervisor, T. Foster; Clerk, H. A.Bradley; Treasurer, G. 

A. Bentley; Justice of the Peace, John Baxter. 
1859. — Supervisor, T. Foster; Clerk, H. A. Bradley; Treasurer, G. 

A. Bentley ; Justice of the Peace, D. V. Sutfin. 
1860. — Supervisor, T. Foster ; Clerk, A. S. Wise ; Treasurer, G. A. 

Bentley ; Justice of the Peace, Palmer Earl. 
1861. — Supervisor, T. Foster; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, Joseph 

McClintock; Justice of the Peace, William Bee. 
1862. — Supervisor, R. Nesbitt; Clerk, A. S. Wi.se; Treasurer, D. V. 

Sutfin; Justice of the Peace, J. Baxter. 
1863. — Supervisor, R. Nesbitt; Clerk, Irving Babcock ; Treasurer, D. 

V. Sutfin; Justice of the Peace, M. D. Mapes. 
1864. — Supervisor, R. Nesbitt; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, D. V. 

Sutfin; Justice of the Peace, Palmer Earl. 



470 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1865.— Supervisor, R. Nesbitt ; Clerk, A. S. Wise ; Treasurer, P. Earl ; 

Justice of the Peace, D. V. Sutfin. 
1866. — No record. 
1867.— Supervisor, G. G. B. Yeckley ; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

A. H. Williams ; Justice of the Peace, R. Iloppin. 
1868.— Supervisor, 6. G. B. Yeckley; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

A. H. Williams : Justice of the Peace, 0. W. Field. 
1869.— Supervisor, G. G. B. Yeckley ; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

J. L. Harrison; Justice of the Peace, Oliver Geer. 
1870.— Supervisor, 6. G. B. Yeckley; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

J. L. Harrison ; Justice of the Peace, S. P. Tuttle. 
1871.— Supervisor, G. G. B. Yeckley; Clerk, A. S, Wise; Treasurer, 

J. L. Harrison; Justice of the Peaee, A. W. Haydon. 
1872.— Supervisor, G. G. B. Yeckley; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

J. L. Harrison ; Justice of the Pence, John Bennett. 
1873.- Supervisor, G. G. B. Y'eckley ; Clerk, A. S. Wise; Treasurer, 

J. H. Smith; Justice of the Peace, Jarvis Skinner. 
1874.— Supervisor, C. Field ; Clerk, D. J. Lee : Treasurer, S. B. Ha- 

gar; Justice of the Peace, J. R. Heudry.x. 
1875. — Supervisor, S. B. Hagar: Clerk, D. J. Lee; Treasurer, E. Os- 

born ; Justice of the Peace, Jacob High. 
1876. — Supervisor, S. B. Hagar; Clerk, D. .1. Lee: Treasurer, E. Os- 

born; Justice of the Peace, I>. V. Sutfin. 
1877.— Supervisor, S. B. Hagar; Clerk, D. J. Lee; Treasurer, E. Os- 

born ; Justice of the Peace, E. F. Ba.xter. 
1878.— Supervisor, S. B. Hagar; Clerk, D. J. Lee; Treasurer, E. Os- 

born : Justice of the Peace, W. Horton. 
1879.— Supervisor, S. B. Hagar; Clerk, D. J. Lee; Treasurer, E. Os- 

born ; Justice of the Peace, Philo Selby. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Although Hamilton has enjoyed from time to time the 
benefit of local religious organizations, there has never been 
within its limits a church building, and town school-houses 
have therefore been called upon to do frequent duty as 
houses of worship. 

Elder Levi Dewey organized a Disciple Church in 1877, 
and preached about a year at Grange Hall, but during the 
past year public worship by the congregation has been 
irregular. Methodist Episcopal preaching was occasionally 
enjoyed by the early settlers, for preachers of that faith 
paid close attention to the Michigan pioneers, and so public 
worship was available many times even before public schools 
brightened the prospect. Hamilton has not bestirred itself 
as briskly as some towns in the matter of religious worship, 
although the fact that there are churches in neighboring 
townships of easy access accounts doubtless for the lack of 
church organizations in this town at present. Thus there 
are in Hamilton to-day but two Methodist clas.ses and the 
Disciple Church above mentioned. 

BURIAL-GROUND 
The first public burial-ground in Hamilton was laid out 
about 1840, on section 16, and in it the first person laid to 
rest was a Mr. Searls. The ground is still used, and is the 
only public burial-place in Hamilton. It covers 2 J acres, 
and is very handsomely laid out as well as embellished with 
many fine monuments. 

SCHOOLS. 
About 1837 or 1838 a Mrs. Millard, who lived with her 
daughter, Mrs. Bennett, taught a select school and Sunday- 
school at Mrs. Bennett's house. A Mi.ss Litchfield, living 
in Pennsylvania, was brought to Hamilton by Robert Nes- 
bitt, to teach his children, not long afterwards. The first 
district school in the township was taught in the "Red 



School-house," near Coleman's tavern, in 1837, and had 
then twenty pupils. 

The condition of the public schools of Hamilton, as 
shown by an official report for the year 1879, is given as 
follows : 

Number of districts (1 fractional), 8 ; number of chil- 
dren of school age, 362 ; average attendance,. 334 ; value 
of property, $3200; teachers' wages, $1308; total year's 
expenses, $1574. 

The school directors for 1879 were H. B. Smith, James 
Neville, Zebina Stearns, William Anson, John Reed, S. H. 
Mallory, M. C. Steele, J. B. Morehouse, R. H. Abbott. 

HAMILTON GRANGE, No. 355, 

was organized in March, 1874, with 84 members, and 
reached at one time as high as 100. Now, however, the 
membership is but 63. At the organization A. W. Hay- 
don was Master ; John Bennett, Overseer ; and J. R. Hen- 
dryx, Lecturer. A. W. Haydon served three years as Mas- 
ter, and was succeeded by J. M. Weeks, whose term con- 
tinued two years. The present officers are D. J. Lee, 
Master; John Read, Overseer; A. W. Haydon, Lecturer; 
J. Q. Adams, Steward ; Edward 0.sborn, Assistant Steward ; 
John Bennett, Chaplain ; G. W. Wait, Treasurer ; A. S. 
Wise, Secretary ; S. H. Mallory, Gate-Keeper ; Mrs. J. M. 
Weeks, Ceres ; Mrs. Eliza Yeckley, Pomona ; Mrs. J. 
Skinner, Flora; Mrs. John Bennett, Lady Assistant 
Steward. 

The Grange Hall, in which sessions are held, was built in 
1875. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CAPT. JOSIAH R. HENDRYX 



X 



was born in the town of Fairfax, Franklin Co., Vt., March 
4, 1807. His father was David Hendryx, his mother 
Fanny (Hunt) Hendryx. His grandfather, Isaiah Hen- 
dryx, who settled in Bennington, Vt., in an early day, was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the subject of this 
sketch often says, with pride, that he was one of the party 
who prevented Molly Stark from becoming a widow at the 
memorable battle of Bennington. His father enlisted in 
the war of 1812, leaving his mother to support four small 
children. Josiah, the only son, being the second in age, 
with his sister, Almena, two years older, were put out at 
such places as could be found for them from time to time 
until Josiah was eleven years old, when he found a per- 
manent home in the family of Gov. Jonas Galusha, of 
Shaftsbury, where he was treated with the greatest kind- 
ness. Having set his heart on being the owner of a piece 
of land, and hearing that a family in town (Stephen Stur- 
devon) were about to remove to what was then called the 
Genesee country, the lad (then seventeen years old) got 
permission to go and see him, when an entire day of per- 
sistent entreaty resulted in gaining permission to accompany 
him to the then far West. His father, — who had returned 
from a five years' service in the army and saved a little 
money, — with the balance of the family, accompanied the 



TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON. 



471 



party by canal to Rochester, and thence by team to Coving- 
ton, Genesee Co., N. Y. Josiah remained with Mr. Stur- 
devon until Oct. 1, 1826, appropriating all his wages for 
the benefit of his father's family, when, learning there was 
wild land in Orleans Co., N. Y., the lad of nineteen started 
out on foot to look out a home for the family. He went 
into the township of Yates, where he worked one month 
for ten dollars, then took a job of chopping six acres, for 
which a portion of the pay was kindly advanced. He went 
to Batavia on foot, entered fifty acres of land at five dollars 
per acre, and returned to Covington. It required much 
persuasion to induce the family to remove to the then 
wilderness home, but Josiah returned and erected a log 
cabin for the family, which was occupied late in the fall. 
The winter was spent in chopping. In the spring, after 
getting in four acres of corn, Josiah took a job of fourteen 
acres to chop, in order to raise money to enter fifty acres 
adjoining the first purchase. At the age of twenty-one he 



and well-to-do farmer, sold out and moved to Calhoun Co., 
Mich., where he bought several hundred acres of wild land. 
Hendryx remained with him twenty months, at the end of 
which time he was employed by the Hon. J. D. Pierce, 
then .superintendent of public instruction, to take charge of 
a one-thousand acre farm. Here he remained two years, 
then spent one year as overseer, building two miles of the 
Michigan Central Railroad near Albion, where he made the 
acquaintance of Maivln Hannahs, who was largely interested 
in tanning and lumbering in Van Buren County, and en- 
deavored to secure his services in that business, but having 
purchased eighty acres of wild land three and a half miles 
west of Marshall, he commenced the improvement of it, 
which, with the assistance of his eldest son, Horatio J., he 
completed in two years. Then leaving it in charge of his 
son, only fifteen years old, he accepted the oiFer of Mr. 
Hannahs and entered his service, remaining seven years, 
during which time Mr. Hannahs built two grist-mills and 





MRS. JOSIAH R. HENDRYX. 



CAPT. JOSIAH R. HENDRYX. 



entered forty acres for himself, and commenced its improve- 
ment. 

At the age of twenty-three he married Evelyn Downs, 
then eighteen years old and eldest of a family of six, — 
three sons and three daughters. This young couple com- 
menced the battle of life March 11, 1830. Seven years of 
incessant toil had placed them in independent circumstances 
when an unfortunate venture stripped them of everything 
which the law did not allow them, even to household furni- 
ture. Other parties in this enterprise shifted their property, 
a thing Hendryx could not be persuaded to do, saying, " I 
have decided to save this much out of the wreck, my good 
name and my credit, which with my hands shall con.stitute 
the capital to commence life anew." He hired out to the 
man who came in po.sses.sion of his farm for thirteen dollars 
per month, his wife and two boys, Horatio and Lewis, going 
home to her father for the summer. During this time his 
father-in-law, Lemuel L. Downs, an intelligent, enterprising, 



two saw-mills, Mr. Hendryx being the active man in all 
these enterprises. As remarked by a writer who a few 
years ago wrote up the various enterprises of the county, 
" Capt. Hendryx, mounted upon his faithful Crazy Jane, 
was the moving power that kept this harp of a thousand 
strings in constant tune." 

In 1853 the Michigan Central Railroad Company estab- 
lished an office in New York City, and tendered Mr. Hen- 
dryx a subordinate position in it. He accepted the position, 
but rapidly advanced until he was the contracting freight 
agent of this great central route, the New York Central, 
Canada and Michigan Central each sharing in the payment 
of his salary, which had increased to three hundred dollars 
per month and expenses. All of his salary not needed for 
necessary expen.ses was sent home and judiciously expended 
by his son, until they jointly owned six hundred acres of 
choice land, with good buildings and fine stock. One inci- 
dent will serve to show how well Horatio managed afiairs 



472 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



at home during his father's absence. The Agricultural 
Society ofiFered a premium for the best-kept farm in the 
county, all farms entered were visited by a committee ap- 
pointed by the society. Young Hendryx, then twenty 
years old, was induced to enter their farm, and we see now 
a silver cup at their home bearing this inscription : " Cal- 
houn County Agricultural Society, Oct. 2, 1851. Pre- 
sented to J. R. Hendryx, as a premium for the best farm." 
In 1861, Mr. Hendryx resigned his position in New York 
and returned to enjoy the fruits of his fifteen years' absence. 
Mrs. H. spent much of her time with her husband while 
in the city, and accompanied him in many of his business 
trips in the West. 

In the fall of 1852, Horatio, being at his majority and 
the only living child, became joint owner of all real estate. 
and in the fall of 18G7 they sold their farm, Horatio going 
to Decatur and engaging in the tanning business, and J. R. 
moving with his wife to the city of Marshall, where they 
remained until 1872. Becoming weary of separation from 
his only child, he removed with his wife to Decatur, and 
assisted in the business there until the fall of 1874, when 
they traded the tannery for the two hundred acres where 
they now live. They commenced at once to make additions, 
until they now have four hundred and sixty acres with good 
buildings and improvements. 

In politics Mr. Hendryx is a Democrat, but he never 
gave much attention to parties until the outbreak of the 
Rebellion, from which time he has been prominent. When 
charged with disloyalty by the Republican press of his 
county he proposed, through the Democratic paper, to place 
one hundred dollars by the side of the same amount of any 
man in his county and compare war records, and the one 
who could show that he had given the most time and money 
to the support of ,the government during the war could 
take up the two hundred dollars. It is needless to say 
that the challenge was not accepted. 

Josiah R. and Evelyn Hendryx have had six children, 
three dying in infancy, one at the age of five years, and the 
other in his ninth year. His only living child, Horatio J., 
married Ada Raven, Feb. 5, 1852. They have three living 
children, viz. : Lillian, now Mrs. C. T. Barter, of Chicago ; 
Ada, aged fifteen, and Louis, aged thirteen. Three died 
young, Frankie being killed by the kick of a horse when 
he was four years old. Ten orphan children have been 
reared in the Hendryx family, and no corporal punishment 
has been inflicted under any circumstances. Mr. Hendryx 
once remarked in a public lecture that he would be proud 
to exhibit the whole party before that audience. He never 
made a public speech until lie was fifty-nine years old ; since 
that time he has become somewhat noted for that which has 
been tersely termed " sledge-hammer oratory." He has never 
sought ofiice, never but twice been a candidate, and then much 
against his wishes, but in both cases ran ahead of his ticket ; 
yet on the stump and through the press he has been a zealous 
advocate of Democratic principles. His influence and aid has 
often been sought and cheerfully given for the advancement 
of all public enterprises. A railroad enterprise from Cold- 
water north through Marshall being about thirty-five thou- 
sand dollars short on the subscriptions to its stock, and 
little hope entertained of raising it, as a last resort called 



Mr. Hendryx from Decatur to take hold of the matter. 
He made public speeches, canvassed all along the line on 
foot, and finally succeeded in raising every dollar. 

He celebrated his seventy-third birthday March 4, 1880, 
and with his faithful wife, who has shared with him in all 
life's battles, celebrated their golden wedding March 11, 
1880. As to education, Mr. Hendryx has been often 
heard to say that the outside world has been his school- 
master ; all he knew of the world he had learned by mixing 
with it; all he knew of business he had learned by trans- 
acting it, and if he ever had any poli.sh in liis manners, he 
had rubbed it off from some polished individual with whom 
he had come in contact. 

Mrs. Hendryx is a zealous member of the Baptist Church 
in Marshall; she united with it by letter in 1840, when 
the first society was organized, and only two of the original 
members now survive, — Mrs. Hendryx and Mrs. Lusk. 
Mrs. Hendryx devotes much of her time in assisting mis- 
sionary societies and other projects which are intended to 
promote the spread of the gospel. Mr. Hendryx has always 
given his support to this church. Although not a professor 
of religion, he says he never could shut his eyes to the fact 
that church influences produce salutary results. And now 
we find this well-preserved old couple enjoying the respect 
and esteem of the community in which they live surrounded 
by many friends. They have given to their friends, in this 
work, a fine view of their home, and their portraits, which 
will remain as monuments to their memory. They have 
walked life's journey together for fifty years, — years which 
have brought sunshine and sorrow to their home ; but to- 
day they enjoy more than ever each other's society and the 
visits of their many friends, who are always welcome to their 
hospitable home. Long may they yet live to enjoy the 
fruits of their industrious youth. 



PHILOTUS HAYDON.* 

No man who ever lived in Van Buren County was more uni- 
versally honored and esteemed while living, and more sincerely 
and generally mourned when dead, than Philotus Haydon, 
whose portrait appears in connection with this sketch. There 
are many now in ea.sy circumstances living in this vicinity, 
where Mr. Haydon lived from the year 1836 to the time of 
his death, who often refer with emotion to the timely assist- 
ance he rendered them when struggling for existence in the 
early settlement of the country. Never was he known to 
take advantage of a man's necessities, never taking more 
than simple interest — and often none at all — on even a note. 
No honest man, however poor, was ever turned away empty- 
handed when applying to him for assistance. If by mis- 
fortune he lost a horse or an ox out of his team, he knew 
right well where to go to supply its place. No one who 
ever knew this large-hearted man, and reads the above, will 
say that it does him more than simple justice. 

Mr. Haydon was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in the 
year 1810. When quite a young man he went to Brandon, 
Vt., and engaged in the mercantile business ; there he mar- 
ried Mary A., daughter of Aaron W. Broughton of that 



' By Capt. J. R. Hendryx. 



TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON. 



473 



place, soon after removing to Hamilton, Van Buren Co., 
Mich., where he located one thousand acres of land in the 
year 1836, and began at once to make extensive improve- 
ments, and soon had an abundance with which to supply 
settlers who came in after him. He sold a portion of his 
large domain, but at the time of his death, which occurred 
March 10, 1866, owned about seven hundred acres. The 




PHILOTUS HAYDON. 

fruits of his marriage with Miss Broughton were two sons, — 
Charles B., born in the year 1834, who enlisted as a private 
in the 2d Michigan Infantry at the outbreak of our late 
civil war, and soon rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, 
and in 1864 died of wounds received at Jackson, Miss. 
The other son, Arthur W., was born April 22, 1844, and 
about the year 1870 married Miss Elizabeth Baker, daughter 
of Hiram Baker, Esq., of Keeler township, and settled on a 
portion of the old homestead set off to him by the administra- 
tors, where he now lives in a neat and commodious dwelling 
on a well-cultivated farm, and ranks among the best citizens 
of this township. Mrs. ( Broughton) Haydon died in 1848, 
and Oct. 24, 1850, Mr. Haydon married Adelia E. Buck, 
by whom he had three children, — F. Mortimer, born Feb. 
24, 1859; Mary A., born Aug. 19, 1861 ; Blanche, born 
Aug. 16, 1865. Mortimer is at present engaged in a store 
in Decatur. Mary A. and Blanche are completing their 
education in the Ann Arbor University. The mother of 
these three children died very suddenly in Decatur, Jan. 24, 
1877, while coming for her children in attendance at that 
school. She was a lady of rare accomplishments, loved 
and esteemed by all who knew her, and, like her honored 
husband, was most heartily mourned at her death. 

Mr. Haydon never professed or talked religion, but would 
every day of his life do more real Christian acts than nine- 
tenths of those who do profess and talk much. 

In politics he was a Republican, and was an able advo- 
cate of his principles upon the stump. He served in the 
Slate Legislature from 1844 to 1851, also in 1859. Was 
elected supervisor of his township as long as he could be 
induced to serve. 
60 



JAMES M. OSBORN, 

the son of Stephen Osborn, who removed from Connecti- 
cut to Vermont, and thence to New York, was born in East 
Windsor, Conn., and engaged in farming with his father 
until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented a 
farm in Steuben Co., N. Y., and began work for himself 
Three years later he caught the " Western fever," and 
emigrated to Michigan, with his wife and one child. The 
journey was accomplished with a team and wagon, in which 
latter were stowed all his worldly goods. His capital was 
in the form of health and unlimited energy, and possess- 
ing these he felt assured the labor of his hands would in 
time bring him prosperity. He and his brother Daniel 
purchased a tract of ninety-three acres, and worked it in 
partnership. At the end of four years he sold his interest 
to his brother, and purchased eighty acres in Hamilton 
township, to which four hundred acres have since been 
added. His father, Stephen Osborn, settled in the county 
in the fall of 1844, after his sons had located, and pur- 
chased forty acres of land, on which he lived until his 
death. His family consisted of eighteen children, nine by 
each of his wives, — he being twice married. J. M. Osborn 
married Miss Julia R. Allen, daughter of Samuel Allen, 
and she has borne him the following children : Gideon A., 
Catharine S., Edward A., and Eliza. Three of these are 
now living. Mrs. Osborn died Dec. 17, 1871, and on the 
17th of March, 1872, Mr. Osborn married Martha J. 
Warren, who was born in Ohio, June 17, 1834. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Osborn is a Democrat, and is liberal in religious 
matters. . 

ERASTUS OSBORN 

is the oldest son of Stephen Osborn, by his second wife, 
and was born March 24, 1838, in Ossian, Allegany (now 
Livingston) Co., N. Y. The family was formerly from 
Vermont, and of Welsh descent. Mr. Osborn's mother 
was a daughter of Benjamin Hungerford, a well-known 
woolen-manufacturer in Allegany County, who moved to 
Michigan in 1840, Stephen Osborn following in 1844, and 
remaining at Mr. Hungerford's during the succeeding winter. 
March 24, 1845, Stephen 0.sborn and family settled on 
section 20, in the township of Hamilton, Van Buren Co. 
Mr. Osborn's death occurred in March, 1853, and his widow, 
having nearly completed her threescore and ten years, 
resides on the old homestead. 

Erastus Osboru, during the year after his father's death, 
worked with Mr. A. Barney, then for three years " by the 
job," and for fifteen years with a thrashing-machine. In 
March, 1858, the rumors from the Pike's Peak mining re- 
gion induced him to journey thither, but before the com- 
pany was quite ready to start he was disabled, by the kick 
of a horse on his knee, and forced to remain at home until 
some time after the others had left, sending his teams and 
effects along with them, however. He overtook them by 
rail in Illinois. This company was one of the few that 
made the trip through to Denver, and stayed four weeks in 
Boulder. Mr. Osborn, whose dreams of fortune vanished 
when the stern realities of the position became apparent, 
returned to Iowa, where he remained two months, proceed- 



474 



HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ing from there homeward, reaching the farm in November, 
with one hundred dollars left. In company with his 
brothers, Benjamin and Horace, he commenced in earnest 
to carve out a home. Hon. Philotus Haydon and Robert 
Nesbitt, two worthy pioneers of Hamilton town.ship, fur- 
nished them respectively with land and money, on credit, 
and gave them some good advice. The struggle to meet 
these obligations was a severe one with the brothers, but 







they finally triumphed, and had cause to keep in grateful 
remembrance the men who had befriended them. In 1864 
a portion of their land was exchanged for what was known 
as the Whitlock farm. In 1865, Erastus Osborn purchased 
the interest of his brothers, and now owns the entire farm. 
March 24, 1864, he was married to Annette M. Lascelle, 
a native of Jefferson Co., N. Y. Miss Lascelle was a 
teacher, and under her instruction Mr. Osborn passed a 
winter when in his twenty-fourth year. He yet insists that 
she was the best teacher he ever knew. Their children are two 
in number, — Mary E , born in October, 1865, and Luona 
A., born in October, 1866. They have both been educated 
at home, yet Mr. Osborn has been much interested in the 
cause of education, and has exerted his influence for good 
schools in his own district. This is owing largely to the 
fact that his own advantages in this respect were exceed- 
ingly limited. He has, however, a thoroughly practical 
knowledge. With neither money nor material, he at one 
time contracted to build a school-house in sixty days, and 
successfully completed the work. He is a Democrat in 
politics, and in 1875 was elected township treasurer, hold- 
ing the office five successive terms, being elected the first 
time by twenty-two and the last time by fifty-six majority, 
and this is an acknowledged Republican township. Mr. 
Osborn aims to make his " word as good as his bond," and 
professes no other religion than the desire to do always as 
he agrees. His experience as a pioneer included such epi- 
sodes as drawing corn and wheat twenty-five miles, with ox- 
teams, to market, and .selling them respectively for fifteen 



and forty cents per bushel. His wife has long been an in- 
valid, and his efforts have, consequently, been in a great 
degree single-handed; yet he has always maintained a large 
household, and was never known to turn a traveler from 
his door, whether rich or poor. " 'Rastiis Osborn will keep 
you" are words which have been spoken many times to 
tired and dusty wayfarers, and the assertion was ever fully 
realized as true. Many families of emigrants have been 
fed and sheltered by him, and if without food, furnished 
with sufficient for several meals, and sent on their way re- 
joicing; and Mr. Osborn is confident that in the North and 
West are many warm friends who in such manner partook 
of his bounty. He is a slave to no bad habits ; does not 
use tobacco in any form ; is a man of correct principles ; 
is far-sighted in business affairs; possesses fine executive 
ability and unflagging energy ; is a kind husband and father, 
a true friend, and ever ready to forget differences which 
may arise with others. He, in a word, commands the 
universal respect of his acquaintances. 



JOHN BENNETT. 

George Bennett was born Sept. 16, 1811, and in 1824 
removed, with his parents, to Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., 
Mich., fi-om the State of New York. Oct. 24, 1830, he 
was married to Jliss Eliza Barney, and moved to Una- 
dilla, Livingston Co., in 1835, with his wife and two chil- 
dren. Six children were born to them in the latter township, 
and in 1849 they again directed their footsteps westward, 
and located in Hamilton township. Van Buren Co. Here 
a ninth child was born, and here they resided until the 
spring of 1855, when they left the farm and settled in the 
village of Decatur, where they are still living. Mr. Ben- 
nett has been engaged in various occupations, — farming, 
grain-thrashing, railroading, lumbering, and stone and brick 
mason-work. 

John Bennett, the eldest son of George, was born at 
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Mioh., Nov. 17, 1834, and 
on the 17th of November, 1855, was married to Lucy M., 
youngest child of Calvin D. and Lucy Millard. She was 
born in Lyme, Conn., March 30, 1836. The newly-wedded 
pair settled the following spring in Decatur, which was 
their home until August, 1865. When, in the summer of 
1862, the President issued a call for troops to aid in 
suppressing the rebellion, Mr. Bennett enlisted in the 4th 
Michigan Cavalry, and served under Gens. Rosecrans and 
Thomas. He was captured in the Atlanta campaign, and 
was in prison three months at Andersonville and two 
months at Florence, S. C. After being exchanged he re- 
turned to his regiment, and found a second lieutenant's com- 
mission awaiting him. He took a prominent part in the 
capture of the petticoated and fugitive president of the 
Confederacy, for which he was brevetted first lieutenant, 
and received his share of the reward of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars, which had been offered. He was honorably 
discharged after three years of active service, and purchased 
and moved upon the farm he now occupies. It was then 
in a sadly-neglected condition, but through the energy of 
Mr. Bennett and his wife has been brought to its present 
state of order and thrift. 





■%.\ '■' ^ 



JOHN BENNETT. 



MRS. JOHN BENHETT. 




Residence of JOHN BENN ETT, Hamilton TfiXan Buren Co., Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OP HAMILTON. 



475 



Mrs. Bennett's mother, Mrs. Millard, who came with her 
husband and family to Michigan in 1837, was called upon 
to endure many hardships in the pioneer days of the settle- 
ment. Her husband died in 1838, leaving her and a young 
family to be provided for. Mrs. Millard, who had been 
reared in a city, was unaccustomed to the privations of 
frontier life, yet she fought with difficulties and overcame 
them, as only a pioneer mother in such a strait could. At 
one time the grist-mill was broken, there was no bread in 
the house, nor a .single ounce of flour in the neighborhood. 
Her babe was crying for bread, and it seemed in vain. 
Finally, however, she thought of the coffee-mill, and those 
of the family old enough were set at work grinding, and at 



last meal sufficient for a loaf was prepared, sifted, and 
baked, and hunger was appeased, and the children's faces 
were once more wreathed in smiles. The first Sabbath- 
school and the first common-school in Hamilton township 
were taught by Mrs. Millard, in her own house, the pupils 
being her own and the neighboring children. The nearest 
trading-post was many miles distant, and clothing and all 
articles of food, except wild game, could be procured no 
nearer. Game was furnished in abundance by a younger 
brother, Ralph Mason. Mrs. Millard was a professed Chris- 
tian for more than forty years, and died at the residence of 
her son-in-law, John Bennett, Feb. 19, 1872, in the seventy- 
eighth year of her age. 




JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, 
whose portrait, together with that of his wife, appears on 
this page, was born in the town of Andover, Allegany Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 8, 1837. He lived there with his father 
until Sept. 8, 1857, when, with the family, he removed to 
Michigan, residing at home until he was twenty-five years 
of age, and a.ssisted his father in clearing up and paying for 
two hundred and seventy-eight acres of new land on the 
west line of the town of Hamilton. In April, 1862, he 
built a cabin on his father's farm, and on Dec. 25, 1862, 
he married Jane K. Jacobs, who was born in the town of 
Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., June 3, 1839. She lived with 
her father until she was married ; went to housekeeping in 
April, 1863. 

Mr. Adams lived in the cabin on his lather's farm until 
May 1, 1865, and in that humble abode their first child — 
Emma Jane — was born. In the month of January, 1865, 
he bought the farm where he now lives, containing one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. The following April he cleared the 
spot where his dwelling now stands, and on the 1st day of 
May moved into it. He at once commenced to improve 
his land. In the summer of 1866 he built on his place a 
commodious barn, and in June, 1879, bought fifty-three 
acres adjoining his first purchase, making his present domain 
two hundred and thirteen acres, with one hundred and 



MILS. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

sixty acres under improvement, including orchards and 
comfortable buildings. 

The fruit of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Adams has been 
four children,^ — Emma Jane, born Sept. 17, 1864; B. E., 
born Aug. 30, 1866; John Q., Jr., born Nov. 19, 1869; 
Gertie, born March 17, 1876, died Oct. 28, 1877. 

It will be seen that the subject of this notice gave the 
first four years after arriving at his majority to the se- 
curing of a home for his parents and the younger members 
of the family, where the father, with two younger brothers, 
now live, his mother having died Sept. 16, 1878. After 
achieving this praiseworthy object, he unaided set out to 
secure the same comforts for himself, and with the hearty 
co-operation of his frugal and faithful wife has within the 
short space of fifteen years made himself a comfortable home. 

In religious matters Mr. Adams holds liberal views. Po- 
litically, he is a staunch Democrat, although never taking 
any active part in politics. He and his wife were charter 
members of the Hamilton Grange, and have much of the 
time held office in it since it was organized, six years ago. 
Mr. Adams was the second in a family of ten children, — 
six boys and four girls,^all now living but the oldest, who 
was a daughter, and all but the two youngest boys are 
married and settled in life. Six of them live in the town 
of Hamilton and vicinity. 



476 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





WILLIAM HORTON. 



Photos, by Prichard, Decatur. 



MRS. WILLIAM HORTON. 



WILLIAM HORTON. 

This gentleman was born in Deerfleld, Portage Co., Ohio, 
Sept. 21, 1815. Mrs. William Horton was born in Pal- 
myra, Portage Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1817. Mr. William 
Horton, Sr., father of the above, died in 1835. His wife 
died in 1875. The subject of this sketch lived in Ohio 
until the year 1846, when he removed to Berrien Co., 
Mich., and purchased eighty acres of land, and after clear- 
ing up a portion of it he traded it for one hundred and 
sixty acres in Pipestone township, Berrien Co. He also 
cleared the latter and improved it to some extent, tiien 
sold and bought again in Silver Creek, Cass Co., Mich. 
The last farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres. 
Having a desire to own a larger one, he again sold, and 
moved to Hamilton township, Van Buren Co., and pur- 
chased two hundred and thirty-five acres, upon which he is 
now living. Mr. Horton married Miss Matilda, daughter 
of Gibson and Mary McDaniel. This union has been 
blessed with eleven children, of whom sis are living. The 
names are Worthing B., Emil}', William, Isaac, Vincy, 
Gibson M., Dwight, Richmond P., Emeline, Asa, and 
Eliza. One of the sons is living in California and two are 
in Missouri. Mr. Horton has always been interested in 
the advancement of his township, devoting a part of his 
time to its business. He was an assessor in Ohio, a com- 
missioner in Berrien County, and at present is a justice of 
the peace, which ofiice he has held about six years. He is 
a member of the Disciples' Church. In politics is a Demo- 
crat. There were eight children in his father's family, of 
whom but three survive. Mr. Horton is in the sixty-fifth 
year of his age, and is considered one of the substantial 
men of his township. His house is always a home for his 
grandchildren, fourteen of whom are living, three being 
deceased ; five of these are at his home at this time. 



A. S. WISE. 

This gentleman was born in Washington township, Morris 
Co., N. J., June 14, 1830. In 1832 he removed with his 
father to Livingston Co., N. Y., the father, Andrew Wise, 
locating on a farm. In 1855 the son, who until that time 
had remained on the hoiue-farm, decided to search for a suit- 
able location in the West for a future home for himself and 
wife, — he having, on the 22d of March, 1855, married Miss 
Hannah J. Read, daughter of Ezekiel S. and Delilah Read, 
who was born in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 
1832. Turning their faces westward, they began a long 
journey, and in the same year they were married located 
in Hamilton township, Van Buren Co., Mich., on one hun- 
dred acres of land, which Mr. Wise purchased and which 
is still their home ; to it sixty acres have since been added. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wise are the parents of two children, — Eda 
D., born Nov. 2, 1857, and H. Evelyn, born Nov. 15, 1863 ; 
both are living at home with their parents. Mr. Wise is 
also the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land in 
Oakland Co., Mich. Politically he is a Republican, and 
has filled several township offices. In religious matters he 
is liberal. He has been an active farmer through life, and 
has devoted much time to the improvement of his stock ; 
sheep, of which he at present has a fine flock, and swine 
being his specialties. 



JOHN H. COLLINS. 

Prominent among the thrifty and prosperous farmers of 
Hamilton township. Van Buren Co., Mich., is John H. 
Collins, who was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1846, 
and came to Decatur, Mich., in 1859, with his father, 
Henry Collins. He was engaged in farming until 1871, 
when he entered business as a grocer at Grand Junction, 





J. H. COLLINS. 



MRS. J. H.COLLINS. 







^S«^::XI^S»*- 



Res.or J. H. COLLINS, Hamilton. 

MICH. 



TOWNSHIP OF KEELEK. 



477 



Van Buren Co. At the expiration of three years he rented 
a farm in Hamilton township, and occupied it three years. 
In 1878 he purchased the farm of one hundred acres, in 
the same township, on which he now resides. In 1873 he 
was married to Miss Ellen M. Beattie, daughter of Isaac 
and Jane Beattie, who was born in Van Buren Co., Mich., 
Nov. 20, 1845, and by her has two children, — Fannie J., 
born May 10, 1875, and John Guy, born Oct. 17, 1876. 
Mr. Collins acts with the Republican party in political 
affairs, but is a quiet worker, and not a man who desires 
publicity. In his religious views he is liberal. Mr. Col- 
lins, who was but a small boy when he came to this State, 
and began life without capital and is still a young man, has 
been remarkably succe^ful in business, and is one of the 
most prosperous and enterprising farmers in the township. 
Everything on his premises evinces taste and thrift. 



CHAPTER LXII. 



KEELER TOWNSHIP.* 



Location, Surface, anil W.iters — Early .Settlements — Territorial Roads 
— Township Organization and List of Officers — The Village — So- 
cieties and Orders — Religious Societies — Schools — Forest Home 
Camping Ground. 

LOCATION, SURFACE, AND WATERS. 

Keeler, the Southwestern corner township of Van 
Buren County, is composed of 36 full sections, and is 
known and distinguished on the United States survey as 
township 4 south, range 16 west. It is bounded on the 
north by tiie township of Hartford, on the east by Ham- 
ilton, on the south by the township of Silver Creek, in 
Cass County, and on the west by Bainbridge township, 
Berrien Co. The surface of the township is generally 
level. Originally a large part of the township was burr- 
oak openings, but in some parts was covered with scrub- 
oak. For agricultural purposes the township is in advance 
of any other in the county. Its soil is a fine sandy loam, 
and is particularly adapted to the successful cultivation of 
wheat, and is all in a high state of cultivation, having no 
wa.ste lands. Steady, persistent industry and energy, with 
the richness of the soil, have brought to its fortunate owners 
an abundance of this world's goods, as is shown by the ex- 
cellence of their farm residences and buildings. 

The township is watered by small streams rising in the cen- 
tral part and flowing west and joining branches that flow into 
the Paw Paw River, and one that rises in the east and flows 
easterly through the south part of the township. There 
are a number of lakes, among the largest being Round and 
Crooked Lakes that lie near together in the southwest part, 
on sections 31 and 32 ; Magician Lake, in the south part of 
section 34 ; Keeler Lake, in the east part of section 23 ; 
Brown Lake, in the east part of sections 20 and 29 ; and 
two in the west part of section 17. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 
The townships along the lake-coast having accessible har- 
bors and landing-places were visited by persons in search of 

*By A. N. Hungerford. 



lumber and wood and eligible locations for mills, and whose 
object was not permanent settlement, but simply the cutting 
and manufacture of lumber. 

The townships lying back from the coast were not even 
sparsely settled till about 1833-34, when emigrants began 
to come in from the East to look for lands and to locate 
farms ; Decatur leading the townships in the county and 
having the first settlers in Dolphin Morris and Henry Swift, 
who remained two or three years before they were joined 
by any others. The first to come in this township were 
John and James Nesbitt, natives of Ireland, who bought 
120 acres of government land, in the southeast quarter of 
section 14, in the summer of 1834. They built a tent of 
two crotched sticks driven into the ground, a pole placed 
across the top and poles down the sides, all covered with 
marsh hay. Here they lived until the middle of the sum- 
mer of 1835, when they sold to Wolcott H. Keeler. John 
Nesbitt is still living, and resides in Porter. 

The next to locate was Tobias Byers. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and when young went to Sparta, Livingston 
Co., N. Y., with his parents. In February, 1835, he left 
home for Michigan, traveling by stage and private convey- 
ance through Buffalo, Cleveland, and Coldwater to Illinois, 
where he remained four months, and came to what is now 
the township of Keeler, examined the country, and went to 
the land-ofiice at Bronson (now Kalamazoo) on foot, and 
located 120 acres of land on the east half of section 19 and 
240 acres on the east half of section 13. He cut logs for 
a house on section 19, then went back to New York, and 
remained till about the last of October. Isaac De Long 
and David Byers (his brother) came with him, and raised 
the log house for which he had made preparations in the 
spring. David Byers soon returned to New York, but 
afterwards settled in Bainbridge. Isaac De Long hired 
out to W. H. Keeler to work by the month. Tobias Byers 
worked one month for John B. Freeman, near Prospect 
Lake, and boarded most of the time with Mr. Keeler. His 
early life in the country was passed in locating land for 
settlers, and in clearing and breaking up land for others, a 
business which he followed for about fifteen years. In 
1850 he built a frame house on section 13, in the east part 
of the town, and carried on the farms in both places at 
the same time, living the most of the time on section 13 
after the house was built. In 1856 he married Jeannette 
Wilson, and they now live on the east farm. Mr. Byers 
has been elected justice of the peace several times, and has 
held other township offices. 

Wolcott H. Keeler was a native of Vermont, and on the 
last day of June, 1835, came into the township a week 
after Tobias Byers, and bought of Nesbitt the 40 acres in 
the southeast quarter of section 14, and 80 acres on the 
southwest quarter of section 13, at five dollars per acre, and 
then went to Bronson and located the west half and north- 
west quarter of section 24 at 10s. per acre, this making a 
total of 480 acres of government land. He returned to 
Vermont, but in the fall of that year came back with his 
son Eleazer and his daughter Almina. They erected a log 
house, afterwards building to it a frame addition. This 
house was built where the brick dwelling of John Rose- 
velt stands. Mr. Keeler returned to Vermont after the 



478 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



house was built. His sou Simon, in the winter of 1835- 
36, drove through from Vermont with a team and a load of 
household goods, and in the spring of 1836 Mr. Keeler 
and his wife and daughter Ursula came round by the way 
of the lakes to St. Joseph, and then came in on the newly- 
surveyed track of the Territorial road. 

Mr. Keeler laid out a village at the place where he built 
his house. The house was made a tavern. The stage- 
route passed through here, on the Territorial road, and for 
a time it bade fair to become a village ; but, like many 
others, it was simply on paper. The Keeler family remained 
here till in 1850 and sold 570 acres to John Rosevelt, who 
now lives on the place. Eleazer Keeler was the first town 
clerk of Keeler, in 1839, and filled other positions of trust 
in the township. A store was kept here also by the Keel- 
ers in 1836. Harlow Wright was a blacksmith in 1837. 

James Hill, a native of Vermont, emigrated to New 
York when twenty-one years old, and to this place in May, 
1836, with his wife and his children, — -Whiting S., Lyman 
G., James A., Mary, and D. Clinton Hill. Mr. Hill bought 
the west half of the northwest quarter of section 11. Mr. 
Hill was supervisor in 1839 ; Lyman G., his son, was su- 
pervisor from 1848 to 1852, and from 1854 to 1856. At 
that time Tobias Byers was living on section 19, and Keeler 
was on section 14. His son, Justus Hill, came from Ver- 
mont in 1840, and settled on part of his father's farm, in 
the east half of the northwest quarter of section 10. In 
1865 he removed to the present village of Keeler, where 
he still lives. In 1840. when Justus Hill came in, the place 
was still a wilderness. In the north lived Henry Hammond, 
Peter Williamson, R. B. Everett, these being in the town- 
ship of Hartford. Theodore Phelps lived south and east, 
on section 25. South and west was William Earle, on the 
southeast quarter of section 28, where William Warren now 
lives. On the south, beyond Keeler Centre and on to Cass 
County, no one was then located. 

Willard Dodge, a native of Jeflerson Co., N. Y., in the 
winter of 1835-36 located government land as follows: the 
west six lots of section 26 ; all of section 27 ; the east half 
of southeast quarter of section 21 ; the north half of the 
southwest quarter of section 2 ; and 160 acres of the south 
part of the north half of section 3 ; and also lands in 
Hartford township. Ira Foster, a native of Madison Co., 
N. Y., with his wife and child and brother Truman, came 
into the township, bought land of Wolcott H. Keeler, on 
the northwest quarter of section 15, and, on the 7th day 
of April, 1837, commenced to chop and to build a log 
cabin. He worked alone for seven years with two yoke of 
oxen, breaking up land. He was one of the first to form 
a Methodist class, in 1840. His nearest neighbor was 
James Hill, on section 11, on the north ; on the south was 
Samuel Treat, at Silver Creek, in Cass County ; Keeler on 
the oast; and Tobias Byers on the west. Mr. Foster lives on 
section 16, across the road from his first settlement. Benja- 
min Hungerford came from Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1837, 
with his wife and a large family of children, and moved 
first into the house of Tobias Byers, on section 19. That 
house was used by many of the early settlers till their own 
cabins could be built. Mr. Hungerford bought of Henry 
Byers 640 acres of land on the Territorial road, the east 



half of section 28, part of the northeast quarter of section 
20, and the southeast quarter of section 17. On the place 
where Mrs. Andrew Klett now lives he built his cabin, and 
occupied it with his wife and thirteen children. They lived 
here for many years, and Benjamin and his son Stephen 
filled several town ofiices. The family have become scat- 
tered, like many others, and none of them are now living 
in the town. 

Zenas Sikes, a native of Westhampton, Mass., was a 
student of the Thompsonian practice of medicine before he 
came here, in 1836. He located the south half of section 

18, the northeast quarter of section 19, and northwest 
quarter of section 20. On the 15th day of June, 1837, he 
arrived at the place, with his son Orendo M., and built a 
frame house, buying the lumber of Robert Nesbitt, in Ham- 
ilton township, who had the only .saw-mill in a large section 
of country, and supplied the early settlers with lumber. In 
November of that year the wife of Dr. Zenas Sikes, with 
several sons, came in. Orendo M., Samuel, and Pliny P. 
are now living in the township. The children were Orendo 
M., Lorin W., Lueina G., Pliny P., Samuel J., Zenas, 
Charles L. W., and John F. Dr. Sikes practiced his pro- 
fession until his death, in 1861. Orendo M. Sikes lives 
on the old homestead. 

Adrian Manley came in 1836, about the same time with 
Thomas Conklin and Burrell Olney. and settled on the 
northwest quarter of section 4. The family came on in 
1837. Calvin Hathaway, of Oneida County, came in with 
Ira Foster in 1837, locating on the southeast quarter and 
the west half and southwest quarter of section 10, where 
L. D. Robinson now resides. The family are now all gone. 
Jeremiah Johnson, a native of Ohio, in the winter of 
1835-36 located in the southeast corner of the township, on 
section 36. His son Daniel now lives in Hamilton. 

While the laborers were at work clearing and breaking 
up the land along the line of the Territorial road, one of 
the men was taken sick and died. He was buried at St. 
Joseph. In the winter of 1835-36 one Mathew Fenton, 
a cousin of W. H. Keeler, was killed by the falling of a 
tree, and was the first person buried in the town. 

Samuel Fletcher, from the eastern part of New York, 
came here in 1838, and located in the west part of section 

19. His wife was a sister of Tobias Byers. With them 
came Mattie Byers, afterwards well known as Aunt Mattie, 
who settled in Bainbridge, on section 24, on the Territorial 
road. She had on her place a never-failing well, and the 
stages all stopped there and made it a general watering- 
place. David Byers, a brother of Tobias, located in 1838 
in Bainbridge, just west of Aunt Mattie's, on the Territorial 
road. Mr. Fletcher died in 1845. His daughter married 
Dr. J. Elliott Sweet, now of Hartford. 

Capt. Marshall Lewis was a native of Southington, Conn., 
and a civil engineer by profession, which he followed in that 
State and Pennsylvania. He came to New York, and was 
employed by De Witt Clinton as engineer and placed in 
charge of important work in the construction of the Erie 
Canal. He designed the plans of the locks that were 
accepted for the Welland Canal, for which a premium of 
$1000 was offered, and was employed by William Hamil- 
ton Merritt, general manager of the project, to superintend 



TOWNSHIP OF KEELER. 



479 



the coustruction of the locks and bridges. Later, he came 
to Monroe, Mich., and superintended the construction of 
the Raisin Canal, under Gen. Henry Smith. In 1837 he 
came to Lawrence, with Gen. Chadwick, and in 1838 re- 
moved to Keeler. 

Gen. Benjamin F. Chadwick, who was a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, moved to Cayufja Co., N. Y., with his parents, 
when quite young, and remained till twenty-one years of 
age, when he went to Canada, and built a furnace at Chip- 
pewa. Soon afterwards he erected a foundry at St. Catha- 
rine's, in partnership with Capt. Lewis, whose daughter he 
married. In 183G he came to Michigan, and located 320 
acres of land, in two different sections, in what is now 
Lawrence township, and on the 13th day of April, 1837, 
Gen. Chadwick and his family, and Capt. Lewis, arrived at 
Judge Keeler's, at Keelersville. They remained overnight, 
and the next day went to the land they had bought, and 
purchasing a few boards from Judge Haynes at Brush 
Creek, erected a board shanty 12 feet by 12, cleared about 
three-fourths of an acre, and lived there until the fall of 
that year, and then sold to Judge Broughton. Gen. Chad- 
wick then located and bought 160 acres on section 25, in 
Keeler township, where S. M. Conklin now owns, in the 
northeast quarter. Jeremiah Johnson lived on the adjoin- 
ing quarter-section south ; Anson Barney was half a mile 
east, in Hamilton township ; Philotus Haydon was also in 
Hamilton township, on the Territorial road. 

Capt. Lewis and Gen. Chadwick were residents of Keeler 
township about three years, when the property was ex- 
changed with Theodore Phelps, for mill property on section 
22 and one-half of section 27, and they removed to that place. 
Capt. Lewis died in 1844. Gen. Chadwick was appointed 
in 1852, by President Pierce, superintendent of public 
works at St. Joseph, during the repairs and extension of 
the piers. He remained two years, and was appointed light- 
house-keeper, a position which he occupied six years. He 
is now living with his son-in-law, William Anderson, in 
Hartford. 

Palmer and William Earle located in the township 
about 1839. Palmer settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 35, and William on the southeast quarter of section 
28, when William Warren now lives. About 1842, Ira 
Gould, a native of Cherry Valley, N. Y., came from Cold- 
water, Mich., with an Englishman by the name of John 
Duncombe, in 1842. Gould purchased the Palmer Earle 
farm at the east end of Lake Magician, on .section 35, and 
Duncombe the west half of the northwest quarter of the 
same section, where Henry Keith now lives. The Goulds 
still occupy the farm. John Duncombe left here in 1846, 
by overland route for California before the gold excitement. 
He bought 40 acres of land where San Francisco now 
stands, and soon after died, leaving a wife and three little 
girls. A few years later the value of the land was enhanced 
by the wonderful growth of the city, and the sale of it gave 
them an independence which tiiey are still living to enjoy. 

Daniel J. Osborne came from Western New York about 
1842, and settled on section 17, where he still lives. Marvin 
Palmer settled on the southeast quarter of section 36, where 
he built a barn. He sold out and went to California, where 
he was successful, and returning to Michigan, bought a farm 



on McKinney's Prairie, Cass Co., but again sold out and 
went to California. 

About 1840, Thomas Arner located on the north-and- 
south Centre road, near Ira Foster, where P. D. Peters 
now lives. 

Linus Warner located on section 31 ; Ebenezer Lyon, on 
section 29 ; and Samuel Robinson on section 5 ; William 
and Thomas Green, on the same section ; James Lee, a son- 
in-law of one of the Greens, on section 2, where Henry 
Shepherd lives. 

In 1844 not a road had been opened on a quarter-section 
line in the township. The Territorial road was run from 
east to west through the township in about 1835, and as 
early as 1838-40 a diagonal road ran from Sikes', on sec- 
tion 20, southeast to the east end of Lake Magician, and a 
year or two later, one about a mile from Hungerford's diag- 
onally southeast. A mail-road also was opened from Keel- 
erville to Cassopolis. 

In the ye;ir 1844 quite a number of emigrants came in, 
among whom were Oruion Kosevelt, of Monroe Co., N. Y. 
He was a single man and lived at Linus Warner's, on sec- 
tion 31. He bought the southwest quarter of that section. 
Afterwards (in 1845 j bought the place now owned by George 
I. Sherman, on sections 26 and 27. 

John Buck and Lucius 0. Buck, from Livingston Co., 
N. Y., came in the spring of 1844, and settled on the north- 
east quarter of section 15, where Lucius Buck now lives. 
John S. Buck, their father, came in 1846 and settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 22, where W. Jolly now 
owns. Samuel Gordon also settled on section 27. 

Henry S. Keith, from Jefferson Co., N. Y., bought, in 
1843, of Willard Dodge, of that county, the south half of 
the southeast quarter of section 27, in Keeler, this being 
part of the lands Mr. Dodge purchased in 1835-36. In 
June, 1844, Mr. Keith arrived here with his wife and four 
children. They lived a few days with John Duncombe, and 
built a small frame house on the farm where his son Fleury 
now resides. Mr. Keith now lives on section 35, where 
Mr. Duncombe lived. 

Dr. George Bartholomew, of Jefferson Co., N. Y., emi- 
grated to this township in 1846, bought the north half of 
the southwest quarter of section 26, remained there two 
years, and then went to Paw Paw, where he spent three 
years, then moved to Decatur, where he lived two years, 
and from that time was in the employ of the Panama Rail- 
road Company for five years in Central America. He re- 
turned from there and lived in Berrien eleven years, and 
returned to the village of Keeler, where he has been in 
practice from that time to the present. At the time Dr. 
Bartholomew came in, the log cabin of Moses Duncombe 
stood where the village of Keeler now is. Mr. Duncombe 
came from Canada in the spring of 1844 to Grand Rapids, 
and located land which is a part of the village site. His 
two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, came with him, and 
they began housekeeping in a log cabin of James Hill, on 
section 11, and in the fall went into a house he built at the 
centre. Mrs. Duncombe, Charles, Caroline (now Mrs. 
Wheelerj, William, and S. W. Duncombe came in after- 
wards. Charles and Mrs. Wheeler are still living at the 



480 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



centre. S. W. Duncombe resides at Paw Paw. Charles 
Buncombe was a member of the Constitutional Convention 
in May, 1867. John V. Rosevelt, from Monroe Co., N. Y., 
purcha.sed of Wolcott H. Keeler, the 27th of June, 1850, 
547 acres, where he still lives. He has been for several 
years and is still supervisor of the town. 

The residents of Keeler township whose names appear 
CD the tax-roll dated May 2.5, 1839, were the following: 
H. Hammond, Peter Williamson, R. Everett, Ruel Wilcox, 
A. Newton, F. Ruggles, J. Ruggles, Thomas Conklin, Rus- 
sell A. Olney, Henry Miner, Alba De Long, Ferdino Olds, 
Smith Johnson, Adrian Manley, John Palmenter, Thomas 
H. Green, William Green, William B. Green, Benjamin 
Hungerford, Hiram Hungerford, Stephen Hungerford, Ze- 
nas Sikes, Orendo M. Sikes, Tobias Byers, Samuel Fletcher, 
William Earle, Palmer Earle, Benjamin Chadwick, Wolcott 
H. Keeler, Eleazer H. Keeler, W. H. and E. H. Keeler, 
W. S. Hill, Coloni Hathaway, Ira Foster, Lyman G. Hill, 
James Hill, James Lee, James Spinnings, and Marshall 
Lewis. The assessors of the township were Benjamin F. 
Chadwick, Lyman G. Hill, and E. H. Keeler. Of those 
included in the above list, only three are now living, viz. : 
Tobias Byers, 0. M. Sikes, and Palmer Earle. The total 
real and personal assessment of residents of the township 
in that year was about $15,000. 

To give an idea of the settlement of Keeler, the names 
of the settlers are given as they were living on the differ- 
ent roads in the township in 1850. On the Territorial 
road, running from east to west, lived Tobias Byers, on the 
east part of section 13 ; Wolcott H. Keeler, Simon Keeler, 
and John Brown, at Keelersville, on the west part of the 
same section where J. V. Rosevelt resides ; Mrs. Rider, 
on section 14, where John Baker lives ; John S. Buck, on 
section 22, where Wilson Jolly lives ; Moses Duncombe, on 
section 15 ; D. M. Thomas and Lysander Bly, on section 
21, at the village ; Benjamin Hungerford, on section 20, 
where Widow Klett now lives ; Zenas and Orendo M. 
Sikes, on the same section ; John Campbell, on section 19. 
On the road running through the centre of the town north 
aud south, commencing at the north, was Truman Fowler, 
on the northeast quarter of section 9 ; Ira Foster, on section 
15 ; aud Thomas Ames, on section 15. South of the centre 
were Mrs. Earle Benjamin and Daniel Sill, and Stephen 
Gregory. 

On the first east-and-west road south of Hartford, com- 
mencing at the west end, were Ephraim Warren and Gilbert 
Leach, on section 8 ; Justus Hill, on section 10 ; Elder 
Rowe, on section 11 ; and Ozam Abbott, on 12. On the 
first north-and-south road east of the centre were James 
and Adrian Manley, on section 2 ; Lyman G. and James 
Hill, on 11 ; John and Lucius E. Buck, on 15; John S. 
Buck, on 22 ; Mrs. Farnham, Orman Rosevelt, Samuel 
Gordon, and H. S. Keith, on 27 ; and Ira Gould, on sec- 
tion 35. 

TERRITORIAL ROADS. 

The Congress of the United States passed an act to con- 
struct a road from Detroit to Chicago, in 1824, to pass 
through the lower counties in the fcjlate. Alterwards 
brandies were surveyed and laid out. One of the branches 
came through the township ot Keeler to St. Joseph, aud 



was commenced about 1834. When the first settlers came, 
in 1835, the workmen were still at work breaking up, clear- 
ing, and grading. The road ran in a straight course south- 
westerly, entering the town about the middle of the south- 
east quarter-section of 13, passing through 14, intersecting 
the section line on 15 and 22, passing through 22 and 21 
and 20, intersecting the quarter-section line at nearly the 
west end of it, and about half-way across section 19 de- 
flecting northwesterly, passing into Bainbridge near the 
centre of the west line of the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 19. 

In 1835, John Allen, of Brwsh Creek, now Lawrence, 
took a contract for carrying the mails from Lawrence to St. 
Joseph, and in January, 1836, he established a stage-route 
from Lawrence to Keeler, where his route struck the Ter- 
ritorial road and passed on to St. Joseph. John Reynolds 
carried the mail through Dopp Settlement and Keeler before 
a post-oflice was established, — which was, however, done in 
that year, at Keelerville. William Taylor afterwards drove 
the stage. About 1838 the first change was made in the 
route, and was from the intersection of the road with the 
south line of section 15, following west along the section 
line to what is now the centre of the village, thence south 
about sixty rods, striking the old line of road. This change 
was made by the commissioners of the township. Still 
later a change in the route was made in the line from the 
intersection of the road on the south line of section 20, 
near where 0. M. Sikes now lives, and following the section 
line west to the intersection of the deflecting line north- 
westerly. John Allen built a road from Reynolds' tavern, 
on the east line of Lawrence township, near Lake George, 
to Brush Creek, and from there to Keeler. The road was 
long a stage-route, and as many as ten coaches each way 
were run every day in the year. Upon the completion of 
the railroad from Kalamazoo to Niles the coaches were 
mostly withdrawn. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND LIST OF OFFICERS. 

An act of the Legislature was approved March 11, 1837, 
to divide the township of Lafayette into seven towns. The 
township of Covington was one of the seven towns, and 
comprised what is now Keeler and Hamilton. In 1839, 
Covington was divided into separate townships, and in the 
division, Keeler not only embraced the territory of town- 
ship 4 south, range 16 west, but township 3 south, same 
range (now Hartlbrd), that prior to that time belonged to 
Lawrence, — being embraced in that township when the 
township of Lafayette was divided into seven towns. At 
the first township- meeting 29 votes were cast and the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Supervisor, James Hill; Town 
Clerk, E. H. Keeler; Justices of the Peace, Lyman G. 
Hill, B. F. Chadwick, B. A. Olney, and R. B. Everett; 
Collector, Thomas Conklin ; Highway Commissioners, W. 
H. Keeler, R. B. Everett, and Tobias Byers. 

Part of these first officers lived in Hartford and part in 
Keeler, and in the spring of the next year Hartford was 
set ofl' as a separate town. No vote was cast in the town- 
ship limits while it was in the township of Lafayette, and 
when Coviugtoii was termed, in 1837, the first election of 
that town was held at W. H. Keeler's tavern, in Keelers- 



TOWNSHIP OF KEELER. 



481 



ville, and later, when Keeler and Hamilton were formed 
and Hartford was attached to Keeler, the elections still 
continued to be held there until about 1847. Mr. Tobias 
Byers says that in 1843 the snow was so deep that men 
came on snow-shoes to the election. 

The township record^ from 1839 to 1846 are missing. 
From the latter year until the present time, the principal 
offices of the township have been held as follows : 

SUPERVISOnS. 

1846, Theodore E. Phelps; 1847, George Bartholomew; 1848-52, Ly- 
man G. Hill; 18.^3, James A. Lee; 1S54-56, Lyman G. Hill; 
1857-59, Charles Buncombe; 1860, Charles G. George; 1861, 
Isaac J. Cox; 1862-64, Charles Buncombe; 1865, Albert E. 
Gregory; 1866, Charles Dunoombe ; 1867, William Tuttle, Jr.; 
1868, Charles Buncombe; 1869-70, Orendo M. Sikes ; 1871, 
Charles Buncombe; 1872, John Baker; J373, Isaac J. Cox; 
1874-75, John V. Roscvelt: 1S76, "Henry S. Keith; 1877, Charles 
Buncombe; 1878, Henry S. Keith; 1879, John V. Rosevelt. 

TOWN CLERKS. 
1846-47, Lucius E. Buck; 1848, John S. Buck; 1849-50, Lucius E. 
Buck; 1851, C. A. Buck; 1852, Lucius E. Buck ; 185.3, Baniel 
M.Thomas; 1854-55, Lucius E. Buck; 1856, Bavid A. Buck; 
1857-58, Pliny P. Sikes; 1859, Andrew Armstrong; 1860-61, 
Stephen W. Buncombe; 18G2, Mursell M. Merritt; 1863, Joseph 
E. Sweet; 1864-70, Mursell M. Merrilt; 1871, Willard S. Hill; 

1872, J. Elliot Swett; 187.3, Charles G. George; 1874-77, Wil- 
liam E. Braper; 1878, James W. Thomas; 1879, William E. 
Braper. 

TREASUREns. 
1846, James A. Lee; 1847-54, Ira Gould; 1855, John F. Buck; 1856, 
Marquis F. Buck; 1857, Albert E. Gregory; 1858-59, Benjamin 
B. Sill; 1860-62, Merritt Haynes; 1863, Newton T. Foster ; 1864, 
Merritt Haynes; 1865-67, James W. Thomas; 1868-69, Henry 
B. Babcock; 1870-71, Lorenzo B. Robertson; 1872-77, John F. 
Taylor; 1878, Amos Irish ; 1879, Franklin Hill. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1846, Henry S. Keith; 1847, Tobias Byers; 1849, Samuel Robertson ; 
1850, Luther Chapin ; 1851, Tobias Byers; 1852, Ira Foster; 
1853, Charles G. George; 1854, Charles N. Poor; 1855, James 
G. Haynes; 1856, John Baker, 0. M. Sikes; 1857, Charles G. 
George; 1858, Ira Foster, William Tuttle; 1859, John G. 
Haynes, Simeon P. Tuttle; 1860, Orendo M. Sikes, William J. 
Merwin; 1861, Simeon P. Tuttle ; 1862, John L. Harrison; 1863, 
Robert B. Thompson; 1864, Orendo M. Sikes; 1865, Simeon P. 
Tuttle, Ephraim AVarren, Stephen M. Miller; 1866, James H. 
Haynes, Jacob I. Rosevelt; 1867, Ephraim Warren, Aaron M. 
Knight, Isaac S. Ro.=evelt; 1868, Orendo M. Sikes, Edward M. 
Cook, James E. Burden; 1870, Charles G. George, John Baker; 
1871, Samuel Robertson, Oscar Adams; 1872, Orendo M. Sikes, 
Horace B. Clover; 1873, Horace B. Clover; 1874, Charles G. 
George; 1875, Isaac S. Rosevelt ; 1876, 0. M. Sikes; 1877, Horace 
B. Clover, Charles W. Daily ; 1878, George G. Scott, Truman D. 
Pitcher; 1879, Charles Buncombe. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 
1846, Eleazer H. Keeler, Linus Warner; 1847, Charles 0. Buck ; 1848, 
Charles Buncombe, Loren W. Sikes ; 1849, Bavid Foster; 1850, 
John H. Haynes; 1851, J. G. Haynes, Aaron Rowe; 1852, James 
n. Haynes; 1853, M. Kimball; 1854, John G. Haynes; 1855, 
Henry M. Farnham: 1856, Hiram Baker; 1857, Hamilton J. 
Willmoth, Henry A. Starr; 1858, Henry M. Farnham; 1859, 
James H. Haynes ; 1860, Henry M. Farnham; ISfil, James H. 
Haynes; 1862, Henry M. Farnham; 1863, James Thompson; 
1864, James H. Haynes; 1865, William M. Campbell; 1866, 
James H. Haynes, Albert E. Gregory; 1867, Albert E. Gregory ; 
1868, James II. Haynes; 1870, Alfred H. Cook, Henry B. Bab- 
cock; 1871, J. Elliott Swelt, Seth Felt; 1872, William 0. Cook; 

1873, Albert E. Gregory ; 1874, Albert C.Thompson, Horace B. 
Clover; 1875-77, William 0. Cook; 1878, Lucius E. Buck; 1879, 
William 0. Cook. 

61 



SUPKRINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
1875-76, John Baker; 1877-79, George W. Baker. 

THE VILLAGE. 

The fir.st store kept in the village was by Loren W. 
Sikes ; the first school was taught by Maria Head ; the 
first church was built in 1860. Dr. J. Elliot Swett was 
the first resident phy.sician. 

The village contains about forty families, two churches 
(Methodist and Congregational), one store, two groceries, 
post-office, hotel, school-house, two blacksmith-shops, cooper- 
shop, cabinet-shop, two wagon-shops, paint-shop, harness- 
shop, and shoe-shop. 

The First Post-Office was established at Keelerville in 
1836, on the opening of the stage-route by John Allen, of 
Lawrence. Wolcott H. Keeler was the postmaster. The 
office remained there until 1856, and was removed to Keeler 
village. The postmasters who succeeded Mr. Keeler were 
John Buck, S. W. Duncombe, Mrs. Caroline Wheeler, and 
John F. Taylor, who now holds the office. 

SOCIETIES ANB ORBERS. 

Salatldel Lodge, No. 233, F. and A. M.—T\\is lodge 
received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Michigan, 
Jan. 8, 1868, with the following-named persons as officers: 
Stephen W. Duncombe, Worshipful Master; Willard S. 
Hill, Senior Warden ; J. Elliot Swett, Junior Warden. 
The present number of members is 41, and the present 
officers are George E. Scott, Worshipful Master; William 
E. Draper, Senior Warden ; G. E. Rider, Junior Warden ; 
0. M. Sikes, Sec. ; Henry S. Keith, Treas. 

Keeler Lodge, No. 204, /. 0. 0. i^.— This lodge was 
chartered March 27, 1873, with the following charter 
members : James E. Dusden, Rossiter Kappin, Jacob 
High, James Shearer, Charles Lambert, Estel Smith, and 
Isaac Cox. The present members are 41 in number, and 
the officers for 1879 are Alfred Lamont, Noble Grand; Al- 
bert Brown, Vice-Grand ; John Nostrand, Rec. Sec. ; 
Chester Irish, Per. Sec. ; Franklin Hill, Treas. 

Carmel Rehekah Lodge, No. 21, /. 0. 0. -F.— The 
lodge was instituted Feb. 22, 1879, with the following as 
charter members : Robert K. Evans, Alvah Tuttle, S. 
Zimmerman, Charles G. George, Franklin Hill, John S. 
Rosevelt, John Ashman, Alfred Lamont, James Shearer, 
A. Campbell, J. M. Babcock, G. L. Rathbone, William 
Sikes, Justus Irish, Mrs. R. K. Evans, Emily Tuttle, Anna 
Zimmerman, Dolly George, Molly Hill, Harriet Ashman, 
Sarah Lamont, Polly Shearer, Mary Babcock, Jane Fowler. 
The present officers are William A. Sykes, Noble Grand ; 
Mrs. Jane Fowler, Vice-Grand ; Charles G. George, Rec. 
Sec. ; Alfred Lamont, Per. Sec. ; Mrs. Sarah Lamont, 
Treas. The present membership is 23. 

Womens Christian Temperance Union. — This society 
was organized Nov. 14, 1879, with Mrs. Charles Duncombe, 
President; Mrs. Lucius E. Buck, Vice-President; Mrs. 
Henry Thomas, Second Vice-President; Mrs. Beulah Keith, 
Sec. ; Mrs. Isaac Cox, Treas. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — This grange was granted a dis- 
pensation, Dec. 24, 1873, as "Keeler Grange, No. 139." 
The charter was granted, March 21, 1874, as " Gilman of 



482 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Keeler Grange, No. 159." The following are the con- 
stituent members : Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Cox, Mr. and Mrs. 
Tobias Byers, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Keith, Mr. and Mrs. 
William 0. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Rosevelt, Mr. and 
Mrs. John Baker, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Sikes, Dr. George 
Bartholomew and Mrs. Bartholomew, Mr. and Mrs. K. B. 
Martindale, J. I. Rosevelt, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac S. Rosevelt, 
Mr. and Mrs. P. Peters, Ira Foster, Mr. and Mrs. C. 0. 
Hills, Rev. J. Webster, Mrs. J. Webster, 0. Bartholomew, 
Mr. and Mrs. 0. M. Sikes. 

The officers for 1879 are William Warren, Worthy 
Master; John Baker, Overseer; De Witt C. Warren, 
Steward ; G. A. Abbott, Asst. Steward ; Elmira Abbott, 
Lady Asst. Steward ; Franklin Conklin, Sec. ; Tobias Byers, 
Treas. 

The society now numbers about 75 members. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

MefJwdist Episcopal Church.- — -The first class of this 
denomination was formed at the house of Samuel Pleteher, 
who lived on the west part of section 19, near the town 
line, in July, 1840. The members were Ira Foster and 
Carolina Foster, Adrian Manley and wife, Thomas Conklin 

and Martha Conklin, Griffin and wife, and Mrs. Fer- 

dino Olds. Ira Foster was the class-leader. 

The first preacher on the circuit through that section was 
Henry Worthington, who was followed by E. L. Kellogg, 

Van Order, Knox, Granger, • Shaw, 

Whitlock, Jones, Thomas JIoCool, J. D. Robinson, 

Mile Corey. At this early time meetings were held at the 
school-houses in the Haynes and Hill neighborhoods. The 
first meetings held at Keeler Centre were in the school- 
house, and the Revs. John Hoyt, T. T. George, and Henry 
M. Joy preached there. During the pastorate of the Rev. 
Mr. Colwell, in 1860, a church edifice was erected, and 
dedicated in 1861. Mr. Colwell was succeeded by the Revs. 

G. A. Buell, Hoag, E. Beard, John W. Miller, 

Fowler, Webster, Force, C. Woodward, 

Sparling, and George Elliot (the present pastor). The 
church now numbers 40 members. 

Congregational Church. — This church was constituted 
July 7, 1850, by the following persons, who brought letters 
from different churches : Joseph Haynes and Mrs. Mary 
Haynes, James H. Haynes, Jonathan W. Haynes, Luther 
Chapin and Mrs. Louisa Chapin, Mrs. Mary Gregory, and 
Mrs. Harriet Pleteher. Joseph Haynes was chosen deacon, 
James H. Haynes clerk. The services were conducted by 
the Rev. Sidney S. Brown. 

The first pastor of the church was the Rev. E. Andrus, 
who was succeeded by the Revs. W. H. Osborne, William 
Campbell, Charles E. Moon, and N. G. Lamphere (who is 
the present pastor). Services were held for the first few 
years at the Haynes school-house, afterwards in the school- 
house at Keeler village. In 1865 the present church was 
built at a cost of $3500. and it was dedicated in 1866. 
The church at that time was under the charge of the Rev. 
William Campbell, and contained about 40 members. It 
now has a membership of 26. A union Sunday-.school of 
the Congregational and Baptist societies contains about 80 
pupils. William 0. Cook is the superintendent. 



Baptist Church. — In 1843, Justus Hill, Emily, his wife, 
and William Everett and wife were dismissed from the 
Baptist Church of Lawrence to form a church in Keeler. 
This handful of Baptists gathered a few around them, but 
did not become a regularly organized body, being simply a 
branch of the Lawrence Church.' Preaching was held in 
the -school-house in the Hill neighborhood by the Rev. 
Moses Clark, Wm. T. Dye, and others. At a later date a 
church was organized, with about 15 constituent members. 
The Rev. Harvey Munger was the minister at the organi- 
zation, and was pastor for a year or two afterwards. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. Albert Gore, who remained till 
1861, Wm. Simons, J. B. Ross, and James G. Portman. 
The church has a membership of about 40. A Sunday- 
school, of which Wm. O. Cook is superintendent, is taught 
in connection with this and the Congregational society. 
Services are held in the Congregational church. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school was taught about 1839 by Miss Wood- 
man on section 19, on the Territorial road between the 
residences of Tobias Byers and Zenas Sikes. The children 
who attended were of the families of Pleteher, Sikes, and 
others. 

As early as 1842, Mrs. Prudence Williamson, daughter 
of William Everett, taught school on section 1 1 , in a house 
that belonged to James Hill, and had been occupied by his 
brother, Lyman G. Hill. The pupils of that early school 
numbered but 12. 

The precise time when the township was formed into 
school districts cannot be accurately ascertained, but the 
township records, commencing in 1845, contain this entry: 

"School Districts as recorded in Old Book. 

"Dist. No. 1 contains Sections No. 1,2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 14, l.'i, and 9; 
Dist. No. 2 contains Sections No. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; Dist. No. 3 con- 
tains Sections No. 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and the west half of 21,-28; 
Dist. No. 4 contains Section No. 13 and east half of Sections 24, 25 ; 
Dist. No. 5 contains Section Noa. 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, and 21." 

An annual report of the school inspectors to the county 
clerk, made Oct. 17, 1845, by David Foster and Orendo 
M. Sikes, shows as follows : 

Total number of districts 5 

District District District 

No. 1. No. 3. No. 5. 

Reports received from three districts 13 5 

Number of children of school age 27 29 18 

" " attending in each dis- 
trict 30 40 9 

" qualiiied to:ichers 2 ... 1 

" months school taught 8 8 3 

" volumes in township library 129 

Amount raised for library purposes $25 

Books used in school : Elementary Spelling Book, Eng- 
lish Reader, Hale's History of the United States, Olney's 
Geography, Kirkham's Grammar, Daboll's and Adams' 
Arithmetic. 

The following persons were granted certificates by the 
school inspectors, after passing examination : Miss Mary A. 
Bragg and Miss Harriet McKcin, May 2, 1846; Martha 
Baxter, Aug. 7, 1846 ; Charles A. Bush, Nov. 7, 1846, to 
teach in District No. 1 ; Emily Gould, April 8, 1848, to 
teach in District No. 5. 

In 1845, 187 volumes were purchased for a library. 
Additions were made fiom time to time, till in 1858 the 



TOWNSHIP OF KEELEE. 



483 



number had reached 521. For the past few years the 
township has been without a library. 

SCHOOL EEPOKT TOR 1879. 

The school directors in 1879 were John McAlpine, Sam- 
uel Hammond, Alfred Lamont, Hiram Baker, M. B. Keith, 
A. E. Gregory, John Baker, W. J. Britton, James Shearer, 
H. B. Clover. 



Nuniler of Fra 
Cliildren of Scln 
Scboo] Age. Xlou 



No. 1.. 

No. 2.. 

No. 3.. 

No. 4.. 

No. 5.. 

No. B.. 

No. r.. 

No. 8.. 

No. 9.. 

No. 10.. 



SeiUing 
Capacity. 



30 
100 



$400 
300 
.iO 
500 
500 
250 

3000 
450 

IflOO 
COO 

S7050 



No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 5 
No. 6 
No. 7 
No. 8 
No. 9 
No. 10 



Money on 
Lrict. hand Sept. 
1, 1878. 

1 829.56 

2 32.72 

3.'.".'...'... 128.59 

4 252.72 

5 4.G8 



Prii 



iry- 



34.34 

69.90 



36.4C> 
31.90 



$91.31 
99.30 
65.01 

140.59 
20.90 

124.90 

171.20 
85.40 
79.25 



Scliool 
Fund. 

$14.88 
21.52 
33.00 
12.88 
14.88 
17.28 
44.16 



S65.00 
105.00 
79.00 

238.70 
10.00 

2S5.80 
25.00 
59.43 

100.00 



$132.00 
200.00 
141.50 
116.00 
90.00 
87.20 
192.00 
100.60 
49.00 
136.00 



S20I.78 
272.56 
308.51 
412.19 
371.45 
195.00 
612.66 
1.38.97 
230.02 
211.46 



Total 8649.50 $1030.22 $176.84 8967.93 $2954.( 



EXPENDITURES. 



No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 

No 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 


.. $132.00 

.. 200.00 

141.00 

.. 116.00 

90.00 


No. 

No 


6 

7 


87.20 
192.00 


No 


8 


80.00 


No. 

No 


9 

10 


49.00 
136.00 









Amount 
on liand 
Sept. 1, 

1S79. 
$30.02 
14.06 
135.06 
295.79 
9.87 
66.55 
104.64 
40.60 
77.67 
53.96 



Paid for 
linilding 
and Ite- 



$35.00 
26.33 



AM other 
purposes. 

$39.76 
23.50 
6.12 
40 
30.95 
41.25 

108.12 
18.37 
23.35 
21.60 



ing amount 
on band. 
$201.78 
272.66 
308.51 
412.19 
371.45 
195.00 
612.66 
138.97 
230.112 
211.46 



Total $1223.20 $828.22 8301.96 $313.32 $2954.00 

FOREST HOME CAMPING-GROUNK. 
On the opposite page is given a view of " Forest Home 
Camping-Ground," the property of E. Pardee. The 
grounds are situated between the Sister Lakes, on section 
31, Keeler township, Van Buren Co., and are about eleven 
miles northwest of Dowagiac, and the same distance south 
of Hartford. As is shown in the engraving, this camp is 
located on a narrow strip of land only about twenty-five 
rods wide, yet it is high rolling ground, heavily timbered 
with forest-trees and some twenty -seven feet above the lakes, 
whose pure, limpid waters wash the beautiful gravel beach 
on either shore. The place was first used as a camping- 
ground by E. Pardee and A. Maykes in 1868, who camped 
there two weeks in a tent nine feet .square. The next year 
C. L. Sherwood and Thomas Rix, with their families, joined 
the party, and in 1872 it was still further increased by the 
accession of J. H. Smith, A. L. Rich, A. Jones, and B. L. 
Dewey, with their families. 

In 1876 the grounds were bought by E. Pardee from 
B. D. Sill, for which ho paid SI 00 per acre. Mr. Pardee 



at once proceeded to clear off the underbrush and fit up 
the place as a permanent summer resort, erecting substan- 
tial buildings, improving its great natural advantages until 
now parties visiting these grounds find not only the pic- 
turesque beauty with which it was endowed by nature, but 
all the conveniences of our noted summer resorts, such as 
cottages, tents, and boats, while excellent facilities for fish- 
ing are provided. 

In the foreground may be seen a large hall which is for 
the use of the occupants of the cottages and tents, which 
form a circle across the grounds from lake to lake. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DR. GEORGE BARTHOLOMEW* 

was born at Brownsville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 2, 1821 . 
He worked on a farm until he was seventeen years of age, 
attending the district school about three months in each 
year. From the age of seventeen to twenty his time was 




occupied in attending and teaching district and grammar 
schools. At the age of twenty he commenced to read medi- 
cine with Dr. Duncan, at Plessis, Jefferson Co., N. Y., with 
whom he remained one year, teaching school four months 
of the time to raise means to meet his expenses. The two 
succeeding years he read medicine with Dr. Amasa Trow- 
bridge, President and Professor of Surgery at Willoughby 
University, Lake Co., Ohio, where he attended two courses 
of lectures, teaching four months in Watertown, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y. 

After his second course of lectures he commenced the 

«By Capt. .T. R. Hendryx. 



484 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



practice of medicine at Stone Mills, Jefferson Co., N. Y., 
under the general supervision of Professor Ti'owbridge, of 
Watertown, N. Y. He remained there five months, and 
married Minerva E. Keith, of Brownsville, N. Y., July 31, 
18-t5. Immediately after he went to the Castleton, Vt., 
Medical College, where he received his third course of medi- 
cal lectures, graduating at Willoughby University the follow- 
ing spring. He then, with his bride, removed to Keeler, Van 
Buren Co., Mich., and commenced the practice of medicine 
and surgery. He remained in Keeler one and a half years, 
then removed to Paw Paw, and formed a copartnership 
with Dr. Henry C. Clapp, which continued two years. 
From Paw Paw he went to Decatur, and put up the third 
building erected in that place, on Front Street, for a drug- 
store, and also practiced medicine until late in the fell of 
1849, when he accepted the position of surgeon, and took 
charge of the hospital at Panama, for the Panama Railroad 
Company, remaining until the road was completed across 
the Isthmus, when he returned to Michigan completely 
broken down in health and unable to follow his profession. 
He then moved on a wild farm in Berrien township, in 
Berrien County, cleared it up, and planted the largest fruit 
farm in the township. After ten years of rusticating and 
digging in the earth he regained his health, sold the farm, 
and returned to his old stamping-ground, in Keelerville, and 
resumed his profession, where he still remains, and where 
he intends to spend the remainder of his days. 

The taste the doctor acquired for fruit culture when in 
Berrien he did not convoy in the deed to the purchaser of 
his fruit farm. He, some four or five years ago, bought 
forty acres on an elevated site, two miles north of Keeler- 
ville, improved it, and planted it all to fruit. This form is 
managed by his sons, under his close inspection and man- 
agement. The doctor's counsel is often sought by amateur 
fruit-growers, as well as in public assemblies of pomolo- 
gists. 

His skill in his profession, his devotion to his patients, 
his well-known integrity, large-heartedness, and his ev(r 
genial face, have given him an extensive practice, and made 
him a favorite wherever he is known. As a public speaker 
he is correct, logical, and often eloquent. In the summer of 
1877 he built a fine residence in the village, where he and 
his amiable and accomplished wife, with their family of 
three boys, on a fair competency, live most happily. The 
doctor says he has no religion or politics, — the religion he 
practices is that of the golden rule. He votes for who he 
pleases and asks no favors. The doctor is of French de- 
scent, his wife of Scotch. His grandfather and mother were 
Vermonters. INIrs. Bartholomew's father served three terras 
in the New York Legislature. The doctor's grandfather 
was a soldier in the Revolution, and served all through the 
war. In the war of 1812 he, with three of his sons, — 
Ebenezer, Augustine, and Oliver, Jr., the latter the father 
of the subject of this notice, — were the first mechanics 
engaged in building fortifications at Sacket's Harbor. 

Oliver, Jr., was born March 18, 1793, and married Mary 
Everetts in the year 1819. The fruit of this union was seven 
children, — four sons and three daughters, — Dr. George being 
the oldest. His mother died in Hamilton township, Sept. 
19, 1867, after which event his father came to live with 



him at Keelerville, Mrs. Bartholomew vying with her 
husband in kind care and attention to this venerable and 
worthy sire, who passed to his reward calmly and peace- 
fully on the Gth of March, 1877. The doctor's family at 
present consists of himself and noble wife and his sons, — 
George, born Sept. 20, 1857 ; Flurey K., born Feb. 14, 
1851 ; and Estes, born April 13, 1866. 



ORRENDO M. SIKES. 

This gentleman is a descendant of Richard Sikes, who 
was born about 1600, and emigrated to America from 
London, England, in company, with Governor Winthrop 
and William Pynchon, Esq., two of the noted pioneers of 
Massachu.setts. He settled first at Roxbury, in that State, 
and in 1641 removed to Springfield, five years after the latter 
colony was founded. He had two sons, — Jonathan and 
Titus. In 1660 a settlement was commenced at Suffield, to 
which place Jonathan removed. His sons — Jonathan, Sam- 
uel, and Victory — all settled in the same place. Jonathan 
Sikes, Sr., was a master carpenter, and built each of his 
sons a house, that of Samuel being still in existence, and a 
fine specimen of the architecture of that day. It is still in 
the possession of his descendants. Jonathan Sikes, Sr., was 
born about 1640; his son Samuel, in 1675; the hitter's 
only son. Victory, in 1710 ; and his son, Samuel, in 1752, 
who also had a son named Samuel, born in 1773. Victory 
Sikes (1st) had but one son, Titus, who sold his possessions 
and removed to Bennington Co., Vt., becoming one of its 
first settlers. His descendants are numerous and respect- 
able. Jonathan Sikes (2d) was the fether of two sons, — 
Jonathan and Posthumous, — and lived to an extreme old 
age. Jonathan (3d) had five .sons, — Lot, Jonathan, Paul, 
John, and David. Posthumous Sikes had four sons, — 
Amos, Stephen, Shadrach, and Gideon. Victory had two 
sons and six daughters, viz., Samuel, Victory, Mehitable, 
Demarius, Mary, Mercy, Lucy, and Eleanor. Samuel (2d) 
had eight sons and four daughters, viz., Samuel, Eunice, 
Chloe, Oliver, Martin, Luoinda, Uriel, Wealthy, Silas, Ezra, 
Orrin, and Reuben. Victory (3d) had eight sons, — -Alex- 
ander, George, Ambrose, Alfred, Jesse, Theodore, Frank- 
lin, and James. Lot had three sons and three daughters, — 
Jemima, Lot, Lovisa, Calvin, Ashbel, and Mehitable. Lot, 
Jr., had three sons and eight daughters, — -A-shbcl, Fred- 
erick, Julia, James, Calista, Maria, Arabel, Sarah, Emeline, 
Lovisa, and Cynthia. 

Benjamin Sikes, the great-great-grandfather of Orrendo, 
died Aug. 2, 1781, aged seventy-seven years. His son 
Abner, oneof afomily of nine children, — three sons (Abner, 
Benjamin, and John) and six daughters, — was born Oct. 12, 
1729. He was married, June 13, 1757, to Mercy Parson, 
who was born Feb. 20, 1733. They became the parents of 
seven children, — Mary, Abner, Experience, Increase, Pliny, 
Lois, and Zenas. Abner Sikes, Sr.,.died June 24, 1800, 
and his wife, March 24, 1818. Increase Sikes had nine 
children and Pliny four, those of the latter being Zenas, 
Orrin, Arna, and Lucinda. Zenas was the father of eight 
children, as follows: Orrendo, Loring, Lucina, Pliny, 
Samuel, Zen.as, Charles, and John. 





0. M . SI l^£S. 



^N 



TOS. ar CMAS.< 




MRS.O.M. S/KES. 

[DiClASED .) 



MRS. MS/KES. 




F(£<, Of OW SIKES, Kef 



TOAVNSHIP OF KEELER. 



4S5 



Orrendo Montague Sikes, the oldest son of Zenas and 
Nancy (Janes) Sikes, who were married in East Hampton, 
Mass., in 1813, was bora in West Hampton, in the same 
State, in 1815. His brother John died in 1838, and his 
sister Lucina in 1848. His brothers, Pliny and Samuel, 
are living in Michigan, and Loring, Zenas, and Charles in 
California. In 1837, 0. M. Sikes came with his father to 
Michigan, and settled on the west half of the northwest 
quarter of section 20, in the township of Keeler. On the 
8th of January, 1846, he was married to Ann Elizabeth 
George, daughter of Woodbridge C. George, an early set- 
tler of Berrien Co., Mich. She was born in Orleans, Jef- 
ferson Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Sikes 
lived until 1855 in Benton township, Berrien Co., on a farm, 
but in the latter year returned to Keeler, and Mr. Sikes 
now resides on the old homestead of the family. They be- 
came the parents of the following children : William Arthur 
Sikes, born in Benton, Berrien Co., Mich., Oct. 10, 1847; 
Lucina Elizabeth Sikes, born at the same place. May 23, 
1849, married, in December, 1870, to Albert F. Hurlbut, 
and now living near Fort Worth, Tex. ; Kate Isabel Sikes, 
born in Benton, May 8, 1852, died March 14, 1860 ; Lelia 
Orra Sikes, born in Keeler, Jan. 27, 1864. 

Mrs. Sikes died Dec. 0, 1867, and in 1871 Mr. Sikes 
was married to Mrs. Susan E. Parmelee, widow of Byron 
L. Parmelee, of Benton, Berrien Co. By her he has had 
one child, Lyman Montague Sikes, born in Keeler, June 
27, 1872. Mr. Sikes, who was a Democrat originally, be- 
came a Republican on the formation of the latter party. 
He has been a justice of the peace since 1856, and has 
been chosen to other offices. He is at present secretary of 
Salathiel Lodge, No. 233, F. and A. M., at Keeler, and 
overseer of the county grange. He has always led the life 
of a farmer. Mrs. Sikes is a member of the Methodist 
Church. The parents of Mr. Sikes were both members, of 
the Congregational Church, and he, although not a mem- 
ber, is a trustee of the Congregational Church at Keeler. 



ORMAN V. ROSEVELT. 

Jacob Rosevelt, the grandfather of Orman V., was a 
native of Germany, and came to America in company with 
his brother, settling quite early at Schenectady, N. Y. His 
children numbered six, — five sons and one daughter. His 
youngest child, Isaac Rosevelt (the father of Orman), was 
born at or near Schenectady. He was married, in Saratoga 
Co., N. Y., to Maria Veeder, and removed with her to the 
town of Barre, Orleans Co. Mr. and Mrs. Rosevelt were 
the parents of three children. Orman, the oldest, was born 
in Saratoga Co., Sept. 6, 1821 ; Jacob, in Onondaga Co. ; 
and John, the youngest, in Orleans Co. Isaac Rosevelt 
died in Orleans Co., Aug. 20, 1828, and his widow moved 
back to Saratoga County, where she died, June 24, 1832. 

Orman V. Rosevelt was but seven years old when his 
father died, and when his mother returned to Saratoga 
County he stopped with her brother, near the village of 
Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., and lived with him at that 
place until he was fourteen, when he moved with him to 
Rochester, in the winter of 1835-36. He remained with 



his uncle until he was twenty-one years of age. In the 
spring of 1814 he came to Michigan, and located in the 
township of Keeler, Van Buren Co., whore he had pre- 
viously purchased land. The township had at that time 
but few settlers, and Mr. Rosevelt's land was unimproved. 
His home has since been in this town, and he has not been 
absent from it three weeks at a time. Oct. 28, 1847, Mr. 
Rosevelt was married to Nancy Sloan, daughter of Alex- 
ander Sloan, an early settler in Hamilton township, having 
moved to Michigan from Ohio. Mrs. Rosevelt was born 
in Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1825. In the spring of 1848, 
Mr. Rosevelt settled, with his wife, on section 27, in Kee- 
ler, and in 1855 located on the place he now occupies, — the 
south half of section 22. Mr. and Mrs. Rosevelt are the 
parents of three children, — George, Maria, and Frank. 
The latter is living at home, and the others are married 
and reside in Keeler township. Mr. Rosevelt is a Demo- 
crat in politics. He has held several of the offices in his 
township, — pathmaster, commissioner of highways, assessor, 
etc. From his childhood his occupation has been that of a 
farmer. The first thrashing-machine which was brought 
into the township of Keeler was owned by him, and for 
eighteen years he operated it for the accommodation of 
others. He also owned a breaking-team, and aside from 
breaking up all of his own land, he did good service in 
that line for many of the settlers in the vicinity. He is 
now the possessor of a pleasant, comfortable home near 
Keeler Centre. 



CHARLES DUNCOMBB. 

Mr. Duncombe's father, Moses Duncombe, was a native 
of Norwalk, Conn., and married Sarah Oliphant, who was 
born in Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y. To them were born 
eight children, — three sons and five daughters. Soon after 
their marriage (about 1816-17, in Saratoga Co., N. Y.), 
they removed to Ancaster, near Hamilton, Ontario. About 
1824 they returned to Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and 
in 1833 removed again to Canada, locating at Blenheim. 
In the fall of 1844 they came to Michigan, and located at 
what is now Keeler Centre, on a place which Charles Dun- 
combe had purchased, and the same which he now occupies. 
The family was the first to settle at Keeler Centre. Mr. 
Duncombe was a tanner, currier, and shoemaker by trade, 
and after coming here worked at that business winters and 
made improvements on the farm during the summers. He 
was a very industrious man, an active politician, and a re- 
spected citizen. He was a Whig until the formation of the 
Republican party, when he became a member of the latter. 
He was never an office-seeker. Mrs. Duncombe died in 
Keeler in 1848 ; Mr. Duncombe's death occurred in Hart- 
ford (Van Buren Co.) in 1866. 

Charles Duncombe, the third child in his father's family, 
was born Slay 30, 1822, at Ancaster, Canada, and until he 
was thirty- five years old aided greatly in supporting the 
family. In 1849 he went to California and engaged as a 
dealer in stock, dry goods, miners' furnishings, etc., return- 
ing to Michigan in 1852. In October, 1855, he was mar- 
ried to Frances S. Knights, of Half Moon, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., where she was born on the 30th of January, 1830. 



486 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Her father, Aaron N. Kniglits, came to Keeler a few years 
later, and is now living in Decatur, Van Buren Co. His 
wife (Mrs. Buncombe's mother) died in Keeler township. 
The place on which Mr. Duncombe now resides has been ' 
his home since he came to Michigan. For several years he 
was cashier of the First National Bank at Decatur, but is 
not now connected with that institution. He is one of the 
proprietors of the " Decatur Mills," and owns a hotel and 
several stores at that place. Decatur owes many of its 
improvements to him, he having taken great interest in 
their projection. In the summer of 1879 he erected a 
brick-store building in that village. He at present operates 
several fine farms. In 1867 he was a member of the State 
Constitutional Convention, and has been active in political 
matters. He was supervisor of Keeler township for twelve 
or fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Duncombe are the parents 
of six children, — three sons and three daughters. These 
are all living except one son, who met a painful death from 
scalding when quite young. The others reside with their 
parents, except one daughter, Fannie E., who is now the 
wife of Seth Taft, and living in the neighborhood. 



ALBERT E. GREGORY. 

Stephen Gregory, the father of the above, was born in 
Livingston Co., N. Y., and married Mary Stevens, a native 
of the .same county. They became the parents of nine 
children, — four sons and five daughters, — of whom three 
sons and one daughter are now living. In the fall of 1846, 
Mr. Gregory removed with his family to Michigan, and 
settled in Keeler township. Van Buren Co., on the farm 
now owned by his son, Albert E. Gregory, on section 34. 
No improvements whatever had been made on the place, 
and it was as much of a task to make it habitable and a 
source of pro.sperity as if the surrounding region had not 
before witnessed the arrival of a white settler. Mr. Greg- 
ory's occupation was always that of a farmer. His death 
occurred in April, 1869, and that of his wife in May, 1873. 

Albert E. Gregory, who was born in Livingston Co., 
N. Y., was of very tender age when his father removed to 
Michigan. With the exception of three years, his home 
in Michigan has always been upon his present place. Mr. 
Gregory has been twice married, and has two children, — a 
daughter, Bernice E., by his first wife, and a son, Donald 
F., by his second. His last marriage was with Cora Force, 
the daughter of Rev. James P. Force, a Methodist clergy- 
man ; this occurred Oct. 27, 1873. Mrs. Gregory was 
born at Winchester, Randolph Co., Ind., Nov. 27, 1853. 
In political matters Mr. Gregory is a Republican. 



TOBIAS BYERS. 



The great-grandparents of this gentleman were from 
Germany, and settled at an early day in the State of Penn- 
sylvania (Lancaster County). Jacob Byers, the father of 
Tobias, was a young man at the time of the Revolutionary 



war. He was a wagon-maker by trade, and did work of 
that kind in the army. He was married in Lancaster 
County to Fannie Zimmerman, and lived afterwards in 
Centre County, removing finally to Livingston Co., N. Y. 
He was the father of twelve children, — seven sons and 
five daughters. He and his wife both died in the county 
last mentioned. 

Tobias Byers, the youngest son of Jacob and Fannie 
Byers, was born Feb. 9, 1808, in Centre Co., Pa., and 
when four years of age (1812) removed with his father to 
Livingston Co., N. Y., where the family were among the 
earlier settlers. Mr. Byers attended the district schools in 
the neighborhood of his home in New York, and does not 
recollect that he ever went to school in any but a log build- 
ing. When he became of sufBcient age he assisted his 
father on the farm, the latter working most of his time at 
his trade. After he became of -age, Tobias Byers worked 
bis flither's farm on shares for two or three years, after- 
wards teaming a portion of the time for four years to 
Rochester. In February, 1835, about four years after his 
father's death, he left home and started for Michigan, pro- 
ceeding by private team to Buifalo, thence by stage to 
Cleveland, and thence on by team through Michigan to 
Illinois, extending his journey as far south as Peoria. In 
June, 1835, he returned to Michigan and purchased the 
farm on which he now lives, on section 13, Keeler town- 
ship. Van Buren Co., purchasing also on sections 15 and 
19, the whole amounting to four hundred and forty acres, 
— all from government. He settled at once on section 19, 
built a log house, and lived in it several years. He had 
company occasionally, when settlers, with their families, 
would stop with him for a few days. In March, 1856, 
Mr. Byers was married to Jeannette M. Wilson, who had 
come to the township the year previous, from Allegany 
Co., N. Y., in company with her sister, Mrs. John Baker, 
who, with her husband, is still living in Keeler township. 
Mrs. Byers' grandparents were from Massachusetts, her 
parents from Wayne Co., N. Y. She was born Jan. 5, 1832, 
in Independence, Allegany Co., N. Y., and taught school 
from her fifteenth to her twenty-fourth year. Mr. Byers 
at the time of his marriage was living on the place where 
he now resides, which has since been his home. His busi- 
ness has always been that of a farmer. Blr. and Mrs. 
Byers are the parents of five children, as follows : Charles, 
born Aug. 2, 1857, died Nov. 26, 1857; Flora L, born 
June 24, 1858, died Feb. 28, 1865; Nellie L, born June 
23, 1862, died Feb. 17, 1865; Birney F., born May 21, 
1866; Eddie, born Nov. 29, 1871, died Jan. 28, 1872. 
Mr. Byers is a Democrat in politics, and has held several 
oflices in his township, among them that of justice of the 
peace about fifteen years. Neither he nor his wife belong 
to any religious society. He is a member of the sub- 
ordinate and county granges, as is also his wife. Mr. 
Byers was the first jyermauent settler in the township of 
Keeler. His home-farm contains two hundred and thirty- 
three acres, and he is the owner, in the aggregate, of five 
hundred and thirty-three acres, in various localities. 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWKENCE. 



487 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP.* 

Boundaries and General Description — Indian Mounds — Pioneers and 
Early Settlements— Roads— TSoating on the Paw Paw River- Van 
Buren Centre — Township Organization and Olficors — Lawrence 
Village — Religious Societies in Lawrence — Schools. 

Town 3 south, range 15 west, is the designation applied 
in the original government survey to the township now 
known as Lawrence. It embraces thirty-six full sections 
and a fractional section in the northeast corner, — thus ap- 
portioned, doubtless, so that the Paw Paw might be the 
boundary line at that point between Lawrence and Arling- 
ton. On the north of the township is Arlington, on the 
south Hamilton, on the east Paw Paw, and on the west 
Hartford. 

The country, originally heavily timbered with beech, 
maple, whitewood, basswood, elm, ash, black walnut, and 
butternut, covers a region of gently-rolling lands, whose 
rich, sandy soil makes the township's agricultural interests 
exceedingly profitable. Wheat averages from fifteen to 
twenty-five bushels per acre. Fruit grows in abundance, 
especially apples. Peaches were at one time cultivated ex- 
tensively, but disease among the trees has cut the crop 
down to insignificant proportions. There are also at Law- 
rence village milling interests which contribute not a little 
to the sum of local prosperity. Excellent water-power is 
gained from Brush Creek, the most important tributary of 
the Paw Paw in Lawrence. The river itself flows through 
the northern portion of the township, which is watered also 
by numerous river tributaries, and a half-dozen or more 
lakes, the largest of which are Taylor's Lake, Lake George, 
and Prospect Lake. Prospect Lake, in sections 25, 26, 35, 
and 36, is a mile and a half in length and half a mile 
wide. It was earlier known as Crystal Lake, because of 
the clearness and purity of its waters, and is now a place 
of popular resort for anglers and pleasure-seekers. 

The township contains but one village, — Lawrence,"}" — 
which is connected by railway with the Michigan Central 
line at Lawton, and by a daily stage with Hartford, on the 
Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. The population in 
1874 was 1726, and the assessed value in 1879 was 
$531,100. 

INDIAN MOUNDS. 

Some traces of Indian mounds may still be seen in Law- 
rence, on sections 7 and 18, and old settlers say that before 
the plow had disturbed these elevations they were in some 
cases very clearly defined, and contained, moreover, numer- 
ous Indian relics. Just north of Sutton's Lake, on section 
7, were three of these mounds, each about four feet high 
and twenty feet in diameter, sloping gradually to the level. 
They were located about ten rods apart, and in combination 

■*- By David Schwartz. 

■f" The village of Van Buren was laid out on the north side of Pros- 
pect Lake, in Lawrence, in the flush times of 1836-37, with plenty of 
streets and lots, but no houses. In 1839 it was owned by T. E. Phelps, 
R. Christie, and Charles Chadwick, and assessed in the aggregate at 
$1135, according to the county records. The streets were named 
Water, Broad, Park, and Forest. The village failed to appear in any 
later documents. 



formed a triangle. On the northeast quarter of section 18 
were three smaller mounds, but similar in location and 
shape to the others. In 1840 one Wetlierby, a hunter, 
opened these mounds, and found within them human bones 
and flint arrow-heads. At that time beech-trees sixteen 
inches in diameter were growing on some of the mounds. 
Between these two groups of mounds extended a ridge of 
land about forty rods wide, and in this ridge of land the 
plow has turned up from time to time considerable quanti- 
ties of flints. Many thoughtful observers declare that at 
some remote period a battle was fought there, but by what 
race of beings (if by any) conjecture even has not seen fit 
to indicate, save in a general way that the race was savage. 

PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

Although the early settlements in the township concen- 
trated upon the site of Lawrence village, thejirst settlement 
in the township was made on the west shore of Prospect 
Lake, on section 26, by Stephen Fountain, a bachelor, in 
June, 1835. Very little can be said about Fountain's rep- 
resentation as a Lawrence pioneer, for he tarried in his 
new quarters but a short time, and when he left, traces of 
his existence in Lawrence disappeared with him. It was 
also in June, 1835, that John Allen founded the village of 
Mason, now the village of Lawrence ; but as early settle- 
ments upon that spot receive mention elsewhere in this 
chapter the recital that follows will deal with the pioneers 
of the interior. 

The summer and fall of 1835 saw the arrival also of 
John R. Haynes, Thomas S. Camp, George and John 
Reynolds, and others. Haynes located on section 10, 
Camp on section 4, and the Reynolds family on section 13. 
Mr. Haynes became one of the most prominent men of the 
township, and was for some time one of the associate 
judges of the county court. He was postmaster at Law- 
rence many years, the second coroner of Van Buren County, 
also a merchant and miller. He held many local ofiices of 
trust, and lived in the village until his death, in 1856. 

Sept. 1, 1835, James Gray, with his wife and six chil- 
dren, started from Lenawee Co., Mich., for Lawrence, and 
after a tiresome journey of ten days, made in a lumber- 
wagon drawn by two yokes of oxen, and over roads which 
the hardy Gray himself had ofttimes to make, they reached 
section 11, in Lawrence, where Mr. Gray had located a 
farm. Gray's cabin was in size 10 by 15 feet, roofed with 
tree-boughs, boasting the country's soil for a floor, and 
adorned witli a blanket, which served as a door, before the 
only opening the establishment had. The roof let in the 
rain, and sometimes so freely that the tenants were actually 
afloat within the domicile. Gray did odd jobs as a carpen- 
ter, and also farmed industriously, but bad luck overtook 
him, and, being forced to sell his farm, he moved to Breeds- 
ville, whence he returned to Lawrence village, and there 
died in 1873. Gray did something in the early days of his 
settlement in the way of flat-boating on the Paw Paw, and 
it was owing in part to his poor success in that branch of 
traffic that he succumbed to financial misfortune. 

Eaton Branch, of Ann Arbor, came to Lawrence in 
1835, with his wife, and worked for John Allen a year, 
making roads, underbrushing at Mason village, and doing 



HISTORY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



what else came to his hand, living meanwhile in the house 
vacated by Ephraim Palmer. In 1836 he entered IGO 
acres of land on section 4, and rather than go around by 
the section line, he bought of Judge Haynes the right of 
way through section 9, and cut a road to his farm. As 
this road happened to be chosen subsequently by the high- 
way commissioners for a town road, Branch got his money 
back. On the farm he then entered Mr. Branch has ever 
since lived. He was actively concerned in township affairs, 
and, as highway commissioner for several years, laid out 
many of Lawrence's first roads. Israel Branch, brother to 
Eaton, came, in March, 1836, to Lawrence, with his wife 
and three children, and, setting up a cooper-shop in the 
village, worked at his trade several years. He then settled 
on section 4, where he died in 1873. Luther Branch, an- 
other brother, came from Oakland County in 1837, worked 
a while as a cooper in the village, and eventually located 
upon a farm in section 14. He moved to a place on sec- 
tion 5, where he died in 1845. Vine Branch, the father, 
became a resident of Lawrence in 1836, and with his wife 
made his home at the house of his .son Eaton, where he 
died in 1852. 

Orrin Sutton was a settler upon the Holland Purchase, 
N. Y., and in 1834, coming West with his family, located 
first in Washtenaw Co., Mich., and in 1836 in Mason 
village. He helped John Allen build the first saw-mill 
at Mason, worked about the neighborhood a short time, 
and then settled upon a farm in section 7, returning, 
however, to the village, from which he migrated to Hart- 
ford, where he died in 1868, and where his son Luther 
(editor of the Day Spring') now resides. Orrin Sutton 
was the first township clerk of Lawrence, and during his 
residence therein served extended terms as justice of the 
peace, town treasurer, and in other local ofiices. 

Horace Stimson, who became distinguished as the first 
postmaster at Lawrence, moved from Kalamazoo to section 
1 in Lawrence, in 1836. Orrin Sutton built a double log 
house for Stimson, and finished it just in time to be used 
for the first town-meeting, held April 3, 1837. Stimson 
moved out of the township soon after, selling his place to 
Daniel Buckley, who died in Allegan County. 

Thomas S. Camp, hailing from Connecticut, came to Law- 
rence in 1836 and made purchase of considerable land in 
the township, and lived upon a fiirm in section 4. July 12, 
1861, while fi.shing with a Mr. Brown, in Monroe's Lake, 
he was drowned. One of his daughters, Mrs. Eliza West, 
lives on section 4. 

In the Reynolds family were George, the father, and four 
sons, — John, George, William, and Burr. The elder Rey- 
nolds put up a log tavern on the Territorial road in section 
13 early in 1836, and there for many years kept the old 
Reynolds tavern. His sons lived with him a while, and then 
all but John moved out of the township. John Reynolds, 
who had in early life been a boatman on the Ohio, renewed 
that occupation when he settled in Lawrence, and for some 
time was actively engaged in flat-boating on the Paw Paw 
between Lawrence and St. Joseph. His river experience 
elevated him to the dignity of flat-boat " captain," and he 
was a man of some local river fame for that reason. He 
was by trade a baker, and when he left Lawrence he opened 



a bakery in Paw Paw. He now lives on a farm south of 
that village. 

J. R. Monroe, one of Lawrence's most eminent and 
honored citizens, was for forty years closely identified with 
the most progressive interests of not only Lawrence town- 
ship, but of Van Buren County. At the age of twenty (in 
1826) he was engaged at Detroit with Gen. Cass and Cam- 
pau in locating Western lands. He went back to New York 
in 1828, and in 1830, returning to the West, he undertook 
an exploration of Michigan, making his home at Prairie 
Ronde. In 1833 he entered the land upon which the vil- 
lage of South Haven now lies, and in 1835 laid out a 
road from Prairie Ronde to South Haven. That road 
passed through Lawrence township in the northeast corner, 
and crossed the Paw Paw on the west line of section 1. 
He built the first house ever put up in South Haven. 

His permanent settlement, however, in Michigan was 
made in Lawrence in 1837, upon land in section 2, through 
which the road from Prairie Ronde to South Haven had 
its cour.se. On that farm he lived until his death, in Oc- 
tober, 1876. Mr. Monroe was a large land-holder, and a 
man of mark in the community which was proud to claim 
him as a member. He was an earnest supporter and pro- 
moter of beneficent public enterprises, did much for the en- 
couragement of public education, assisted in the foundation 
of both the State and Van Buren Agricultural Societies, 
occupied the judicial bench (sitting as associate judge in 
the first court held in the county, June 6, 1837), filled 
numerous local public trusts (serving twenty-five years con- 
secutively as county commissioner of the poor), and stood 
until his death at the head of the County Pioneer Associa- 
tion, which he called into existence, and of which he was 
the only president during his life. 

During Judge Monroe's extended service as poor com- 
missioner, he frequently provided at his own house for the 
wants of indigent poor, and to such his residence came to 
be known as the poormaster's house. One day, while the 
judge attired in shabby garments was at work in a ditch on 
his farm, he was accosted by an apparent traveling pauper 
with the inquiry, " Where is the poormaster's house ?" and 
upon the judge pointing it out without revealing himself, 
continued, with a look of curious examination, " Do you 
work for him?" " Yes," replied the judge. " And what 
does he give you for working ?" " Oh, he gives me just 
what he has himself," was the judge's answer; " pork and 
beans, potatoes, johnny-cake, and old clothes." " Well," 
exclaimed the tramp, preparing to move off, " if that's all a 
fellow can expect, I'll be goll-darned if I stop with the old 
hedge-hog." And away he went, determined that the county 
shouldn't support him ou those terms. 

In 1838, Uriel T. Barnes left Calhoun Co., Mich., 
where he had been living four years, and with his f;»miiy 
set out for Van Buren County, his chief reasons for mak- 
ing the move being that in Calhoun County there was not 
timber enough to suit him, while peaches, he was satisfied, 
would not grow there. Arriving at Paw Paw at the close 
of a cold day, the family put up at Dodge's tavern, and there, 
Mrs. Barties being asked by some person where the family 
was bound, replied, " For Brush Creek." " Brush Creek !" 
replied her interrogator, " why, you'll starve there. All the 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



489 



piiople out there are starving. It'.s in the woods, and you 
won't be able to raise a thing." " Well," replied the lady, 
" I've had a four years' pioneer experience and haven't 
starved yet. I think, therefore, that I won't starve yet 
awhile." 

Pushing on, Mr. Barnes soon reached the hospitable 
cabin of Uncle Jimmy Gray, on section 11, in Lawrence, 
and in a trice the strangers were made welcome and com- 
fortable. The next day the Barnes family moved into an 
abandoned log cabin on wliat is now the Baker & Richards 
farm, in section 14 ; a few days thereafter, Mr. Barnes 
bought 80 acres of land of Eaton Branch, on section 5, put 
up a frame house, and transported his family thither as 
soon as possible. Euton Branch had cut out a road from 
the village to his place, and from Branch's to the farm on 
section 5, Mr. Barnes cut the road himself. Mr. Barnes 
lived upon that farm until his death in July, 1853. His 
son, A. U. Barnes, occupies the old place, and adjoining 
him lives his brother, H. G. 

Mrs. Allen Rice, a daughter of Uriel T. Barnes, says 
that when her father came to Lawrence there were but four 
families in the village, — those of J. R. Hayncs, Dexter 
Gibbs, John Allen, and Israel Branch. She says further, 
" A saw-mill had been erected and a school-house built. I 
well remember the first time I went to school in that old 
school-house. I expected to see something like a village, 
but after walking what seemed a great distance through the 
dense woods, I came to a house and inquired how far it 
was to the village. 'To the village, dear?' returned the 
woman ; ' why, you are in the village now, only you can't 
see it for the trees.' ' Well,' said I, ' where is the school- 
house ?' ' Only a little way farther in the woods,' was 
her response ; and after walking what appeared to be half 
a mile, I found the school-house. There were about 30 
scholars, and the teacher was Truman Foster, of Keeler." 

The widow McKnight, who came to Lawrence in 1838, 
was a sister of John and Joseph Haynes, and for some time 
kept house for Joseph. She brought with her two daugh- 
ters and a son, and owned a little place in the village, now 
occupied by her daughter, Mrs. A. F. Haskins. Mrs. 
Henry Mayner, another daughter, lives in the township. 
The son removed to California some years ago. 

Ephraim Taylor, originally from New York, came to 
Lawrence in 1836 to work for John Allen, sold goods for 
him in Gibbs' tavern, drove stage, and finally settled on a 
farm in section 30, whore he died in 1877. 

A. H. Phelps, one of Lawrence's early settlers, lived in 
the village about 1840, and soon afterwards, with his brother 
Theodore, built what is now called the Chadwiok mill, 
south of Lawrence. Ho subsequently became interested 
with H. N. Phelps in milling and other business enter- 
prises in the village, and for a long time was known as a 
fur trader, while he also manufactured deer-skin gloves and 
mittens. He dealt extensively with the Indians, and was 
himself esteemed during his early life in Lawrence as a 
great hunter. He lived an honored citizen in the township 
nearly forty years, and died in the village in 1877, only a 
few weeks after celebrating his golden wedding, leaving a 
widow who still survives him. 

George Parmelee, who came to the village in 1838, was 
62 



a tinner. After working about in the vicinity some time, 
he married a daughter of T. S. Camp, and went to live 
upon a farm on section 8, given him by Mr. Camp. He 
moved to Bainbridge a few years after, and subsequently to 
St. Joseph. He lives now at Old Mission, Grand Traverse 
Co., Mich., and is president of the State Pomological 
Society. 

H. P. Barnum, who was among the earliest and ablest 
of the county surveyors, settled in the eastern part of Van 
Buren in 1835, and in 1838 selected a permanent settle- 
ment upon section 11 in Lawrence township, where he 
lived until his death in 1851. Mr. Barnum surveyed 
nearly all the early roads in Lawrence, and devoted himself 
also assiduou.sly to his farming interests. 

R. B. Banks came to Lawrence from Washtenaw County 
in 1836, and worked a farm for John Allen on section 14. 
Subsequently he bought a form on section 19, west of Tay- 
lor's Lake, and moving thence to Hartford, died in the 
latter place. Banks was a firm believer in Spiritualism, 
and in his strong devotion thereto he frequently exhibited 
apparent eccentricities which gave him a peculiar local 
celebrity. Among other stories related of him, one is told 
of how when his horse fell sick he sought to cure him by 
mesmeric influence, but the influence was not quite strong 
enough to keep the animal alive. 

In 1838, Nelson S. Marshall, of Oakland Co., Mich., 
moved with his family into Lawrence and sought quarters 
in the Dexter Gibbs tavern, Marshall's wife being the 
daughter of Dexter Gibbs. The Marshall family lived in 
the Gibbs house a little more than a year, and then, Nel- 
son's brother, Harvey, having joined him in the purchase 
of a farm on section 17, formerly owned by Dexter Gibbs, 
the brothers moved to the place in 1840 and managed the 
form jointly. Nelson Marshall moved to Watervliet in 
1856, and died there in 1863. Harvey Marshall still lives 
on the form which he has occupied continuously since 1840. 
H. M. Marshall, one of the leading merchants of Lawrence, 
is one of Nelson's sons. 

When Marshall entered the village there were there the 
Gibbs tavern and the houses of Orrin Tutton, Alex. New- 
ton, J. R. Haynes, and Watson Pool. When he moved to 
his farm on section 17, Peter Dopp was living on section 
31, where Dopp's widow and her sou Amos now reside. 
Mrs. Dopp was a woman of determined energy, and more 
than once, when there was sickness in her household, used 
to walk alone through the woods to the Marshall place, 
nearly four miles distant, to ask Harvey Marshall to ride to 
Paw Paw for a doctor. Harvey was then about the only 
one in the township boasting the possession of a horse, and 
for that reason was frequently called upon to perform the 
kindly service of riding away after a physician when sudden 
emergencies arose. The only other dwellers in the south- 
west corner in 1840 were David and James Dopp, Peter's 
brothers, Cyrus Bateman, Hosea Howard, and Roderick 
Irish, living on section 32. All these settlers came to Law- 
rence in 1836. Irish died in Keeler in 1878. Orrin Sut- 
ton, already mentioned, moved to a farm two miles and a 
half west of the village, and subsequently to Lawrence, 
where he died. Alexander Newton went to Kalamazoo 
and remained. He lived in a log house that stood upon 



490 



HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY", MICHIGAN. 



the site now occupied by the village tavern. Newton was 
not the most industrious man in the community, and, 
apropos of his inordinate fondness for lingering within 
grateful shade on a summer day, it is related that H. P. 
Barnum once said that he could always tell the time of day 
by marking Newton's gradual march around a house in the 
wake of the moving shadow of the building. Cyrus Bate- 
men, above mentioned, lived on the place of his first settle- 
ment until his death. He and Roderick Irish married 
sisters of the Dopps. 

Samuel Gunton, the first elected sheriflf of Van Buren 
County, settled on the Territorial road, one mile south of 
Prospect Lake, in 1836. In 1839, nearly all the members 
of his family being dead, he returned to New York State, 
his former home. 

S. M. N. Brooks, a young man, lived with his brother- 
in-law, John Reynolds, in 1838, roved about for a time, 
and settled eventually in Keeler. In the same year John 
Andrews located on section 14, east of Baker's Lake ; he 
moved afterwards to Hartford, where he now lives. Wil- 
liam R. Williams, a New Yorker, settled upon section 20 
in 1836, and at an early day, selling his place to John 
Raven, moved to the eastern part of the State. Thomas 
Price and his widowed mother came from New York in 
1836, in company with David Dopp, who had previously 
married Mrs. Price's daughter. They all lived together at 
the village a short time, and settled in company upon a 
farm in section 29, where Mrs. Price died Her son 
Thomas lives now in the far West. In 1836, also, John 
Mellen, with his wife and ten children, journeyed from New 
York, and located on section 17, in Lawrence, where both 
Mellen and his wife died in 1843. All of their children 
moved out of the township. Mellen was at the time of his 
death a black.smith in the village. 

Joseph Haynes, a carpenter, located in Brush Creek in 
1836, worked at his trade there some time, and settling 
upon a farm in section 15, died there in 1858. 

Volney A. Moore, a nephew of Harvey Marshall, came 
to Lawrence in 1838, lived with the Marshalls for a time, 
and marrying, bought a farm on section 30, where he died. 
General B. F. Chadwick, who bought the Phelps mill, 
south of the village, owned also a small farm near there. 
He lives now in Hartford. The old mill is still known as 
Chadwick's mill. Mr. Chadwick says it used to be called 
" Chad's old mill," and " old Chad's mill," just as the pop- 
ular humor fancied. Leonard Watson, who settled in 
Breedsville in 1835, and in Lawrence in 1838, married one 
of Judge Haynes' daughters, and died in Cass County. 
In 1838 also came Warren Van VIeet, who owned a farm 
on section 13, and who still lives in the township. Barney 
and Daniel Evans came to Lawrence with their father in 
1838, and located near Prospect Lake. They are all dead. 
Barney's widow lives on section 16. 

Watson Pool, a carpenter, became a resident of Mason 
in 1837, and besides his work at the bench attended to the 
cultivation of a few acres on what is now called St. Joseph 
Street. Ilis widow still lives in the village. 

The first birth in Lawrence was that of Sarah, daughter 
of John and Jane Reynolds, her advent occurring March 
21, 1836. She died in Lawrence in her youth. 



William R. Williams and Elizabeth Gibbs were the pio- 
neer wedded couple of Lawrence, but as they mated before 
Lawrence had a " squire" they were compelled to go to 
Schoolcraft to have the ceremony performed. The first 
marriage in the township was that of Ephraim Taylor and 
Emeline Gibbs. They were joined in the autumn of 1836, 
by Justice Jay R. Monroe, in Dexter Gibbs' double log 
tavern, which was, on that important occasion, alive with 
merry-making, and radiant with a joyous gathering, from 
far and near, of friends and fellow-settlers, Judge Monroe 
was on his way to Schoolcraft when he was overtaken by a 
messenger in hot haste, and told that he was wanted to 
marry a couple at Dexter Gibbs'. The judge turned about, 
got to Gibbs' at nine o'clock that night, married them, and 
resumed his trip. 

No death occurred in the little settlement until 1838, 
when, in the month of April, Dexter Gibbs' wife was called 
from her earthly cares, and three months later her daughter, 
Mrs. Ephraim Taylor, died. Dexter Gibbs himself did 
not remain long, for in October of the same year he fol- 
lowed the others. Mother, father, and daughter were 
buried upon the banks of Brush Creek, just outside the 
present eastern limits of the village. This place was after- 
wards used as a public burial-ground until the present 
village cemetery was laid out. 

The frequent necessity of sending a grist to mill was to 
the early pioneers of Lawrence a task of considerable mag- 
nitude. For the first two or three years after its first set- 
tlement, " going to mill" meant going to either Kalamazoo, 
Prairie Ronde, Flowerficld, or Whitmanville, and some- 
times even to Three Rivers, — places from twenty-five to 
thirty miles distant. A journey like that through a wild 
country, and over rough roads, or no roads at all, was not a 
pleasant subject for contemplation, but the necessities of the 
hour ofiered no loophole of escape, and the issue had to be 
met. The tree-stump corn-mill at home served many a 
good turn, and was a valued and useful coadjutor in the 
business of producing corn-cake. Of course the march of 
improvement soon relieved the settlers of the inconvenience 
attendant upon reaching distant mills, but while the ex- 
actions continued, they were distressing. Matters improved 
somewhat in that respect in 1838, when John R. Haynes 
put a small run of .stones into his saw-mill at the village of 
Mason. 

As an illustration of the difficulties encountered by the 
early settlers in procuring the necessaries of life may be 
cited an incident in the experience of Mr. Warren Van 
Vleet. He spent, on one occasion, several da3's in a fruit- 
less search through the country for some flour. Eventually, 
he discovered a man in Prairie Ronde who had eight bar- 
rels, but who refused to sell less than a barrel, and that at 
an extoi'tionate price. Van Vleet was pretty nearly desper- 
ate at the dealer's obstinacy, and told him that he had 
better lock his flour up somewhere, for the people might 
presently be urged by hunger to deeds of violence, " and 
then," said he, " where would your fluur be ?" Failing to 
get flour Van Vleet bought a lot of rice at Paw Paw, but 
when he got home he found that there were no edibles in 
the house but the rice. Thereupon he roamed the woods 
in search of wild honoy, and finding some, he and his fam- 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



4!)1 



ily subsisted several days on honey and rice. His next 
search for flour resulted in his finding 80 pounds at Paw 
Paw, which he lugged home on foot, a distance of nine 
miles. 

" When we bought a piece of pork," says he, "it was 
generally the thickness of a finger, with hair on it long 
enough to lift it out of the pot with, and by the hair we, 
indeed, used to lift it out and hold it, too, while we ate it." 

Wiien Ephi'aim Palmer got fairly located in the house 
he put up on the site of Lawrence village, ho had as guests 
one day Edwin Barnum, the surveyor, John Alien, and 
James, his son. Supplies were all out, and Palmer started 
for Kalamazoo for a stock, but a fearful rainstorm coming 
on, the country was flooded, and he was six days making 
the trip. Meanwhile the Aliens, Barnum, and Mrs. Pal- 
mer subsisted on cranberries and coffee. Allen caught a 
woodchuok, but there was no salt in the house, and the 
project of cooking it was about to be abandoned, when a 
few wild leeks being found, they were forced to do duty as 
seasoning, although the disli was voted distasteful, despite 
the hunger of the party. 

In common with settlers in all parts of Michigan, the 
pioneers of Lawrence were annoyed by wolves and other 
wild beasts, although no serious trouble was at any time 
occasioned. Wolves used to howl about the cabins in an 
apparently very fierce manner, though really they were 
cowardly curs unless running in packs. Still travelers 
were not without apprehensive fears when called abroad 
after dark, and usually took precautions to ward ofi' the 
attacks of beasts. Sheep, calves, and hogs were carried 
oif sometimes in broad day by the marauding creatures, 
despite the utmost vigilance of settlers. 

There was, however, some con.solation in the knowledge 
that game was plentiful, and that a day's hunting was sure 
to produce a fruitful yield, especially of deer, which were 
so numerous that they could be shot from doorsteps, while 
the organization of grand hunts in the winter .seasons pro- 
vided fine sport for the inhabitants, and helped materially 
towards supplying the means of subsistence. 

ROAD.«. 

The first township road was laid out in the summer of 
1837, and was known as the Watervliet road, — James Gray 
and Eaton Branch being the highway commissioners, and 
H. P. Barnum the surveyor. The highway commissioners 
of Lawrence had no sinecure in their office. Their territory 
of exploration covered the present townships of Hartford, 
Lawrence, and Arlington, and when the}' entered upon 
their task of providing roads for a new country where roads 
had not been, and where water-courses, marshes, and swamps 
were no inconsiderable obstacles, they needed indeed all 
the vigorous energy and persistent industry at their com- 
mand. 

A road from Mason village towards Keelorville, surveyed 
in 1836 by Jesse L. Church, was laid out in 1837, and 
about then, also, another, called road No. 4, was laid out 
from the southeast corner of section 32 to the northwest 
corner of section 16. The river road, the Paw Paw road, 
a road north from Mason, one from the south side of sec- 



tion 4 to the Black River road, and one from the southwest 
corner of section 19 to the southwest corner of section 20, 
were laid out in 1837. 

Among the roads laid out in 1838 were the Breedsville 
road, Hand's road, Phelps' road. Olds' road, Hammond's 
road, Taylor's road, Barnes' road, and Branch's road. In 
1839 the roads included the town line road between Alpena 
(now Hamilton) and Lawrence, Major Heath's road, the 
Briggs road, Mellen's road, Peter Clark's road, and others. 

Until 1839, James Gray and Eaton Branch were the 
highway commissioners who performed the work set down 
for the board, and until 1841, Eaton Branch was more 
actively engaged than any other citizen in the work of 
laying out roads. H. P. Barnum was the surveyor of 
many of the earliest roads in Lawrence, although Jesse L. 
Church and Pj. H. Keeler performed an important share of 
the business. The Territorial road, which reached from De- 
troit to St. Joseph, passed through the southeastern portion 
of Lawrence. It was an important highway of travel from 
1835 to 1848, and before the completion of the Michigan 
Central Railway resounded daily with the roll of many 
wheels, and bore upon its surface great numbers of stage- 
coaches and freight-wagons, which in the early days plied 
between the eastern and western boundaries of the State. 

MAIL SERVICE. 

In 1836, John Allen, who opened the settlement of 
Lawrence, had the government contract for carrying the 
mail between Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, and being desirous 
of favoring Lawrence as much as he could, constructed a 
road from Mason village to Keeler, and changed the mail- 
route so much as to take Mason in on the journey between 
Kalamazoo and St. Joseph. The Lawrence post-oSiee 
was not established, however, until 1837, when Horace 
Stimson was appointed postmaster. John R. Haynes, who 
succeeded Mr. Stimson, held the office for many years, and 
relincjuished it only upon his death, in 1856. His successor 
was John B. Potter, who retired in 1865, in favor of B. 
F. Chadwick, but returned to the office in 1867. In 1873 
he gave place to G. A. Cro.ss, the present incumbent. The 
office receives and forwards two mails daily. The receipts 
of its money-order department average S413 weekly, and 
payments $70. 

Prospect Lake Post-Office, on section 26, was established 
in 1851, H. Jacobs being appointed the first postmaster. 
His successor, Dennis Cooper, now in charge of the office, 
was appointed in 1876. When Stimson was appointed post- 
master, the mail for Lawrence was conveyed over the route 
between Paw Paw and South Haven, Stimson's house being 
on that road, near the Paw Paw River. Allen's contract for 
carrying the mail between Kalamazoo and St. Joseph began 
Jan. 1, 1836. From that time to January 15th, the mail 
was carried from Kalamazoo to Lawrence by team and 
wagon, and from Lawrence to St. Joseph on horseback, 
John Reynolds being the mail-rider. From January 15th, 
during the winter, Ephraim Taylor carried the mail from 
Lawrence to St. Joseph in a sleigh, but when .spring set in 
the roads to and from Lawrence became so bad tluit the 
mail-route via that point was abandoned in favor of the 
Territorial road. 



492 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



BOATING ON PAW PAW RIVER. 
The Paw Paw River was, in the days of Lawrence's 
early settlement, an important highway for the transporta- 
tion of freight from the Paw Paw Valley to St. Joseph, and 
many people were engaged in the business of boating flour 
on flat-boats. Above Brush Creek village, navigation was 
exceedingly uncertain, and that point was therefore a place 
of shipment for the neighboring country, flour being hauled 
overland from Kalamazoo, and shipped to St. Joseph from 
Brush Creek. John R. Haynes built a warehouse for the 
reception of river-freiglit at that place, and forwarded as 
well as received great quantities of goods. Many people of 
Lawrence were employed now and then upon the river, and 
a fortunate thing it was for many of them, too, for in that 
employment they managed to obtain ready cash, a very 
scarce article among the farmers. The trafiic on the Paw 
Paw continued with more or less regularity until the com- 
pletion of the Michigan Central Railroad, in 1848. Chauu- 
cey Willard, one of the early boatmen, met his death near 
Lawrence, where the overhanging branch of a tree swept 
him into the river. Ten days after, his body was found 
several miles below the village. 

TAVERNS. 

De.xter Gibbs' old log tavern, already noticed, was prob- 
ably highly thought of, for it existed in the period and 
amid times when wayfarers were not inclined to be over-nice 
as to the accommodations, and when a place of rest and 
refreshment was more of a luxury than it is to-day. 

The second hotel built in Lawrence village, and the only 
one, besides Gibbs', which the town has ever had, was 
erected in 1849 by H. N. Phelps. Slightly changed since 
then, the building still does duty in its original character, 
and is now known as Blather's Hotel. Phelps kept the 
house until 1853, and sold it to H. S. Dolph, who was 
succeeded as landlord and proprietor in 1855 by S. G. Ma- 
ther. Mather kept it until January, 1858, when he sold 
it, but took it back again in the fall of 1860. In 18G6, 
Mather rented it to Capt. Whittaker, and in 1867 to E. 
Waterman. In 1869, Mather was again the landlord, and 
in 1876, A. G. Warren took it, only to relinquish it in 
1878 to Mr. Mather, who is still its proprietor and occu- 
pant. 

There were two log taverns on the Territorial road within 
Lawrence, and, until the abandonment of the stage-route, 
they were features in current history. George Reynolds 
opened the first one near Lake George (or Reynolds' Lake), 
and kept it upwards of ten years. South of him, on the 
banks of Prospect Lake, H. N. Phelps opened a stage- 
house in 1837, and, as it was for some time a place where 
the stages changed horses, it was considered a place of some 
consequence. Phelps sold the tavern to Robert Christie, 
who was its last landlord. 

The place occupied by Phelps for his tavern he bought 
from John D. Freeman, who had it from Stephen Fountain, 
— the first white settler in Lawrence. Freeman is now 
living in St. Joseph County. 

VAN BUREN CENTRE. 

Mention of Phelps' tavern will recall to the minds of old 
settlers the history of John D. Freeman's paper town, on 



the shores of Prospect Lake, and the settlement of the 
Christie family. Freeman entered an 80-acre lot on section 
26 (where Moody Emerson had previously squatted), put 
up a shanty against a side-hill, and contemplated the erec- 
tion of a steam saw-mill. He abandoned his plans, how- 
ever, before maturing them, and moved away. When 
Freeman came in, he occupied Emerson's shanty as a stable. 
He conceived the idea that the shores of Prospect Lake 
presented an attractive site for a town, and went so far in 
his imagination as to believe the place might, with proper 
attention, be made the county-seat. In pursuance of that 
idea, he interested Maj. Calvin Britain, of St. Joseph, in 
the project, laid out the 80 acres into village lots, staked 
a site for the court-house, published a map, upon which he 
showed a thriving village, with a steamboat proudly plow- 
ing the waters of the lake, and put his town on the 
market. Wild-cat money was then plenty, and Freeman 
sold a number of lots as high as $150 each to speculators, 
H. N. Phelps buying 23 of them. 

Freeman put up a small frame building, in which he pro- 
posed to open a store, and matters began to look encour- 
aging for Van Buren Centre. Before any considerable 
result was reached, however, the wild-cat money of the day 
became worthless paper. Freeman failed, and his ambitious 
projects went down with him. Phelps, having become in- 
terested in the prospective village, put up a tavern opposite 
Freeman's store building, and was the landlord when, in 
1837, Robert Christie, of Washtenaw County, came along 
with his family en route to Hartford, where he had bought 
considerable land. The ideal village of Van Buren Centre 
consisted then of Phelps' tavern and Freeman's abandoned 
store building, into which latter Christie moved his family, 
proposing to stop there until he could prepare his Hartford 
place for habitation. 

He and his two eldest sons went to Hartford, in July, 
worked there until Saturday night, and returned to the 
lake to spend Sunday. They were, however, stricken with 
ague, and from that time until the next January not only 
they, but the rest of the fiimily, lay helpless with fever and 
ague. During that time Christie exchanged his Hartford 
land with Phelps, taking the latter's 23 village lots and 
tavern stand therefor. Christie thereupon took possession 
of the tavern, converted his village lots into a farm, and 
was a landlord until the stages were withdrawn from the 
Territorial road, when he closed the tavern, but continued 
to reside there until his death, in April, 1865. Five of 
Mr. Christie's sons are now living, namely, Henry, Charles 
E., and James E., in Lawrence; David, in Decatur; and 
McDaniel, in Hamilton. 

John H. Stoddard, a son-in-law of Robert Christie, came 
from Washtenaw County the year following Christie's set- 
tlement, and located south of Prospect Lake, where he 
lived a year, and then moved to Paw Paw. He remained 
there until 1863, returning in that year to the lake, where 
he now resides. When Mr. Christie came to Prospect 
Lake, Samuel Gunton was living on section 35, but two 
years later returned to New York, whence he had come. 
Nathaniel Starkweather was living in the southern portion 
of section 36, but left about 1840 for other parts. In that 
vicinity other early settlers were Oliver Witter, — who.sc 




Photo, by Agrell, Allegan. 



A. S. HASKIN, M.D. 



This gentleman was born in the town of" Moriah, 
Essex Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1827. In 1828 he 
moved with his parents to Bridport, Addison Co., 
Vt., and in 1834, to Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y. 
In 1840 he removed to La Grange Co., Indiana; in 
1843 to Benton, Elkhart Co., Ind. ; in 1848, to Cass 
Co., Mich.; and in 1857, to Lawrence, Van Buren 
Co., Mich., where he at present resides, enjoying tiie 
comforts of a pleasant home. Until the year 1850 
he was engaged in agricultural pursuits; but at 
that time he decided to enter the professional field, 
and chose the medical branch. He engaged as a 
teacher until 1855, employing his spare time in 
the study of medicine. In the fall of 1855 he en- 
tered the office of William E. Clark, and read for 
two years, attending lectures during the time at Ann 
Arbor. In the fall of 1857 he began practice, and 
through the succeeding years has been eminently 



successful. His father, Samuel R. Haskin, came to 
Lawrence about 1866-67, and died here in Novem- 
ber, 1868. His wife had died in 1866, on the old 
homestead in Vermont. Mr. Haskin, Sr., passed 
his days as a farmer, never desiring to engage in 
any other jiursuit. 

Dr. Haskin was married, April 9, 1854, to Miss 
Olive, daughter of Selah and Charity Pickett. Her 
death occurred Nov. 10, 1855; and on tlie 17tl) 
of December, 1860, the doctor was married to Miss 
Martha J. McKnight. 

Dr. Haskin has filled, with satisfaction to all, sev- 
eral offices in the township and village, to which he 
has been elected. He is at present one of the coro- 
ners of the county of Van Buren. He is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Clmrch, uniting with it 
at the age of seventeen. In politics he has always 
been and remains a staunch Republican. 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



493 



two sons, O. J. and L. M. Witter, now live in the township, 
— Rodolphus Howe, Cyrus Eathbone, and Leonard Watson. 
Hosea Howard, a Vermonter, came to Lawrence in 1839, 
and settled in section 32, upon a farm purchased of William 
M. Lee; Hector Yorke located the land in 1836, and sold 
it to William Clark, who settled upon it, but remained a 
short time only. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. 

Lawrence township was organized in 1837, and included 
at that time the territory now occupied by Lawrence, Ar- 
lington, and Hartford. Hartford was set off in 1840 and 
Arlington in 1841. 

The records of the township furnish the following report 
touching the first township-meeting : 

" At the first township-meeting of the inhabitants of the 
town of Lawrence, held at the house of Horace Stimson, on 
the 3d day of April, 1837, John R. Haynes was called to 
the chair as moderator, and John Reynolds was appointed 
clerk pro /em. Proclamation was made by tlie presiding 
officer of the days for opening of the polls for the election 
of township officers. . . . The following persons were duly 
elected, to wit : John R. Haynes, Supervisor ; Orrin Sut- 
ton, Township Clerk; Hiram Hilliard, Collector; Jo.seph 
Haynes, John Reynolds, Horace Stimson, Assessors ; John 
D. Freeman, James Gray, and Eaton Branch, Commis- 
sioners of Highways; Hiram Hilliard, William R. Wil- 
liams, Constables ; George S. Reynolds and Dexter Gibbs, 
Directors of the Poor. 

Resolutions were passed at this meeting as follows : 

" lieMolveffy That there be a bounty of five dollars on each wolf-scalp 
taken in this town the present j'car, and five dollars on each panther- 
scalp caught in this town the present year. 

" Jiesolved, That there be eight overseers of highways in this town 
the present year. The following persons were chosen overseers of 
roads: For road district No. 1, Truman Gillman; No. 2, Eaton 
Branch: No. 3, William M. Reynolds; No. 4, Orrin Sutton; No. i, 
William R. Williams; No. 6, Samuel Gimton ; No. 7, Peter Dopp." 

At a special meeting, on April 29th, in the same year, 
justices of the peace and school inspectors were elected, as 
follows : Justices, George S. Reynolds, Dexter Gibbs, Rich- 
ard B. Danks, Alvin Harris ; School Inspectors, Nathaniel 
B. Starkweather, Hiram Hilliard, John Reynolds. 

The persons chosen annually, from 1838 to 1879, inclu- 
sive, to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, school inspec- 
tors, and justices of the peace, are named in the following 
list, with years of their election, viz. : 

1838. — Supervisor, John Reynolds; Clerk, Orrin Sutton; Treasurer, 
Joseph Haynes; School Inspectors, L. Humphrey, H. Hill- 
iard, C. Bateman; Justices of the Peace, Henry Hammond, 
H. N. Phelps. 

1839.— Supervisor, John Reynolds; Clerk, Orrin Sutton; Treasurer, 
0. Sutton ; School Inspectors, C. Bateman, L. Humphrey, 
J. Reynolds; Justice of the Peace, 0. Sutton. 

1840. — Supervisor, J. R. Haynes ; Cleric, George Parmelee ; Treas- 
urer, Joseph Haynes; School Inspectors, G. Parmelee, H. 
Hilliard, N. S. Marshall; Justice of the Peace, J.Reynolds. 

1841.— Supervisor, J. R. Haynes ; Clerk, A. H. Phelps ; Treasurer, 
Joseph Haynes; School Inspectors, E. H. Kecler, J. Rey- 
nolds, E. 0. Briggs; Justice of the Peace, Major Heath. 

1842.— Supervisor, B. F. Ch.adwick ; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 
Alexander Newton ; School Inspectors, H. P. Barnum, J. 
Andrews, B. F. Chadwick ; Justice of the Peace, John 
Andrews, 



1843. — Supervisor, John Andrews; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

Alexander Newton; School Inspectors, J.Andrews, N. S. 

Marshall, B. F. Chadwick; Justice of the Peace, B. F. 

Chadwick. 
1844.— Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A. II. Phelps; Treasurer, 

Alexander Newton ; School Inspectors, J. Andrews, N. S. 

Marshall; Justice of the Peace, J. R. Haynes. 
1S45. — Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

J. R. Haynes ; School Inspector, George Parmelee ; Justice 

of the Peace, J. Andrews. 
1846.— No record. 
1847. — Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

H.N. Phelps; School Inspector, T. B. Irwin; Justice of the 

Peace, T. S. Camp. 
1S48. — Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A.H.Phelps; Treasurer, 

H. N. Phelps; School Inspector, 0. M. Baker; Justices of 

the Peace, D. Hodges, T. B. Irwin. 
1849.— Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

H. N. Phelps; School Inspector, W. M. Blowers; Justice of 

the Peace, Chauncey Potter. 
1850. — Supervisor, H. P. Barnum; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

H. N. Phelps; School Inspector, 0. M. Baker; Justice of 

the Peace, John Andrews. 
1851. — Supervisor, John Andrews; Clerk, A. H. Phelps; Treasurer, 

J. G. Lammon; School Inspector, C. P. Prindle; Justice of 

the Peace, H. Balfour. 
1852. — Supervisor, John Andrews; Clerk, Richard Ferris; Treas- 
urer, J. 6. Lammon; School Inspector, 0. M. Baker; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, N. S. Marshall. 
1853.— No record. 
1854.— Supervisor, T. B. Irwin; Clerk, J. L. Phillips; Treasurer, J. 

G. Lammon. 
1855. — Supervisor, T. B. Irwin; Clerk, J. L. Phillips; Treasurer, J. 

G. Lammon; School Inspector, N. Rowe; Justice of the 

Peace. .John .\ndrews. 
1856. — Supervisor, John Andrews; Clerk, J. L. Phillips; Treasurer, 

J. G. Lammon; School Inspector, C. S. Dunham; Justice 

of the Peace, J. H. White. 
1857. — Supervisor, E.Southwell; Clerk, William Hodges; Treasurer, 

S. G. Mather; School Inspector, W. M. Blowers; Justice of 

the Peace, William Powers. 
1858. — Supervisor, Nelson Rowe; Clerk, William Hodges; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton; School Inspector, A. S. Haskin; Justice of the 

Peace, Chauncey Potter. 
1859. — Supervisor, Nelson Rowe; Clerk, N. Crisscy; Treasurer, Orrin 

Sutton; School Inspector, E. S. Dunham; Justice of the 

Peace, George Bennett. 
1S60.— Supervisor, Nelson Rowe; Clerk, J. L. Phillips; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton : School Inspectors, 0. Rowland, T. Stow ; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, J. H. White. 
1861. — Supervisor, Nelson Rowe ; Clerk, H. M. Marshall; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton ; School Inspectors, 0. Rowland, J. B. Upton ; 

Justice of the Peace, George Bennett. 
1S62. — Supervisor, Nelson Rowe; Clerk, H. M. Marshall; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton: School Inspector, B. M.Williams; Justice of 

the Peace, D. C. Sweet. 
1863.— Supervisor, Nelson Rowe; Clerk, H. M. Marshall; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton; School Inspector, H. L. Cornwell; Justice of 

the Peace, J. M. Blowers. 
1864.— Supervisor, J. B. Upton; Clerk, H. M. Marshall; Treasurer, 

Orrin Sutton; School Inspector, C. C. Stutsman; Justice of 

the Peace, J. H. White. 
1865.— Supervisor, J. B. Putter ; Clerk, J. II. White ; Treasurer, Orrin 

Sutton; School Inspector, H.Jacobs; Justice of the Peace, 

S. Ransom. 
1866.— Supervisor, J. B. Potter; Clerk, L. M. Hodges; Treasurer, H. 

M. Marshall ; School Inspector, J. Scotsford ; Justice of the 

Peace, E. Lanphear. 
1867.— Supervisor, J. B. Potter; Clerk, L. M. Hodges; Treasurer, H. 

M. Marshall; School Inspector, A. G. Coney; Justice of the 

Peace, J. M. Blowers. 
1868.- Supervisor, J. B. Potter; Clerk, 0. W. Rowland; Treasurer, 

W. W. Bass; School Inspector, H. L. Cornwell; Justice of 

the Peace, J. H. White. 
1869.— Supervisor, J. B. Potter; Clerk, G.A.Cross; Treasurer, A. U. 



494 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Draper; School Inspector, S. Plopper; Justice of the Peace, 

E. Rowland. 
1870.— Supervisor, C. Richards; Clerk, G.A.Cross; Treasurer, A. H. 

Draper; School Inspector, H. Jacobs; Justice of the Pe<ice, 

A. Sturtevant. 
1871. — Supervisor, W. W. Bass ; Clerk, George W. Rowe; Treasurer, 

G. A. Cross; School Inspector, II. Donaldson; Justice of the 

Peace, A. Rice, 
1872.— Supervisor, W. W. Bass ; Clerk, L. J. Dane; Treasurer, G. A. 

Cross; School Inspector, A. Rice; Justice of the Peace, C. 

Rockwell. 
1873. — Supervisor, C. Rockwell ; Clerk, J. F. Barrows; Treasurer, 6. 

A. Cross; School Inspector, E. S. Cleveland; Justice of the 

Peace, S. Cole. 
1874. — Supervisor, C. Rockwell; Clerk, J. F. Barrows; Treasurer, G. 

A. Cross; School Inspector, II. Donaldson; Justice of the 

Peace, C. Rockwell. 
1875. — Supervisor, C. Rockwell; Clerk, J. F. Barrows; Treasurer, G. 

A. Cross; School Inspector, H. Donaldson; Justice of the 

Peace, J. M. Blowers. 
1876. — Supervisor, C. Rockwell ; Clerk, J. F. Barrows ; Treasurer, G. 

A. Cross; School Inspector, H. L. Cornwell; Justice of the 

Peace, H. A. Donaldson. 
1877.— Supervisor, C. Rockwell; Clerk, J. B. Potter; Treasurer, G. 

A. Cross ; School Inspector, B. M. Williams ; Justice of the 

Peace, J. Burcham. 
1878. — Supervisor, C. Rockwell; Clerk, J. F. Barrows; Treasurer, G. 

A. Cross; School Inspector, H. Donaldson; Justice of the 

Peace, C. Rockwell. 
1879.— Supervisor, C. Rockwell ; Clerk, J. B. Potter; Treasurer, J. F. 

Barrows; School Inspector, H. Donaldson; Justice of the 

Peace, W. H. Page. 

The Township Board for 1879 comprised Charles Rock- 
well, J. B. Potter, Henry Donaldson, Jabez Burcham. 
The School Inspectors were Henry Donaldson and Rev. L. 
A. Cole (School Superintendent). The Justices of the 
Peace were H. A. Donaldson, J. Burcham, and W. H. 
Page. 

LAWRENCE VILLAGE. 

In June, 1835, John Allen, of Ann Arbor, entered 40 
acres in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of 
section 10, of the township now Lawrence. Here Mr. Al- 
len laid out a village and called it Mason, in honor of the 
(then) Governor of Michigan. The new village was south 
of the Paw Paw, and near a creek which possessed consid- 
erable water-power ; and upon the manufacturing capacity 
of these streams at that point Allen doubtless based his 
theory that the village would thrive. Having laid out his 
town on paper, Mr. Allen, who bad himself no intention of 
actually settling, looked about him for some man whom he 
could induce to begin the improvement of the place. He 
interviewed Eaton Branch, of Ann Arbor, upon the matter; 
but Branch was not inclined towards the venture. Shortly 
afterwards Allen met Branch, saying, " I don't want you ; 
I've got a man and his wife to go out to Mason." " Who's 
the man ?" asked Branch. " Ephraim Palmer." " Ephiaim 
Palmer?" replied Branch ; " well, all I have to say to you is, 
watcli him." " Oh," returned Allen, " you needn't attempt 
to set me against Palmer ; I am a phrenologist, I tell you, 
and I am thoroughly satisfied that the man is honest." 
So Palmer and his wife, fresh from Ohio, went to Ma.son, 
and from a spot on the bank of Brush Creek, about thirty- 
five rods north of the Lawrence school-house, he cleared the 
underbrush preparatory to putting up a log cabin. It was 
in August, 1835, that the Palmers reached the place, and 



as before that time the only settlement in the township 
was that of Stephen Fountain, a bachelor, near Prospect 
Lake, theirs was the first family settlement in Lawrence. 
Palmer cut logs of fourteen feet in length for his house, 
and when he was ready to raise it he had the assistance of 
Allen, Fountain, E. Barnum (who had just come in from 
Paw Paw), and a man who happened to be there in search 
of land. These five men raised the house seven logs high, 
as the best their strength could reach. The cabin had a 
door but no windows, and for a little while the Palmers 
lived in it without floor or roof. The fireplace was against 
the logs of the side-wall, and a hole in the roof served in- 
stead of a chimney. 

About a month after Palmer's settlement he left the 
place suddenly and was heard of no more, except that he 
passed through St. Joseph, with his wife, on their way 
West. It is said that his sudden departure caused Mr. 
Allen to lose faith in the value of his phrenological knowl- 
edge. 

Shortly after Palmer's departure his deserted cabin was 
occupied by John Reynolds, who, with his brother George, 
had just previously located upon section 13. Nov. 15, 
1835, Reynolds and his wife received into their cabin a dele- 
gation of eleven people, ten of whom came to settle, and as 
Reynolds' house was the only one at hand, they were forced 
to crowd into it. These people were Eaton Branch and 
wife, Dexter Gibbs and wife, with five children, John Allen, 
and William Williams. There were thirteen, all told, who 
occupied the house, and as the room in which they slept was 
but twelve feet square, they were really in close quarters. 
As a matter of convenience, the gentlemen selected for their 
dressing-room an out-door spot behind a brush pile. They 
were, however, shortly in more expansive accommodations, 
when Allen built a double log house, and called it a tavern. 
It had on the ground-floor two rooms each fourteen feet 
square, with sleeping apartments above, and .stood just east 
of where Mrs. Goodenough now lives. Dexter Gibbs was 
promoted to be the landlord of the tavern, and maintained the 
dignity of that position until his death, in October, 1838. 

The building of a saw-mill in 183(3 by John Allen and 
John R. Haynes gave the village some impetus, but its 
growth was exceedingly slow, and in 1843, eight years after 
Allen laid it out, it contained but ten families, viz. : Wat- 
son Poole, a carpenter ; Alexander Newton, a farmer ; 
Norman Birse, cabinet-maker ; John R. Haynes, miller ; 
Joseph Haynes, farmer ; Israel Branch, farmer ; A. H. 
Phelps, fur-trader and miller ; J. P. Fisk, blacksmith ; Ben- 
jamin Dunning, blacksmith ; and Rodolphus Howe, stock- 
dealer. At that time the place had lost its original name of 
Mason and was known as Brush Creek, from the stream 
flowing through it. 

The story is told of John R. Baker (living in Paw Paw 
at that time, and the owner of considerable village prop- 
erty in Brush Creek) that he rechristencd the place Law- 
rence, after the name of the township, and that upon being 
asked by a traveler for directions to find Brush Creek, sent 
the man to Chadwick's mill, on the creek, saying imme- 
diately afterwards, " I'll teach him not to call my bright 
little village by the ugly name of Brush Creek." 

John Allen, who founded Lawrence village, was a resident 





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,yf<^-•'-^ ''^'- '^/^-^^ q/ '/^" J^ t?r-^cL 




REsiDtnCE or T, IV. HOU/ARD, Lawrence, MiCH 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



495 



of Ann Arbor, and a very enterprising man. He dealt 
largely in Western lands, confining his ventures chiefly to 
Michigan. Unlike most Western land speculators, he sought 
to improve his purchases by the practical method of fitting 
the territory for settlement and cultivation, and thus by 
energetic management realized a considerable profit in the 
business, while he pushed the development of the country 
briskly forward. He joined the tide of speculation as it 
set in towards the Pacific coast, and died a resident of San 
Francisco, Cal. 

It may be mentioned that Allen mortgaged the Mason 
village property to John R. Baker, and to satisfy that Baker 
was compelled to take the land, and thus, as has been noted, 
became the village proprietor, and renamed it Lawrence. 

Lawrence Merchants. — While Dexter Gibbs was keep- 
ing hotel in the old double log house, John Allen put a 
small stock of goods into the bar-room, and engaged 
Ephraim Taylor to sell them. The assortment was doubt- 
less meagre and the stock light, for there was scarcely a 
field at that time for the development of liberal enterprise 
in the matter of trade. Not much of an improvement was 
the store opened by John R. Haynes, in the second story 
of his saw-mill, some time in 1836. Half of his customers, 
it is said, were Indians, and probably very few of his goods 
were sold for cash. Ca.sh was scarce, but " dicker" was 
more plentiful, and Haynes, of course, like a sensible trader, 
accommodated his customers. He carried on the trade four 
or five years, when he dispo.sed of his store and saw-mill 
interest to H. N. and A. H. Phelps. H. N. Phelps had 
come to Lawrence for the purpose of lumbering, and had 
brought a stock of goods with him. These goods he put 
into the Haynes store, and there he and his brother traded 
until 1845, when they transferred the store business to a 
log house formerly occupied by Alexander Newton as a 
residence, upon the site now covered by the Chadwick block. 
In 1847 they built a short distance south of the log struc- 
ture a story and a half frame dwelling, and moved their 
goods into it. That store was in that day considered a 
remarkably fine one, and awakened great admiration. The 
Phelps brothers continued in their new store until 1849, 
when they retired and lea.scd the building to John R. 
Haynes, who resumed business and stocked the store with 
goods bought from Albion by Marvin Hannahs, the latter 
having come to Lawrence to put up a grist-mill. 

Haynes traded at that location two years, and in 1851 
having put up a fine building at what is known now as 
Crissey Corners, opened it as a drug- and grocery-store. 
Upon his retirement from the Phelps store it was reopened 
by Thomas De Wolf, who had been the representative at 
Lawrence of James E. Bishop, of Chicago, who was 
largely concerned in lumbering. In 1853, H. N. Phelps 
became De Wolfs partner, and retiring in 1854, was suc- 
ceeded by the firm of Phelps, Balfour & (James) Haynes. 
That firm wound up business in 1855. Haynes closed his 
grocery- and drugstore in 1854, and was succeeded there 
by Thomas De Wolf and Sylvanus Rowe. De Wolf removed 
to Chicago in 1855, and Rowe continued on liis own account 
until 1856, when he moved to a place previously occupied 
by Uri Utley, took in Mr. Lockwood as a partner, and 
closed January, 1858. Rowe went to Decatur, came back 



to Lawrence and opened a store, in which he was burned 
out, and after that he confined himself to the practice of 
medicine. 

Returning to 1850, one Mitchell opened a store that year 
on the site of Dexter Gibbs' log tavern. He soon moved 
across the river, where he traded a year, and in 1851, Wil- 
liam Hodges opened a store adjoining Mitchell's place, and 
carried it on until 1855. In 1854, J. M. Fi.sk and Clemens 
put up the first building, on the east side of the street south 
of Crissey 's Corners, and opened it with a general stock. 
Clemens went out in about ninety days, and in 1857, J. 
M. Fisk sold the business to his father, J. P. Fisk, who 
retained it until his death, in 1865. E. H. Phelps kept 
store for a time in the place vacated by Sylvanus Rowe in 
1858, and in 1856, J. E. Bishop opened what is now the 
Chadwick store. E. E. & J. L. Chadwick first occupied 
the place in 1858. The store is still kept by E. E. Chad- 
wick, his brother having died in 1872. 

In 1860, H. M. Marshall, who had been clerking for 
Sylvanus Rowe, opened a stoi'e across the river, moved into 
the village the same year, and in 1874 completed and oc- 
cupied the fine brick block in which he now carries on his 
business. Charles W. and J. M. Fisk succeeded J. P. 
Fisk in 1865, and in 1868, the firm dissolving, J. M. Fisk 
moved into the brick store he now occupies, and which he 
built that year. Ridlon, Phelps & Co. entered the trade 
in 1867, in the building now occupied by H. L. Cornwell. 
Ridlon bought out his two partners — Phelps and Cornwell 
— and pursued the business until 1872, when he moved 
away. Cornwell — who had been at Cassopolis — returned 
10 Lawrence in 1873, and reopened the old store for account 
of Phelps & Cornwell. Phelps retired in 1875, and W. 
E. Cornwell came in. In 1879, W. E. Cornwell retired, 
and opened a store across the way. 

Besides the general stores of E. E. Chadwiek, H. M. 
Marshall, J. M. Fisk, and H. L. Cornwell, there are in the 
village the grocery-stores of W..E. Cornwell and J. L. 
Phillips ; the drug-stores of J. F. Barrows and George 
Jerome; the hardware-store of Hill Brothers; and the 
usual minor bu.siness establi.shments found in a country 
town. 

Physicians. — The Rev. J. L. Marvin, one of the pastors 
of the Lawrence Congregational Church, also practiced 
medicine from 1844 to 1851, when he moved to Paw Paw. 
Previous to Dr. Marvin's coming, Lawrence people had to 
go to Paw Paw when a doctor was needed. During Dr. 
Marvin's residence in Lawrence, Dr. C. P. Prindle was also 
a village practitioner. He became afterwards a resident of 
Dowagiac, where he died. During 1853, Drs. Nelson 
Rowe, Sylvanus Rowe, and Joel Camp located in the village. 
Dr. Nelson Rowe died in 1864. Dr. Sylvanus Rowe is still 
in practice at the village. Dr. Camp went to Bangor to 
live in 1861. Dr. A. F. Haskins came in 1858, and is 
still one of the village physicians. Dr. Terwilliger came 
in 1861, and left in 1863. In 1862, Dr. 0. B. Wiggins 
began practice in Lawrence, and still pursues it. Besides 
the physicians above noted as in practice in Lawrence, there 
are also Drs. E. S. Cleveland and William Rowe. 

Mills and Millers. — In the summer of 1836, John Allen 
and John R. Haynes built a saw-mill on Brush Creek, but 



496 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



did not saw any lumber until early in the winter. About 
1844, H. N. & A. H. Phelps bought the mill, and after- 
wards replaced it with the one now operated on the same 
site by llufus Tillou. Previous to 1844, A. H. & Colonel 
Theodore Phelps had put up a saw-mill two miles and a 
half south of the village. They sold it in 1843 to Gen. 
B. F. Cliadwiek, from whom it took the name by which it 
is yet known, — Chadwick's mill. Thomas Hayes operates 
it at present. 

The Phelps brothers had also a store in connection with 
their mill, and used to barter goods for logs. Their lumber 
they floated to market at St. Joseph. 

In 1848 a stock company, composed of William Hodges, 
H. N. Phelps, T. S. Camp, John Andrews, and A. H. 
Phelps, put up a large saw-mill on the Paw Paw River, 
near the village. In 1850, Marvin Hannahs, of Albion, 
erected a grist-mill near the saw-mill and put in two run of 
stones. Haynes had a small run of stones in his old mill 
in 1838, but its grinding capacity was verj' small. Han- 
nahs' mill may therefore be noted as the first of its kind 
worthy the name of grist-mill. In 1SG2 the grist-mill and 
saw-mill on the Paw Paw were destroyed by fire. In that 
year William Anderson built on Brush Creek the grist- 
mill now owned by Tillou & Olin, to whom Anderson sold 
the property in 1868. Rufus Tillou manages both the 
grist-mill and the adjoining saw-mill for his own account. 

The steam saw-mill just east of the village, run by Sut- 
ton & Seeley, was started by Tillou & Cable in 1864. R. 
Osgood's steam saw-mill, near there, was built by Osgood & 
Lane in 1867. Henry E. Rowland's steam planing-mill, 
which he built in 1878, completes the list of mills at the 
village. 

L. J. Dane, who has a plow-point works and general 
repair-shop at Lawrence village, has been engaged in the 
same business at that place since 1866. He operates also 
an extensive cider-mill, and is interested with C. L. Nor- 
throp in a cider-jelly manufactory, a cider-viuegar works, 
and an apple-drying establishment, all these being located 
near the railway depot in Lawrence. 

Village Organization. — The village of Lawrence was 
incorporated under act of Legislature approved March 24 
1869, and in that act the village limits were described as 
follows: All that tract of country situated in the township 
of Lawrence as to wit, the east half of the southwest quarter 
of section 9 and the east half of section 9, the west half of 
section 10, the north half of the northwest quarter of 
section 15, and the north half of the northeast quarter of 
section 16. 

The first annual election for village officers was held 
May 3, 1869, in Chadwick's Hall, on which occasion the 
aggregate number of votes cast was 139. From the year 
of the first election to 1879, inclusive, the village presi- 
dents, trustees, recorders, and treasurers have been chosen 
as follows: 

1869. — President, Sylvanus Rowo; Kccorder, B. M. Williams: Treas- 
urer, E.S.Cleveland; Trustees, Joseph Trumbull, James 
B. Johnston, Amos Darling, Francis A. Wakefield, Charles 
M. Bridges. 

1870. — President, Sylvanus Rowe; Recorier, .T. B. Potter; Treasurer, 
E. S. Cleveland; Trustees, James B. Johnston, Amos Dar- 
ling, Joseph TruMihull, II. M. Manshall, Stejihcn Hansom. 



1871.— President, James B. Johnston; Recorder, H. M. Marshall; 
Treasurer, George Rowe; Trustees, L. J. Dane, Joseph E. 
Trumbull, Sylvanus Rowe, James M. Fisk, J. B. Hen- 
dricks. 

1872.— President, John M. Fisk; Recorder, Edward S. Cleveland; 
Treasurer, George A. Cross; Trustees, Charles Rockwell, 
H. M. Marshall, Lyman J. Dane, E. H. Phelps, Leonard 
Watson. 

187.3.— President, Sylvanus Rowe; Recorder, E. S.Cleveland; Treas- 
urer, George A. Cross ; Trustees, J. M. Fisk, Charles Rock- 
well, E. H. Phelps, R. Webster, H. M. Marshall. 

1874. — President, Sylvanus Rowe; Recorder, H. M. Marshall ; Treas- 
urer, J. F. Barrows ; Trustees, M. A. Howe, Talcott Shaver, 
C. S. Sutton, L. J. Dane, R. Webster. 

187.5. — President, J. B. Johnston ; Recorder, H. M. Marshall ; Treas- 
urer, J. F. Barrows ; Trustees, J. F. Barrows, J. M. Fisk, 
Charles Rockwell, G. A. 'Cross, R. Webster. 

1S7G.— President, A. S. Haskin ; Recorder, Theo. L. Reynolds; 
Treasurer, John P. Barrows; Trustees, A. H. Draper, T. 0. 
Sweet, E. H. Phelps, J. W. Seeley, William W. Vandervoer. 

1877. — President, J. B. Johnston ; Recorder, J. B. Potter ; Treasurer, 
John F. Barrows ; Trustees, 0. B. Wiggins, F. A. Chadwick, 
William W. Vanderveer, Samuel G. Mather, James M. Fisk. 

1878. — President, R. L. Warren; Recorder, J. B. Potter; Treasurer, 
J. F. Barrows; Trustees, Charles Rockwell, 0. B. Wiggins, 
A. S. Haskin, F. A. Chadwick, Samuel G. Mather. 

187il.— President, 0. B. Wiggins; Recorder, J. B. Potter; Treasurer, 
J. F. Barrows ; Trustees, J. W. Seeley, 0. E. Holmes, Fran- 
cis Branch, Charles Rockwell, H. M. M.arshall, Thomas 0. 
Sweet. 

The Fire o/ 1859.— On the night of Dec. 31, 1859, the 
village of Lawrence was visited with a destructive fire, 
which swept the west side of Paw Paw Street of all its 
stores, and laid nearly the entire business portion of the 
town in ashes. The stores burned were two belonging to 
Chadwick & Bro., and the places of Sylvanus Rowe, J. B. 
Potter, George Koon, J. L. Phillips, and L. Moulton. The 
aggregate loss was about $12,500. Measures were, how- 
ever, speedily taken for the rebuilding of the structures, 
although the business interests of the village received a 
severe blow through the disaster, which now would be con- 
sidered serious, and then was a great public calamity. 

The Lawrence Advertiser, now. published at Lawrence 
by Van Hoesen & Bates, was founded by Theodore L. 
Reynolds in February, 1874, and continued by him until 
1876, when he sold it to G. A. Cross, who disposed of it 
three months afterwards to R. L. Warren. In October, 
1879, Mr. Warren transferred his interest to the present 
publishers, continuing, however, his editorial control. The 
paper is strongly Republican. It contains 4 pages, or 28 
columns of printed matter, and is issued weekly. 

Paw Paw Valley Agricultural Society. — In 1863 a 
stock company was organized for the purpose of holding 
annual autumn fiiirs at Lawrence, and in the western part 
of the village laid out grounds and improved them to the 
extent of an investment of $5000. After an existence of 
eight years the company failed, and its effects passing to a 
new organization called the Paw I'aw Valley Agricultural 
Society, this latter has carried the matter forward since 
then with much success. The grounds, which are well ap- 
pointed, cover about 20 acres. For 1879, the President 
was H. J. Hendryx, of Decatur ; the Vice-President, 
Amos Dopp, of Lawrence ; the Secretary, J. B. Potter, of 
Lawrence ; and Treasurer, Charles Rockwell, of Lawrence. 

liising Sun Lodge, No. 119, F. and A. M., was char- 
tered Jan. 13, 1860, and is claimed to be the third lodge 






DAVID FERRIS. 



MRS. DAVID FERRIS. 



DAVID FEREIS. 



Thomas Ferris, the father of David, was born in 
Wasiiington Co., N. Y., April 19, 1779. Mrs. 
Thomas Ferris was born Nov. 9, 1790. Their 
family consisted of the following children, viz. : 
David, born Dec. 12, 1812; Rachel, born April 30, 
1814; Daniel, born Jan. 20, 1817; Adeline, born 
July 9, 1818 ; Julie E., born June 23, 1820; War- 
ren, born Sept. 20, 1822, died Oct. 28, following; 
Elizabeth A., born April 23, 1824; Lucy Ann, 
born Feb. 25, 1826; Sheldon, born Jan. 18, 1830; 
Ira W., born Oct. 3, 1832; Hattie, born Dee. 1, 
1834. Mrs. Ferris died Sept. 14, 1840; Thomas 
Ferris died May 27, 1875. 

David Ferris, the oldest of the above large family 
of children, was born in the State of Pennsylvania. 
When but a child he removed with his parents to 
Washington Co., N. Y. ; thence, in 1820, to Jeffer- 
son County ; in 1833, to St. Lawrence County ; and 
in 1850 he came to Lawrence township. Van Buren 
Co., Mich. Mr. Ferris was reared on a farm, and 



engaged in agricultural pursuits, with his father, 
until he was twenty-five years of age, when he 
entered the employ of an iron company, at ten 
dollars per month, and remained with them five 
years. Jan. 9, 1843, he married Miss Elizabeth A., 
daughter of Joseph and Jerusha Goodell. Their 
children have been six in number, as follows : 
Jerusha, born April 6, 1844 ; Louisa A., born July 
14, 1845; Charles D., born May 29, 1847; Ellen 
J., born Aug. 29, 1849, died Aug. 7, 1873; Harriet 
J., born Nov. 1,1854; Sheldon E., born Jan. 6, 
1862, died Oct. 8, 1865. In 1862, Mr. Ferris 
purchased eighty acres of wild land, cleared and 
improved it, and has transformed it into a fruitful 
farm, which he now occupies. He is known to his 
neighbors as an upright, honorable man, and to no 
one is he indebted a single dollar. His persevering 
labors through the years that have passed have 
brought him prosperity and a competence, which he 
can now enjoy. Mrs. David Ferris died April 7, 1878. 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWKENCE. 



497 



in the State in point of age. Its charter members were 10 
in number, as follows : Emory 0. Brings, 51. ; J. R. Ste- 
venson, S. W. ; John B. Hudson, J. W. ; Goodale, 

R. B. Banks, S. G. Mather, C. H. Belts, Peter Dyer, 
Clarii Van Dervoort, H. Bunnell. The lodge-room, in the 
Marshall block, Lawrence, is one of the handsomest in the 
county. The membership Dec. 1, 1879, was 80, when 
the ofiScers were J. F. Barrows, W. M. ; 0. B. Wiggins, 
S. W. ; Orrin Crawford, J. W. ; Charles RockweH, T. ; 
George Crawford, S. D. ; T. 0. Sweet, J. D. ; L. J. Dane, 
Tiler. 

Lawrence Chapter, No. 95, R. A. 31., was chartered 
Jan. 20, 1875, with Amos Dopp, S. G. Mather, R. W. 
Stickney, Eri Bennett, A. S. Haskins, Isaac Monroe, 
Newell Crissey, William Webster, E. L. Cross, and J. F. 
Barrows as members. Amos Dopp was H. P. ; S. G. 
Mather, K. ; R. W. Stickney, S. The present member- 
ship is 55. The officers are as follows ; Newell Crissey, 
H. P. ; S. G. Mather, K. ; A. S. Haskins, S. ; 0. B. 
Wiggins, Sec. ; Charles Rockwell, Treas. ; G. A. Cross, C. 
of H. ; Eri Bennett, P. S. ; J. F. Barrows, R. A. C. ; C. 
W. Sweet, 3d V. ; C. R. Webster, 2d V. ; T. 0. Sweet, 
1st V. ; M. Ryan, Tiler. 

. Lawrence Grange, No. 32, was organized in 187-t, with 
21 members. Meetings are held in Lawrence village 
once every two weeks. The present officers are William 
W. Bass, M. ; F. Branch, 0. ; D. S. Bacon, L. ; Albert 
Bryant, Treas. ; Charles Jacobs, Sec. ; T. Lanphear, 
Steward. 

Railway Communicatioii. — Previous agitation touching 
the necessity of railway connection with some point, resulted, 
in 1867, in great activity and enthusiasm in support of a 
project urged by John R. Baker to build a railway which 
should connect with the Grand Trunk. The proposition 
awakened much eager attention, brought out the promised 
support of local capitalists, filled the community with san- 
guine expectations, and pushed business briskly ahead, 
while real estate advanced considerably. Unfortunately 
the enterprise failed, and the reaction was great and de- 
pressing. Other railway projects followed in due time, and 
each fresh proposition received such local encouragement as 
disclosed a strong desire for railway conveniences, but noth- 
ing in the way of tangible results was reached until 1877, 
when the narrow-gauge road, known as the Toledo and 
South Haven, was completed from Paw Paw to Lawrence, 
and on September 15th of that year the first train reached 
Lawrence. Since that time the village has enjoyed the 
convenience of daily rail commuuicatiou with the outside 
world. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES IN LAWRENCE. 

First Congregational Church. — From an old church 
record, of date Aug. 19, 1837, it appears that " at a meet- 
ing on that day of several professors of religion, agreeable 
to previous notice given, in the township of Lawrence, the 
Rev. Silas Woodbury, of Kalamazoo, being present took 
his seat as moderator, and Horace Stimson was appointed 
clerk. On motion it was resolved ' that the time has ar- 
rived when it is our duty to organize ourselves into a 
church.' " The following persons presented letters and 
certificates of church membership : John R Haynes, 
63 



Margaret Haynes, William Haynes, Vine Branch, Abigail 
Branch, Israel Branch, Betsey Branch, Eaton Branch, 
Peter and Isabel Dopp, Margaret and James Dopp, Har- 
riett Bateman, Thomas S. Camp, Elizabeth Camp, Horace 
and Cynthia M. Stimson, Amanda M. Branch, and Anna 
Mellen. It was voted to call the church the First Presby- 
terian Church of Lawrence. John R. Haynes and Horace 
Stimson were chosen to be ruling elders, and a resolution 
was adopted placing the church under the care of the St. 
Joseph Presbytery. At the next church meeting, August 
20th, Thomas S. Camp and Vine Branch were ordained 
deacons. In February, 1838, Philander, infant daughter 
of Israel and Betsey Branch, and Mary Coates, daughter of 
Horace and Cynthia M. Stimson, were baptized by Rev. 
Luther Humphrey. 

Rev. Luther Humphrey was the first pastor of the church, 
and succeeding him Revs. Calvin Clark and D. Jefi'ers occu- 
pied the pulpit, although only the latter was ordained as 
pastor. At a meeting held Aug. 11, 1844, it was voted 
" to change the church to Congregational," whereupon all 
the officers resigned. The church was named the First 
Congregational Church of Lawrence, and August 12th 
Watson Pool and Horace Stimson were chosen deacons, 
and by resolution the church was placed under the care of 
the Kalamazoo Presbytery. 

Until February, 1858, worship was held in the village 
school-house and the Bapti.st church. February 20th the 
society's new church edifice was dedicated, E. Taylor, of 
Kalamazoo, preaching the dedication sermon. 

Since 1844 the church has had for its pastors Revs. 
J. L. Marvin, Walter Pattinson, John Scotford, Edward 
Cleveland, Edward Shaw, James Watts. Rev. G. W. 
Blanchard is the present pastor, and preaches once a week. 
The church trustees are H. L. Cornwell, F. M. Banta, 
and Eaton Branch. The deacons are Eaton Branch and 
Geo. Kelley. The membership Dec. 1, 1879, was 33. 
The Sunday-school is in a prosperous condition, and is in 
charge of the pastor. 

The First Baptist Church of Lawrence. — A Baptist 
Church was organized in Paw Paw, April 21, 1838, by six 
persons, and called the First Baptist Church of Lafayette. 
March 20, 1841, at a special meeting held in the house of 
Henry G. Monroe, near Lawrence, Orrin Sutton and wife, 
Peter Clark, and Simeon Brooks, of Lawrence, were re- 
ceived as members, Peter Clark was chosen deacon, and the 
name of the church changed to that of the Van Bureu 
County Church, located at Paw Paw and Brush Creek. At 
that meeting it was resolved, " That we adopt the following 
articles in addition to our former ones : 'As we believe 
faith establishes the law as a rule of articles, and is insep- 
arably connected with good works, consequently we believe 
it to be inconsistent with a profession of religion to sell or 
purchase lottery tickets, vend or use any intoxicating 
liquors, except as a medicine or for mechanical purposes, 
or to resort to any method of personal gratification or 
profit which will corrupt good morals or endanger the sal- 
vation of others.' " 

May 5, 1841, at a meeting of the church in the Brush 
Creek school-house, Laura A. Barnes (now Mrs. Allen 
Rice) was received by baptism. At a couucil convened at 



498 



HISTORY OP VAN BURBN COUNTY", MICHIGAN. 



the Brush Creek school-house, May 5, 1841, at which dele- 
giites from the churches of Edwardsburg and La Grange 
were in attendance, the young church was recognized. Its 
members numbered then 14, as follows : Staiford Godfrey, 
Ursula Conklin, Archibald Buys and wife, Luther Branch, 
Henry G. Monroe and wife, Peter Clark, Sally Heath, Sim- 
coo Brooks, Orrin Sutton and wife, Amanda Briggs, and 
Laura Adelia Barnes. Eev. William T. BIy was engaged 
as pastor, and preaching through 1841, added 11 persons 
to the church membership. May, 1842, the church 
joined the St. Joseph River Baptist Association, and until 
1844 struggled feebly without a pastor. From 1844 to 
1845, Rev. Moses Clark was the pastor, but from 1845 
to 1851 no regular public worship was held, and matters 
were far from prosperous, the organization of a new church 
in Paw Paw in 1844 having materially weakened the mem- 
bership. 

In 1851 the advent of Rev. E S. Dunham as pastor 
gave the church a new Isase of life, and under his zealous 
and active care much prosperity was gained. During his 
pastorate, which extended from 1851 to 1858, the name of 
the church was changed, Sept. 6, 1851, to the First Bap- 
tist Church of Lawrence. Tlie First Baptist Church so- 
ciety was organized Nov. 29, 1851, with Orrin Sutton, 
Allen Rice, and 0. S. Witter as trustees The building of 
a church edifice was commenced January, 1853, and in 
June, 1854, the church withdrew from the St. Joseph 
River Association to join the Kalamazoo River Associa- 
tion. The first church trustees were Tliomas De Wolf, 
0. S. Witter, D. T. Fox, Allen Rice, and Horace Dowd, 
and although the church was opened for worship in 1854, 
• — three denominations using it in common, — it was slow of 
completion and was not dedicated until 1865. A union 
Sunday-school was organized with the Congregationalists 
in 1854 and continued until 1858, when the latter occu- 
pied their own house of worship. After Mr. Dunham's 
retirement, in 1858, there was no pastor until 1861, when 
Rev. Albert Gore, of Hartford, was engaged and preached 
one year. His successors have been Revs. William H. 
Simons, Donald McGregor, H. Hayden, George S. Martin, 
J. W. Megan, and S. A. Colo. Mr. Cole has been the 
pastor since 1878, and preaches every Sunday. The 
membership is now about 80. Tiie deacons are Allen 
Rice, H. G. Barnes, and Henry Donaldson. The trustees 
are H. G. Barnes, Henry Donaldson, Levi Firmin, Lyman 
Moore, and L. Alden. The Sabbath-school numbers 40 
scholars, and is in charge of Superintendent William Mer- 
ritt and five teachers. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lawrence was or- 
ganized about 1840, and began to hold worship in the vil- 
lage school-house. In the absence of records referring to 
tlie early history of the church, the relation of that portion 
of the church's history is restricted to oral evidence. Upon 
tlie erection of the union sehool-house in Lawrence, the 
house previously in use was sold to the Methodist society, and 
remodeled into a house of worship. As such it still serves. 
The present pastor is Rev. V. G. Boyington, whose charge 
includes Lawrence, West Lawrence, and Hartford. The 
present church trustees are W. H. Corey, E. J. Lane, and 
Messrs. Ives, Modeu, Cornwell, and Braiiiard. The class- 



leader is E. J. Lane, and the church membership about 40. 
The Sabbath-school, which is in a flourishing condition, has 
an average attendance of from 30 to 40, and is in charge 
of T. J. Parker as superintendent. 

Latter-Day Saints. — In the " Nauvoo" district, just 
west and north of Prospect Lake, exists a religious organi- 
zation known as Latter-Day Saints, and by many incor- 
rectly called a Mormon community. The organization was 
effected in the year 18G8, by one E. C. Briggs, a traveling 
elder, with a membership of about 10, and called a branch 
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Since 
1868 preaching has been enjoyed pretty regularly every 
Sabbath in the Nauvoo school-house. The church mem- 
bership was at one time about 50, but is now reduced to 
12. The last elder of the church was Columbus Scott, 
who preached until November, 1879, since which time 
there has been no preaching, although meetings have been 
held every Sabbath as usual. The present church oflicials 
are Seth M. Bass, Priest ; David Bentley, Deacon ; Henry 
Manee, Teacher. 

First Free Methodist Church of Lawrence. — Catherine 
Coombs, Caroline Erdman, and Jane E. Ransom were the 
only members of the Free Methodist Church at its prelimi- 
nary organization, Aug. 27, 1871. At a second meeting, 
held September 1 7th, Lawton Draper and wife, Stephen Ran- 
som, and Hannah Say were received into membership, and 
a permanent organization of a class was eflfected by the elec- 
tion of Lawton Draper as leader. The organization was 
effected in the Baptist meeting-house by Rev. Edward P. 
Hart, district chairman of the Coldwater district, attached to 
the Michigan Conference. Until October, 1875, when the 
present house of worship was erected, services were held in 
the Baptist church once a fortnight. Upon its organiza- 
tion the church was included in the Waverly and Lawrence 
circuit, and has had for its pastors Revs. Ellsworth Leon- 
ardson, S. C. Stringham, J. W. Sharp, H. Ferguson, W. 
H. James, and J. Lawrence, the latter being now in the 
second year of his pastorate. The membership is 25. The 
trustees are Daniel Abrams and Stephen Ransom. The 
steward is Stephen Ransom, and the class-leader James 
Thompson. The Sunday-school contains six classes and is 
in charge of the pastor. 

Biscijik Church.— In March, 1874, Rev. W. W. John- 
son, an evangelist from Illinois, stopped at Lawrence 
during a tour through Michigan, and finding there seven 
persons of the Disciple faith anxious for a church organiza- 
tion, formed the church at a meeting held in the Baptist 
meeting-house March 22d. The seven persons who were 
admitted into the membership were T. 0. Sweet and wife, 
Michael Ryan and wife, Alice Denton, Luanie Howe, and 
Mary Howe. Nightly revival meetings were held in the 
Baptist church until April 6th, when the further use of 
the house being denied, and the church failing to increase 
beyond the original seven, the organization was dis- 
continued. 

No further attempt was made towards reviving the 
church until the winter of 1878, when Elder Levi Dewey, 
of Dowagiac, who had been holding services at the Red 
Creek school-house, held a meeting at Fisk's hall, in Law- 
rence, and there, with his Red Creek school-house congre- 





MRS.A.U. BARNES. 



A. U . BABNZS. 




Residence of A.U. BARNES, LawrenccTp, Mich. 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



499 



gation and members of the faith in Lawrence, organized a 
church, whose membership then aggregated 25. When 
Elder Dewey organized the church he removed to Law- 
rence, and until September, 1879, held services every Sun- 
day. He then returned to his farm near Dowagiac, and 
since then has preached for the Lawrence Church once a 
fortnight. Cross' hall is now used as a place of worship 
and for the sessions of a Sabbath-school, which was organ- 
ized in the winter of 1878, and had at one time 45 pupils. 
The church membership is now 65. The elders are Ste- 
phen Plopper and T. O. Sweet. The deacons are M. H. 
Plopper and Merrick Aldrich. Michael Ryan is clerk and 

treasurer. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house erected in the township was built 
by James Gray in the spring of 1837, on the east side of 
Paw Paw Street in Lawrence village. This was the first 
township-school, and, as far as can be learned, the first 
school of any kind taught in Lawrence. The building now 
does duty as H. Smith's blacksmith-shop. Its first teacher 
was Elizabeth Camp, in the summer of 1837, and its 
second Truman Foster, who taught during the following 
winter. 

Lawrence High School. — The only graded school in the 
township is the one at Lawrence village. It occupies a fine 
brick edifice, which was completed May 1, 1809, at a cost 
of $11,117. It has four departments, in charge of a prin- 
cipal and three assistants, and during 1879 instructed an 
average of 225 pupils, of whom 30 were non-residents. 

The condition of the public schools of LawrenQe, as 
shown from the annual report made Sept. 1, 1879, is as 
follows : 

Number of districts (whole, 5 ; fractional, 2) 7 

" scholars of school age &.'i;i 

Average attendance 52t> 

Number of school-houses (brick, 1 ; frame, 0} 7 

Value of property S14,8no 

Number of teachers employed 18 

Amount paid teachers S23aS.yO 

The school directors for 1879 were E. Williams, A. S. 
Haskin, Arthur Jennings, L. H. Clark, F. L. Spencer, 
John Robinson, Ilowland Place. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ANSON U. BARNES. 

Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war two 
brothers named Barnes emigrated from Boston, England, 
to America, and settled in the State of Connecticut. One 
of these brothers was Abel Barnes, the fiither of Uriel T., 
and grandfather of A. U. Barnes, of Lawrence, the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch. Not long after his settle- 
ment in Connecticut Abel Barnes removed from that State 
to Schoharie Co., N. Y., and a few years later to the town 
of Floyd, Oneida Co., in the same State. He had married 
Miss Mindwell Roberts, and they became the parents of 
eleven sons and three daughters, most if not all of whom 
were born after their removal to New York. 



Uriel T., the fourth son of Abel and Mindwell Barnes, 
was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1794, and 
while yet scarcely more than a child removed with his pa- 
rents to Floyd, Oneida Co., where on the 30th of August, 
1821, he married Huldah A., daughter of Zenas and Mary 
(Merrill) Gibbs, of Broome Co., N. Y., and with her settled 
in Floyd, where their daughter Adelia was born, June 19, 
1824. Their eldest son, Trumas S., was born in Westmore- 
land, Oneida Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1826, and soon after- 
wards Mr. Barnes moved to a small farm which he had pur- 
chased in Oswego County, where three children were born 
to him, viz., William M., born April 26, 1828; Mary S., 
born Oct. 5, 1829 ; and Harlow G., born March 3, 1831. 
About that time he sold his farm with the ultimate design 
of leaving the sterile lands and severe climate of Northern 
New York to find a better home in the West. He, how- 
ever, engaged to work in a saw-mill in Durhamville, Oneida 
Co., during the winter of 1831-32, but in the spring of the 
latter year was so severely injured by the machinery of the 
mill that he remained a helpless invalid for many months. 
In the following December, being unable to perform heavy 
labor, he commenced a grocery business in Whitesboro', 
N. Y. ; but soon found that he could not live by this, unless 
he engaged in the sale of ardent spirits. That he would not 
do; his principles would not permit him to support his own 
family by carrying desolation into the families of others, so 
he sold his little stock and left Whit&sboro'. During his 
stay at that place his daughter Sarah Ann was born, Jan. 
2, 1833. 

Mr. Barnes having now regained his health sufficiently to 
labor, spent the following winter in the vicinity of Geneva, 
chopping wood at twenty-six dollars per month and house- 
rent, and on the 10th of April, 1834, he set out with his 
family for Michigan, by way of the Erie Canal, Buffalo, and 
Lake Erie. About a week was spent on the canal and three 
days on the steamer " Michigan," but at the end of that time 
they safely reached Detroit, from which place they engaged 
Lorenzo Graham to transport them to Jackson County, 
where they arrived about the 1st of May. Mr. Barnes' 
first Michigan settlement was made in Albion, Calhoun Co. 
His total property at that time consisted of two cows, his 
few household goods, and fifty dollars in money. He en- 
• ■a"ed to work for Mr. Tenney Peabody, of Albion, but about 
that time the entire family were taken sick and his fifty 
dollars was soon exhausted. But he was still resolute in 
his determination to secure a home, and he resolved to 
" squat" on government land, hoping to be able to pay for 
it in time. With the help of a few neighbors he reared a 
cabin which was warm and comfortable enough, though 
there was not a pane of glass in it, nor was there a nail nor 
a sawed plank or board used in its construction. Into this 
dwelling the f;\mily moved in January, 1835. They had 
some corn, raised in the previous season on land owned by 
Mr. Peabody, and on this corn and the milk of their cows 
the family subsisted. During the entire summer of 1835, 
Mr. Barnes was sick with the ague, and to add to his 
troubles a speculator purchased the land on which he had 
" squatted" and demanded possession. Being unwilling, 
however, to proceed to extreme measures, he finally paid 
Mr. Barnes fifty dollars to vacate. This money he invested 



JiOO 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ill forty acres of land, and with the help of neighbors 
erected a pole cabin upon it. In this cabin the family were 
comparatively comfortable, and here Anson U. Barnes was 
born. Settlers were coming in rapidly, a mill was being 
erected near by, work became plenty at reasonable wages, 
the family had regained their health, and the worst of their 
privations had passed. 

In the fall of 1837 Mr. Barnes sold his land near Albion 
for eight hnndred dollars in " wild-cat" money, and in Jan- 
uary, 1838, removed to Lawrence, Van Buren Co., where 
he domiciled his family in a log house on what is now the 
Baker and Richards farm. Not long after, he purchased 
from Eaton Branch, for two hundred dollars, the eighty 
acres on which his son, A. U. Barnes, now lives. On this 
land he put up a frame house in the following spring, and 
went energetically to work to convert the wild land into a 
productive farm. He cleared nearly the whole eighty acres 
with his own hands, besides doing a large amount of work 
for others. In the year next following his settlement he 
was chosen commissioner of highways, and was elected 
justice of the peace in 1840, being a member of the board 
at the election held (at his house) in the fall of that year, 
when Gen. Harrison was elected President of the United 
States. In 1814, Mr. Barnes' daughter Adelia was married 
- to Allen Rice, this being the first marriage in the foniily. 
About this time Mr. Barnes' health began to fiiil, and he 
never again fully recovered. In June, 1853, he had a 
sudden and violent attack of hernia, which baffled the skill 
of the physicians who were called to attend him. He sank 
rapidly and died ou Sunday, July 3d, in that year. At his 
funeral (July 4th) the Rev. E. S. Dunham preached from 
the text, " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death 
of his saints." 

Mr. Barnes was converted in 1820, and became a member 
of the Baptist Church in Floyd, N. Y. He was the first 
of the family to pass over the mysterious river, and he died 
in the firm hope and belief of immortality. Mrs. Barnes 
survived her husband thirteen years, and died Sept. 30, 
1866, of consumption. She was an excellent wife, and in 
every way a most worthy woman. She bore with patience 
and fortitude all the trials and privations of pioneer life. 
She was respected and beloved by all who knew her, and 
her children rise up and call her blessed. 

Anson U. Barnes, the youngest son of Uriel T. Barnes, 
was born near Albion, Mich., as before mentioned, the date 
of his birth being Jan. 6, 1837. He was a boy of but six- 
teen years of age at the death of his father, and after that 
event remained on the old homestead, which is still his 
residence. He was married, Feb. 21, 1860, to Sarah E. 
Shaver, whose family were from Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y. 
Of their union there have been born six children, — three 
sons and three daughters, — all of whom are living. Mr. 
Barnes cast his first vote in 1860, for Abraham Lincoln for 
President. He has been elected by his fellow-townsmen to 
the office of commissioner of highways, and has been a 
member of the school board for a number of years. He is 
a substantial land-owner, and a man who commands the 
respect of all who know him. 



EATON BRANCH, 

son of Vine and Abigail Branch, was born in Benson, 
Rutland Ca, Vt., April 8, 1808. His father was of Eng- 
lish descent; mother, Scotch. In 1810 the father moved 
with his family to Onondaga Co'., N. Y., locating about 
nine miles from what was then called Salt Point. They 
remained there twelve years, clearing up land, and in 1822 
pushed west to the Holland Purchase, in Wyoming Co., 
N. Y. As the family possessed little means the educational 




Photo, by 0. G. AgrcM, AUegao. 
EATON BRANCH. 

advantages of the childion were limited. Eaton says, with 
reference to his education, " I was schooled in the use of 
the axe, hoe, and ox-gad." In 1833 he started to see the 
western country, and pushed as far as Ann Arbor, Mich. 
Returning to the old home the same year, he married 
Amanda M. Allen. In 1834, in company with his wife, 
father, and mother, he came back to Michigan. In 1835 
the country was threatened with war, and Eaton, with 
many others, was drafted in the "Toledo war," by order of 
Governor Mason. As the trouble was of short duration 
he was soon able to return to his work. Not having means 
to purchase land he was obliged to hire out, and engaged 
with a Mr. Allen to go to Van Buren County and superin- 
tend his business, as he (Allen) had bought land at the 
mouth of Brush Creek and laid out a town. On the 7th 
of November, 1835, Mr. Branch and his wife started in a 
wagon for this place. They were eight days going one 
hundred and twenty miles ; stayed in Kalamazoo over the 
Sabbath, and attended service in a school-house, the sermon 
being preached by Rev. Silas Woodbury. They finally 
reached JIason, as it was then called, — now known as Law- 
rence, — November 15th, where they found a log house, 
owned by Mr. Allen, and at once occupied it ; it was twelve 
feet square. Thirteen persons lived in it until they could 
build a double log house, which latter was used for some time 
as a hotel. Mr. Branch has been a very active man in the 
advaneement of the interests of his township. In April, 



TOWNSHIP OF LAWRENCE. 



501 



1837, he assisted in organizing the fiist town-meeting, and 
was elected one of the highway commissioners, which ofEce 
he held for many years. He was a charter member of the 
First Presbyterian Church, organized Aug. 19, 1S37, after- 
wards changed to a Congregational Church. In 1858 a new 
church was built, Mr. Branch furnishing about two thousand 
five hundred dollars towards its construction. In 1852 the 
first agricultural society was formed, which he helped or- 
ganize, and a fair was held in the court-yard at Paw Paw. 
In 1872, Mr. Branch was an assistant in organizing the 
first pioneer society, and has been present at every meeting 
since, and is one of its officers. Mr. Branch has rai.sed a 
family of six boys, all of whom lived to manhood. His 
oldest son was the first male child born in the town. 
Three sons served in the Rebellion, all returning after the 
war. Four of his sons are settled on lands which their 
father assisted them in buying. Mr. Branch first located 
a quarter-section in Lawrence township, President Van 
Buren signing the deed, and a part of this is now in his 
home. He united with the Presbyterian Church in 1831, 
and has always been an active member. Mrs. Branch died 
March 30, 1866, in her fifty-third year. 



T. W. HOWARD 



was born in Lawrence township, Van Buren Co., Mich., 
Nov. 13, 1841. His father, Hosea Howard, had settled 
here in 1838, on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
which he improved and occupied until his death, in 1817. 
His family consisted of four sons, of whom the above is 
the only survivor. Mrs. Hosea Howard has reached the 
age of eighty years, and is living with her son. 

T. W. Howard has owned the old homestead since 1861. 
On the 3d of June, 1864, he married a daughter of Horace 
Place, and to them have been born the following children, 
all of whom are living: George E., Aug. 19, 1865 ; Effie 
C, Oct. 22, 1868 ; Fannie E., Nov. 13, 1870 ; Isa C, 
March 26, 1873; Frank E., Aug. 31, 1876. Mrs. T. 
W. Howard was born in Albion township, Crawford Co., 
Pa., June 3, 1842, and came with her parents to Michigan 
in 1848. Her father, Horace Place, died in 1850; her 
mother is still living in the township of Hamilton, Van 
Buren Co. In politics, Mr. Howard is a Democrat. 



HOWARD S. ALLEN. 
Prominent among the thrifty farmers of Lawrence town- 
ship is found H. S. Allen, who was born in Washington 
Co., N. Y., July 2, 1810. During the early part of his 
life he assisted his father, who was a blacksmith, and 
learned the trade, at which he worked until he was twenty- 
two years of age. In 1838 his mind became impressed 
with the advantages oflFered by the West, and he accordingly 
came as far as Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained six 
weeks. He purchased a farm thirteen miles from that city, 
and occupied it until 1851, when he removed to Van Buren 
Co., Mich., and settled near Brecd.sville. Five years later 
he purchased two hundred and two and a half acres of land, 
unimproved, in the township of Lawrence, moved upon it, 



and began the work of clearing and improving it. His 
present surroundings are evidence of his perseverance, in- 
dustr}', and energy. Mr. Allen was married, Oct. 9, 1831, 
to Miss Esther, daughter of John and Elizabeth Moore, 
and four children have been born to them, viz. : George 
W., born Nov. 24, 1834 ; John Augustus, born June 7, 
1837, died Sept. 26, 1838 ; William M., born Oct. 6, 1839 ; 
James E., born April 3, 1845. Mr. Allen's parents both 
died in New York. Mrs. Allen lost her father when she 
was but five years old, and her mother came to Michigan as 
one of its pioneers. She is now living with her daughter, 
Mrs. Allen, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 
While residing at Breedsville Mr. Allen was elected and 
served as justice of the peace and supervisor, and upon set- 
tling in Lawrence was again elected justice of the peace, 
but refused to serve, preferring the quiet of his home to 
political honors. Two of Mr. Allen's brothers are at present 
residing in the State of New York, one on the old home- 
stead. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Allen, and a view of 
their home, appear in this work. 



ABNER M. MUNGER. 

Luke Munger, the father of the above, was a native of 
Boston, Mass., and when seven years of age removed with 
his father to Ohio, locating near Sandusky City, where a 
farm was taken and cleared of timber. Luke Munger re- 
mained at home until 1835, and on the 29th of March in 
that year he was married to Miss Loretta Reed, also a resi- 
dent of Ohio. In the fall of 1839 they removed to Michi- 
gan, and purchased land in Kalamazoo County. Upon that, 
however, he did not settle, but rented a farm for the first 
year, and afterwards traded the forty acres he had purchased 
in Kalamazoo County for eighty acres on section 24, Porter 
township. Van Buren Co., upon which he built a log cabin 
and commenced making improvements. The children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Munger were as follows: Esther A., born 
Dec. G, 1835 ; Russell V., born Aug. 22, 1837 ; Lafayette 
M., born June 27, 1840, killed by lightning, Aug. 7, 1861 ; 
Abner M., born Feb. 7, 1842 ; Eliza A., born May 14, 
1844. Mrs. Munger sickened and died June 18, 1847, 
aged thirty-two years, leaving Mr. Munger with five small 
children. On the 12tli of March, 1848, he married Re- 
becca, daughter of Amos Harris, an early settler in Kala- 
mazoo County, and by her was the father of the following 

children : Eunice A., born , died April 17, 1851 ; 

Sarah M., born Nov. 7, 1819; Mary E., born Sept. 30, 
1851, died April 14, 1852 ; Salmedor R., born Aug. 15, 
1853 ; William H., born Oct. 1, 1855 ; Cynthia J., born 
Feb. 28, 1858; Luke W., born June 30, 1859; Eva A., 
born Nov. 22, 1861 ; Frank M., born April 21, 1863, 
died Feb. 6, 1865. Mr. Munger lived long enough to find 
himself and family in very comfortable circumstances, and 
died Dec. 3, 1863. He was an active worker in the affairs 
of the township, and sought to further its interests in every 
way. In religious matters he was liberal, and in politics a 
Democrat. He was a man who respected the religious 
views of others, and who was not a seeker after political 
distinction. His sons, Abner M. and Russell V. Munger, 



M-2 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



cause this article to be inserted in the history of the county 
in which he resided so long. 

Abner M. Munger was married, Dec. 24, 1865, to Oliva 
Corey, whose parents — Sanford and Eliza Corey — were 
among the carlie.st .'^cttlersof Porter township. Mrs. Plun- 
ger was the oldest in a family of three children, and in turn 
became the mother of three children, — Charles C, born 
Oct. 26, 1866; Warren G., born March 11, 1870; Albert 
L., born Aug. 31, 1875. Mrs. Munger died Oct. 17, 
1876, and Mr. Munger 's sister assisted in the duties of 
his household until Nov. 28, 1878, when he married Miss 
Sarah M. Hibbard, daughter of Enos B. and Betsey Ann 
Hibbard. She is a native of the State of New York, and 
came with her parents to Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1866. 
Her father died Nov. 6, 1879 ; her mother is yet living in 
Lenawee County. Mr. Munger resides with his family on 
the farm formerly owned by Sanford Corey. 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

PAW PAW TOWNSHIP.* 

(loneral Description — Pioneers of Paw Paw — Later Settlers — The 
Crooked Paw Paw — Forest Adventure of a Pioneer — Organization 
and First Town-Meeting — Township Civil List — Paw Paw Village 
— Prospect Ilill Cemcterj' — Religious Societies in the Township — 
Schools. 

Tni.s township, originally called Lafayette and rechris- 
tened Paw Paw in 1867, is known in the government sur- 
vey as town 3 Miuth, range 14 west, and is bounded on the 
north by Waverly, south by Decatur, east by Antwerp, and 
west by Lawrence. It contains in addition to the usual 
township allotment of thirty-six sections about a section 
and a half in the northwest corner, which was taken from 
the southwest portion of Waverly for the sake of conveni- 
ence, this part being separated from the rest of the town- 
ship of Waverly by a swamp. 

Three-Mile, Four-Mile, and Eagle Lakes, and some 
smaller sheets of water pleasantly diversify the surface of 
the township ; while the west branch of the Paw Paw flowing 
north through Paw Paw village furnishes at that point ex- 
cellent water-power, which is liberally employed. The 
Toledo and South Haven Railroad connects Paw Paw vil- 
lage with Lawrence, while the Paw Paw Railroad unites the 
same place with Lawton, on the Michigan Central road. 

Paw Paw village is the seat of justice of Van Buren 
County. The township was named from it in 1867, and it 
was itself called after the river, named by the Indians from 
the paw paw fruit, growing thickly upon its banks. 

The population of the township in 1874 was 2752, and 
the assessed valuation $744,800 in 1879. 

PIONEERS OF PAW PAW OUTSIDE OF THE VILLAGE. 
In 1833, E. L. Barrett, induced by Peter Gremps, for 
whom he afterwards worked, came with his wife and several 
small children, and settled upon 160 acres of land near Paw 
Paw village before there was a framed house in the county. 
Capt. Barrett took especial pride ia fine oxen, and at one 



• By David Schwartz. 



time owned nine pairs, which he " broke" and trained with 
great care. He named them, respectively, Nick and Duke, 
Buck and Bright, Brin and Berry, Jim and Larry, Spot 
and Spark, Charley and Ned, Bill and Joe, Sam and Ez, 
Ben and Tom. With his oxen he used to break a great 
deal of land for new settlers, and boasted of breaking sev- 
eral hundred acres in a year. 

Capt. Barrett built on a village lot in Paw Paw what is 
said to have been the first frame house in the county. He 
sold it to a man who moved it away, and while he was 
building another his family lived two weeks in the horse- 
stable, lie drove the first team from Paw Paw to Little 
Prairie Ronde, and upon his return experienced the excit- 
ing sensation of being chased by a panther and a pack of 
wolves. His first mercantile venture was the purchase of a 
barrel of whisky, at five " York shillings" a gallon, and the 
sale of it to thirsty settlers at fifty cents a pint, at which 
business he would have made a fortune in quick time could 
he have continued it extensively. He drove the first team 
from Paw Paw to Breedsville, when he moved thither 
the family of Mr. Brown, — the father of Smith Brown. 
After living a few years in the village, during which time 
he logged and broke land, Mr. Barrett located permanently 
on his farm, north of the village, removing subsequently to 
a place on section 36, where he has since lived. 

John Agard located in 1833 upon a place on section 1, 
cast of Paw Paw River, and established a trading-post at 
which he did a large business with the Indians, trading fur 
furs, sugar, etc. He had on his place a dozen or more log 
huts, in which he stored his goods, and until his death his 
post was a famous resort for Indians, and usually presented 
a very busy scene. After his death, his family moving 
away, it was abandoned. Mr. Agard died suddenly of 
heart disease, in October, 1835, and was buried on his 
place ; his coflin being made by Williamson Mason, who 
still lives in Paw Paw village. 

William Gunn settled upon section 1, and was about the 
only settler who in 1833 and 1834 did much at farming. 
He removed in after years to Iowa. South of Agard's 
post was William Ackley, who, with Enos L. Barrett, dug 
the race for Willard & Gremps' grist-mill, in 1838. He 
moved to Indiana. 

In June, 1835, John Lyle aud John K. Pugsloy (the 
latter a bachelor), living near Utica, N. Y^., started in com- 
pany for the West, intending to look for land in Illinois. 
Journeying by way of the lake to Detroit, they traveled 
on foot over the Territorial road to Paw Paw, and just be- 
fore reaching Jesse Abbe's tavern, on that road, in Ant- 
werp, they overtook Edwin Barnum, who was bound for 
Paw Paw. When they reached the site of Paw Paw vil- 
lage, they found there, on the east side of the river, but 
two houses, one of which wrs Daniel 0. Dodge's tavern, 
where they stopped for the night. Barnum remained in 
Paw Paw, and after a while settled on a fiirm a mile and 
a half west of the village, where he built a cabin 10 feet 
by 16, and went to kecjiing " bachelor's hall." 

Lyle and Pugsley pushed on for Illinois, skirting the 
shore of Lake Michigan, and after a tedious tramp reached 
Chicago. They pro.spccted a while in that vicinity, but 
found the prairies too low to suit them, and returned to 



TOWNSHIP OP PAW PAW. 



503 



Paw Paw township, where they entered land on section 2, 
Pugsley taking 160 acres, and Lyle 240 adjoining him on 
the north. Pugsley began at once to build a cabin and 
clear his land, but Lyle hastened eastward for his family, 
whom he brought to Michigan in the fall of 1836, moving 
at once into Pugsley's cabin. There they also found Hugh 
Jones, who was at work for Pugsley, and who soon entered 
a farm just west of him, on which he lived until his death. 
The widow of his brother, Frank R. Jones, now owns the 
place. 

Mr. Pugsley's cabin boasted but one room, but within its 
narrow limits Pugsley, Jones, and the Lyle family, aggre- 
gating thirteen persons (of whom nine were children), man- 
aged to live for the space of ten days, when Lyle's own 
cabin was finished, and he moved his family into it. Says 
Mr. William Lyle, in recounting the experiences of that 
time, " We all slept in that one room, and pretty well 
crowded it was too for thirteen of us, I can tell you ; but 
then folks were not as particular in those days as they are 
now." Mr. Pugsley has resided in the township since his 
first settlement, and still lives on section 2. Mr. Lyle sold 
his farm in 1849, and moved to the village, where he resided 
until his death in 1870, aged seventy-seven. 

It has already been observed that when Mr. Lyle came 
to Paw Paw with his family he brought with him nine 
children, and it is a somewhat remarkable circumstance 
that they, as well as one child born after the settlement in 
Michigan, are all living to-day. John and William are 
living on farms in Paw Paw township ; Daniel and George 
in Dowagiac ; Merwin is a druggist in Paw Paw, in which 
village, too, reside the five daughters, — Mrs. Russell Parker, 
Mrs. Frank Parker, Mrs. Francis Selleck, Mrs. N. P. 
Conger, and Mrs. Edwin Barnum. 

At the time of the settlement of Mr. Pugsley and the 
Lyles, that portion of the township was an unbroken forest, 
the only settler there besides themselves being Richard 
Hutchins, who located upon section 2 in the summer of 
1835. Among those who settled in and near that neigh- 
borhood at an early date may be mentioned Joseph Luce, 
Loyal Crane, Henry Harrington, William and Nathan M. 

Pugsley, H. M. Pugsley, Amos Deming, Ball, and 

the families of Jennings and Hicks. 

In 1842, William and John, sons of John Lyle, left the 
parental roof together, to take up homes of their own in 
the south part of the town.ship. John located on section 
29 and William on section 32. That portion of Paw Paw 
was but little settled at that time. Besides William and 
John Lyle, the settlers were Jesse Bickell, John Sherrod, 
Daniel Abbott, and Archibald Buys. Buys lived about a 
mile east of William Lyle, and except him there was no 
one between Lyle and the township line, nor were there 
any settlers whatever in the southeastern portion of the 
township. 

Anthony Labaday and his wife came to Paw Paw village 
in 1836, and during the next year occupied a house previ- 
ously inhabited by Lawson Grout, who in that year moved 
out to a farm on section 22, where he died, and where his 
son George now lives. In 1837, Labaday and his wife set- 
tled upon the farm of Williamson Mason (BIrs. Labaday's 
brother), in section 22, whei'e they lived until 1842, when 



Mr. Labaday bought of Peter Gremps a farm on section 21, 
and lived there until his death, in 1860. His widow still 
resides on the place. When the Labadays moved upon sec- 
tion 22, in 1837, their nearest neighbor was Asa Hinckley. 
In 1838 they had another neighbor, Horace Chadwick, 
who moved to Illinois with his family about 1850. 

Edwin Barnum, already mentioned, came to Paw Paw in 
1835 when a young man, purchased 280 acres on .sections 
10 and 15, went at once upon his land, and lived there a 
bachelor until 1840, when he married a daughter of John 
Lyle. He removed to Paw Paw village in 1864, and re- 
sided there until his death, in August, 1875. His widow 
still lives in the village. Mr. Barnum held numerous local 
ofiices, and was for some years county treasurer. 

James Cate, with his son Lorenzo, settled in 1836 upon 
section 9. He died in the township, and after that Lorenzo 
moved to the far West. 

In June, 1835, Asa G. Hinckley, of New York, reached 
Paw Paw with his wife and five children, and settled on 
section 14, the land having been entered by Elder Jonathan 
Hinckley, his father, who came out a few months before, 
and who himself located in Breodsville. Asa moved in 
1846 to a farm south of Eagle Lake, and died there in 
1871. Later his widow moved to Paw Paw village, where 
she now lives. 

In June, 1835, also, Richard Hutchins, of Oneida Co., 
N. Y., came with his wife and two children, and located 
upon section 2, where he died in 1870, and where his widow 
now lives. 

John Barber, a Vermonter, came West with his family, in 
company with the Cate family, and located on section 8, 
where he died in 1838. West of him were the families of 
the Grouts and Henry Rhodes. Shortly afterwards Henry 
Monroe and Orimel Butler settled in that vicinity. 

Loyal Crane and family, from Cayuga Co., N. Y., came 
to Paw Paw in 1837, his father having come out in the 
previous year and located land. Loyal settled upon sections 
10 and 11, and lived there until 1865, when he moved to 
the village, which has since been his home. His father, 
James Crane, became a settler in 1840, and kept store in 
the village in 1842. He died in 1869, while visiting friends 
in Pennsylvania. Alonzo Crane, who settled on section 10 
in 1840, died there in 1847. 

Orimel Butler came from Western New York in 1836, 
and made Prairie Ronde his home until 1843, when he re- 
moved to Paw Paw and located upon section 10, where he 
died in 1869. His son, William K., also settled in Paw 
Paw, on section 8, where he now lives. He obtained his 
farm of Sylvester Murch, whose brother purchased it from 
John Barber, the original settler. The house in which 
Mr. Butler now lives is the one built by John Barber in 
1836, and is considered one of the oldest habitable houses 
in the county. H. W. Rhodes pushed westward from 
Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1835, and located on section 8. He 
now resides in Paw Paw village, his son occupying the old 
homestead. 

Nathan M. Pugsley, being persuaded by his uncle, John 
K., already located in Paw Paw, came directly from his 
home in England to Michigan in 1838, and settled upon 
section 10, where he has since lived. His brother, H. M. 



504 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Pugsley, now lives on section 7, on land which he located 
iu 1845. A. R. Wildey came in 1835 to Paw Paw, and 
eventually settled upon section 9, where he now lives. 

B. F. Murdock, now residing in the village, came to 
Kalamazoo in 1836, and to Paw Paw in 1842. Mr. Mur- 
dock passed much of his early life in the West in school- 
teaching, having down to 1842 taught in five counties. 
When he came to Paw Paw he worked at carpentering, 
and sold fanning-mills for J. M. Andrews, who was then 
manufacturing those machines in the village, as the successor 
of Jerome Walton. 

Abraham Ball, of Ohio, came to Paw Paw iu 1837, and 
started a brick-yard on E. Barnum's farm, the first one in 
the county. He followed the business until 1849. In 
1855 he died, while on a visit to Coldwater. 

Edmond Hayes, a tailor, and Rufus Currier, a carpenter, 
made a trip from Pennsylvania to Paw Paw in 1838, re- 
turning the same year to that State, and reporting so favor- 
ably regarding the Western country that William H. Lee 
determined to accompany them to Michigan. The thiee 
set out iu the fall of 1838, proceeding to Detroit by water, 
and traveling thence on foot to Paw Paw village. Hayes 
and Currier remained in the village, where they proposed 
to ply their trades. Lee proceeded about a mile westward, 
to the place of Asa Gr. Hinckley, for whom he engaged to 
thrash wheat, his pay to be one bushel in eight. He also 
bought an acre of land of Hinckley, and while he was 
building a cabin lived with Loyal Crane. He returned 
to Pennsylvania in the winter of 1839 for his family, with 
whom, and accompanied by Jesse Bickell, his brother-in-law, 
and Mrs. Bickell (the latter's mother), he came back to 
Paw Paw in February of that year, the entire journey being 
made by wagon, and ending at Paw Paw in snow eighteen 
inches deep. Lee lived on his one acre four years, during 
which time he plied his trade as a mason, working all over 
the county, until he became acquainted with most of the 
people living in it. In 1843 he bought of Willard Dodge 
a place on section 28, where he still lives. Mr. Lee's father 
(James Lee), his mother, and his brother Uriel came to 
Paw Paw in 1841, and located upon section 33, where Uriel 
now lives with his mother (aged ninety-one), the elder Lee 
having died in 1852. 

Mr. Lee says he used to get sugar for his family by 
plowing for Pee Pee Yah, an old Indian, who had a farm 
on section 22. The Indians were always well supplied 
with sugar, but could not master the business of plowing. 
Lee did not get much sugar for a day's plowing, and what 
he did get he had to divide with Asa Hinckley, to pay for 
the use of the latter's horses. Mr. Lee used to take his 
dinner with him when he went to plow for Pee Pee Yah. 
One day, at noon, he discovered that dogs had captured it. 
Marching briskly into Pee Pee Yah's house, he told the 
squaw that as her dogs had devoured his dinner, he must 
have some from her. The old woman handed him a wooden 
ladle, pointed to a large kettle full of stewed corn, and told 
him to help himself. He began to oat, when presently the 
dogs came up and joined him in the repast, dipping in 
with their mouths where he used the ladle. He rapped 
them .sharply with the ladle, but they in.sisted upon keeping 
him company, and as he was desperately hungry, and was 



as.sured by the squaw that it was according to the etiquette 
of the house for the dogs to eat out of the .same dish with 
the family, lie proceeded to complete his meal, and soon 
got so that he did not much mind his canine messmates. 

Pee Pee Yah was said to have been once a prominent 
chief of the Pottawaltamies, but had turned farmer, and 
had bought of the government a quarter of section 22, 
which is known to this day as the Pee Pee Yah farm. 
There were in the township other Indians who owned small 
pieces of land, but Pee Pee Yah was the only one who 
ever approached the dignity of being a farmer, and his 
farming was at its best confined to the cultivation of a 
little soft corn and the boiling of sugar. He was, however, 
regarded by the other Indians as a superior sort of creature, 
and was much respected by them. When the government 
was endeavoring to procure the removal of the Indians of 
this vicinity to the West, he conceived the idea that it 
would seek to remove him, despite the fact that he was a 
land-holder, and therefore fled to Canada with his squaw 
and child. He died in Canada, and the squaw then re- 
turned with her child to Paw Paw, and reoccupied the 
farm. She afterwards sold it, however, to Johu 11. Baker, 
and moved to Hartford township. 

LATER SETTLERS. 

John Sherwood, now living in the southern part of the 
township, was a settler about 1840. David Woodman (2d), 
who came with his father, Joseph Woodman, to Antwerp 
in 1835, located land on section 20, in Paw Paw, in 1841, 
and has made his home there since that time. 

Jonas Harrison came with his family from New York in 
1846, and located with his son, William IL, on 40 acres in 
section 16. Ho took up a farm himself on the same sec- 
tion in 1847, and lived in the township until his death, in 
1864. Of his sons, William H. lives in Kalamazoo, Al- 
bert resides on section 16, in Paw Paw, and Aaron lives 
south of him, on the same section. About the time Mr. 
Harrison settled in Paw Paw there were living in his 
neighborhood Henry Wilson, A. R. Wildey, Joseph Luce, 
E. Tyler, Mitchelson, William K. Butler, Riley Wood- 
man, and A. Hemingover. 

Henry Wilson, who located in Adrian as early as 1837, 
went from there in 1840 to Pennsylvania (whence he had 
migrated), remained there until the spring of 1846, and 
then came with his family to Paw Paw. He took up 40 
acres on section 16, and has lived upon it until the present 
time. 

In 1848, Philip Sherrod came from Western Pennsyl- 
vania to Paw Paw, and after working for farmers until 1851 
bought a farm on section 29 of Nathan Lawton, and has 
lived there to this day. H. Cuddeback, a sailor on the 
lakes, came to Michigan with his father, Sylvester Cudde- 
back, in 1819, and located laud on section 28. The fiither 
settled on the farm, but the son returned to a life on the 
water, which he followed until 1851. Ho then became a 
farmer upon the place he still owns, his father removing 
subsequently to Lawrence, where he now lives. 

David Woodman, who came to Michigan in 1834, settled 
in Antwerp in 1838, and in Paw Paw in 1858, where he 
still lives, at the age of eighty-seven. Thomas B. Irwin 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



505 



came to the State in 1843, located in Lawrence in 1846, 
and in 1864 removed permanently to Paw Paw village. E. 
A. Thompson, who located in Paw Paw village, his present 
home, served between 1855 and 1859 as Deputy Secretary 
of State. 

THE CROOKED PAW PAW. 

Before the days of the Michigan Central Railroad, when 
the subject of water transportation between Paw Paw and 
Lake Michigan was one of much importance, the Paw Paw 
River was utilized, after a fashion, as a highway for flat- 
boats, although it is generally believed that flat-boating on 
the Paw Paw was never a paying business. As early as 
18:^3, however, the Paw Paw was regarded as navigable, 
and the settlers entertained strong hopes that a part of the 
stream at least might be profitably used by steamboats. 

In the spring of 1833 the Territorial government, de- 
sirous of promoting easy access to the river, authorized the 
construction of roads connecting the " Forks of the Paw 
Paw" (the supposed head of navigation) with Schoolcraft, 
Big Prairie Ronde, Adamsville, Little Prairie Rondo, Gun 
Prairie, and Barry County. " The Landing," near Law- 
rence village, came, later, to be a place where considerable 
freight was received for shipment down the river. In 1840, 
I. W. Willard, of Paw Paw, built two large flat-boats, 
loaded them with flour from his mills at Paw Paw, and 
dispatched them to St. Jo.seph. The boats were the 
"Daniel Buckley," commanded by A. R. Wildey, and the 
" Wave," in charge of William H. Hurlbut. They made 
the trip, but occupied so long a time and met with so much 
diSiculty, on account of low water, etc., that the venture 
was not profitable. Other efforts to utilize the shallow 
stream as a water highway proved similarly unsuccessful, 
and although there was for a time considerable flat-boat 
trafiio from Paw Paw to St. Joseph, the general verdict 
was decidedly unfavorable. 

In 1848, however, interest in the matter was revived by 
the passage of an act of the Legislature appropriating 10,000 
acres of land for the improvement of the Paw Paw, with a 
view to make it navigable, at least for flat-boats ; but the 
scheme mi.scarried, and the Paw Paw remains what it was, 
— only a mill-stream. 

There are among the residents of the county many well- 
known men who used to " flat-boat it," and one is at no loss 
to gather a bountiful chapter of stories illustrative of life 
on the " raging Paw Paw" when the lusty boatmen poled 
their craft along its sinuous course and over its numberless 
sand-bars. Mo-squitoes were the bugbears of a boatman's 
existence, and by day as well as by night waged incessant 
warflxre upon the river-rovers, whom at times they drove 
well-nigh distracted. William M. Lyle says he once shipped 
as cook on board a Paw Paw^Iat-boat, and used to find the 
mosquitoes so thick that they would settle in swarms on the 
meat frying in the pan. Unable to get rid of them, he 
always fried them with the meat, or at least with the gravy, 
and served the food in that way. The boatmen never found 
fimlt, probably because it was mosquitoes and beef or 
nothing. 

FOREST ADVENTURE OF A PIONEER. 
About the year 1836, Edwin Mears, a young man living 
iu Paw Paw village, set out in midwinter with a half-dozen 
64 



companions on a hunting expedition. In the course of the 
day young iMears found himself separated from his com- 
rades, and despite his persistent efforts and shouts he could 
neither find them nor the way homeward. So he wandered 
through the woods four days and nights, half-dead with cold 
and hunger, and at the end of the fourth day found himself 
on the shore of Lake Michigan. There he discovered an 
abandoned hut, and in it a few grains of oats, which he ate 
with great avidity, for he had had no food since leaving 
Paw Paw, four days previously. Ilis sufferings from cold 
and hunger were intense, and he had about made up his 
mind to perish there when he heard human voices, and was 
rescued by a party sent out in search of him when it was 
found that he did not return home. He was in a most 
unfortunate condition, and for a time after being taken 
home it was thought he would die, but he at last rallied, 
and long survived to recount his painful experience. It is 
said that a few years afterwards Mr. Mears' rifle was found 
at the foot of a beech-tree. 

INDIAN SKULLS. 

Skulls and other human bones have frequently been 
turned up by the plowshare, especially in the southern por- 
tion of the township. Indian burying-grounds are known 
to have been laid out on sections 21 and 22, on the latter 
of which Pee Pee Yah had a farm, and there were within 
the recollection of many of Paw Paw's present citizens as 
many as two-score of Indian graves there. 

ORGANIZATION AND FIRST TOWN-MEETING. 
The township of Lafayette (now Paw Paw) was formed 
by act of the Legislative Council on the 26th day of March, 
1835, and included the whole of Van Buren County, which 
was then temporarily attached to Cass. The first township- 
meeting was held at the house of D. O. Dodge, on the 4th 
of April, 1836, when Peter Gremps was chosen Supervisor ; 
Daniel O. Dodge, Town Clerk ; Edward Shults, Collector. 
By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 11, 
1837, Laliiyette (or Van Buren County) was divided into 
seven townships, of which the present Paw Paw retained 
the old name of Lafayette.* 

The first meeting of the new township of Lafayette 
(created under act of March 11, 18.37, giving Van Buren 
County separate jurisdiction) was held at D. 0. Dodge's 
tavern, in Paw Paw village, on the first Monday in April, 
1837. Levi H. Warner was appointed Moderator, and 
there were present D. O. Dodge, Town Clerk, and Peter 
Gremps, Supervisor. The polls being duly opened the fol- 
lowing freemen voted : Joseph Luce, R. Currier, E. L. 
Barrett, Peter Gremps, D. 0. Dodge, William Eckler, E. 
Jones, John Barber, A. Buys, John Hughes, E. Mears, L. 
H. Warner, J. K. Pugsley, Edwin Baruum, D. Thorp, J. 
Barnes, D. Barker, A. G. Hinckley, H. Gray, C. G. Har- 
rington, R. Hinckle, John Lyle, E. Shults, T. B. Colton, 
William Prater, Lorenzo Cate, M. Hoskins. 

The following oflicers were elected : D. 0. Dodge, Super- 
visor ; Edwin Mears, Township Clerk ; L. H. Warner, J. 
H. Simmons, J. K. Pugsley, and E.' Barnum, Justices of 

» The name was changed to Paw Paw by an act of the Legislature 
approved March 15, 1S67. 



506 



HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the Peace; Joseph Luce, J. H. Simmons, and L. H. War- 
ner, Hip;hway Commissioners; J. H. Simmons and L. H. 
Warner, School Inspectors; llufus Currier, Edward Shults, 
and Edwin Barnum, Assessors ; Charles G. Harrington, 
Collector; C. G. Harrington, Myron Hoskins, David Thorp, 
and L. A. Grout, Constables ; E. L. Barrett and Asa G. 
Hinckley, Directors of the Poor. 

At the second township-meeting, held April 2, 1838, at 
the house of H. Wilder, the voters were John Barber, 
Rodney Hinckley, James Cate, D. 0. Dodge, Edwin Bar- 
num, Zethan Warner, Hugh Jones, Joseph Luce, L. D. 
Cate, Levi T. Ball, William Eckler, Cliarles G. Harrington, 
John Hughes, David Barker, L. H. Warner, Henry Gruy, 
L. A. Grout, Williamson Mason, H. Read, Henry Rhodes, 
Peter Gremps, James Conklin, Francis Jones, S. C. Buys, 
E. L. Barrett, Archibald Buys, William Prater, R. E. 
Churchill, Joseph E. Roys, Charles Ivison, E. R. Hays, 
Martin Liscomb, H. Robinson, A. A. Greaves, A. G. 
Hinckley, and David Thorp. 

At that meeting it was voted to raise upon the taxable 
property of the township money enough to purchase and 
fence one and a half acres of land for a burial-ground. 

TOWNSHIP CIVIL LIST. 
A list of the persons annually chosen by the township 
from 1838 to 1880 to be supervisor, treasurer, clerk, and 
justice of the peace is given below : 

1838.— Supervisor, J. H.Simmons; Clerlt, H. Wilder ; Tre;isurer, C. 

G. Harrington; Justice of the Peace, J. K. Pugsley. 
1839. — Supervisor, Josliua Bangs ; Clerk, J. H. Simmons ; Treasurer, 

Joshua Bangs ; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Luce. 
1840. — Supervisor, J. H. Simmons; Clerk, J. H. Simmons; Treas- 
urer, George Smith; Justice of the Peace, F. H. Stevens. 
1841. — Supervisor, Peter Gremps; Clerk, L. H. Warner; Trei^surer, 

George Smith; Justice of the Peace, Loyal Crane. 
1842. — Supervisor, Peter Gremps; Clerk, G. H. Baker; Treasurer, 

George Smith. 
1843.— Supervisor, S. J. Foote ; Clerk, A. Crane; Treasurer, F. R. 

Lord ; Justice of the Peace, J. Shevarts. 
1844. — Supervisor, J. B. Barnes; Clerk, A. Crane; Treasurer, L. H. 

Warner ; Justice of the Peace, D. 0. Dodge. 
1845. — Supervisor, .1. K. Pugsley; Clerk, A. Crane; Treasurer, A. J. 

Goodrich ; Justice of the Peace, .7. H. Simmons. 
1846.— Supervisor, I. W. Willard; Clerk, Abner Hayes; Treasurer, 

Edmund Smith; Justice of the Peace, S. H. Blackman. 
1847. — Supervisor, Loren Darling; Clerk, Elisha Durkoe; Treasurer, 

J. B. Barnes ; Justice of the Peace, D. Woodman (2d). 
1848. — Supervisor, Benoni Hall; Clerk, Elisha Durkee ; Treasurer, J. 

H. Simmons ; Justice of the Peace, James Crane. 
1849. — Supervisor, Benoni Hall; Clerk, Edmund Smith; Treasurer, 

H. W. Rhodes; Justice of the Peace, .7. H. Simmons. 
18o0.— Supervisor, F. H. Stevens; Clerk, Edmund Smith; Treasurer, 

A. C. Kimball; Justice of the Peace, S. J. Foote. 

1851. — Supervisor, J. K. Pugsley; Clerk, G. B. Sherwood; Treasurer, 

0. F. Parker; Justice of the Peace, A. ilemiuovcr. 
1852. — Supervisor, F. H. Stevens; Clerk, G. B. Sherwood; Treasurer, 

B. D. Thompson; Justice of the Peace, John Reynolds. 
1853. — Supervisor, G. B. Sherwood; Clerk, J. M. Longwell; Treas- 
urer, N. P. Conger; Justice of the Peace, J. 11. Simmons. 

1854. — Sui)ervisor, Elisha Durkee; Clerk, E. iVIather; Treasurer, N. 
P. Conger; Justice of the Peace, James Crano. 

1855. — Supervisor, Edwin Barnum; Clerk, B. D. Thompson; Treas- 
urer, A. Stewart; Justice of Iho Peace, David Webb. 

1856. — Supervisor, R.Avery; Clerk, George Voke; Treasurer, G. S. 
Cogswell ; Justice of the Peace, L. B. Sheldon. 

1857. — Supervisor, Edwin Barnum ; Clerk, T. R. Harrison; Treasurer, 
Thomas A. Granger ; Justice of the Peace, Calvin Cross. 



1858.— Supervisor, Edwin Barnum; Clerk, E. B.Butler; Treasurer, 

James II. Prater; Justice of the Peace, T. E. Ilendrick. 
1859.— Supervisor, Charles ScUeck; Clerk, A. J. Sartore; Treasurer, 

E. A. Sheldon ; Justice of the Peace, J. II. Simmons. 
I860.— Supervisor, L. B. Sheldon; Clerk, A. J. Sartore; Treasurer, G. 

W. Ocobock ; Justice of the Peace, 0. D. Gliddcn. 
1861.— Supervisor, G.J. Hudson; Clerk, T. H. Stephenson; Treasurer, 

T. W. Melcher; Justice of the Peace, George Young. 
1862. — Supervisor, J. K. Pugsley; Clerk, T. H. Stephenson; Trc.is- 

urer, Russell Parker; Justice of the Peace, T. E. Hendrick. 
1863. — Supervisor, Charles Sclleck; Cler"k, J. J. Roe; Treasurer, Ed- 
win Cate; Justice of the Pe.xce, E. M. Glidden. 
1864. — Supervisor, Loyal Crane; Clerk, S. II. Blackman; Treasurer, 

G. S. Lane ; Justice of the Peace, H. P. Sanger. 
1865. — Supervisor, Charles Selleck ; Clerk, A. J. Sartore; Treasurer, 

G. S. Lane; Justice of the Peace, A. W. Nash. 
1866. — Supervisor, Charles Selleck ; Clerk, E. M. Glidden ; Treasurer, 

J. W. Free ; Justice of the Peace, T. E. Hendrick. 
*1867.— Supervisor, E. M. Glidden; Clerk, A. J. Sartore; Treasurer, 

J. W. Free; Justice of the Peace, E. M. Glidden. 
1868.- Supervisor, 0. D. Glidden; Clerk, Joseph Kilburn ; Treasurer, 

John Pelton ; Justice of the Peace, W. H. Randall. 
1809. — Supervisor, J. L. Ross; Clerk, John Knowles; Treasurer, II. 

L. Eggleston ; Justice of the Peace, A. H. Herron. 
1870.- Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs; Clerk, A. M. Harrison; Treasurer, 

H. L. Eggleston; Justice of the Peace, T. E. Ilendrick. 
1871. — Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs; Clerk, A. M. Harrison; Treasurer, 

R. Rogers; Justice of the Peace, "S. H. Blackman. 
1872.— Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs; Clerk, A. M. Harrison; Treasurer, 

R. Rogers ; Justice of the Peace, Wm. R. Butler. 
1873.— Supervisor, Edwin Barnum; Clerk, W. II. Mason; Treasurer, 

R. Rogers; Justice of the Peace, C. E. Galligan. 
1874.— Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs ; Clerk, W. H. Mason ; Treasurer, R. 

Rogers ; Justice of the Peace, D. Woodman (2d). 
1875.— Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs; Clerk, W. H. Mason; Treasurer, 

Charlbs Selleck ; Justice of the Peace, S. H. Blackman. 
1876.— Supervisor, E. 0. Briggs; Clerk, W. H. Mason; Treasurer, J. 

J. Forsyth; Justice of the Peace, John Knowles. 
1877. — Supervisor, J. W. Free; Clerk, W. H. Mason; Treasurer, A. 

C. Lindsley ; Justice of the Peace, K. W. Noyes. 
1878. — Supervisor, J. W. Free; Clerk, R. I. Jarvis ; Treasurer, A. C. 

Lindsley ; Justice of the Peace, W. H. Mason. 
1879. -Supervisor, D. Woodman (2d) ; Clerk, W. H. Mason; Treas- 
urer, Charles Selleck ; Justice of the Peace, S. II. Blackman. 

PAW PAW VILLAGE. 

The first settlement in the present township of Paw Paw 
was made upon the site of Paw Paw village in the year 
1832, when Rodney Hinckley located upon a farm in the 
northern portion of the present village. In that year, also, 
Pierce Barber, of Prairie Ronde, began the erection of a 
saw-mill on the river at the west end of the village. Mr. 
Barber soon sold his interest in the mill to Job Davis and 
Rodney Hinckley, who, however, soon disposed of it (in 
1833) to Peter Gremps and Lyman J. Daniels. 

These gentlemen came hither on a prospecting tour in 
that year, bought the mill property, improved it, purchased 
considerable land in the vicinity, and laid out upon it a 
village which they called Paw Paw. Daniels lived in 
Schoolcraft, and at no time became a .settler in Paw Paw. 
Gremps, who came from the Mohawk Valley, in New York, 
to find a mill-site in the West, returned to his home after 
purchasing the Paw Paw property, and did not settle per- 
manently on bis new possessions until 1835, when he moved 
into a cabin just west of the saw-mill. Edward Shults, 
Mr. Gremps' nephew, came out from New York with his 
uncle, and worked for the latter in his saw-mill. 

* Township name changed to Paw Paw. 



TOWNSHIP OP PAW PAW. 



507 



While Mr. Gremps was absent in the East, his partner, 
Mr. Daniels, was busy looking after the saw-mill and de- 
vising means to further the interests of the new village. 
He thought there ought to be a tavern, especially as the 
Territorial road was likely to pass through Paw Paw, and 
so one day in 1834, on meeting in Schoolcraft Daniel 0. 
Dodge, who had been teaching school in those parts, he 
offered to give him an entire block in Paw Paw, and build 
a board house for him, if he would come on and keep 
tavern in it. Dodge agreed, and in the same year opened 
an inn, which became one of the most famous in this part 
of the State. Meanwhile, Enos L. Barrett had located 
land north of the village, but lived in a board shanty on 
one of Gremps' village lots. David Thorp was also on the 
west side of the river, where he occupied a building, in 
which he lived and operated a turning-lathe. 

Shortly after Mr. Gremps' permanent settlement he sent 
to Stone Arabia, N. Y., and invited Dr. Barrett (a resident 
of that place) to come out to Paw Paw and set up practice. 
Barrett came, and lived in a cabin just west of Dodge's 
tavern. Dr. Barrett was the first physician of Paw Paw. 
He was sorely afflicted with phthisis, and after three or 
four years' practice at Paw Paw removed to Kalamazoo, 
where he ended his days. 

Early in the summer of 1835, Mr. Gremps concluded 
that there ought to be a store in the village, and so he sent 
word to Edward Legrave, of Kalamazoo, that he wanted a 
carpenter capable of building a good store. Legrave found 
Williamson Mason (a carpenter from Wayne Co., N. Y., 
who had been in the West working at his trade since 
1832), and induced him to go over and build Gremps' 
store. Mason started with three hands on Monday, July 
6, 1835, and on the evening of that day reached Dodge's 
tavern, which was so full of people that he and his com- 
panions were compelled to sleep in a couple of abandoned 
shanties on the west side of the river. In them, too, they 
lived while they were building the store, which was erected 
in a short time, though in good style for that period. It 
was, of course, the first store in Paw Paw, and it stood 
west of Dodge's tavern, where Phillips' blacksmith-shop is. 
Mr. Gremps moved his family into the back part of the 
building before it was entirely finished, and soon afterwards 
stocked the store with goods which he had brought from 
New York, and began business in it, with Edward Shults 
as his clerk. 

After completing the store. Mason and his fellow-work- 
men built a dwelling-house for Mr. Gremps just opposite, 
which is still known as the Gremps house. 

3Ir. Mason, who is yet a resident and manufacturer at 
Paw Paw, says that when he came to the village, in July, 
1835, it contained on the east side of the river llodney 
Hinckley's house. Dodge's tavern, and Dr. Barrett's cabin ; 
on the west side, Giemps & Daniels' saw-mill, David Thorp's 
turning-shop, and the two shanties occupied by Peter 
Gremps and Enos L. Barrett. 

Soon the need for a blacksmith began to make itself felt, 
llodney Hinckley had put up a blacksmith-shop, but little 
work if any had been done in it. When blaeksmithing 
was needed, the settlers went either to Schoolcraft or St. 
Joseph. So Peter Gremps said to Williamson Mason, 



" We must have a blacksmith." Gremps thought he could 
get Craig Buys, of St. Joseph County, a brother-in-law of 
llodney Hinckley, and empowered Mason to promise Buys 
the gift of a shop if he would come. Buys did come, and 
occupied a shop which Mason built for him on a lot west 
of Dodge's tavern. Buys plied his trade there about six 
years, and then moved to Ohio. 

The first shoemaker of Paw Paw was Charles G. Har- 
rington, who is now working at liis trade at Lawton. Mr. 
Harrington came from Kalamazoo in 1836, and opened a 
shop in Paw Paw, in a building put up by Williamson 
Mason, just east of where the Dyckman House now stands. 
Mr. Mason also built the first school-house in the village, 
in the fall of 1836, its location being on Gremps Street 
north of Main Street. Rodney Hinckley, of whom men- 
tion has been made, finally moved to South Haven, where 
he died. 

Madison Eastman, a carpenter, settled in the village in 

1835. He afterwards removed to Decatur, but returned 
to Paw Paw, and died there. 

The first foundry in the village was started by Calvin 
Hawley, who was also one of the first carriage-makers in 
Paw Paw. His widow, a sister of the late Edwin Bar- 
num, still lives in the township. 

Peter Gremps, the founder of Paw Paw, came West, as 
already observed, in 1833, to find a location for a mill, and 
while stopping at Schoolcraft discovered one John Dero- 
sier, who piloted him to Paw Paw, as a place certain to 
suit him. Gremps at once entered considerable land in the 
neighborhood, returned East, and came again in 1835, with 
his family. Mr. Gremps never lived out of the village 
after that. He built the first store, and was the first mer- 
chant and first postmaster. After a busy career, he lived 
during the latter years of his life in peaceful retirement, 
dying upon the old homestead in 1874, at the age of 
seventy-three. Two of his children — Mrs. Alonzo Shults 
and Peter H. Gremps — are now residents of the village. 
Edwai'd Shults, his nephew, who came to Paw Paw in 
1834, and who was Mr. Gremps' right-hand man in busi- 
ness for many years, caught the gold fever in 1849 and 
migrated to the Pacific slope, where he still lives. 

Myron Hoskins, a carpenter, who came to Paw Paw in 

1836, still lives in the village. William Prater, also a car- 
penter, came in the same year. J. H. Simmons, a cabinet- 
maker, came in 1836, and was the first who worked at that 
trade. He became a man of some mark, served as county 
surveyor and judge of probate, and lived in the village 
until his death. William Engle, who now lives south of 
the village, came in 1840, and followed the business of 
coopering. Richardson Avery, a carpenter, came to Paw 
Paw in 1835, and died in the village in 1875. 

Public- Houses. — Daniel O. Dodge's tavern in Paw Paw 
village, on the Territorial road (known also as the Paw Paw 
House), was a place of considerable importance from its 
erection in 1834 ; and later, when stage-coaching and other 
means of travel made the Territorial road an important 
highway, the old Dodge tavern was held in high esteem 
by those who traveled on that thoroughfare. It was an 
humble board shanty with four rooms, and measured about 
16 feet by 24. Dodge's tavern was enlarged in 1835, and 



508 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



in 1836 was rebuilt. Mrs. Dodge was a famous cook, and 
gave the house great repute. The stages changed horses 
at that point, and for many years travel on the Territorial 
road was exceedingly brisk. It is said that Dodge had at one 
time as many as a hundred people at breakfast, and that 
Mrs. Dodge did the cooking for all of them. 

The tavern stood on what is now the south side of Main 
Street, at the western end opposite the bank, and for a year 
or more was almost bidden by trees. Trees, indeed, were 
so plentiful in Paw Paw, even after the village was laid 
out, that travelers frequently rode through it without 
knowing there was a town there, and searchers for the vil- 
lage often asked at Dodge's where Paw Paw was. Dodge 
sold the tavern to Horace Wilder, but being afterwards 
forced to take it back, carried it on until it was destroyed 
by fire. Mr. Dodge continued after that event to live in 
the village in retirement until his death. His widow arid 
a son, Thomas, now live in Lawton. 

During Mr. Dodge's career as a Paw Paw landlord, Dr. 
Warner opened a tavern about opposite where the post- 
office is now, but it had only a brief existence. James 
Crane put up the Exchange Hotel on the site of the Dyck- 
man House, which latter, erected by E. B. Dyokman and 
John Smolk, was built soon after the burning of the old 
Exchange. The Willard House, remodeled by I. W. Wil- 
lard from an old store building, was a popular hotel many 
years ago, but has long since ceased to be a public-house. 

The Great Immigration of 1836. — The year 1836 
brought a great army of land speculators and settlers to 
Michigan, and all along the Territorial road stages and 
taverns had more business on hand than they could com- 
fortably manage. Travel was then at its flood on that 
highway, and travelers coming weary and footsore to a 
roadside inn with the glad expectation of rest and food, often 
found that neither could possibly be obtained ; that the 
beds were all filled (having at least two persons in each), 
and that the larder had been completely exhausted. A 
participator in that bustling era says that Dodge's tavern 
was at that period like a bee-hive, and even then could not 
accommodate one-tenth of the people who sought its shel- 
ter. " Why," remarks this old settler, " I've known the 
time when the rush at Dodge's was so great, and the de- 
mand for lodging so pressing, that travelers oifered as high 
as a dollar for the privilege of leaning against a post." 
This probably exaggerates but also illustrates the situation. 

Early Merchants. — It has already been observed that 
Peter Gremps opened the first store in Paw Paw. The 
next store-keeper was Nathan Mears (now a merchant in 
Chicago), whose store was west of where the bank is. After 
him Edwin Mears opened a store on the corner now occu- 
pied by E. Smith & Co. James Crane was an early mer- 
chant, and kept store on Smith's corner. 

Willard & Gremps opened a store on Main Street in 
1838, and intrusted its management to Edward Shults. 
Willard afterwards bought Gremps' interest, and took 
Shults as a partner. Later the firm was Willard & Moffat. 
Isaac W. Willard was a man of considerable note in the 
community, and from 1838 until his death was closely 
identified with the interests of Paw Paw as a miller and 
merchant, and was a man of prominence in the community. 



Alonzo Sherman came from the State of New York to 
Paw Paw in 1844, and engaged in mercantile business in 
the village as a partner with E. J. House, who was then 
keeping store in the building previously occupied by Edwin 
Mears. Since that time Mr. Sherman has been contin- 
uously engaged in trade at Paw Paw, and is now a member 
of the firm of Sherman & Avery, as well as extensively 
concerned in milling. H. L. Dickinson bought out Nathan 
Mears in 1845, and in 1847 became a partner with Alonzo 
Sherman. Mears went into business again, soon after 
selling to Dickinson, and in 1846 disposed of his store to 
William R. Hawkins, who had settled in Kalamazoo County 
in 1836, and had resided in Paw Paw since 1846. F. H. 
Stevens and Loren Darling opened a store in 1844 on the 
corner where Sherman & Avery now are, and remained 
there until 1847, when they retired from business. In 
that year Edmund Smith, a resident in the town since 
1843, and a carpenter by trade, commenced in Paw Paw as 
a merchant, and still carries on that business. 

The village has now five dry-goods stores, four grocery- 
stores, five drug-stores, one clothing-store, and numerous 
minor marts of business. 

Lawyers, Doctors, and Newspapers. — The lawyers and 
physicians of Paw Paw are mentioned in the chapters de- 
voted to the legal and medical professions in the general 
history of the county, and in the chapter on the press will 
be found notices of the various papers which have flour- 
ished or languished there. 

The Postmasters of Paw Paw. — Peter Gremps was the 
first postmaster of Paw Paw, his appointment dating from 
1835. Mr. Gremps, however, paid very little attention to 
the post-ofiice, Edward Shults, his clerk, being also the 
deputy postmaster, and transacting the business of the 
ofiice. Gremps was succeeded in 1842 by George L. Gale, 
and he was followed successively by John McKinney, John 
Smolk, A. J. Goodrich, F. H. Stevens, J. M. Longwell, J. 
W. Huston, E. J. House, A. J. Sorter, 0. P. Parker, T. 
B. Irwin, and George W. Matthews, the latter being the 
present incumbent. 

During the three months ending Dec. 31, 1879, $800 
worth of stamps were sold at the ofiice, money-orders were 
issued to the amount of $6624, and $3817.53 were paid 
out on such orders. 

Mills and Millers. — The building of the first saw-mill at 
Paw Paw and its transfer to Gremps & Daniels have been 
elsewhere mentioned. Gremps & Daniels controlled the 
property until the death of the latter, after which the mil) 
passed to a numerous succession of owners, until it was 
worn out and eventually demolished. The mill-site is near 
that occupied by the Phoenix Flouring-Mill, which uses 
the same power. The latter establishment, containing two 
run of stones, belongs to Thomas L. Stevens, and is carried 
on by M. Wells. 

In 1837, Staff'ord Godfrey, a mill-wright, came from 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in response to an invitation from 
Peter Gremps, and in 1838 began, with R. E. Churchill, 
the erection for I. W. Willard and Peter Gremps of the 
grist-mill long known as the Paw Paw Mills, which now 
contains six run of stones, and is carried on by A. Sherman 
& Briggs. The castings and stones were brought from St. 








£:tsar«&§=^s:a;^ 




Residence OF PHILIP SHERROD, Paw PawTr.Mich. 




RLiioiNCE. OF A C W EBB Paw Paw Jp 1/anBuhemCo Michig/im 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



509 



Joseph, and that its completion gave much satisfaction may 
be understood from the fact that people had previously to 
go to Kalamazoo and to Flowerfield, St. Joseph Co., to 
mill. A. Sherman & Briggs also carry on the Central 
Flouring-Mills, formerly used as a woolen-mill. 

Stafford Godfrey, here mentioned, settled in Paw Paw in 
a house which stood upon the site of the Dycknian House, 
and in 1842 and 1848 he and Churchill built the present 
county court-house. His next important work was effected 
in 1856, when he built the brick Baptist church. Mr. 
Godfrey, aged eighty, now lives in the village. 

Free & Martin have a planing-mill in the village, and 
near there Williamson Mason occupies a building which 
was put up by J. H. Simmons in 1840, and in which Mr. 
Mason has a planing-mill, turning-shop, etc. In the same 
building George Birkenshaw has a woolen-mill, in which 
he operates the first carding-machine brought to Paw Paw, 
one Frank Taylor having introduced it into the village. 

Aside from the manufacturing establishments above 
named, the principal ones are the foundries of M. Snow & 
Sons and W. H. llandall, both of which are engaged chiefly 
in the production of plows. 

First Wedding, Birth, and Death. — The first wedding 
in Paw Paw was that of Hannah Mead and one Bcllfon- 
taine, in 1833. The bride was a servant-girl in the service 
of John Thomas, an employee at Job Davis' saw-mill, 
while the groom was one of the mill-hands. There was 
neither minister nor justice of the peace in the vicinity, 
but Job Davis, who declared that he had once been justice 
of the peace, said he knew the form of the ceremony, and 
thought it would be all right if he married them. They 
thought so, too, and were accordingly married by Davis, and 
began living together as man and wife. They soon moved 
to Indiana, and for aught that is known have lived as hap- 
pily (or unhappily) as if a regular ministerial or judicial 
functionary had celebrated their nuptials. 

The first child born in Paw Paw — Simeon, son of Arch- 
ibald Buys — is still living in the town.ship. 

The wife of Daniel 0. Dodge died in 1837, and was the 
first who died in Paw Paw. She was buried in the tavern 
garden, but in 1838, when the cemetery in the northern 
portion of the village was laid out, her remains were con- 
veyed thither. 

Indian New- Year CaUs. — -On the last day of the year 
1835, Peter Gremps moved into the new house built fur 
him by Williamson Mason and Joseph Royes. That even- 
ing Edward Shult.s — who by reason of a year's residence 
knew something of Indian customs — told the family that 
on the morrow they would be visited by a delegation of 
Indians, whose fiishion it was to make New- Year calls on 
the white settlers, for the understood purpose of ratifying 
friendships for another year. Sure enough, on the ensuing 
day a band of about twenty-five Indians, gayly adorned with 
paint and feathers, called in force, somewhat to the trepida- 
tion of the women, whom the Indians insisted upon kissing 
despite violent protests. Altogether the affair was a jolly 
one, notwithstanding the kisses. Mrs. Dodge put on her 
war-paint when the twenty-five Indians demanded to kiss 
her, and by a sudden attack routed and drove them from 
her house at the point of the rolling-pin. 



The First Fourth of July Celebration. — The first celebra- 
tion of tlie national holiday in Paw Paw occurred in 1836, 
and, according to tradition, was a very patriotic and enthusi- 
astic affair, though confined to a limited number of patriots 
and enthusiasts. The ceremonies attendant upon the cele- 
bration included an oration by F. C. Annable (now living 
in Almena) ; an address to three veterans of the war of 
1812 (of whom Harmon Van Antwerp, aged ninety, was 
one), presented by a youthful daughter of Peter Gremps, 
now Mrs. Alonzo Shults, of Paw Paw ; periodical '' anvil" 
salutes, fired by Rodney Hinckley ; and a banquet to every- 
body ; the scene of the demonstration being the so-called 
" Public Square," an open space in the woods just west of 
the present court-house grounds. 

Village Incorporation and List of Officers. — Paw Paw 
village was incorporated under an act of the Legislature 
passed in the spring of 1867, and on the 6ih of May of 
that year the first meeting for the election of village ofiicers 
was held at the court-house. The judges of election 
were Russell Parker and J. Whittaker, and the clerk was 
A. J. Sorter. Two hundred and eighty-six votes were cast, 
of which Thomas H. Stevenson received 159 votes for 
president, and C. F. Allen, 127. A full list of the persons 
chosen annually to be presjdent, trustees, recorder, and 
treasurer from 1867 to 1879 is here given : 

1867.— President, Thomas H. Stephenson; Trustees, F. W. Scllock, 
Alonzo Sherman, Charles Sellcok, E. G. Butler, Chandler 
Richards; Recorder, A. J. Sorter; Treasurer, Edwin Barnum. 

1S68.— President, E. 0. Briggs; Trustees, G. J. Hudson, W. II. Ran- 
dall, E. A. Park, Alonzo Sherman, Chester F. Allen; Re- 
corder, A. J. Sorter; Treasurer, Charles R. Avery. 

1869.— President, E. 0. Briggs; Trustees, George Voke, J. W. Van 
Fossen, Joseph Davey, T. W. Melchor, William H.Randall; 
Recorder, A. J. Sorter; Treasurer, George W. Longwell. 

1870. — President, Edwin Martin ; Trustees, Sydney Cox, A. M. Har- 
rison, E C. Palmer, P. I. Bragg, Aaron Van Auken; Re- 
corder, John Knowlcs; Treasurer, John W. Free. 

1871.— President, Peter H. Gremps; Trustees, Joseph Davey, E. C. 
Palmer, Russell Parker, Peter . II. Gremps, Sydney Cox; 
Recorder, A. M. Harrison; Treasurer, Charles R. Avery. 

1872.— President, G.J. Hudson; Trustees, J. H. Freeman, William 
Wiley, John W. Free, Joshua Hunt, Aaron Van Aukcn ; 
Recorder, A. M. Harrison ; Treasurer, Charles R. Avery. 

1873. — President, J. H. Freeman ; Trustees, Joshua Hunt, George 
Voke, P. H. Gremps, William Read, A. W. Miller, Janiea 
Meyers ; Recorder, William H. Mason ; Treasurer, Charles 
R. Avory. 

1874.- President, I. W. Willard ; Trustees, J. C. Rousseau, Joseph 
Kilburn, James Bennett; Recorder, W. U. Mason; Treas- 
urer, C. R. Avery. 

1875.- President, Peter H. Gremps; Trustees, E. 0. Briggs, Joshua 
Hunt, A. W. Miller; Recorder, W. H. Mason; Treasurer, 
C. R. Avery. 

1876.— President, Edmond Smith; Trustees, George W. Longwell, C. 
R. Ooobock, William C. MacuUar; Recorder, William H. 
Mason; Treasurer, C. R. Avery. 

1877.— President, Loyal Crane; Trustee^, Joshua Hunt, A. W. Miller, 
R. E. Quick ; Recorder, Seigfricd Shafer ; Treasurer, E. P. 
Hathaway. 

1878.— President, Charles S. Mayuard : Trustees, James Phillips, N. 
P. Conger, Charles Flanders; Recorder, Edgar M. Snow; 
Treasurer, E. P. Hathaway. 

1879.— President, J. W. Ball; Trustees, Alonzo Shults, James L.Tyr- 
rell, A. F. McNeil; Recorder, E. M. Snow ; Treasurer, E. 
P. Hathaway. 

Paw Paio Fire Department. — This department was or- 
ganized Sept. 29, 1868, with one engine company and one 



510 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



hose company, H. L. Eggleston being the chief engineer. 
A hand-engine and hose-cart were then purcliased and fur- 
nished to the companies ; later a hooli-and-ladder company 
was added. The original engine is still in use, although 
efforts are being made to supersede it with a steamer. The 
_^ofScers of the department are William Wiley, Chief Engi- 
neer ; A. W. Showerman, Assistant Engineer; S. H. La- 
ment, Secretary; and M. P. Allen, Treasurer. The engine 
company numbers 37, Henry Hopping being the foreman. 
L. W. Melchor is the foreman of the hose company, which 
has 18 members, and R. E. Quick of the hook-and-ladder 
company, which numbers 14 members. 

Fires. — The business centre of the village has on three 
occasions been ravaged by severe fires, and two of them 
were especially disastrous. The first conflagration of any 
note took place in 1859, when the old Exchange Hotel, 
standing upon the site of the present Dyckman House, was 
destroyed. In 1866 the flames swept both sides of Main 
Street west of Kalamazoo Street. The loss was a severe 
one, but the citizens afterwards found .some consolation in 
the presence of the fine brick blocks which now line both 
sides of Main Street upon the district burned over in 1866. 

On the 8th of January, 1868, the north side of Main 
Street between the Dyckman House and the post-ofiice 
was ravaged by flre, which incident has thus far been the 
last important conflagration in the village. 

The Peninsular Electric Telegraph Co7Hjoa»_y was organ- 
ized in 1876, for the purpose of providing local telegraph 
conveniences. About two miles of wire are in use, and 
about 25 families enjoy the convenience of direct telegraphic 
communication between their homes and all parts of the 
village. 0. W. Rowland is the President, E. E. Rowland 
the Superintendent, and F. J. McEntee the Secretary and 
Treasurer. 

The Press of Paw Paw. — The first newspaper in Van 
Buren County was published at Paw Paw in January, 
1843, and was named the Paw Paio Democrat. Mention 
of tiiat paper has already been made in the general history 
of the county, as also sketches of the several newspapers 
which have been published from time to time in Paw Paw 
village at later periods, down to the beginning of 1880, 
when the National Independent went out of existence. 
Shortly after that event the material of the Independent 
was utilized by a stock company in the publication of the 
Paw Paio Herald, which gives promise of success. 

lianhing. — The village of Paw Paw had no organized 
banking institution until Aug. 11, 1865, when the First 
National Bank of Paw Paw was chartered, with a capital 
of $50,000. It was the outgrowth of the private banking- 
house of Stevens, Holton & Co., who had carried on a 
banking business in Paw Paw for several years previous to 
1865, as the successors of Stevens, French & Co. The 
first Board of Directors of the First National Bank was 
composed of Thomas L. Stevens, Alonzo Sherman, James 
Crane, Thos. H. Stevens, Chas. S. Maynard, N. M. Pugs- 
ley, and E. 0. Briggs. Alonzo Sherman was chosen pres- 
ident, and J. A. Holton cashier. 

The bank has now a capital of $100,000, a circulation 
of $45,000, a deposit account of $65,000, and a loan ac- 
count of $120,000. The bank building on Main Street 



was erected by the directors, and was first occupied in 1867. 
Mr. Alonzo Sherman is now the president (having filled 
that place since 1865), and F. E. Stevens is the cashier. 

The robbery of the First National Bank in 1867 was for 
many years after its occurrence an important local sensa- 
tion. It happened in March of that year, while the bank 
was occupying temporary quarters in R. M. Buck's hard- 
ware-store, pending the completion of its new building. 
The cashier, E. 0. Briggs, discovered upon opening the 
bank-safe one Monday morning that upwards of $22,000 
in bonds and currency had been abstracted, and that, too, 
without leaving any exterior marks to show that the com- 
bination-lock had been forced. Pinkerton's Chicago De- 
tective Agency being called upon to furnish a key to the 
mystery, sent one of its corps to Paw Paw, who managed 
so cleverly that although he resided at Paw Paw about six 
months as a professed insurance agent, no one, .save two of 
the bank ofiicials, knew his real business, until he startled 
the community one day by causing the arrest of R. M. 
Buck, the hardware merchant (a young man high in popu- 
lar esteem), on the charge of robbing the bank. The evi- 
dence against him was complete, and he was convicted and 
sentenced to three years' confinement in the State-prison. 
Nearly all the money, which had been buried by Buck on 
a fiirm in Keeler township, was recovered. 

The Paw Paw Rijie Company. — This organization ^as 
formed in 1839. Andrew Longstreet was chosen captain, 
Edwin Mears first lieutenant, and David Woodman second 
lieutenant. The command numbered about 40 men, and 
was attached to the 28th Regiment, 14th Brigade, 7th 
Division, of the State militia. The " Rifles" maintained an 
organization until the outbreak of the Mexican war, into 
which several of the members entered, when the company 
disbanded. 

Paw Paw Lodge, No. 18, L 0. 0. /^.— This lodge was 
instituted Nov. 19, 1846, when a charter was issued to 
John McKinney, E. O. Briggs, Frank Taylor, C. R. Mafl5t, 
and John Smolk. It is now in a flourishing condition, 
with a membership of 78, and owns a handsome lodge- 
room, the first session in which was held in 1874. The 
present officers of the lodge are C. W. Ward, N. G. ; A. 
Van Auken, V. G. ; 0. W. Rowland, Sec. ; C. Lich, P. 
See. ; E. Martin, Treas. ; C. N. Griffin, W. ; 0. N. Hilton, 
C. ; Edward Snow, I. G. ; William Jones, 0. G. ; C. A. 
Harrison, R. S. N. G. ; N. P. Conger, L. S. N. G. ; A. F. 
McNeal, R. S. S. ; William Reed, L. S. S. ; L. S. Tyrrell, 
R. S. V. G. ; ■ Chapman, L. S. V. G. 

Of the charter members named above only three are still 
living, — E. 0. Briggs, Frank Taylor, and John Smolk. 

Paw Paw Lodge, No. 25, F. and A. M. — This lodge 
was organized under dispensation May 6, 1848, and on the 
10th of January, 1849, a charter was issued to A. W. 
Broughton, B. F. Chadwick, D. 0. Dodge, Peter Gremps, 
HubboU Warner, 0. Warner, and John McKinney. Until 
the charter was obtained the lodge worked under the " An- 
cient Order." At the first election of officers, Feb. 10, 1849, 
B. F. Chadwick was chosen W. M. ; J. R. Baker, S. W. ; D. 
0. Dodge, J. W. ; Peter Gremps, Treas.; F. E. Stevens, 
Sec. ; Hubbell Warner, S. D. ; Williamson Mason, J. D. ; 
John Smolk, Tiler. On the 13th of February, 1S49, the 





B./\. MU RDOCK. 



MRS B. A.MUROOCK. 




^^, *«*tt.-*'^i*t^V; .j> 



&»«teji^ffi«feww,.,„,>.»a..rjff. ^.-- . 



^^*^^^^^^^-^^<^'^i.^.^>y^mm^^^M^^m^^>M^ 



Resioenle or B A MURDOCK, P/itv Pa^// I/ill^ge Milh 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



511 



newly-elected oflBccrs were installed by John Stewart, G. M. ; 
C. L. Bird, D. G. M. ; H. Marsh, G. Marshal ; Nathaniet 
Pullman, G. C. The lodge now owns a finely-appointed 
lodge-room, and has upon its roll 100 active members. 
The present officers are E. Curtis, W. M. ; W. M. Thayer, 
S. W. ; J. B. Smith, J. W. ; C. G. Nash, Treas. ; F. E. 
Stevens, Sec. ; and Audrow Harwick, Tiler. 

Paw Paw Chapter, No. 34, 7^. A. M. — This Masonic 
body was organized Jan. 10, 1865, the charter designating 
J. K. Baker as H. P. ; 0. S. Simmons as K. ; and E. 0. 
Briggs as Scribe. The membership is now 60, and the 
officers are as follows : H. P., G. J. Hudson ; K., William 
Dole ; S., William Thayer ; C. of H., E. A. Blackman ; 
P. S., Ela Curtiss ; R. A. C, C. R. Ocobock ; 3d V., Jo- 
seph Davy ; 2d V., R. 0. Beebe ; 1st V., S. Shaefer ; Treas., 
C. G. Nash ; Sec, F. E. Stevens ; Sentinel, A. H. Harwick. 

Paw Paw Encampment, No. 30, /. 0. O. F. — Paw Paw 
Encampment was organized March 26, 186S. The charter 
members were C. M. Odell, B. Odell, C. Lich, S. H. Black- 
man, T. W. Melchor, E. Martin, and J. M. Brown, of whom 
all are still living except T. W. Melchor. The membership 
is now 28, and the officers are as follows : G. W. Matthews, 

C. P. ; J. M. Brown, H. P. ; William Keed, S. W. ; 0. w! 
Rowland, Scribe ; C. Lich, Finan. Sec. ; E. Martin, Treas. ; 
William P. Jones, J. W. 

Paw Paw Lodge, No. 37, A. 0. U. ^Y. — This is a sec- 
tion of a new secret society, and was organized Feb. 26, 
1878, with 10 members. E. S. Dunning was P. M. W. ; 
0. W. Rowland, M. W. ; and John Knowles, G. F. The 
membership on the 1st of January, 1880, was 26, when 
the officers were O. W. Rowland, P. M. W. ; Albert Rob- 
inson, M. W. ; G. M. Koons, G. F. ; S. M. Wilkie, 0. ; 
W. H. Mason, Recorder; B. F. Heckert, Financier; M.J. 
McEntee, Receiver; R. A. Whitman, G. ; P. G. Forsyth, 
T. W. ; A. E. Quick, 0. W. Regular sessions are held 
every Thursday. 

Martin Lodge, No. 18, A. Y. M. — This lodge was or- 
ganized in 1874, with 10 members, L. R. Roberts being 
W. M. ; Jonathan Grinage, S. W. ; and B. F. Roberts, 
J. W. The membership is now 19. L. R. Roberts is 
W. M. ; Edward Cable, S. W. ; and Francis Smith, J. W. 

Paw Paw Lodge, No. 30, Knights of Honor. — The so- 
ciety just named was organized Dec. 1, 1877, with 13 
members, B. F. Stearns being D. ; John Ihling, P. D. ; 
and F. B. Kelly, R. The membership is now 22, and the 
officers are A. J. Mills, D. ; H. Legrave, V. D. ; C. W. 
Ward, A. D. ; H. A. Rogers, G. ; J. D. Sherman, T. ; B. 
F. Stearns, R. ; H. S. Williams, F. R ; L. C. Woodman, 
Chaplain. Regular sessions are held the first and third 
Thursdays of each month. 

Paw Paw Grange, No. 10, P. of H.—T\\q Paw Paw 
section of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized Deo. 
31, 1872, with about 20 members. The Masters to the 
present time have been Joseph Gilman, J. J. Woodman, 
T. R. Harrison, David Woodman (2d), A. C. Glidden, T. 
R. Harrison (second term), and J. C. Gould. The present 
officers are J. C. Gould, M. ; S. D. Searls, 0. ; D. Wood- 
man (2d), L.; A. C. Glidden, Chap.; James Clancey, 
Treas. ; 0. H. P. Sheldon, Sec. ; Peter Brummel, G. ; H. 

D. Sherrod, Steward; M. Buskirk, Assistant Steward. 



Blue Ribbon Club. — At a meeting of seven friends of 
temperance, held in Dickson's harness-shop in the year 
1878, the Paw Paw Blue Ribbon Club was organized, for 
the sole object of promoting the cause of total abstinence, 
its seven founders having previously been members of the 
Red Ribbon Club (since dissolved), from which they had 
withdrawn in consequence of their dissatisfaction with its 
management. The Blue Ribbon Club increased in strength 
rapidly from the outset, and down to Jan. 1, 1880, had re- 
ceived full 400 members, of whom there were on that date 
334 in active membership, inclusive of 54 in the children's 
department. Weekly meetings are held in the Opera-House, 
at which pleasant literary entertainments are presented to 
the public free of charge. The present officers are E. p]. 
Rowland, President; Jared Loveland, First Vice-President ; 
Charles Stevens, Second Vice-President ; Miss E. E. Crane, 
Recording Secretary; E. H. Lindsley, Financial Secretary; 
C. C. Hoppin, Treasurer ; and Frank Rawson, Marshal. 

TIte Upcra- House. — In 1876, George W. Longwell 
bought the building previously used for thirty-two years 
as a Methodist church and transformed it into a commo- 
dious and tastefully-appointed theatre. It has a seating 
capacity of 600, is supplied with a gallery, and has a stage 
well furnished with scenery and mechanical appliances. 

Library and Literary Association. — An institution was 
organized in January, 1880, for the purpose of providing 
a public library and reading-room, and has received at the 
outset such encouragement as to give it a strong prospect 
of success. 

PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY. 

On the 24th of March, 1859, the Prospect Hill Ceme- 
tery Association was organized, for the purpose of providing 
a public cemetery on Prospect Hill. Land was accordingly 
purchased there and handsomely laid out with lawns, smooth 
drives, walks, and other attractive improvements. I. W. 
Willard was chosen president, Elisha Durkee clerk, and 
T. A. Granger treasurer. Prospect Hill is one of the highest 
elevations in Van Buren County. Upon its summit, in 
1875, Mr. I. W. Willard erected an observatory 127 feet 
high, from which, on a clear day, it is said may be seen 
the waters of Lake Michigan and as many as thirty vil- 
lages. The cemetery, which now covers an area of 30 
acres, has many natural beauties, and is adorned with 
costly monuments. The present officers of the association 
are F. VV. ScUeck, President; J. W. Van Fossen, Clerk; 
and G. J. Hudson, Treasurer. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES IN THE TOWNSHIP. 

Methodist Episcopid Church. — The first sermon (of 
which there is any present recollection) heard in Paw Paw 
was delivered by Rev. Junia Warner, Jr., a Methodist 
Episcopal elder of Almena, in April, 1835, in Hinckley's 
blacksmith-shop. From that time until 1839, Mr. Warner 
preached frequently in the village, as did occasionally 
traveling preachers from Kalamazoo and Silver Creek. 

In the fall of 1835, Rev. J. T. Robe, in charge of the 
Kalamazoo mission, organized a Methodist Episcopal class 
in Paw Paw, with the following members : Theophilus and 
Charlotte Bangs, Junia Warner, Jr., Arminda Warner, 
W. Newcomb, Clarissa Newcomb, David Thorp, Junia 



512 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Warner, Sr., Philura Warner, Sellick Longwell, Nancy 
Longwcll, John Lyle, Oliver and Avis Warner, Horace 
and Susan Boufoey, John K. and Emelinc Bingham. Of 
the foregoing, two are still members of the church, namely, 
Arminda Warner, aged seventy-five, and Charlotte Bangs, 
aged eighty-one. David Thorp, who was tiie leader of the 
first class, oflfered his log chair-shop on the west side of the 
river as a place of worship. After using it .some time the 
class went into a framed house owned by Myron Hoskins. 
Afterwards the village school-house was used, and in 1844 
a church building was erected upon the site of the one now 
in use. The first church trustees were Theophilus Bangs, 
Junia Warner, Jr., Oliver Warner, Horace Bonfoey, and 
John Lyle. 

Among the earliest pastors were Revs. T. P. McCool, 
S. S. Williams, E. Kellogg, and H. B. Beers. The church 
was at first attached to the Laporte district, Indiana Con- 
ference, afterwards to the Michigan district, in the same 
Conference, and later still to the Kalamazoo and Niles dis- 
tricts. The corner-stone of the present handsome house 
of worship was laid Aug. 9, 1876. The structure, which 
cost $6600, was dedicated Dec. 17, 1876. Soon afterwards 
a union meeting was held in it, when 75 persons were re- 
ceived into the Methodist Church, and 70 into the Presby- 
terian. Rev. J. K. Stark was the Methodist and Rev. 
T. D. Marsh the Presbyterian pastor. 

During the forty-four years of its existence the church 
has received into membership upwards of 2000 persons. 
The membership on the 1st of January, 1880, was 160, 
Rev. S. B. Mills being then the pastor in charge. The 
trustees are James Bale, Thomas Adriance, S. H. Black- 
man, C. A. Young, A. J. Sorter, John Walker, H. H. 
Hurlbut, and E. M. Snow. The class-leaders are C. M. 
Gilson, James Abrams, and Samuel Qua. The Sunday- 
school is in charge of C. A. Young, and has an average 
attendance of about SO. 

First Baptist Church.— On the 21st of April, 1838, a 
few Baptists living in Paw Paw village met to talk about 
organizing a Baptist Church. Stafford Godfrey was chosen 
chairman, and William D. Baldwin clerk of the meeting. 
As a result the First Baptist Church of Layfayette was then 
formed, with the following six members : Stafford Godfrey 
and wife, William D. Baldwin and wife, E. H. Niles, and 
Ursula Conklin. E. H. Niles was chosen clerk, and Stafford 
Godfrey and William D. Baldwin deacons. Elder Hall, of 
Kalamazoo, was invited to preach once in four weeks. 
During the first year five members were added, namely, 
Archibald Buys and wife, Luther Branch, and Henry G. 
Monroe and wife. 

On the 20th of March, 1841, the name of the organiza- 
tion was changed to " The Van Buren County Church, lo- 
cated at Paw Paw and Brush Creek," the reason being that 
worship was held at Brush Creek, as well as Paw Paw. 

In 1844, the church being controlled by residents of Law- 
rence township, the Paw Paw members withdrew, and on 
the 8th of August in that year eight persons met in 
Paw Paw, at the house of Elder M. Clark, and organized 
the First Baptist Church of Paw Paw. The eight persons 
were Elder M. Clark, Stafford Godfrey, Alonzo Sherman, 
Matilda Engle, Lucy Ann Sherman, Jane Woodman, El- 



mira Baker, and Jane Legrave. The records do not indi- 
cate that the church employed any regular pastor for the 
first few years, but show that occasional supplies were pro- 
vided. The school-house was used for services, as was the 
court-house. An attempt was made to build a house of 
worship in 1848, but it was not successful. 

Between 1850 and 1853 meetings were held but seldom, 
but in the latter year there was a renewal of interest. The 
membership increased to 37, and Rev. J. T. R. Jones was 
engaged as pastor. 

In October, 1855, Elder Alfred Handy succeeded Elder 
Jones as pastor, and remained until 1859. 

On the 9th of September, 1857, tlie corner-stone of the 
brick church now in use was laid, and within a brief period 
the house was occupied for worship, services having previ- 
ously been held in a building in Main Street now used as a 
part of Harris' carriage-factory. The pastors since 1860 
have been Elders Dunham, Walden, Maybin, Purrett, 
Galpin, Haydon, Stcplienson. Choate, Heritage, and Wilkie. 
Rev. Mr. Wilkie, the last minister, retired in August, 1879, 
since which time the church has been without a pastor. 
The church membership on the 1st of January, 1880, was 
about 80. The deacons were then Stafford Godfrey, J. S. 
Cogswell, and Eli Wise. The church trustees are N. Grover, 
A. Sherman, R. B. Lane, A. M. Palmer, and J. C. Evart. 

Christian {or Disciple) Church. — From an old church 
record dated March 25, 1843, is taken the subjoined entry: 
" We, the undersigned, members of the Church of Christ, 
having met at the dwelling of Brother Loyal Crane, for the 
purpose of setting in order the things that remain, have 
proceeded to do so by appointing Brothers James Crane and 
Loyal Crane bishops (elders), and Brothers Asahel S. 
Downing and Samuel Turner deacons. James Crane, 
Loyal Crane, Samuel Turner, Asahel S. Downing, Alonzo 
Crane, Daniel Abbott, James B. Crane, Almon B. Corey." 

It would appear from the foregoing that an organization 
had been effected previous to the meeting above mentioned, 
and according to the best evidence the date of that organ- 
ization was in February, 1842. Besides those above named 
as members, the following joined the church at the meeting 
of March 25, 1843: Rheuma Barnum, Sally Ann Crane, 
Hannah Downing, Alonzo J. Abbott, Eliza Crane, Ann 
Turner, Sarah Ann Barnum, Susannah Lee, Sally Arm- 
strong. 

At a church-meeting held in the school-house at Paw 
Paw, March 30, 1844, James Crane and Asahel S. Down- 
ing were appointed elders, Samuel Turner and Loyal Crane 
deacons, and Edwin Barnum and Loyal Crane evangelists. 
The first preacher was Rev. Mr. Martin, a missionary, who 
preached only at extended intervals. In 1858 the society 
purchased the meeting-house previously used by the Bap- 
tists, and in 1861 the church edifice now in use was com- 
pleted and occupied. At the close of that year the clerk 
reported that the membership was 234, that 101 had been 
admitted during the year, that 11 had been dismissed, that 
3 had been excluded, ind that 11 had '-gone to the war." 

After Rev. Mr. Martin's time, among those who served 
the church as pastors were Rev. Messrs. Martindale, Mil- 
ler, Anderson, Roe, Wilcox, Lane, Jackson, Spencer, Frame, 
Crane, Ebert, Collins, Russell, Searls, and Brooks. Rev. 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



513 



Theodore Brooks, now the pastor, entered upon his charge 
in 1878. 

The membership is now 219, and in the Sunday-school 
(of which James Crane is superintendent) there are 13 
teachers and an average attendance of 102 pupils. The 
church elders are David Woodman (2d), J. W. Ball, and 
N. P. Conger. The deacons are A. S. Downing (chosen 
March 25, 1843), M. P. Allen, S. Shafer, and J. F. Bul- 
lard. 

Free -Will Baptist Church.— The Free -Will Baptist 
Church of Paw Paw was organized Feb. 13, 1841, in 
School District No. 2, in the township of Antwerp, near 
Paw Paw village. The first members were Samuel Gil- 
man, Judith Oilman, Abigail Woodman, David Woodman, 
Joseph Butler, Laura Butler, James Lee, Hannah Lee, 
Roxanna Lee, Susan Morrison, Silas Breed, and Anna 
Gray. The records mention the election of Silas Breed as 
the first clerk, but are silent as to the election of deacons. 
Those who have served the church as pastors to the pres- 
ent are Revs. Daniel Osborne, J. H. Darling, L. J. Whit- 
comb, Stephen Bathrick, G. P. Blanchard, G. P. Linder- 
man, and J. B. Drew, the latter being the present pastor, 
who begaii his services Sept. 1, 1878. Three hundred and 
eight persons in all have been received into the church 
since its organization. The membership on the 1st of 
January, 1880, was 200. 

Worship was continued in the Antwerp school-house 
and other convenient places until the completion of the 
present edifice, which was dedicated in 1859. 

The deacons of the church are Philip Sherrod and 0. 
H. P. Sheldon, the latter being also the clerk. The 
Sunday-school, in charge of Edwin Douglass, has a mem- 
bership of 150 and an average attendance of 90. 

First Presbyterian Church. — The B'irst Presbyterian 
Church of Paw Paw was organized in the autumn of 1843, 
at the residence of Edmund Smith. The loss of the early 
records has rendered it impossible to reproduce the names 
of all the first members, but the memory of old residents 
supplies the names of some of them, as follows: Mr. and 
Mrs. Daniel Van Antwerp, Salmon Hunt and his daugh- 
ters Mary and Margaret (one of them, now Mrs. N. M. 
Pugsley, being still a member of the church), Mrs. Ed- 
mund Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Harwick, Mr. and Mrs. 
Samuel Mills. 

The first elders were Daniel Van Antwerp and Samuel 
Mills. The first trustees of the society, elected June 24, 
1844, were Daniel Van Antwerp, Salmon Hunt, Samuel 
Mills, A. K. Axtell, Dwight C. Grimes, Lorin Darling, A. 
V. Pantland, Samuel Grimes, and Edmund Smith. 

During 1844, Rev. James McLaurine was cho.sen to be 
the first pastor, who served about three years. After being 
then absent a year (during which time Rev. Mr. Davidson 
supplied the pulpit), he returned and remained two years. 
He closed his labors in 1850, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Mr. Holmes, who was followed in 1852 by Rev. Oliver W. 
Mather. For a brief season, in 1855, Rev. Mr. Whitney 
was pastor, and about the beginning of 1856 Rev. H. C. 
Tuttle entered upon the charge. Rev. Norman Kellogg 
succeeded him in 1859, and remained six years. In 1865, 
Rev. Albert E. Hastings began his pastorate, and in 1868 
65 



Rev. 0. H. Barnard became the pastor, and remained until 
1871. He was followed by Revs. N. Otis, C. R. Wilkins, 
and T. D. Marsh, the latter being now in charge. 

During about a year after its organization worship was 
held in the ball-room of the Exchange Hotel, and in 1845 
a church edifice was erected near the court-house. In 1856 
the building was destroyed by fire, and in 1858 was re- 
placed by the present structure, which was dedicated March 
3d of that year. The church has now a membership of 
140, and the Sunday-school an average attendance of 90. 
The present elders are Robert Morrison, N. M. Pugsley, 
Lyman Tuttle, John S. Tuekey, E. P. Mills, Chandler 
Richards, John W. Free, Henry Randolph, Thomas Tuekey. 

St. Millies {Protestant Episcopal) Church. — St. Mark's 
parish was organized at the court-house in Paw Paw Feb. 
22, 1851, by A. W. Broughton, Anthony Cooley, Thomas 
J. Pinnock, Ciiarles Selleck, I. W. Willard, Williamson 
Mason. T. W. Melchor, George B.Sherwood, J. R. Baker, 
E. S. Smith, George W. Ocobock, 0. F. Parker, R. J. 
Merrill, Henry Ismon, H. L. Eggloston, A. V. Pantland, 
Peter Gremps, S. T. Conway, J. K. Pugsley, B. Hurd, A. 
Wilder, William Hill, and Benoni Hall. At the second 
meeting, March 11th, Theodore P. Siieldon and Thomas 
J. Pinnock were chosen wardens, and I. W. Willard, 
George B. Sherwood, G. W. Ocobock, Anthony Cooley, 
J. K. Pugsley, and B. Hurd as vestrymen. Of the vestry- 
men the only one known to be living is J. K. Pugsley. 

On the 3d of June, 1851, Bishop McCoskry gave his 
canonical consent to the organization of the church, and on 
the 1st of July Rev. V. Spalding was called to act as 
rector, at a salary of $200 per year, it being understood 
that the Missionary Society would furnish him $200 more. 
Mr. Spalding held his first service in an abandoned store, 
and used the counter as his pulpit. In February, 1852, a 
cooper-shop belonging to the Me-ssrs. Grimes, and previously 
used by the Congregational Society, was leased, at a rental 
of $1 per week, being occupied about a year. That house 
of worship is now a portion of Harris' carriage-factory. 
Mr. Spalding preached until December, 1852, and after 
that the church organization eea.sed its active existence for 
a period of thirteen years. 

On the 11th of January, 1865, Rev. Dr. C. A. Foster, 
of St. John's Church, Kalamazoo, revived St. Mark's 
Church with considerable success, and remained in charge 
until January, 1866. Rev. Darius Barker was then chosen 
rector, and served as such until December, 1877, when Rev. 
George P. Schetky, the present rector, began his service. 
Shortly after Mr. Barker entered upon his pastorate he 
built a commodious addition to his residence in Paw Paw, 
in which the church met for worship until the erection, in 
1876, of the edifice now in use. 

The church membership is now 47. The wardens are 
D. C. Coleman and J. K. Pugsley ; the vestrymen are 
C. J. Nash, F. E. Stevens, J. Davey, A. J. Mills, J. W. 
Van Fossen, and William Pugsley. The Sunday-school 
has an attendance of 60, and is in charge of the pastor. 
The stations in St. Mark's parish are Paw Paw, Lawrence, 
Hartford, Bangor, Breedsville, South Haven, Pine Grove, 
Kendall, Lawton, and Decatur. 

St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception ( Cath- 



514 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



olic). — As early as 1848, Father Barron, of Notre Dame, 
at South Bend, used to visit Paw Paw occasionally for the 
purpose of holding mass for the benefit of the families of 
Pee Pee Yah and other Indians. In 1855, when the vil- 
lage contained seven or eight Catholic families. Father La 
Belle, of Kalamazoo, held mass in the residence of James 
Bennett, and came after that about once a month for sev- 
eral years, holding services generally at Mr. Bennett's 
house. After Father La Belle's death, there came Father 
Cappon, of Niles, Fathers Quinn, Tierney, and Murray, 
of Kalamazoo, and Father Roper, of Silver Creek, during 
which period Paw Paw remained a mission in Kalamazoo 
parish. It was then created a parish by the name of St. 
Mary's of the Immaculate Conception, with Rev. John 
Wernert as the first resident priest, who still holds that 
position. The present house of worship was commenced 
during Father La Belle's time, but was not completed until 
1872. The attendance includes about 50 families. The 
missions attached to the parish are Arlington and Decatur. 
The church trustees are James Doyle, William Ryan, and 
William Hough. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first village school in Paw Paw was taught by Miss 
Roxa Agard, in the summer of 1885, and there being no 
better school-house available, Rodney Hinckley's black- 
smith-shop was utilized for that purpose. The appoint- 
ments of that .school-house consisted principally of a few slab 
seats, but the scholars are said to have been quite as stu- 
dious and zealous as in some more pretentious institutions. 
There were perhaps ten .scholars when the attendance was 
at its best, but there were times when not more than four or 
five would respond to roll-call. Of that chosen band of am- 
bitious girls and boys, those known to be living are Mrs. 
Alonzo Shults (a daughter of Peter Gremps) and Jonathan 
J. Woodman, of Paw Paw, and Isaac Hinckley and his 
two sisters (children of Rodney Hinckley), now living at 
South Haven. 

The next summer (1836j the village school was taught 
by MelLssa Warner, in a log shanty on the west side of the 
river, just north of where Mason's planing-mill now stands. 
That school had 15 or 20 pupils. During the summer of 
1886, Williamson Mason and Joseph Royes built a school- 
house on Gremps Street, and in the fall it was occupied, 
Lorenzo Gate being the first teacher in it, and being also 
the first male teacher employed in the village. That build- 
ing was used not only as a school-house, but also as a court- 
house, and on Sundays it became a house of worship. 

The condition of the public schools of the township on 
the 1st of September, 1879, according to the official report 
for the year 1879, may be learned from the subjoined table : 

Number of districts (whole, 5 ; fractional, 4).... 9 

" " scholars of school age 859 

Average attendance 7,')6 

Value of school property $ol,.'iOn 

Number of teachers 31 

Amount paid teachers $4,073 

Total expenses for the year $9,721 

The school directors for 1879 were J. Andrews, W. Wil- 
son, G. T. Sherrod, E. E. Crane, Charles H. Butler, H. 
Hinckley, B. Odell, W. M. Shopard, George L. Tuttle. 



Paw Paw Union School. — -The building now u.sed as a 
town-hall was originally the union school and although ad- 
ditions were made to its accommodations as the demand 
for room increased, there was still a lack of space, and in 
December, 1868, the district resolved to build a brick 
school-house, to cost $25,000, and to borrow the money re- 
quired. The result wa.s the present elegant and imposing 
structure which stands at the head of Main Street, and 
which is justly the pride of the town. The entire cost of 
ground, building, and furniture was $40,000. The edifice 
was begun in the winter of 1868-69, and was opened for 
use in September, 1870. It contains six departments, 
— high school, grammar school, two intermediate, and two 
primary departments, — in which the aggregate average 
attendance is 414. 

The members of the school board are E. 0. Briggs, Jo- 
siah Andrews, G. J. Hudson, Andrew Richards, Aaron 
Van Auken, and George W. Longwell. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ALBERT HARRISON. 

This gentleman was born in the town of Tyre, Seneca 
Co., N. y., April 19, 1828, and was the fourth in a family 
of seven children, — four sons and three daughters. His 
father, Jonas Harrison, was a native of New Jersey. His 
mother, Hannah (Markham) Harrison, was a native of 
England, and came to the United States in 1812. She is 
still living, aged eighty-four, but her husband is deceased. 
In the fall of 1847 the family came to Van Buren Co., 
Mich. 

Albert Harrison, who had remained at home until he 
was twenty-one, worked for two years thereafter at monthly 
wages, and in 1850 purchased land on section 36 in Paw 
Paw township, which he subsequently exchanged for forty 
acres on section 16, where his father-in-law now lives. 
Sept. 7, 1856, he was married to Esther E., daughter of 
Hiram I. and p]lizabeth Southwell, she being the fourth in 
a family of seven children, — four sons and three daughters. 
She was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 3, 1836. Her 
parents, who were both natives of that State, came to 
Michigan in the spring of 1855. Mr. Harrison purchased 
one hundred and twelve acres of land, which is all under 
improvement. As they have no children of their own 
they adopted an orphan girl at the age of two and a half 
years, who is now living with them, aged twenty-one, and 
could scarcely be dearer to them if she were their own 
daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are consistent and in- 
fluential members of the Disciples Church, with which 
Mrs. Harrison united when she was .seventeen years of age. 
Mr. Harrison is a Republican in polities, but never took an 
active part in the political field, and has never sought for 
nor held an important office. 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



515 





PETER GREMPS. 



MRS. PETER GREMPS. 



PETER GREMPS, 

whose portrait, together with that of his wife, appears on 
this page, was born in the town of Palatine, Montgomery 
Co., N. Y., May 12, 1801, and was the younge.st and the 
only son in a family of six children. His parents, John 
P. and Nancy (Belinger) Gremps, were also natives of the 
town of Palatine. John Gremps was a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, and was wounded in action. He died about the 
year 1815. Mrs. Nancy Gremps died in 1837. 

After his father's death Peter Gremps remained at home 
with his mother. In 1820, when but nineteen years of 
age, he was married to Christina H., daughter of Peter 
and Elizabeth Houck, natives of Schoharie Co., N. Y., and 
lived on the old homestead until 1835. His attention was 
' attracted to the wonderful tide of emigration which swept 
westward, and he decided to join the throng who were 
seeking homes in the great West. To decide was to act, 
and he came to Michigan via the Erie Canal to Buffalo, 
thence by lake to Detroit. At the latter place he met his 
son, John Gremps, and a nephew named Arnold Vedder, 
who had made the journey with teams across Canada. 
Two weeks later they arrived at the site of Paw Paw, Van 
Buren Co. Mr. Gremps purchased land on section 12, and 
became one of the founders of Paw Paw village. He was 
its first postmaster, which was the only office he could be 
induced to accept. He was ever industrious, frugal, and 
genial, and trained his family to similar habits. He at first 
accumulated but a moderate quantity of worldly goods, but 
finally became possessed of an abundance. In company 
with Messrs. Willard and Daniels, he built the first grist- 
mill at Paw Paw, the same which is now standing. His 
principal business was always that of a farmer. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gremps were the parents of six children, as follows: 
John, born in 1821, died in 1861 ; Ann Eliza, born in 
1823, died in 1847 ; Rosanna, born Dec. U, 1825, married 
to Alonzo Shultz, May 25, 1854, and now living with her 
husband in the village of Paw Paw; Peter H., born July 
17, 1828, married to Caroline S. Durkee, Jan. 16, 1868; 



Margaret, born in March, 1830, died April 2, 1862 ; Nancy 
M., born in March, 1833, married to Daniel Boone, June 
5, 1868, and now living in Adrian, Mich. Peter H. Gremps 
occupies a portion of the old farm, but not the old home- 
stead. He has one child, Belle, born Dec. 24, 1871, and is 
a worthy representative of his honored sire, who died Marcji 
29, 1874. Mrs. Peter Gremps, iSr., died April 24, 1860. 



ANDERSON C. WEBB. 

The father of this gentleman was a native of New York, 
and was born July 10, 1811. He married, in the State of 
Ohio, Julia Cone, who was born in Connecticut, May 21, 
1815. They are both now living in Kansas. 

Anderson C. Webb is the third in a family of seven 
children, and was born March 16, 1839. Until he was 
fourteen years old he lived with his parents in Ohio, and 
came from there with them to Michigan, settling in Paw 
Paw township, Van Buren Co. He remained at home 
most of the time, assisting his parents, until he was twenty- 
six years of age, and on the 2d of February, 1865, was 
married to Miss Laura M. Rhodes, daughter of Henry W. 
and Laura M. Rhodes. She was born in Paw Paw, June 3, 
1843, her father being one of the pioneers of the place. 
Mr. and Mrs. Webb are the parents of four children, as 
follows: Dora M., born June 8, 1866; Frank J., born 
Oct. 26, 1868; Cora M., born Feb. 12, 1872; Fred A., 
born April 28, 1878. On the 24th of October, 1865, Mr. 
and Mrs. Webb settled on the farm where they are now 
living, a view of which will be found in this work. The 
place, which contains one hundred and forty acres, was but 
partially improved when Mr. Webb occupied it, but is now 
a very pleasant home. Mrs. Webb is the oldest in a family 
of five children ; her parents are yet residing in Paw Paw. 
Mr. Webb is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife 
are members of the Free-Will Baptist Cliurcii, with which 
they united in 1870. Mr. Webb received his education at 
the common schools, although for a short time he attended 
the Agricultural College. 



516 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





HENRY \V. RHODES. 



MUS. HENRY W. RHODES. 



HENRY W. RHODES 

was born in the town of Bunilville, R. I., Nov. 8, 1811, 
and was the second in a family of six children, — four sons 
and two daughters, — who are all living at present. Mr. 
Rhodes' father, Henry Rhodes, was born in Providence, 
R. I., in 1783, and died in Paw Paw, Mich., March 24, 
1852. The hitter's wife, Demaris (Parker) Rhodes, was 
born in Rhode Island in 1782, and died in Paw Paw, in 
1868. William Rhodes, the grandfather of Henry W., 
was a sea-captain during the Revolutionary war. The 
parents of Mrs. Henry Rhodes, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Parker, 
were natives of England, and Quakers. 

Henry W. Rhodes removed to Vermont with his parents 
when eight years old, and remained there until he was 
twenty-two, assisting in the home duties and taking care 
of his father and mother. In the summer of 1833 he 
proceeded to Monroe Co., N. Y., returning to Vermont in 
the winter following, and coming thence to Michigan. In 
October, 1835, he arrived in the latter State, and in No- 
vember purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
section 8, in the township of Paw Paw, Van Buren Co. 
May 18, 1836, he was married to Laura M., daughter of 
Joseph aud Achsah (Moore) Luce, and widow of Jeremiah 
Trumble. She was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., on the 22d 
of April, 1813, and was the fourth in a family of eight 
children, — three sou's and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rhodes were married in Monroe Co., N. Y., where he 
had returned for her. Her father, Joseph Luce, was born 
in Massachusetts, June 11, 1782, and died April 9, 1847. 
Her mother, Achsah (Moore) Luce, was born in New 
Hampshire, Feb. 9, 1780, and died April 5, 1863. To 
Henry W. Rhodes aud wife have been born the following 
children, viz. : Laura M., born June 3, 1843; William H., 
born Dec. 3, 1844; Charles P., born May 1, 1846, died 
Oct. 18, 1850; Frank W., born July 19, 1849; Julia S., 
born March 26, 1853. Laura M. is the wife of A. C. 
Webb, of Paw Paw ; William H. married Mary E. Roe- 
ney, of Philadelphia; Frank W. married Jenny Salt, a 
native of Canada, and resides ou the old homestead in 



Paw Paw ; and Julia S. became the wife of James H. 
Wilder, who has settled on a farm in Dakota Territory. 

Henry W. Rhodes is by trade a mason, and his start in 
life was made with the trowel, his wife keeping house in 
the woods, with no neighbors nearer than a distance of 
thr^-fourths of a mile. The forest was thronged with 
wolves, whose nightly howls woke the echoes far and near. 
The red man visited the lone cabin occasionally to beg for 
victuals, and Mrs. Rhodes' recollection is vivid regarding 
the experiences of life in the Michigan wilderness. Mr. 
Rhodes began with the proceeds of his summer's work, 
less than two hundred dollars, and became an extensive 
owner and dealer in real estate, owning, at one time, seven 
hundred acres of land, aside from other tracts to which 
he held tax titles. He has at the present time consider- 
able wild land in Kansas. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have been connected with the 
Christian Church since 1844. In politics Mr. Rhodes is 
a Republican, and has often been selected to fill office in 
his township. He is numbered among the energetic class 
who have acquired prominence as self-made men, and is 
now enjoying the fruits of his labor through more than 
forty years in the " beautiful peninsula." 



EDWIN BARNUM, 

whose portrait is given in connection with this sketch, was 
born in Mentz, Cayuga Co., N. Y., March 31, 1814, and was 
the fifth in a family of seven children, — four sons aud three 
daughters. He assisted in the duties of home until he 
was twenty-one, and in the spring of 1835 came to Paw 
Paw township. Van Buren Co., Mich., in which he lived, 
with the exception of a few brief periods, until his death, 
which occurred Aug. 24, 1875. Soou after his arrival in 
this State he located land ou section 10 in Paw Paw, and 
kept " bachelor's hall" for one year. He boarded during 
the remaining time until 1840, and ou the 21st of March, 
in the latter year, was married to Sarah Ann, daughter of 
John and Mary Lylc, who had moved from the State of 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



517 



New York in the fall of 1835. Mrs. Barnum was born 
Nov. 5, 1820, and was the third in a family of ten chil- 
dren, — five sous and five daughters. Of these, eight are 
now living in Van Buren Co., and two in Cass Co., Mich. 
Mr. and Mrs. Barnum have had but one child, — Isaac, 
born May 19, 1842. At an early age he evinced extraor- 




EDWIN BARNUM. 

dinary talent; being of a delicate constitution, he adopted 
the study of the law, in which profession he would have 
without doubt distinguished himself, had his health per- 
mitted. He is now in Colorado, seeking a new lease of 
life among the rocky peaks and pure, dry atmosphere of 
that State. 

At the age of twenty-nine years, J]dwin Barnum em- 
braced religion, and united with the Christian Church, in 
which he was soon licensed to preach. He labored earn- 
estly in this sparsely-settled region with an acknowledged 
power of doing good. His purity of life, genial temper, 
liberality, and great kindness of heart made him many 
friends. In language he was eloquent, and in principle 
correct. He held the ofiiee of county treasurer eight con- 
secutive years, and filled, very acceptably, the office of 
supervisor several terms. For thirty-two years he was a 
consistent member of the Church of Christ. His faithful 
and devoted wife, now wearing the garb of widowhood, is 
living in the village of Paw Paw, surrounded by the com- 
forts which she assisted her husband to accumulate. 



DAVID WOODMAN, 



the second son of the late Joseph Woodman, was born in 
March, 1818, in Wheelock, Caledonia Co., Vt. In the 
summer of 1831 he removed, with his father's family, to 
Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y., remaining there, laboring upon 
the farm summers and attending the district school winters, 
until the spring of 1835, when his father and family re- 
moved to Michigan, leaving him with Joseph Luce, upon a 
rented farm. In September, 1835, he, witii Mr. Luce and 
family and four other families, took up their line of march 



for Michigan. The party consisted of twenty-nine persons ; 
their outfit was five covered wagons, each drawn by two 
pair of sturdy oxen ; nine cows were driven along, which 
furnished milk and butter for use on the way ; it was 
known as the " big ox-train," and its progress was a matter 
of record at that time. It crossed the Niagara at Queens- 
town, arriving in Detroit fourteen days afterwards. It then 
wended its way westward, and arrived at Paw Paw in Oc- - 
tober, the journey occupying twenty-eight days. Paw Paw 
at that time consisted of a saw-mill, a very small hotel, a 
post-office, and three or four log huts or dwellings. The 
entire county of Van Buren at that time was included in 
the township of Lafayette, now Paw Paw. Young Wood- 
man rendered his father efficient aid in improving the farm 
and erecting permanent buildings. As the spring of 1836 
approached he, with his brother, prepared for sugar-making 
on section 33, and with two exceptions he made sugar at 
the same place for more than thirty years. At the time he 
opened his camp the adjoining forest was one vast Indian 
sugar-camp. 

Several wigwams being in close proximity to his own, he 
became quite familiar with the Indian language and their 
traits of character, one of which was honesty ; that was 
always strictly adhered to. He well knew the old chiefs 
Pokagou and Pee Pee Yaw, and the old warrior, Shavehead, 
who was supposed to be one hundred years old, and boasted 
that he had killed a hundred men. In the spring of 1836, 
Mr. Woodman made a canoe at his sugar-camp, and, with 
the assistance of two others, the canoe was " backed" to 
Eagle Lake, about a mile distant. They were, no doubt, 
the first white men that ever floated upon that beautiful 
lake, and it was this party that gave the present name to 
that sheet of water. A pair of bald eagles had built an 
enormous nest in the forks of a large whitewood-tree stand- 
ing on its southern shore, hence it was called Eagle Lake. 
Mr. Woodman was present at the first election ever held in 
Van Buren County, also at the first Circuit Court. He was 
also present at the organization of the township of Antwerp. 
He held a second lieutenant's commission (which bears the 
name of Stevens T. Mason) in a company of riflemen, 
also a first lieutenant's commission, signed by William Wood- 
bridge, Governor, dated 1840. He commenced on the 
farm where he now resides in 1839, keeping what was 
called " bachelor's hall," working on his place summers and 
at other vocations winters. He frequently passed an entire 
week without seeing a single person. In 1841 he visited 
his old home in New England, and returned, thankful that 
he had found a better place than old Vermont. In the 
mean time he had cleared away the forest and erected a 
comfortable dwelling. He also built a house on some land 
he had purchased on the east side of the village of Paw 
Paw, and in May, 1844, he married Miss Jane Harris, 
who, about two years previous, had arrived from Wheatland, 
Monroe Co., N. Y., and was now a resident of Antwerp. 
They remained on their place in Paw Paw until April, 
1845, when they removed to their farm. Early in the 
spring of 1852, Mr. Woodman removed his family to the 
village of Paw Paw, and, in company with his two brothers 
and brother-in-law, made a trip to California, their teams 
leaving Paw Paw March 16th, and arriving on Feather 



518 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



River the 27th of July, making the journey in one hundred 
and thirty-five days. Mr. Woodman returned in the spring 
of 1853, by the way of Panama, Kingston, Jamaica, and 
New York, arriving home in June, 1853. He immediately 
took possession of his farm, purchased one hundred and 
fifty acres adjoining, and, with his usual energy, commenced 
improving his new purchase and preparing for building. 
His house had burned during his absence, and a small, 
rough structure had been erected in its place. He built 
his present residence in 1857, and in the summer of 1864, 
accompanied by his wife, he again visited Vermont. They 
traveled extensively in Maine, Massachusetts, and New 
Hampshire, and returned through New York, visiting the 
early home of Mrs. Woodman. In 186G they visited his 
brother in Kansas, traveling through Illinois, Missouri, Ne- 
braska, Iowa, and Wisconsin, journeying over four hundred 
miles by stage and wagon. In 1876 they visited Washing- 
ton, crossing over to Arlington Heights, where the nation's 
dead are buried, and where stands the mansion of the rebel 
chieftain, R. E. Lee. They spent a week at the Centennial, 
and returned by the Lehigh Valley and Suspension Bridge. 
Mr. and Mrs. Woodman have had five children : Celia, 
born in 1845; now in California. Edson, born in 1847; en- 
listed in the army in 1864 ; was with Sherman in his South- 
ern campaigns ; was wounded at Bentonville, and receives 
a pension from the government ; he owns a fine farm ad- 
joining his father's, and is a noted breeder of Peroheron 
Norman horses. Emma, born in 1854, died at the age of 
three years. Jason, born in 1860, is a member of the 
junior class in the Agricultural College. Dora, born in 
1862, is a student in the Paw Paw union school. 

Mr. Woodman has been one of the most successful farmers 
in his township, his farm comprising about three hundred 
acres of choice land. He practices mixed husbandry, rais- 
ing stock and all the staple varieties of grain. He is one 
of the principal stockholders in the First National Bank of 
Paw Paw, and has been since its organization. He has 
held various township offices ; has been assessor, highway 
commissioner, justice of the peace, and is now supervisor of 
Paw Paw. He is also president of the Van Buren County 
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company ; president of 
the Van Buren County Agricultural Society ; director of 
the Western Michigan Agricultural and Industrial Society. 
He is also Master of the Van Buren County Pomona 
Grange. He is and has been for many years an elder in 
the Disciples Church of Paw Paw, a position he holds with 
honor to himself as well as to the church. He is now almost 
sixty-two years of age, enjoys perfect health, has never been 
confined to bed by sickness since he can remember ; has only 
been visited by a physician, professionally, once, and that 
was to replace a dislocated shoulder, caused by a runaway 
accident. He has never used intoxicating liquors nor to- 
bacco, believing both to be ruinous to health, destructive 
to property, and degrading to all using or trafficking in them. 



PHILIP SHERROD 

(a view of whose home appears in this work) was born in 
Erie Co., Pa., March 12, 1829, and was the third in a 
family of four children, — three sons and one daugiiter. His 



father, Daniel Sherrod, was born Sept. 20, 1800, in Penn- 
sylvania, and his mother in Lincoln Co., Ohio, in 1802. 
They were married in Ohio in June, 1824, Mr. Sherrod 
having then been in the latter State one year. The maiden 
name of Mrs. Daniel Sherrod was Rebecca Kyle. After 
their marriage they located at Erie, Pa., where Mr. Sherrod 
engaged in farming. 

Philip Sherrod came to Michigan in 1848, and remained 
eighteen months, farming and attending school. In the 
spring of 1850 he returned to Pennsylvania, but in No 
vember, 1851, came again to Michigan, and purchased the 
place upon which he now resides, in the township of Paw 
Paw, Van Buren Co. May 2, 1852, he was married to 
Berryund, daughter of James and Hannah Lee, who were 
early settlers in Michigan. Mrs. Sherrod was born June 
16, 1823, and was the ninth in a family of ten children, — 
seven sons and three daughters. D.uiiel Sherrod had pur- 
chased, through an agent, the land on which Philip now 
lives, the latter purchasing of his father. Upon his ar- 
rival in Michigan Mr. Sherrod found his means exhausted, 
and in order to pay for his land cut and sold saw-logs. 
The first year he occupied the place, he cleared seven acres 
and sowed it to wheat. Mr. Sherrod now has one hundred 
acres, including twenty which have been added to his 
original purchase. All is under excellent improvement. 
His residence is neat and commodious, and his out-buildings 
are ample. Mr. and Mrs. Sherrod are' the parents of three 
children, as follows: Daniel, born Oct. 9, 1854, died Aug. 
12, 1858 ; Lena, born March 12, 1871 ; and one who died 
in infancy, nameless. 

In 1868, Jlr. Sherrod and his wife united with the Free- 
Will Baptist Church, in which Mr. Sherrod is now a deacon 
and a trustee. He is, politically, a Democrat, never having 
acted with any other party. He has held the office of 
highway commissioner six years, and justice of the peace, 
to fill vacancy, two years. Rebecca, the first wife of Daniel 
Sherrod, died in February, 1833, and in February, 1835, 
Mr. Sherrod was married to Hannah Cole, who was a native 
of New York. Seven children were the fruit of this union. 
Mrs. Daniel Sherrod, aged seventy-nine, is living in this 
township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sherrod enjoy the esteem and con- 
fidence of all their acquaintances. Their walks have been 
upright in life, and their industry and economy have built 
for them the home they now occupy, with all its comforta- 
ble surroundings. 



WILLIAM H. LEE. 

This gentleman, whose portrait appears in this work, was 
the third in a family of ten children, — six sons and four 
daughters, — and was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., July 
18, 1812. His father, James Lee, was a native of New 
York, and his mother, Hannah (Church) Lee, of Vermont. 
At the age of fourteen years William Lee began to learn 
the trade of a mason with his father, and worked in that 
business with the latter until he was twenty-four. In 
April, 1836, he was married to Susanna Brown, who was 
born Juno 5, 1817. To them were born ten children, of 
whom five are now living, viz. : Harriet E., wife of Alma 
Mulligan, of Bangoi' ; John S., now a resident ol' Nebraska; 



TOWNSHIP OF PAW PAW. 



519 



Mrs. Hannah Payne, residing in Paw Paw township ; Roxy 
S., wife of 0. W. Baltzley, living in Nebraska; and Alniira 
J., who is also living in Nebraska. In 1838, Mr. Lee 
came to Michigan and settled in the township of Paw 
Paw, Van Buren Co. His wife died Oct. 10, 1869, and on 




WILLIAM H. LEE. 

the 16th of October, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Eliza 
Howe, widow of W. Howe. Her geniaj temper and bruad 
intelligence contribute greatly to make the life and home 
of Mr. Lee most happy. She was born Oct. 16, 1820, in 
New Hampshire, and was the tenth in a family of fourteen 
children. She came to Michigan in 1845. Her union 
with Mr. Howe was blessed by four children, — Harry T., 
born November 20, 1841 ; Susan, born April 20, 1844, 
now the wife of Charles Flanders, of Paw Paw village ; 
Lucetta, born Dec. 22, 1849, the wife of Alvah A. Hutch- 
ins; William S.,born March 30, 1852, died Dec. 29, 1853. 
Mr. Lee has always followed his occupation as a mason, 
preferring it to agricultural labor. Althoizgh his facilities 
for acquiring an education were limited, his natural gifts 
and determined mind have thus far enabled him to succeed 
well in life, and sufficient means have been accumulated to 
keep him from want during the remainder of his life. He 
is an honored and respected citizen. Following the exam- 
ple of the members of his family on both sides, he early 
united with the Christian Church, of which he is still a 
consistent member. 



JEREMIAH H. SIMMONS. 

Mr. Simmons was born at Woodstock, Windsor Co., Vt., 
July 27, 1800, and was the second in a family of seven 
children, — three sons and four daughters. His father, 
Howland Simmons, and his mother, Experience (DunhaniJ 
Simmons, were both natives of Connecticut, and farmers by 
occupation. 

When Jeremiah Simmons became of age he commenced 
learning the trade of cabinet-making. May 23, 1826, he 
was married to Miss Sarah B., daughter of Shadrach and 
Phebe (GoflF) Phillips. Her father was a native of Rhode 



Island, and her mother of Massachusetts. Mrs. Simmons 
was born Oct. 8, 1802, in Woodstock, Vt., and was the 
third in a family of six children, — two sons and four 
daughters. Mr. Simmons taught school in the East about 
nine years, and in the summer of 1836 came to Paw Paw, 




.lERESIIAH H. SIMMONS. 

Van Buren Co., Mich., arriving on the 31st of July. He 
located eighty acres in the township of Paw Paw, and for 
two years succeeding his arrival worked at his trade. He 
built the first carding-niill that was erected in the county, 
and about 1854 engaged in the hardware business, having 
previously sold his interest in the carding-mill. Mr. and 
Mrs. Simmons became the parents of the following children, 
viz.: Orville C, born in Woodstock, Vt., Oct. 17, 1828; 
Irene P., born in Paw Paw township. May 15, 1838, now 
the wife of I. W. Vanfossen, of Paw Paw ; and one (the 
first) who died in infancy. Mr. Simmons was a Democrat 
in politics, and a prominent man in his township and 
county. He held the positions of judge of probate, county 
clerk, register of deeds, and justice of the peace, and was 
one of the founders of the Masonic lodge at Paw Paw. He 
continued to live in this township until his death. 

Orville C. Simmons was associated for some years with 
his father in the hardware business. He was married, Nov. 
4, 1851, to Margaret Gremps, who bore him two children, 
— Clayton R., born Dec. 15, 1855, now livmg with his 
grandmother, S. B. Simmons ; Ida M., born Dec. 15, 1858, 
now the wife of Frank Hudson, of Paw Paw. Mr. Sim- 
mons died in Paw Paw, May 4, 1869. 

Miss Irene P. Simmons was married, June 23, 1858, to 
I. W. Vanfossen, who was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., July 24, 1827, and came to Jackson County, Mich., 
with his father, in 1833. In 1854 he removed to Paw 
Paw, and commenced publishing the Paw Paw Free Press. 
Mr. and Mrs. Vanfossen are the parents of three children, — 
Zell, born March 18, 1864, died Oct. 29, 1869; Vern, 
born Feb. 21, 1872 ; Rena Ray, born July 4, 1875. 



520 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



HENRY WILSON 

(a view of whose home and portraits of himself and wife 
appear in this volume) was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
Aug. 18, 1821, and was the second in a family of seven 
children. His father, James M. WiLson, was born in New 
York, and his mother, Lydia (Trask) Wilson, in Vermont. 
The latter died in 1841, and the former in 1848. From 
the time Henry Wilson was eleven years of age, until he 
was seventeen, his father hired his services to different par- 
ties, and appropriated his earnings towards the support of 
the family. At the expiration of the time stated, in 1837, 
he came to Michigan, and found employment with Judge 
Barry, in Lenawee County, at fourteen dollars per month, 
which was then the highest wages paid for common labor. 
He remained with the judge eighteen months, earning sufB- 
cient to pay for forty acres of land he purchased in the fall 
of 1837, at four dollars per acre, and having a balance on 
hand. He walked thirty-eight miles for the purpose of 
placing his deed on record, and then proceeded, still on foot, 
to Toledo, where he took passage on a boat for Erie, Pa. 
Upon his return home he found his mother in failing health, 
and entered the employ of Charles Reed, who lived near. 
In trading away his Michigan land he was the victim of 
misplaced confidence, and lost the whole, finding himself, at 
the age of twenty-one, forced to begin the battle anew. 
With a stout heart and willing hand he commenced work, 
and for three years was engaged, on contract, in chopping, 
clearing, and fencing. Oct. 24, 1844, he was married to 
Eliza 0., daughter of Moses and Olive Olds, who was born 
March 30, 1824, and was the third in a family of four 
children. Her father was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., and 
her mother in Vermont, and previous to her marriage with 
Mr. Wilson they had removed to Pennsylvania. In the 
spring of 1846, Mr. Wilson came West with his wife, via 
the great lakes, stopping a few days in Illinois, and pro- 
ceeding thence to Paw Paw, Van Buren Co., Mich., ar- 
riving with a capital of eighty dollars. For four weeks 
Mr. Wilson was employed by I. W. Willard and Daniel 0. 
Dodge. About the last of May, 1846, he purchased forty 
acres of land on section 16, in Paw Paw township, paying 
for the same at the rate of five dollars per acre, and can- 
celing one-fourth of the debt (fifty dollars) at the time. 
Within three days he built a log .shanty, roofed it with 
" shakes," laid a hewed floor over one-half the room, and 
moved into it. His wife did the cooking out of doors for 
four months, — or until he could spare enough money, 
to buy a stove. During the spring and summer he was 
most of the time in the employ of others, but at late and 
early hours he worked upon his own place, and in time had 
cleared four acres, which he sowed to wheat. On one oc- 
casion, not having money enough to pay the postage on 
some letters which had come to his address in the post-oflBce, 
he took his tools on his back, walked one and a half miles 
to Benoni Hall's, cut and split two hundred rails, received 
his pay, one dollar, returned home, and the same evening 
walked to Paw Paw for his letters. About this time, his 
supply of meat having failed, he walked one morning to 
Paw Paw, cut and split four cords of four-foot wood for I. 
W. Willard, received his pay in pork, anil carried it home 



in the evening of the same day. At another time he started 
for Paw Paw, three miles distant, with two bushels of wheat 
on his back, intending to have some milling done. When 
about half way he was overtaken by a team, and his burden 
was carried for him. In this manner he kept the wolf from 
the door until he could harvest a crop of his own, and since 
then his energy has been exerted in clearing and fencing 
his land, and at times increasing the extent of his posses- 
sions. He is now the owner of two hundred acres of land, 
one hundred and sixty being under the highest state of cul- 
tivation ; has a fine lot of stock and excellent buildings, and 
is free from debt. His son Walter is settled on eighty 
acres in the immediate neighborhood, his younger son, 
Henry, remaining at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the 
parents of seven children: Eliza Jane, born Feb. 20, 1846, 
died March 30, 1864; Cornelia A., born May 9, 1848, 
died March 13, 1873; Warren H.. born Aug. 30, 1850, 
died March 10, 1864 ; Walter H., born Aug. 18, 1854 ; 
Lowell H., born Aug. 13, 1856, died March 24, 1864; 
Cora J., born January 1, died March 21, 1864; Henry, 
born March 27, 1867. Mr. Wilson's education was limited 
to six months' tuition in the common schools, but he has 
always been able to transact successfully his own business 
and keep his accounts straight, and is emphatically a self- 
made man. By the aid of his faithful and most excellent 
wife, who has stood by him through sorrow, adversity, and 
every trial, he has been enabled to acquire a competence, and 
both are living to enjoy it. In religious matters Mr. Wil- 
son is liberal, having due respect for the opinions of others, 
and in politics is a Jacksonian Democrat. 



G. F. HARRINGTON. 

This gentleman was born April 25, 1827, in Oneida Co., 
N. Y., and was the second in a family of nine children, — 
six sons and three daughters. His father, H. C. Harring- 
ton, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1804; his mother, 
Catherine (Marshall) Harrington, was a native of the same 
county, and was born the same year. Her grandfathers 
and his maternal grandmother were natives of Rhode Island, 
and his paternal grandmother was born in Vermont. 

Until he was twenty-one years of age he worked on his 
father's farm, and after that was engaged for seven years in 
ftirming and dealing in produce. In the fall of 1855 he 
came to Michigan, in company with Rev. A. C. Tuttle, and 
purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land on sec- 
tion 10, Paw Paw township. Van Buren Co. Mr. Tuttle 
moved upon it, and Mr. Harrington boarded with him. In 
1864, Mr. Harrington's father came from New York and 
purchased Mr. Tuttlc's interest in the farm. On the 10th 
day of Aprd, 1864, G. F. Harrington was married to Ruth 
M., daughter of Calvin and Emily Cross. She was born in 
Bangor, Mich., July 28, 1846, and is the fifth in a family 
of eight children, — three sons and five daughters. Mr. 
and Mrs. Harrington are the parents of the following chil- 
dren : Delos, born April 29, 1865, died Aug. 3, 1865; 
Edward J., born Oct. 6, 1866 ; Wayne Cross, born July 
11, 1868; Fred, born Aug. 13, 1870; Lou, born Jan. 24, 
1872 ; Harry C, born March 3, 1879, died Feb. 14, 1880. 



TOWNSHIP OF PINE GROVE. 



521 



After the death of his father, which occurred in July, 
1878, Mr. HarrinjitoQ purchased the old homestead, and 
now owns four hundred and fifty-eight acres of land, with 
one hundred and sixty acres under good improvement. He 
pays considerable attention to raising fine stock, — horses, 
merino sheep, and Poland China swine being his specialties. 
In this enterprise he is greatly assisted by his three fine 
boys, even though they are yet small. Mr. Harrington 
markets most of liis own stock, occasionally shipping a car- 
load at a time, and accompanying it himself. In religious 
matters he entertains liberal views, and endeavors to the 
extent of his power to inculcate strictly moral principles in 
the minds of his children, and give them the benefit of his 
own example. In politics he is a conservative Republican, 
never seeking for office nor taking an active part in politi- 
cal matters. 



B. A. MURUOCK. 

Mr. Murdock was born in Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., 
Jan. 17, 1815, and was the second in a family of five 
children, — two sons and three daughters. His father, Ariel 
Murdock, a native of New York, was a farmer. He held a 
captain's commission in the war of 1812, and was for a time 
stationed at Sacket's Harbor, N. Y. He died September, 
1826. His wife Tryphosa (Bonney) Murdock, a native of 
Chesterfield, Mass., was a member of the Baptist Church 
for over a third of a century. She died Jan. 6, 1867. 

B. A. Murdock remained at home until twenty-one years 
of age, working the farm in the summer season, and attend- 
ing school in winter. On the 22d of March, 1836, he 
started for Michigan, arriving in Van Buren County, in the 
latter State, on the 10th of April following. In the same 
year he located one hundred and sixty acres of laud on section 
24, South Haven township. From 1836 to 1839 he worked 
at farming, except in winter, when he employed his time 
in teaching school. In 1839 he returned to New York, and 
in October of that year, in company with Benjamin Parlin, 
started on a tour of the States, returning to New York in 
June, 1840. He taught school in Madison County the 
following winter, and about July 10, 1842, came again to 
Michigan. From that time until his marriage he engaged 
in different occupations, teaching school, merchandising, 
and speculating in land. May 1, 1859, he was married to 
Mary V. Anderson, daughter of Le Grand and Catharine 
(Shaw) Anderson, both natives of Virginia, who emigrated 
in an early day to Pickaway Co., Ohio, where Mrs. Mur 
dock was born, Feb. 13, 1824. In 1832, Mr. Anderson 
moved, with his family, to Van Buren Co., Mich., having 
previously visited what is now Van Buren County as early 
as 1828. 

Mr. and Mrs. Murdock have had two children,— ^a son and 
a daughter, — both of whom died in infancy. Two nieces of 
Mrs. Murdock (and adopted daughters), M. Grace and 
Clara S. Anderson, whose mother died in 1869, are much- 
loved members of Mr. and Mrs. Murdock's happy home. 
Mr. and Mrs. Murdock have been members of the Chris- 
tian Church since 1861. He has been trustee and clerk of 
the same church many years. He has been a school- 
66 



teacher in the counties of Allegan, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, 
Cass, and Van Buren. 

Mr. Murdock has been an extensive land-holder, having 
owned at one time sixteen hundred acres. He has now five 
hundred acres, aside from his pre.sent residence and several 
locations in the business portion of Paw Paw. He is en- 
gaged in farming. He votes with the Republicans, but 
was never an active politician. He attends strictly to his 
business, and is a quiet, upright, and highly-honored citi- 
zen. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Murdock, together with a 
view of their home, are given in this volume. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP.* 

Location, Top"gra|pliy, and Population— First anrl Early Settlements 
—Civil History— Later Settlements in Pine (Jrove— Village of 
Kendall— Pine (irove Mills and (ioblevillc— Educational— Relig- 
ious Worship. 

LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY, AND POPULATION. 

This township, which derives its name from the fact that 
the major portion of its surface was originally covered with 
pine forests, is situated in the northeast corner of Van Buren 
County. According to the field-notes of the original survey, 
other varieties of timber then growing here were beech, 
cherry, elm, white oak, linn, white ash, black ash, tamarack, 
butternut, whitewood, aspen, hickory, yellow oak, maple, 
and sycamore. 

The surface is broken by irregular ranges of low hills 
dotted with several small lakes, and intersected by numer- 
ous unimportant water-courses. The lake surface embraces 
a total area of about 600 acres. Clear, Brandywine, and 
Lilypad lakes being the most important. 

In the eastern part of the township are situated some 
three or four thousand acres of black-ash and tamarack 
swamps. Much of this swamp-land, however, will be re- 
claimed ultimately by drainage. 

A sandy loam predominates, which with intelligent cul- 
ture yields average crops of the earth's products common 
to this region. The soil and climate are also peculiarly 
well adapted to fruit culture. 

During early years the people were chiefly engaged in 
lumbering ; but with the almost total disappearance of 
their pine forests, attention has been turned more particu- 
larly to the pursuits of agriculture, and commodious farm 
buildings, surrounded by well-tilled acres, now appear where 
but a decade ago naught was seen but the woodman's shanty 
and its necessary adjunct, the "slashing." 

Since 1870 population has rapidly increased, the census 
of 1874 returning a total of 1851 inhabitants. 

It has at present (1880) a voting population of 570, show- 
ing an estimated total of at least 2300 inhabitants. 

FIRST AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 
The first settler within the boundaries of this township 
was Joseph H. Hawks, who in 1839 purcha.sed from the 



By John S. Schenck. 



522 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



general government lands, situated upon section 21, and in 
the following year (1840) his name appeared upon the 
Clinch assessment rolls as a resident owner of a portion 
of that section, lying in township 1 south, of range number 
13 west. About a year after Hawks' settlement on section 
21 a man named Stone purchased a part of section 30, in 
this township, and erected thereon a log habitation for him- 
self and family, situated about sixty rods south, and a little 
east of the present village of Pine Grove Mills. He re- 
mained there until 1842 or 1843, clearing about ten acres. 

There seems to have been no further attempt looking 
towards permanent settlements until the years 1847 and 
1848. 

Messrs. Morrill & Dyckman then owned several thousand 
acres of timbered lands, situated in this township. In 1848 
they erected upon section 32 the old Pine Grove saw-milis, 
and established a store. They employed a large number of 
men in and about the mills, and here was formed the nu- 
cleus of a settlement which in thirty years has expanded to 
the present populous township. 

In 1849, with about 30 voters, the township was set off 
from Bloomingdale and began a separate existence. 

Among the residents at that time were Charles M. Mor- 
rill, the first supervisor ; Dewitt C. Lockman, first township 
clerk ; Aaron S. Dyckman, first treasurer ; C. B. Palmer, 
Ephraim Taylor, Peter T. Valleau, Jephtha Waterman, 
E. B. D. Hicks, Uriah Stevens, Thomas Southward, Free- 
man Southward, Henry F. Bowen, John Pettibone, Benja- 
min P. Wolcott, Robert Love, James Clark, Edwin Petti- 
bone, Benjamin H. Blair, Clark Brewer, Myron Parks, 
John Greenwood, Grove Love, Royal Cooley, Robert Ivy, 
Daniel Frary, James Ketchum, Sylvester Brown, W. H. 
Stevens, Horace H. Hadley, and Moses Waterman. 

Additional early settlers to 1852, inclusive, were Harmon 
Ostrander, Abel P. Conant, Newell Nash, Philip M. Brooks, 
David Salisbury, Jason Russell, William B. Clement, Je- 
rome Thrasher, Samuel Impson, Samuel Impson, Jr., Wil- 
liam Impson, Abram Nash, William Adair, Jordan H. 
Jones, Rudolph Rogers, Peter Miller, Albert Abrams, and 
David Wise. 

William B. Clement erected a saw-mill on section 20 in 
1851, and engaged in lumbering quite extensively for a 
number of years. His mill was twice burned and as often 
rebuilt. In 1879 the machinery of this mill was removed 
to Montcalm County by his son. 

David Wise and family came from Lysander, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., in May, 1852, and settled upon section 32. 
The following year he was elected supervisor of this town- 
ship. His son, David D. Wise, besides serving in many 
other honorable capacities, has filled the office of supervisor 
ten terms, and is the present incumbent. He is also station- 
agent at the village of Pine Grove Mills. 

Chauucey Wise, another member of this family, served 
as supervisor during the years 1868-70. 

Henry Veley, if not the first, was one of the very earliest 
settlers in the northern part of the township. 

Among the residents here in 1854 and not already men- 
tioned were James Hall, Henry Brown, George Clugston, 
Charles Jefferson, Amasa Southward, John Story, John 
Southward, Dewitt Church, William J. Charles, Sylvester 



G. Baker, Thomas Story, Stephen Remalig, James Earl, 
Chapman Lay, John J. Charles, Benjamin Earl, Volney 
Blanehard, Abram Fitzgerald, James Clement, C. M. 
Blanchard, Philip Strong, Myron Austin, Oscar Everest, 
Elias J. Aldrich, J. G. Ostrander, George Cook, Seth 
Munn, Hiram Hiscock, Henry Packer, William Ash, A. 
C. Hiscock, Ebenezer Van Tassell, A. M. Morrill, Richard 
Salisbury, C. C. Westcott, Nathan Baker, and W. L. 
Conant. 




CHAUNCEY WISE. 

Until after the close of the late war the township in- 
creased but slowly in population or material wealth, and 
but twice had there been polled more than 100 votes at 
township elections, viz., in 1861 and 1864. 

With the establishment of peace between the warring 
sections of our common country came many additional 
settlers to Pine Grove, in the persons of ex-soldiers, men 
who of all others are entitled to citizenship in a free land 
and under the flag they so bravely defended. 

By this influx and the contemplated building of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad, the population was 
augmented to such an extent that in the spring election 
of 1868, 240 votes were cast. 

The Pine Grove Mills post-office, on section 32, was first 
established in 1857, David D. Wise, postmaster. 

The first framed dwelling was erected in the same local- 
ity in 1856, by Wise, Morrill & Co., and used as a board- 
ing-house for their employees. 

The only water-power saw-mill was built on Pine Creek, 
section 1, about the year 1865. 

The Allegan State road, which ran along the west border 
of the township, was authorized by the authorities of AI- 
mena and Waverly, and surveyed by A. Crane, county 
surveyor, Sept. 2, 1844. The first road laid out by the 
highway commissioners of Pine Grove was of date July 
12, 1849, upon the application of E. B. Dyckman and 
others, through who.se land it was to pass. 

CIVIL HLSTOKY OF THE TOWNSHIP. 
The territory designated as township No. 1 south, of 
range No. 13 west, formed part of the original township of 



TOWNSHIP OF PINE GROVE. 



523 



Clinch. It was set off as Almena in 1842, BloomiDgdale 
in 1845, and by an act of the State Legislature became a 
separate organization under its present name in 1849. 

First Township Election, etc. — Pursuant to the act of 
organization, the legal voters to the number of 25 as- 
sembled at the place designated April 2, 1849, and chose 
Charles M. Morrill, Moderator ; Aaron S. Dyckman, Clerk ; 
Henry F. Bowen and Jephtha Waterman, Inspectors of 
Election. 

At ten o'clock a.m. the polls were declared open by 
Jephtha Waterman. 

It was then voted " To divide said township into two 
equal road districts by an east-and-west line." Board 
adjourned for half an hour. 

Upon reopening the polls, proclamation was made that the 
same would close at half-past four o'clock p.m. 

By a viva voce vote, Uriah Stevens was elected road 
overseer of District No. 1, — the north half of the town- 
ship, — and Ephraim Taylor road-master of District No. 2, 
being the south half of the same. 

By a majority vote other resolutions, as follows, were 



" That $200 be raised for township purposes. 

" That a bounty of $5 be paid on full-grown wolves, and 
$2.50 for each wolf-whelp killed in said township. 

" To raise 50 cents on each scholar between the ages of 
four and eighteen years, for the support of common schools. 

" To raise $200 for the improvement of roads, to be 
equally divided between the two road districts. 

" That the next annual meeting be held in the school- 
house near Horace H. Hadley's." 

As a result of the canvass of votes, it was found that 
Charles M. Morrill was the unanimous choice of the 25 
electors present, and the remaining officers elected were 
named as follows: Dewitt C. Lockman, Township Clerk; 
Aaron S. Dyckman, Treasurer; C. B. Palmer, Ephraim 
Taylor, School Inspectors ; Peter T. Valleau, Jephtha 
Waterman, Directors of the Poor ; E. B. D. Hicks, Peter 
T. Valleau, Uriah Stevens, Highway Commissioners; 
Thomas Southward, Henry F. Bowen, Horace H. Hadley, 
Dewitt C. Lockman, Justices of the Peace ; John Petti- 
bone, Benjamin P. Wolcott, Robert Love, James Clark, 
Constables. 

At the general election held Nov. 6, 1849, the whole 
number of votes polled was fifteen, of which John S. Barry 
received 12 and Flavins J. Littlejohn 3. 

Residents of 1849. — The names on the first assessment 
roll of Pine Grove Township, in 1849, were as follows: 

Sec. 

Daniel Fraiy 7 Myron Parks Personal. 

James Ketchuin 17 Jephtha Waterman " 

Sylvester Brown 7 John Greenwood " 

W.H.Stevens 32 E. B. D. Hicks " 

Horace H. Hadley 19 Chauncey B. Palmer " 

Benjamin P. Wolcott Personal Grove Love ** 

John Pettibone " Royal Cooley " 

Edwin Pettibone " James Clark *' 

Dewitt C. Lockman " Charles M. Morrill " 

Benjamin H. Blair " Aaron S. Dyckman " 

Ephraim Taylor " Thomas Southward " 

Robert Love " Freeman Southward " 

Clark Brewer " Robert Ivey " 

Henry F. Bowen 

The total amount of taxes levied upon residents during 

the same year was $19.07. 



The township was then a lumbering region, and the fore- 
going list comprises for the most part lumbermen and their 
employees. 

The whole number of votes polled for presidential elec- 
tors in 1852 was 27, of which the ticket headed by John 
S. Barry received 19, and that headed by John Owen 
received 8. 

Voters of 1854. — The voters at the spring election in 
1854 were James Hall, Henry Veley, Henry Brown, George 
Clugston, Charles Jefferson, Amasa Southward, Jerome 
Thrasher, John Story, W. B. Clement, John Southward, 
Dewitt Church, Robert Ivey, William J. Charles, Syl- 
vester G. Baker, Thomas Story, Stephen Remalig, James 
Earl, Chapman Lay, John J. Charles, Benjamin Earl, Vol- 
ney Blanchard, Thomas Southward, Abram Nash, Abram 
Fitzgerald, James Clement, C. M. Blanchard, Philip Strong, 
Samuel Impson, Samuel Impson, Jr., James Clark, Myron 
Austin, 0.scar Everest, Elias J. Aldrich, J. G. Ostrander, 
George Cook, Seth Munn, Chauncey B. Palmer, Hiram 
Hiscock, Henry Packer, William Ash, A. C. Hiscock, 
Chauncey Wise, Ebenezer Van Tassell, A. M. Morrill, 
Richard Salisbury, A. P. Conant, David Salisbury, Newell 
Nash, C. C. Westcott, Nathan Baker, W. L Conant. 

Township Officers. — The following is a list of township 
officers from 1849 to 1879, inclusive, with years of their 
election : 

SUPERVISORS. 
1S49, Charles M. Morrill ; 1850-51, Harmon Ostrander : 1852, Charles 
M.Morrill; 185.S, David Wise; 1854, Seth Munn ; 1855, Abel P. 
Conant; 1856-57, Newell Nash: 1858, Philip Strong: 1859, 
Moses A. Norris; 1860-66, David D. Wise; 1867, William Z. 
Bronson; 1868-70, Chauncey Wise; 1871, F.E.Adams; 1872, 
John Fessenden ; 1873-74, David D. Wise; 1875-78, Tobias John- 
son ; 1879, David D. Wise. 

TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 
1849, Dewitt C. Lockman; 1850, Abel P. Conant; 1851, Henry F. 
Bowen; 1852, A. M. Morrill: 1853, Abel P. Conant; 1854, Wil- 
liam J. Charles; 1855, Amos D. Stocking; 1856, James L. 
Clement; 1857-58, David D. Wise ; 1859-62, Charles R. Nightin- 
g.ale; 1863, S. B. Farr; 1864, James L. Clement; 1865, Seth N. 
Clement: 1866, William Z. Bronson: 1867-68, Seth N.Clement; 
1869-70, Solomon Jewell ; 1871, Seth N. Clement ; 1872, William 
F. Winterburn; 1873-74, J. B. David; 1875-76, William 0. 
Bond: 1877-78, George P. Stearns; 1879, George F. Stevens. 

TREASURERS. 
1849, Aaron S. Dyckman;* 1850-51, Charles M.Morrill; 1852-53, 
Chauncey B. Palmer; 1854, James Clement; 1855, Oscar Ever- 
est; 1856, Henry C. Story ; 1867, Oscar Everest : 1858-59, Harvey 
M. Babbitt; 1860, John Goble; 1861-70, David Wise ; 1871-76, 
David 0. Everest; 1877, Hiram Cobb; 1878, George R. Elms; 
1879, Jonathan McMichel. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
1849, Thomas Southward, Henry F. Bowen, Horace H. Hadley, De- 
witt C. Lockman ; 1850, Clark Brewer, Newell Nash, P. M. 
Brooks; 1851, David Salisbury, Philip M. Brooks, Chauncey B. 
Palmer; 1852, Jason Russell; 1853, Philip Strong, W. B. Clem- 
ent, Samuel Impson ; 1854, Nathan Baker, Sylvester G. Baker, 
David Salisbury; 1855, Newell Nash, William J. Charles ; 1856, 
Victory P. Jones, T. G. Cutler; 1857, Philip Strong, Elias J. 
Aldrich, Harvey M. Babbitt ; 1858, Moses A. Norris, James C. 
Chaffee; 1859, T. G. Cutler, Samuel Impson, Charles A. Clement- 
1860, David 0. Everest, William Bradshaw; 1861, S. B. Farr; 
1862, Samuel Wells; 186.3, Henry Miller, James L. Clement; 1864, 
John H. Chamberlain, David 0. Everest; 1865, S. B. Farr, David 



Harmon Ostrander appointed to fill vacancy, Feb. 25, 1850. 



524 



HISTORY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Myers, Orrin Plumb; 18(iB, Edmund R. Allen, William Z. Bron- 
son, Henry C. Story ; 1867, Elijah J. Heath, John J. Starr; 1868, 
Benjamin Depuy : 1869, Martin Joslin ; 1870, W. II. Gregory, 
Benjamin Depuy; 1871, Ransom Snell : 1872, William Jones, 
Hiram Cobb; 1873, Lawson D. Herman ; 1874, William 0. Bond, 
Henry C. Story, David R. Wheeler; 1875, James H. Eldridge, 
Solomon Jewell; 1876, A. H. Haines; 1877, James H. Underbill, 
Horace Ward; 1878, James H. Underbill; 1879, James H. El- 
dridge. 

ASSESSOES. 

18.'i0, Chauncey B. Palmer, Henry F. Bowen; 1851, Henry C. South- 
ward, Robert Love; 1852, W. B. Clement, Jerome Thrasher; 
1875, William H. Gregory, Edson Howard. Supervisors all other 
years. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONEUS. 

1849, E. B. D. Hicks, Peter T.Valleau, Uriah Stevens; 1850, William 
Impson; 1851, C. B. Palmer, Abram Nash; 1862, Jerome 
Thrasher; 1853, Philip Strong; 1855, Samuel Impson; 1856, 
Tarrant G. Cutler; 1857, Chauncey Wise; 1858, Samuel Impson; 
1859, Tarrant G. Cutler; 1860, Henry C. Strong; 1861, Oscar 
Everest; 1862, William T. Perrin ; 1863, Charles R Nightingale; 

1864, Salmon B. Farr, John W. Veley, Elias J. Aldrich ; 1865, 
Charles Goodwin ; 1866, Henry S. Sheldon, John G. Davis, 
Samuel Becker; 1867, Leander Simons, David Wise; 1868, John 
W. Veley; 1869, William H.Gregory; 18711, John V. Daratt; 
1871, Hurlbut Brooks; 1872, M. W. Henry; 1873, George R. 
Palmer; 1874, John Graham; 1875-76, George R. Palmer; 1877, 
George R. Elms; 1878, John V. Daratt; 1879, Newland N. Nash. 

DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 
1872, George W. Howland ; 1873, Mathew Atmore; 1874, John W. 
Veley; 1875, William Healey ; 1878, Elijah M. Brown. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 
1849, C. B. Palmer, Ephraim Taylor; 1850, Abel P. Conant; 1851, 
Newell Nash, William Adair; 1852, Aaron S. Dyckman, W. B. 
Clement; 1853, Chauncey B. Palmer, Jordon H. Jones; 1854, 
James Clement; 1855, Abel P. Conant; 1856, Victory P. Jones; 
1857, John Smolk, John Draper; 1858, Chauncey Wise, James C. 
Chaffee; 1859, Augustus House; 1860, David D. Wise, John 
Goblo; 1861, Stephen L. Babbitt; 1862, David D.Wise; 1863, 
William P. Perrin, David D. Wise; 1864, Lewis A. Churchill; 

1865, William Bronson, Milton G. Wise ; 1866, Leander Simmons, 
Edmund R. Allen : 1867, John J. Sturr ; 1868, Leander Simmons : 
1869, John J. Sturr; 1870, William Z. Bronson; 1871, John 
Fessenden ; 1872, George R. Elms, T. S. Potter; 187.3, David H. 
Smith: 1874, David D. Wise, Hiram Cobb; 1875, Lawrence 
Knowles; 1876, James H. Eldridge; 1877, David D. Wise; 1878 
Arthur Webster; 1879, John Graham. 

TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.S. 

1875-77, Otis L. Moshier; 1878, Arthur Webster: 1879, Otis L. 
Moshier. 

DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 

1849, Peter T. Valleau, Jephtha Waterman; 1850, P. M. Brooks, 
Clark Brewer; 1851, Charles M. Morrill, Newell Nash; 1852, 
Rudolph Rogers; 1854, Henry Brown, Thomas Story; I855' 
Henry Brown, Philip Strong; 1856, Andrew H. Jones; 1857^ 
Abram Nash, Thomas Randall ; 1858, David 0. Everest, Thomas 
Story; 1859, David Wise, Samuel Impson ; 1860, David D. Wise, 
Newell Nash; 1861, Henry C. Cutler, Marvin Lowell: I862! 
David Wise, Arnold Clement. 

CONSTABLES, 
1849, John Pettibone, Benjamin P. Wolcott, Robert Love, James 
Clark; 1850, Ephraim Taylor, Royal Couley ; 1851, E. B. D. 
Hicks, Peter Miller, Freeman .Southward, Abram Nash ; 1852, E. 
B. D. Hicks, Albert Abrams; 1S53, Isaiic H. Conklin, John 
Dodson, Dewitt Church, Obadiah Munn : 1854, Robert Ivey, James 
Clement, John J. Charles, J. G. Ostrander ; 1855, Alanso'u His- 
cock, T. G. Cutler, Samuel Impson, Jr., David Deforest ; 1856, S. 
B. Farr, T. G. Cutler, Andrew H. Jones, Abram Nash; 1857^ 
William Rapp, Seth Ncwoomb, Philip Strong, Jr., Erastus p' 
Brown: 1858, Charles Clement, Jacob G ruber. Syren us Daniels 



Charles Finch ; 1859, Edwin T. Phelps, Henry C. Cutler, Syrenus 
Daniels, John Allen ; 1860, William H. Bradshaw, Charles H. 
Finch, Ezra Fasmire; 1861, Samuel Impson, David Wise; 
1862, John W. Veley, Nathan A. Wood, Charles F. Norton, David 
M. Dayton; 1863, William Stevens, Nathan A. Wood, Lyman 
Milliman, Elias J. Aldrich; 1864. Charles Stamp, Charles F. 
Norton, Benjamin Depuy, Abram Nash: 1865, Mason Cutler, 
Nathan A. Wood, Alexander Baxter; 1866, Charles A. Clement, 
Lorenzo D. Story, Nathan A. Wood, Loren W. Norris: 1867, Jon- 
athan C. Thompson, John W. Veley, James B. Chilson, Lee 
Mason ; 1868, Orrin Phelps, Lee Mason, Lewis Camfield, James 
B. Chilson : 1869, Samuel Hayes, William Stevens, W. R. Story, 
Edwin Aldrich; 1870, Porter Salisbury, Lee Mason, Shepard 
Baldwin, Edwin Aldrich ; 1871, A. 0. Story, C. W. Stamp, J. P. 
Williams; 1872. Frank Jones, Judson Bennett, George Conway, 
Abraham Gregory ; 1873, Augustus Smith, George Galland, .James 
Lane, Charles Veley; 1874, John Slover. Charles Veley; 1875, 
Eugene Dustin, Frank Everest, John F. Slover, Bradley Lane; 
1876, M. Woodward, E. D. Bradley, Frank Everest, Eugene 
Dustin; 1877, Millard Woodward, Edward Aldrich, Shepard H. 
Baldwin, George Walker; 1878, Charles A. Spencer, Bradley 
Lane, Warren Green ; 1879, Charles A. vSpencer, John Slover, 
George .Smith, and James Whelpley. 

LATER SETTLEMENTS IN PINE GROVE. 

For many years Mattawan, Paw Paw, and Kalamazoo 
were the principal shipping- and trading-points for the in- 
habitants of this region, the manufacture and sale of .shingles 
being the principal reliance of the poorer classes for the 
means of purchasing necessary " store-goods." 

The progress of settlement in the eastern half of Pine 
Grove was very slow, on account of its isolated position. 
Being hemmed in on the east and south by a swamp one mile 
wide, its general surface quite hilly and broken, and a rep- 
utation for poor soil, it was in 1864 very sparsely settled. 
Mr. Baxter had settled and made a small opening on sec- 
tion 27, E. J. Aldrich and Curran Elms on section 3-1, 
Mr. Cobb and Stoughton Warner on section 35. Wm. H. 
Gregory had just built a cabin on section 23, while on and 
north of the centre K. Withey, Thos. Donaldson, S. Wil- 
liams, S. Becker, L. Harbolt, and a few others had let the 
light of the sun in spots into this dense forest of oak, 
beech, and pine, and were striving to make themselves 
homes. 

VILLAGE OF KENDALL. 

In June of ISGi, Lucius B. Kendall bought of Judge 
E. B. Dyckman 160 acres of land, densely covered with 
pine and oak timber, on section 22, and in company with 
James Thistle laid the foundation of a steam saw-mill on 
the banks of Duck Lake. In July, Albert Arms, of 
Kalamazoo, became associated with them in the enterprise. 
The mill was completed and the first lumber sawed about 
the 1st of September. There were no roads in this region, 
and the lumber was hauled with much labor, and under 
many diflBculties, out of the forest through Alraena to 
Mattawan, — twelve miles, — the nearest point on the Mich- 
igan Central Railroad. Soon finding that the oak of this 
region was of too " brash' a nature to be salable in the 
Chicago market, the company at once resolved to go into 
the stave business. Machinery was purchased, put into 
the mill, and the business commenced. 

In the spring of 1865, P. Ranney and W. L. Cutting, 
of Kalamazoo, became associated with the company, adding 
more capital, and the business was pushed forward with 
energy under the name and firm <if Kendall & Co. 



JDJiJVXlD -WISE, 



son of Daniel and Elizabeth Wise, was born 
of German parents in the town of Sharon, 
Schoharie Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, 1804, he 
being the j-oungest of a family of nine sons 
and two daughters. At the age of eight or 
nine years he was sent to an English school, 
at which time he could scarcely speak or 
understand a word of the English language. 
At that period the school facilities were 
limited, and his father, being only in mod- 
erate circumstances, was uaablo to give his 
children more than a common-school educa- 
tion. At tlie age of fourteen years his father 
died and left him upon his own resource.';. 
At the age of fifteen he went to learn the 
tanner and currier trade, at which he worked 
for three years. 

In March, 1822, himself, mother, and tw > 
older brothers, moved West to what was then 
a wilderness country, the town of Cicero, 
Onondaga Co., N. Y. The first summer 
after settling in Onondaga County he worked 
for his brother clearing land, and thus saved 
money enough to buy three acres of land for 






to Cicero, N. Y. There being a pioneer log 
yard, he moved his family into it and com- 
menced housekeeping. He finally worked 
his stock of hides through, finished the 
leather, and to the satisfaction of his cus- 
tomers. Not having capital to continue 
with, and, finding the business would not 
support his family, in the spring of 1824 he 
abandoned it, and adopted the carpenter and 
joiner business. By his own ingenuity and 
persevering industry he became a master 
builder, and followed it as a business with 
good success. 

In 1842 he moved to Baldwinsville, Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y., where he invested in village 
property, and erected a large shop with a 
water-power, where he engaged in genera! 
building and the manufacture of sashes, 
doors, and blinds, employing a large force 
of men. On the night of January 8, 1849, 
the shop took fire and was burned to the 
ground, which for the time being put a 
check upon him, and prompted him to take 



a trip t<i California in April, 1850. He re- 
turned home Jan. 8, 1851. In the autumn 
of 1851 he, with his eldest son, took a trip 
into Michigan, and were induced to pur- 
chase an interest in a saw-mill. In the 
spring of 1852 he, with his family, left 
Baldwinsville and moved to Pine Grove, 
Van Buren Co., Mich., arriving May 12, 
1852. 

In 18.5.3 he represented the township of 
Pine Grove in the board of supervi.sors. 
In the fall of 1853 he disjiosed of his in- 
terest in mill and lands to John Smolk, Jr., 
of Antwerp, and Jan. 1, 1854, he moved 
with his family to Kalamazoo, Mich., where 
he bought village property and erected a 
sash-, blind-, and door-factory, which he car- 
vied on until June, 1855, when he sold and 
moved back to Baldwinsville, N. Y., where 
he had left some property unsold. While 
there he was engaged mainly as a master 
DAVID WISE. builder. 

Having dispo.sed of his property in April, 

1858, he again moved back to Pine Grove, Mich. By this time 

the township had 

improved consider- 
ably. He bought 

some land and 

erected suitable 

buildings thereon. 

April 1, 1868, his 

wife died, aged 

nearly sixty -eight 

years. She had been 

his faithful com- 
panion for forty- 
five years, and 

reared a family of 

eight children, — 

five sons and three 

daughters. Pour of 

the sons are still 

living, in the north- 
east part of Van 

Buren Co., Mich. 

Nov. 10, 1870, he 

married Miss 

Fanny S. Sortor, 

daughter of Henry and Sally Sortor, who was born in Friendship, 
Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1833, and 
came to Pine Grove in 1868. She died Dec. 
19, 1872, aged thirty-nine years, two months, 
and twenty-nine days. As a result of the 
care and anxiety arising from the illness of 
his wife, he was prostrated by sickness, from 
which he did not recover until the following 
April. Sept. 11, 1873, he married Nancy 
Soule, widow of Henry Soule, and daughter 
of Peter and Mary Miller. She was born in 
Luzerne Co., Pa., August 13, 1815. 

Since his return from the State of New 
York, in 1858, he has devoted his time and 
attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1861 
lie was elected to the office of treasurer of 
Pine Grove township, and continued to hold 
the office from year to year until 1871. Since 
his severe and protracted illness, in 1872 
and 1873, he has not performed any maimal 
labor, and has only been able to attend to 
liis secular and other aft'airs as they present 
MRS. NANcy MILLER (suule) WISE. themselves. 



himself, upon which 
to erect his tan- 
yard and buildings. 
In the fall of the 
same year be com- 
m e n e e d erecting 
his buildings and 
gathering together 
hides to tan upon 
shares, which at 
that time was a 
customary practice 
with small tan- 
neries. Maich 9, 
1823, he married 
Catharine Young, 
daughter of George 
and Margaret 
Young. She was 
born Aug. 3, 1801, 
in Minden, Mont- 
gomery Co., N. y. 
In 1821 she, with 
the rest of their 
family, moved West 

shanty near his tan- 




MRS. FANNY S. (sORTOR) WISE. 




TOWNSHIP OF PINE GROVE. 



525 



The settlement of this part of the town was now really 
commenced, — roads were laid and worked in every direction, 
new settlers came in, and the company paid out from 
$15,000 to $20,000 annually for stave timber and logs. 
This cash market for their timber enabled the people to 
improve their farms and build houses, and in a few years 
the wilderness was changed to an open and fruitful country. 
Kendall & Co. also opened a store and supplied the 
community with nearly all the goods required. The prod- 
ucts of the mill must be sent to market, and from 10 to 40 
teams were loaded daily with staves and lumber. In the 
fall of 1866, E. T. Mills, of Kalamazoo, bought the in- 
terest of P. Ranney, and became one of the company. 
James Thistle died the same year. In September, 1867, 
the mill was burned, — loss, $10,000 ; insurance, $4000, — 
but it was rebuilt, and in about two months was in run- 
ning order again. In 1869, H. E. Hoyt, of Kalamazoo, 
purchased the interest of Wm. L. Cutting, and became one 
of the firm of Kendall & Co. Geo. W Howland bought 
the interest of E. T. Mills, and is still an inhabitant of the 
village of Kendall. 

The question of a railroad from Kalamazoo to South 
Haven was agitated in the winter of 1868-69, and met 
with a hearty response from the people along the line. A 
company was soon formed, and Lucius B. Kendall chosen 
one of the directors. The work was pushed forward with 
energy, and the first locomotive ran into the place Jan. 3, 
1870. About the same time a post-ofiBce was established, 
and the place was named Kendall. Albert Arms was ap- 
pointed postmaster, which ofiBoe he still holds. 

In 1871, Tobias Johnson, of Kalamazoo, in connection 
with Kendall & Co., opened a brick yard and commenced 
the manufacture of bricks under the firm-name of Johnson 
& Co., and bricks of superior quality in large quantities 
have been turned out every year and shipped to various 
parts of the State. At this time the company are making 
the finest red pressed-brick to be found in the State, equal 
to the best Philadelphia. 

In 1873, Mr. Kendall and associates, under the name of 
the Michigan Chair Company, put up a brick building 100 
by 60 feet, four stories high, well filled with machinery for 
the manufacture of cane- and wood-seat chairs, and for the 
purpose of working up the large quantities of beech, maple, 
and basswood timber to be found in the vicinity. 

The operations of Lucius B. Kendall and his partners in 
business have been mentioned here more at length for the 
reason that they have had more to do with the settlement 
and advancement of the village and the east part of the 
township, the opening of roads, the making of a good 
market for timber, and the general improvement of the 
country than all other causes combined. Since their com- 
mencement their varied business has been carried on suc- 
cessively under the firm-names of Ranney, Kendall & Co., 
Kendall, Mills & Co., The Michigan Chair Company, and 
(at present) L. C. Pratt & Co. In the chair- works some 
thirty men are steadily employed, and the product of the 
mills is shipped to many parts of the United States. 

The village of Kendall is situated one mile east of the 
geographical centre of the township, and is a station of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven branch of the Michigan Cen- 



tral Railroad, which was opened in January, 1870 (as be- 
fore mentioned), and on the 8th of February, in the same 
year, the village plat was made and recorded by Lucius B. 
Kendall, Henry E. Hoyt, George B. Robinson, Albert 
Arms, and George W. Howland, the plat being located on 
sections 22 and 27. 

A lively little village of 400 inhabitants was built up, 
with a substantial two-story brick school-house, and a fair 
prospect of rapid progress, when the panic of 1873 swept 
over the countiy, blighting business in Kendall, as else- 
where, and taking from the village many of its most indus- 
trious citizens. The population is now about 250, and the 
village contains besides the brick school-house, an exten- 
sive chair-works, already mentioned, a church edifice 
(Methodist Episcopal), a hotel, three general stores, and 
several mechanic shops. 

Dr. M. Mason commenced practice here about 1865, and 
has proved himself a skillful physician. Dr. L. D. Knowles 
has practiced in the village and vicinity for about six years, 
to the general satisfaction of his patrons. He has recently 
removed, and has been succeeded by Dr. HuiF. 

One of the best peach, pear, and apple-orchards in the 
State was planted and brought to maturity by William H. 
Gregory, on his farm near Kendall. The orchard is now 
owned by Mr. Scott. 

PINE GROVE MILLS AND GOBLEVILLE. 

This village, also a station on the South Haven branch of 
the Michigan Central Railroad, contains the extensive mills 
of Everest, Wise & Co., one store, post-oflBce, sehool-house, 
and about 125 inhabitants. Prior to the completion of the 
railroad, Benjamin De Puy and family were the only in- 
habitants in the immediate vicinity. 

The railroad was finished from Kalamazoo to this point 
Jan. 10, 1870, and for nearly six months this was its west- 
ern terminus. 

On the 4th of February, 1870, the village of Pine 
Grove Mills was platted by David Wise and Benjamin De 
Puy, upon lands situated upon section 30. Additions 
have since been made by Daniel B. Brown, David 0. Ev- 
erest, and Chauncey Wise. 

Everest, Wise & Co. built their grist- and planing-mills in 
1872. A sixty horse-power engine is in use at the present 
time, and fifteen men are steadily employed. This company, 
besides their other industries, now manufacture the wood- 
work for eighty sets of spring-tooth drags per day. At- 
tached to these mills is an iron-foundry, which was estab- 
lished by E. H. Haynes & Co. in 1875, for the manufac- 
ture of various agricultural implements. A beautiful 
school edifice (the best in the township) was erected here 
in 1873, at a co.st of $2250. 

The village of Gobleville, situated partly in this township 
and partly in Bloomingdale, is more particularly described 
in the history of the latter township. 

SOUTH HAVEN AND KALAMAZOO RAILROAD. 

This railroad, now known as the South Haven branch 
of the Michigan Central, was completed to the station of 
Pine Grove Mills in January, 1870. 

In its passage through the township it intersects sections 



526 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. To assist in its construction 
the township was bonded to the amount of $12,400. The 
validity and payment of these bonds was afterwards con- 
tested in the courts, but judgment was finally rendered 
against the township in the sum of $26,000, for principal, 
interest, and costs. This heavy burden, together with sol- 
diers' bounties, State, county, and township taxes, have 
materially retarded the growth and development of Pine 
Grove. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

According to the report of proceedings of the first town- 
ship-meeting, in 1849, a school-house then existed " near 
Horace H. Hadley's." Priority has been claimed for the 
house built in District No. 1, — the old Pine Grove Mills 
locality, — but it appears most probable that the former was 
the first one built. As to the exact date of its erection, or 
who was the first teacher, no definite knowledge has been 
obtained. 

The first mention made in the township records regarding 
the action of school officers shows that on Nov. 30, 1850, 
the school inspectors of the townships of Almena, Waverly, 
Bloomingdale, and Pine Grove met and organized fractional 
School District No. 9. It is stated that School District No. 
1 was established, and a school-house built during the same 
year. 

At a meeting of the board of school inspectors " held in 
the new steam saw-mill, on section 20, Oct. 31, 1851," a 
new district. No. 3, was organized. It embraced nine sec- 
tions, as follows : " Commencing at the quarter-post between 
sections 2 and 11 ; thence west to a quarter-post between 
sections 5 and 8 ; thence south to a quarter-post between 
sections 20 and 29 ; thence east to a quarter-post between 
sections 23 and 26 ; thence north to starting-point." 

Miss Flint, of Battle Creek, and Miss Nellie Goodwin 
were early teachers in district No. 1. In 1855, Miss Mary 
A. Forsyth and Miss Elizabeth E. Brown were the teachers. 

School district No. 4 was formed in December, 1856, and 
Nos. 5 and 6 in 1858. All the districts were reorganized 
in March, 1858. During subsequent years many changes 
of boundaries and numbers have occurred, until they remain 
as in their present status, viz., nine whole districts and two 
fractional ones. 

Other early teachers are mentioned by years, as follows: 

1857. — Mrs. Maria L. Locke, Miss Mary E. Murray, 
Miss Eliza R. Morris, James Murray, Jr., Alexander R. 
Richards. 

1858. — Miss Lucy J. Currier, Miss Nancy Knight, Mi.ss 
Henrietta Stamp, Miss Lydia A. Merwin, Miss Jemima 
Van Ardle. 

1859.— Miss Harriet E. Hayden, Miss Phoebe L. Hay- 
den, Miss Ellen Sebring, Miss C. H. Cutler, Miss S. A. 
Whitford, E. J. McNeil. 

1860. — Lucy J. Currier, Miss Eveline Anson, Miss Nel- 
lie M. Dean, John T. Curtis, Cornelius J. Fonda, John D. 
Crown, Gustavus A. Morgan. 

1861. — Miss Lovina Bennett, Miss D. A. Otto, Miss 
Clarinda H. Cutler, Miss Desire Plumb, Miss Sarah Eager, 
John S. Nash, J. G. Tucker. 

1862. — Miss Nancy Henon, Miss Mary E. Stevens, Miss 
Susan J. Clark, Miss Euretta M. Dodge, Miss Phcobe C. 



Hayden, Miss Susie Knappee, John S. Nash, Bela H. 
Hayden. 

From the report of the township board of education for 
the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, are taken the following 
statistics : 

School districts (whole, 9 : fractional, 2) 11 

Children of school age residing in the township... 611 

Children attending school during the year 477 

School-houses (brick, 1; frame, 10) 11 

Seating capacity 678 

Value of school property $10,320 

Teachers employed (male, 4 ; female, Ifi) 20 

Months taught by males 18^ 

" " " females 624 

Paid teachers (male, $529; female, $1090) $1,619 

Total school resources $4,024.09 



RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

The church edifice of the Methodist Episcopal society at 
Kendall — the only house of worship in the township — 
was built in 1870, at a cost of $1500, and has sittings for 
250 persons. Rev. Daniel Fow, present pastor. 

William H. Gregory was instrumental in starting the first 
Sabbath-school, in the shanty school-house of the Cobb dis- 
trict ; and perhaps a year after another Sunday-school was 
opened by other people in the centre district ; also at Ken- 
dall as soon as a room could be procured. Mr. and Mrs. 
Albert Arms engaged in the work at once, and they have 
always been among its most efficient supporters. 

Preaching and religious services have been maintained at 
Kendall by Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians, by one 
or more at the same time, with little interruption for the 
last fifteen years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



D. 0. EVEREST, 

the eldest son of David C. and Jane Everest, was born in 
Montgomery Co., N. Y., March 21, 1825. Disliking the 
occupation of a farmer, and being a natural mechanic, he 
left home at the age of sixteen and engaged at Fort Plain, 
in his native county, as a mill-wright, carpenter, and joiner. 
He early acquired a dexterity in the use of the tools of his 
trade. At the age of eighteen, so successful had he been, 
his employer placed him in charge of his business as car- 
penter and joiner, and he frequently had a large number of 
men to oversee. At the age of twenty-two he formed a 
partnership with D. Wise (his first employer), at Baldwins- 
ville, for the manufacture of doors, sash, and blinds, and 
in 1852 they removed to Pine Grove, Van Buren Co., 
Mich., and engaged extensively in lumbering. Their present 
business combines flouring, casting, and machine-making, 
and in their foundry and machine-shop they manufacture 
spring-tooth harrows. The firm-name has several times 
been changed, having been, at different times, Morrell & 
Co., D. & C. Wise & Co., and at present Everest & Wise. 
Their property has been twice burned, at losses respectively 
of twelve thousand and fourteen thousand dollars, yet they 
are owners of extensive real estate and mill property. 



TOWNSHIP OF PORTER. 



527 



Aside from the regular business of the firm, Mr. Everest 
has built five luiaber-mills, and his inventive genius has 
enabled him to make many valuable improvements. Much 



lows : Frank 0., born Aug. 22, 1851 ; Jane L., born Dec. 
3, 1852 ; Mary, born April 2, 1854, died at two years of 
age ; Emma, born Nov. 15, 1856 ; John H., born Nov. 16, 





MRS. D. 0. EVEREST. 



1). u. EVEREST. 



of the machinery used in these mills was constructed after 
patterns of his own invention. In 1850, Mr. Everest was 
married to Miss Reliance A. Strong, of Onondaga Co., N. 
Y., which union has been blessed by six children, as fol- 



1861 ; Addie B., born May 24, 1865. Mr. Everest always 
used his personal influence for the benefit of those whom 
he employed, and is a man very much respected by his 
acquaintances. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 



PORTER TOWNSHIP.* 



Boundaries and General Description — Pioneers and Early Settle- 
ments — Township Organization, Name, and Civil List — Churches — 
Schools — Porter Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. 

BOUNDARIES AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Porter, originally attached to Decatur township, covers 
an area of six miles square, and occupies the southeastern 
corner of Van Buren County, its boundaries being Ant- 
werp township on the north, Cass County on the south, 
Kalamazoo County on the east, and Decatur township on 
the west. Designated in. the original survey as town 4 
south, range 13 west, it was not named until 1845, when 
it was set ofi' from Decatur with separate jurisdiction. 

The surface of the country is generally hilly, and from 
many of the eminences picturesque views, reaching over a 
wide extent of territory, may be obtained. In the south- 
east there is considerable swamp-land, although elsewhere 
the drainage is good and effective, by means of numerous 
lakes. Tiie largest of the.se is Bankson's (or Mack's) Lake, 
which has an area of about 600 acres. Cedar Lake covers 
about 500 acres, and among the smaller ones may be men- 
tioned Grass, Gravel, Barker's, Van Sickle's, and Hersey. 

* By David Schwartz. 



The water in Bankson's Lake is deep and clear, and 
abounds in fish, having recently been stocked by the State. 
Gravel Lake has a remarkably fine, hard beach, which 
admits of a superb roadway around its entire circuit. 

Porter has no immediate railway conveniences, although 
the Michigan Central line touches the northwestern corner. 
In 1870 the township voted $15,000 in aid of the Paw 
Paw Valley Railroad, which was to pass through Porter, 
but the project failed. The township contains no village, 
has but one church building, and has no post-office, no 
store, or mercantile enterprise of any kind except one saw- 
mill. The business interests are entirely agricultural. The 
population of Porter in 1874 was 1182, and the asse.ssed 
valuation in 1879 was $357,400. 

PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLE.VIENTS. 
The southwestern corner of section 13, now occupied by 
Samuel Kidney, is conspicuous in being the first tract of 
land entered in Porter township. Abner Mack, now living 
in Kalamazoo County, located the lot in 1833, and built a 
cabin upon it. He concluded, however, within a short time 
to abandon it, and effecting with Jonas Barber, of Kala- 
mazoo County, an exchange for land in Prairie Ronde, he 
moved away. Barber hired Milton Van Duzer to work the 
Porter place, and there Van Duzer was living in 1835, 
when James Young, his half-sister, Elizabeth Gibson, and 



528 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



her sons, Washington and Robert, moved in from Prairie 
Ronde, and occupied a tract of 07 acres on section 14, bor- 
dering upon Banlisoii's Laice. According to the best ob- 
tainable evidence, therefore, Porter's first settler was Mack, 
its second was Van Duzer, and its third Young. Washing- 
ton Gibson still occupies the original 67 acres. Young 
started for Utah in 1850, to cast his fortunes with the 
Mormons, but lost his life while on the way, by falling 
into the hold of a Mississippi River steamer. Mrs. Gibson 
died in Porter in 1870. Van Duzer remained but a brief 
period, and then removed farther west. The second house 
built in the township is supposed to have been put up by 
one Crooks, of Kalamazoo, although the structure was 
never finished or occupied. It stood on section 13, north 
of Mack's, and, as the story goes, Crooks, repenting his 
choice of location, abandoned the place before preparing it 
for habitation, and Porter saw him no more. 

Settlements in the township having begun in the east, 
this narrative will accordingly follow at first the settlers 
who came as pioneers into that district. 

The Kinuey Settlement. — The father and founder of that 
portion of Porter known for years as the Kinney settle- 
ment was Elijah Kinney, who in 1835 came from Milan, 
Ohio, with his wife, seven unmarried children, his son 
Luther and family, and liis son-in-law, Samuel Corey. The 
elder Kinney had bought four 80-acre lots, and built his 
cabin on section 24, where he died in 1864. The place is 
now occupied by his son Stephen. Luther located south of 
Mr. Kinney's, and removing subsequently to St. Joseph, 
still lives there. Up to the time of Elijah Kinney's arrival, 
James Young and Milton Van Duzer had been the only 
permanent settlers in Porter. Uri Kinney, Elijah Kinney's 
nephew, was a settler in 1835, upon section 12, where he 
lived until his death. 

Nelson Corey and his brother Sanford, both young men, 
entered Porter in 1836, and labored upon the farms of 
others until 1840. In that year Nelson bought a place on 
section 26 of one Chapin, who had located there in 1838, 
and who upon selling to Corey went to Illinois. Sanford 
purchased also on section 26, of T. R. Smith, a settler, 
who moved in 1840 farther west. Nelson Corey now 
lives on section 16. His brother Sanford died in Porter 
in 1878. Among the settlers in the Kinney settlement in 
1836 were George Wilson and Mathew Lewis. In that 
year Lewis lost a child by death, and buried it on the Luke 
Munger farm. Lewis' child was the first person who died 
in the township. Lewis afterwards moved west. Wilson 
died in Porter. 

Stephen, brother of Elijah Kinney, came from Milan, 
Ohio, in the fall of 1838, with a family of eight children, 
accompanied also by John Webber and family and John 
Bennett. Stephen Kinney bought 240 acres of new land 
in section 26, where he died in 1847. His son, Orrin G., 
who came with him, located on section 25 in 1842, and 
still lives there. Webber settled on section 25, and died 
in Lawton. Bennett, who bought a place on section 26, 
went afterwards to Iowa, where he died. E. Z. K. Munger, 
who came as a farm-hand with Elijah Kinney in 1835, 
worked a year for Mr. Kinney, and then located 80 acres 
on section 25. He migrated subsequently to Minnesota. 



Among the inhabitants of the Kinney settlement in 1838 
were James Young, Elizabeth Gibson, George Colvin (on 
the Abner Mack place), Uri Kinney, Elijah, Luther, and 
Stephen Kinney, E. Z. K. Munger, T. R. Smith, Lyman 
Wood, and Clark Pratt. Colvin died in Porter. Wood 
moved to St. Joseph County, and there died. Pratt went 
to the far West. 

Moses Monroe was considered the most useful man in 
the settlement. He was the only mechanic among them 
all, and he could turn his hand to carpentering as well as 
to shoemaking, while he was quite clever at any work re- 
quiring mechanical skill. Truly, Moses was looked upon as 
a boon to the pioneers, and he was never a moment suflfered 
to be idle ; there were constant calls upon him from every 
side. He lived in the settlement until his death, in 1872. 

Luke Munger, who settled in 1840 upon section 24, died 
in 1863 on .section 26, where his son Abner lives. James 
Maxam, now living on section 34, settled in 1844 upon 
section 27. Manasseh Kern located in 1846 upon section 
13, where he now lives. In 1846 his neighbors on the 
north were the Wilsons, Longcoys, Harpers, Locks, and 
Finches. S. V. P. Bradt came in 1848, and located in 
1848 upon section 24, his present home. In the same year 
Jacob Markle settled on section 3, where he has since re- 
sided. Mr. Markle came West in 1837, and in that year 
became a resident of Antwerp township, whence in 1848 
he moved to Porter. William H. McLane came from St. 
Joseph County in 1852, and located upon section 15, where 
he now lives; adjoining him, on the south, being his son 
John C., who bought his fiirm in 1860. 

Settlements in the central part of the township were 
made as early as 1835, in which year Benjamin Reynolds, 
of Ohio, came with a large family and located 160 acres in 
section 15. His sons, Buell and Benjamin, Jr., attended 
to the land, whicli was divided into two farms, the elder 
Reynolds living with Buell until 1852, when he took up 
his residence with his son-in-law, William Perl ey, and there 
died in 1853. His only child, now living in Porter, is 
Mrs. Miles Van Sickle. 

Daniel Alexander, also from Ohio, became a resident of 
Michigan in 1832, and for four years lived in Cass County 
on leased land. In 1836 he bought 200 acres of govern- 
ment land in Porter township, on sections 20, 29, and 30, 
and while preparing a place of habitation upon his new 
possessions, he lived with his wife (a daughter of George 
Tittle, of Decatur) in Dolphin Morris' old log cabin on 
Little Prairie. Alexander built on section 29 a log cabin 
16 by 24, and when he moved into it, in 1836, he was the 
only white settler in the western portion of the township, 
except John Tittle, his brother-in-law, who kept bachelor's 
hall on a place adjoining Alexander. Indeed, he thought 
for a time there were no other settlers in the township until 
he accidentally discovered James Young while out on a trip 
of discovery. Mr. Alexander died in 1862, on his Porter 
farm, where his widow still survives him. Mrs. Alexander 
tells many interesting stories of her lonesome experiences 
among the Indians while her husband aiid brother were 
away from the cabin. She was at fir.-t much alarmed at the 
sight of the savages, but soon grew to understand that they 
were peaceable and inclined to be friendly. Indeed, they 




SANFORD COREY. 




Resiocncc OF A.M. Nl U NGER , Porter, Michigan. 



TOWNSHIP OP PORTER. 



529 



were at times exceedingly sociable, and more than once did 
she receive presents as tokens of Indian friendship. Her 
husband used to say that he desiruJ no better neighbors 
than those same Indians. John Tittle, to whom reference 
has been made, moved to Iowa in 1855. 

In the summer of 1836, Roderick Bell settled near 
Gravel Lake, where he lived until 1862, when he removed 
farther West. Near Gravel Lake also, in 1837, settled 
Nathan Cook, George S. Freese, and John B. Compton. 
Cook died in Porter in 1867, leaving a widow, who now 
resides with her daughter on section 16. Freese caught 
the gold fever in 1849 and went to California, where he 
was drowned shortly afterwards. About 1840 other set- 
tlers were Thomas Alexander and the Nelsons, the latter of 
whom sold out to Silas Gould and moved away. 

Miles Van Sickle, who settled in Michigan in 1826 and 
in Porter in 1840, still lives in the latter township, on sec- 
tion 17. lu January, 1840, his father, John Van Sickle, 
came to Porter with Elias Harmon and Jacob Stillwell, and 
all three settled with their families in Porter. Van Sickle 
died in Porter in 1861. Elias Harmon, who settled on 
section 17, still lives in the township. Stillwell located on 
section 21, and died in Porter. His son John resides on 
section 9. In the spring of 1840, L. H. Weldon located 
on section 28. He died in the town.ship in 1872. Two 
of his sons, Augustus and George, now reside in Porter. 

John Nesbitt was one of the pioneers in the settlement 
of Keeler township, where he says he and his brother 
James turned the first furrow and kept for a time bachelors' 
hall in 1834. He came to Porter in 1837, and bought 
land on section 4. He hired one Wilcox to woi'k the place, 
and pushed on to the far West. Coming back after an 
absence of two years, he married and settled upon the farm 
himself. In 1846 he changed his location to section 9, 
where he now lives. As an evidence of the newness of 
the country even at that date, it may be interesting to ob- 
serve that when Mr. Nesbitt moved to his new farm, in 
1846, he was obliged to make his own road, while his wife 
drove the ox-team. A quilt hung up before the cabin 
opening was the best door they could command for some 
time, while as to a kitchen, an open space under two white- 
wood trees was for two months the spot where Mrs. Nesbitt 
did all the family cooking. 

Isaac Hall came to Michigan in 1834, and to Porter in 
1842. His brother Amos, also a Michigan pioneer of 
1834, settled in Porter in 1846, when in the neighborhood 
between Grass and Cedar Lakes. The other settlers were 
Silas Gould, L. H. Weldon, David Gilson, and the Widow 
Merritt. Shortly after 1840, Thomas Fletcher, a Vir- 
ginian, came to Porter and bought two hundred acres of 
new land on section 23, of Joel Clarke, living in Prairie 
Ronde. Fletcher made a .settlement at once, and lived on 
the place until his death, in 1875. 

Samuel D. Harper, who settled in Porter in 1843, died 
in 1873, on section 5, where his son William now lives. 
Jeremiah Barker, a New Yorker, traded in 1845 some 
New York land for 320 acres on section 9, in Porter, and 
in that year settled there with his family, and there he died 
in 1849. John, a son, died on section 9 in 1876. Joseph, 
another son, still lives on a portion of the orii^inal farm. 
67 



William Hathaway, of New York, was a settler in Ant- 
werp township in 1838, on section 27, and there in the 
same year died of fever and ague, which was then fatally 
prevalent in Antwerp. In 1848 his three sons, A. H., 
William N., and Charles E., settled in Porter. The only 
one of the three now in the township is A. H., who lives 
on section 16. His two brothers are now residents of 
Iowa. 

The pioneers of Porter found a heavily-timbered but an 
inviting country. There were great tracts of heavy timber 
and oak openings, through which it was easy enough to 
drive a team without clearing a road. The vicinity of any 
one of the large lakes was peculiarly attractive to the eye 
of the new-comer, while the rich sandy soil promised the far- 
mer an abundant yield and cheered his eager anticipations. 
Wolves, deer, and all kinds of game abounded in great pro- 
fusion. But the wolves, although numerous, were trouble- 
some only as depredators upon small live-stock, which re- 
quired careful watching. Although Porter has now no 
post-office, it was better favoi-ed in the earlier days. About 
1840, George S. Frees was appointed postmaster, and kept 
the office in his house near Gravel Lake. What little mail 
he received was left with him by a mail-rider, who traversed 
a route extending from Schoolcraft to Dowagiae. In 1845 
the custody of the office was transferred to Isaac Hall, and 
shortly after the completion of the Michigan Central Rail- 
road to Lawton, the Porter office was abolished. 

In the matter of mills. Porter has never had anything to 
boast of, chiefly for the reason that the township has no 
water-power. There was no saw-mill even until 1866, 
when Samuel Strong built one on section 35. The only 
mill in the town now is the saw-mill of Leonard Waldron, 
on section 23. The early settlers were, however, not so 
badly off for mill conveniences as pioneers in some towns, 
for Flowerfield and Whitmanville, with a grist- and saw- 
mill, were not very far distant. 

The only store ever opened in Porter was one kept at 
the Centre by a Mr. Lewis, which had, however, but a brief 
existence. 

The only tavern was a house known as the Sisson place, 
but even that was not much more a tavern than every house 
in the town, since every resident kept open house in the 
pioneer days whenever a traveler sought entertainment. 

The first marriage was that of William Nixon, of Ber- 
traud, to Electa, daughter of Tinker R. Smith, one of 
Porter's pioneers. The ceremony was performed in Mr. 
Tinker's house by Rev. Samuel L. Julian, and took place 
some time during 1837. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION, NAME, AND CIVIL LIST. 

The township of Porter was originally a portion of De- 
catur, from which it was set off in 1845. 

Mrs. Harriet Van Antwerp says that one day, after it 
was decided to set the township off from Decatur, there 
was a consultation at the house of her father, Nathan Cook, 
as to what name ought to be selected. Miss Cook happened 
just then to be reading in the room " Cooper's Naval 
Heroes," and struck by the story of Com. Porter's career, 
suggested that as Decatur had appropriated a naval hero's 



530 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



name, the new township should follow the example and 
take the name of Porter. The suggestion was voted an 
excellent one, and adopted at once. 

The first township-meeting was held April 7, 1845, when 
the greatest number of votes cast for any candidate was 45. 
A full list of the officials chosen on that occasion is given, 
as follows : Supervisor, Harvey Barker ; Clerk, Isaac Hall ; 
Treasurer, Isaac Hall ; School Inspectors, W. S. Corey, 
Harvey Barker ; Highway Commissioners, William L. Bar- 
ker, John Ne.sbitt, and William I. Finch ; Constables, 
Miles Van Sickle, John Bennett, and Richard Wilson ; 
Overseers of the Poor, Ira Harman and Benjamin Rey- 
nolds ; Poundmaster, John Tittle ; Justices of the Peace, 
Harvey Barker, Samuel D. Harper, H. H. Adams, John 
Nesbitt; Overseers of Highways, Peter Van Etten, Orrin 
G. Kinney, William McMinn, William L. Barker, Jacob 
Stillwell. The Township Board consisted of Horace H. 
Adams, Stephen Kinney, David A. Alexander, and Samuel 
D. Harper ; Clerks of the Board were Nathan Cook and 
Warren S. Corey. 

The jurors chosen to serve for the year 1845 were 
Samuel D. Harper, William McMinn, Uri Kinney, Luther 
Kinney, John Webber, Orrin G. Kinney, Buell Reynolds, 
David Gilson, Jacob StillwelL Elias Harmon, Thomas Alex- 
ander, Charles Mitchelson. 

The supervisors, clerks, treasurers, .school inspectors, and 
justices of the peace from 1846 to 1880, were as follows: 

1846. — Supervisor, Uri Kinnej ; Clerk, H. H. Adams: Treasurer, 

Nathan Cook ; School Inspector, W. 0. Matthews: Justice 

of the Peace, Orrin Sisson. 
1847. — Supervisor, John McKinney ; Clerk, H. 11. Adams ; Treasurer, 

Nathan Cook; School Inspector, W, S. Corey. 
1848. — Supervisor, Uri Kinney; Clerk, Isaac Hall; Treasurer, Na- 
than Cook : School Inspector, W. 0. Matthews ; Justice of 

the Peace, Manasseh Kern. 
1849. — Supervisor, Orrin Sisson; Clerk, Isaac Hall; Treasurer, John 

Nesbitt ; School Inspector, W. S. Corey. 
1S50. — Supervisor, Manasseh Kern; Clerk, E.A.Park; Treasurer, 

W. Gibson; School Inspector, A. H. Hathaway; Justice of 

the Peace, Roderick Bell. 
1851. — Supervisor, J. McKinney; Clerk, B. A. Park; Treasurer, J. 

Nesbitt; School Inspector, W. H. Paddock; Justice of the 

Peace, J, McKinney. 
1852. — Supervisor, Luther Kinney ; Clerk, J. McKinney : Treasurer, J. 

Nesbitt; School Inspector, A. H. Hathaway; Justice of the 

Peace, Manasseh Kern. 
185.3. — Supervisor, J. McKinney; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treasurer, 

J, Nesbitt; School Inspector, Asahel Bryant; Justice of the 

Peace, Elias Harmon. 
1854. — Supervisor, J. McKinney; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treasurer, 

J. Nesbitt; School Inspector, W. S. Corey; Justice of the 

Peace, Isaac Hall. 
1855.— Supervisor, W. S. Corey; Clerk, S. I. Burnett; Treasurer, 

Harvey Barker ; School Inspector, W. H. Paddock ; Justice 

of the Peace, C. HoUister. 
1856. — Supervisor, W. S. Corey ; Clerk, Thomas Barker; Treasurer, 

John Nesbitt ; School Inspector, J. B. Sackett ; Justice of 

the Peace, Manasseh Kern. 
1857. — Supervisor, Asahel Bryant ; Clerk, Thomas Barker ; Treasurer, 

John Nesbitt; School Inspector, Asahel Bryant; Justice of 

the Peace, Elias Harmon. 
1858. — Supervisor, Sanford Corey ; Clerk, L. S. Dailey ; Treasurer, 

John Nesbitt; School Inspector, C. Hollister; Justice of the 

Peace, Isaac Hall. 
1859. — Supervisor, Sanford Corey ; Clerk, Amos Hall ; Treasurer, 0. 

Sisson; School Inspector, Joseph McKay; Justice of the 

Peace, Dean Longcoy. 



1860. — Supervisor, J. Barker ; Clerk, Isaac Hall; Treasurer, Asahel 

Bryant; School Inspector, C. Hollister ; Justice of the Peace, 

M. Kern, 
1861. — Supervisor, J. Barker; Clerk, Isaac Hall; Treasurer, Asahel 

Bryant; School Inspector, Asahel Bryant : Justice of the 

Peace, C. Hollister. 
1862. — Supervisor, C. Hollister; Clerk, Isaac Hall: Treasurer, Aaron 

Norton ; School Inspector, A. H. Hathaway ; Justice of the 

Peace, S. D. Harper. 
1863. — Supervisor, C. Hollister: Clerk, Isaac Hall : Treasurer, Aaron 

Norton ; School Inspector, A. Bryant ; Justice of the Peace, 

A. H. Hathaway. 
1864. — Supervisor, W. Anderson ; Clerk, Isaac Hall; Treasurer, Aaron 

Norton ; School Inspector, W. Anderson ; Justice of the 

Peace, M. Kern. 
I860.— Supervisor, F. B. Adams; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treasurer, 

J. Atwell ; School Inspector, A. Bryant; Justice of the 

Peace, S. Corey. 
1866. — Supervisor, 0. Williams ; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treasurer, 

A. H. Norton; School Inspector, J. H. Hall; Justice of the 

Peace, L. B. Dewey. 
1867. — Supervisor, J. Barker; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway ; Treasurer, A. 

H. Norton; School Inspector, R. M. J. Hall; Justice of the 

Peace, J. A. Edmonds. 
1863. — No record. 
1869. — Supervisor, 0. Williams; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treasurer, 

J. C. McLane; School Inspector, J. H. Hall: Justice of the 

Peace, M. Kern. 
1870. — No record. 
1871. — Supervisor, S. Corey ; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway ; Treasurer, R. 

M. J. Hall; School Inspector, A. Bryant; Justice of the 

Peace, M. Kern. 
1872. — Supervisor, C. A. Van Riper; Clerk, A. H. Hathaway; Treas- 
urer, R. M. J. Hall; School Inspector, J. H. Hall; Justice 

of the Peace, T. Alexander. 
1873. — Supervisor, 0. Williams; Clerk, J. W. Burlington; Treasurer, 

J. C. McLane: School Inspector, E. S. Upham ; Justice of 

the Peace, J. A. Edmonds. 
1874. — Supervisor, 0. Williams; Clerk, J. W.Burlington; Treasurer, 

R. V. Munger; School Inspector, J. H. Hall; Justice of the 

Peace, A. J. Weldon. 
1875. — Supervisor, 0. Williams; Clerk, J. W. Burlington; Treasurer, 

R. V. Munger ; School Inspector, James Nash ; Justice of 

the Peace, E. Harmon. 
1876. — Supervisor, 0. Williams; Clerk, J. W. Burlington; Treasurer, 

A. J. Hall; School Inspector, James Nash; Justice of the 

Peace, H. Corey. 
1877. — Supervisor, J. C. McLane; Clerk, J. W. Burlington ; Treasurer, 

Frank Cooley ; School Inspector, James Nash ; Justice of the 

Peace, R. A. Ward. 
1878. — Supervisor, E. Warner; Clerk, J. W. Burlington: Treasurer, 

Frank Cooley ; School Inspector, James Nash ; Justice of the 

Peace, H. .1. Kellogg. 
1879. — Supervisor, J. C. McLane; Clerk, J. W. Burlington ; Treasurer, 

J. H. Hall; School Inspector, James Nash; Justice of the 

Peace, C. A. Van Riper. 

The Township Board for 1879 was composed of J. C. 
McLane, Jason Atwell, and J. W. Burlington. A neat 
town hall at the Centre, built in 1869, serves for all meet- 
ings connected with public affairs. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1837, Rev. Samuel L. Julian, a Free- Will Baptist 
preacher, settled in Porter, and immediately organized in 
the Kinney settlement a church of that denomination, 
which for a time flourished briskly. Julian removed to 
the far West in 1838, after selling his farm to Jacob 
Wright. After Mr. Julian's time Elder Dodge, a Baptist 
minister, preached in the settlement. In the west. Rev. 
Wilder Mack, a Protestant Methodist preacher, held occa- 
sional services at the house of George S. Frees. Harvey 



TOWNSHIP OF PORTER. 



531 



Barker, from Wayne Couuty, was a settler in 1841, and 
was also a local Methodist Episcopal preacher. For some 
time after his settlement he preached every Sunday at the 
dwelling-house of some settler. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Porter. — A 
Methodist Episcopal class was organized in Porter as far 
back as 1844 at Gravel Lake, and meetings were held in 
Roderick Bell's cooper-shop, as well as in town school- 
houses. The first class-leader of whom there is any recol- 
lection was Mr. Mitchelson, after whom, in 1847, Myron 
Hall was chosen. The class was on the Paw Paw circuit, 
and its first pastor was Rev. Mr. Reynolds. The Methodist 
Episcopal classes now in Porter — three in number — are 
attached to the Lawton charge, of which Rev. T. T. George 
is pastor. Their aggregate membership is 75, and they are 
called respectively South Porter, Porter Centre, and Num- 
ber Nine, their places of worship being township school- 
houses. 

A Free- Will Baptist Church was organized in 1858 by 
Rev. Edward Root, of Ohio, who then came to Porter as a 
settler. He was the church's pastor continuously until 
1870, when he moved farther west. For the past year 
the church has had no pastor. Elder Daniel Osborn holds 
services, however, once a month. The church attendance 
includes about 20 members. Isaac Parish and Abner 
Munger are the deacons, and James Bradt the clerk. 

The First Methodist Protestant Church was organized 
March 14, 1865, by Elder Samuel Reeves, as the West 
Porter class, in the school-house on section 17. The or- 
ganizing members were B. White and wife, Augustus 
Weldon and wife, Merritt Tappen and wife, Elias Harmon 
and wife, John Stuyvesant and wife. Miles Van Sickle, 
Malintha Harmon, and Leonard Harmon. The Valley 
class was organized Jan. 3, 1866, with 33 members, and 
the North Porter class Feb. 8, 1866, with a membership 
of 13. The West Porter class was attached to the Van 
Buren circuit, in which it was the first. The pastors who 
succeeded Elder Reeves were Revs. Nichols, Bayne, Newell, 
Reed, Phillips, Byers, Murray, and Clarke. Elder Reeves, 
the first pastor, is in charge now for the second time. The 
present membership of the three classes is 80. 

In 1867 the society erected, on section 20, the fine church 
building which is now in use. The church trustees now 
serving are Augustus Weldon, Henry Corey, Warren Wood, 
Elias Harmon, and James Ellis. 

The Christian Advent Church, worshiping in the Bell 
school-house, was organized in 1871 by Rev. James Ferris, 
of Buchanan, at the Porter Centre school-house, with 25 
members. Mr. Ferris continued to preach until 1878, 
since when no regular services have been held. The mem- 
bership is now about 30. John Carver is the deacon and 
Peter Rock the clerk. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-teacher in Porter of whom there appears 
to be any recollection was Warren S. Corey (brother to 
Nelson Corey), who taught in the Kinney settlement. 
Sarah, daughter of Nathan Cook, taught the first school in 
the Bell neighborhood, and the second one at Porter 
Centre, — the first teacher at the latter place being Josiah 
Judson. Loring Barker taught a school in 1841 in Miles 



Van Sickles' log cabin. The township has now ten school 
districts, of which six were organized in 1845. The ap- 
pended table will show the condition of the public schools 
as per oflicial report for the year 1879 : 

Number of districts (whole, 7; fractional, 3) Id 

" " scholars of school age 397 

Average attendance 348 

Value of school property $4650 

Number of teachers 22 

Total expenses for the year $1587 

The school directors for 1879 were George D. Boyce, 
Charles Hooper, J. W. Burlington, L. M. Walden, C. W. 
Lohr, A. J. Hall, D. Cornish, D. C. Van Antwerp, J. H. 
Hall, S. Beach. 

PORTER GRANGE, No. 2.3, P. of H. 

This grange was organized April 26, 1873, with 19 
members. The first Master was George D. Boyce, whose 
successors in that ofiice have been James W. Burlington, 
Elijah Warner, and John McLane. 

The present membership is 50, and the ofiicers as follows : 
John McLane, M. ; Russell V. Munger, 0.; George H. 
Weldon, L. ; Elias Harmon, Chaplain ; Mrs. Elijah War- 
ner, Sec. ; Mrs. Manasseh Kern, Treas. ; Leonard Bates, 
Steward ; Henry Yetter, Assistant Steward ; Mrs. George 
Weldon, Pomona ; Miss Mary Kern, Flora ; Mrs. Samuel 
Bartlett, Ceres ; Mrs. J. P. Barker, Stewardess. Regular 
sessions are held at the town hall. Porter Centre. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL BARTLETT. 

The grandfather of this gentleman, Asaph Bartlett, was 
a native of Massachusetts, as was also his father, William 
L. Bartlett. The latter, at the age of nineteen, married 
Abigail Warren, and that couple were the parents of five 
children, — three sons and two daughters. Of these Samuel 
Bartlett was the oldest, having been born in Genesee Co., 
N. Y., Feb. 16, 1816, to which county his parents had 
moved from Massachusetts, and where they occupied a farm. 
At the age of sixteen years Samuel Bartlett was deprived of 
his mother, and from that time until he was twenty-one he 
attended school winters and worked for monthly wages 
during the summers. His school days were over after he 
became of age, but his days of laboring for hire were not, 
and for seven years he found employment at different occu- 
pations, a portion of the time being spent in a store. 

The latter was detrimental to his health, and he was 
forced to begin again on a farm. March 24, 1844, he was 
married to Miss Charlotte Parsons, daughter of David and 
Lucy Parsons. She was born in Le Roy, Genesee Co., N. 
Y., July 9, 1825, and was one of a family of six children, 
of whom but two were sons. Her grandfather's name was 
Aaron Parsons ; her grandmother was of Welsh descent. 
Her parents were natives of Vermont — the rugged " Green 
Mountain State." Samuel Bartlett and wife became the 
parents of one child, a daughter, Helen A., born Feb. 8, 
1849. She became the wife of Russel Munger. 

After Mr. Bartlett was married he worked a farm for two 



532 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



years on shares, after which he, iu company with his brother, 
purchased one hundred acres of land, and farmed it together 
until 1853, when they sold it. In 1856, his health being 
poor and a change appearing necessary, Mr. Bartlett came 
to Michigan, and purchased forty acres on section 25, 
Porter township, Van Buren County, including the site 
of his present residence. He has since added forty acres to 
his farm, and the whole is excellent in quality. It was 
covered with heavy timber when he came into possession, 
and in the respect of clearing he had all the experience of 
the earlier pioneers. Mr. Bartlett's mind in earlier years 
was imbued with the teachings of the Baptist Church, but 
his religious views are at present of a liberal nature. He 
allows all the privilege of believing as they choose, and re- 
spects their opinions. His political status is that of a 
Democrat, but he has never taken an active part in town- 
ship politics. 

SANFORD COREY. 
Sanford Corey, the sixth in a family of nine children, — - 
three sons and six daughters, — was born in the State of 
New York, May 7, 1821. In 1823 his father removed, 
with the family, to Ohio, and in 1835 the son came with 
an uncle, Samuel Corey, to Michigan, and lived with him 
five years. He then found employment at clearing land by 
contract, and soon purchased a tract for himself in Kala- 
mazoo County, which he subsequently sold, and made 
another purchase of sixty acres on section 26, in Porter 
township, Van Buren Co. To this he has added from time 
to time, and now owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. 
Jan. 31, 1844, Mr. Corey was married to Oliva J., daughter 
of Jabez and Eleanor Matthews, who was born April 25, 
1826. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Corey were the fol- 
lowing: Oliva S., born Aug. 15, 1845, died Oct. 17, 1876; 
Charles M., born Sept. 17, 1847, died April 21, 1866; 
Ella M., born April 18, 1852. Mr. Corey was one of the 
first to settle and clear a farm in this portion of the town- 
ship,, and it is related that the stories he told of his expe- 
rience in those early days were interesting and amusing. 
His wife died Nov. 9, 1875, and he survived her only until 
Aug. 1, 1876. His daughter Ella, who causes this sketch 
to be inserted in this work, was married, Sept. 28, 1873, to 
Benjamin S. Harris, a native of Kalamazoo, at which place 
his people settled at an early date. He had one brother 
and one sister. Mr. Corey was a member of, and an active 
worker in, the Free-Will Baptist Church. In his political 
views he was a Democrat, and held various positions of trust 
in the township, including the offices of supervisor and jus- 
tice of the peace. He was very much respected by his fel- 
low-citizens, and his loss was sincerely regretted. His early 
educational advantages were quite limited. 



NELSON COREY. 
Nelson Corey was born in Vermont, Aug. 19, 1816, and 
was the fourth son in a family of nine children. His father, 
"X Jacob Corey, was a native of Vermont, and was married at 
the age of eighteen to Miss Betsey Durham, she being but 
sixteen years old. In the year 1818 he moved to Ashta- 
bula, Ohio, where he remained until his death, which oc- 



curred in 1828. Nelson was then twelve years of age, and 
from that time until he was twenty-one he worked by the 
month. In the spring of 1837 he came to Michigan, and 
iu 1840 bought his first piece of land, on .section 26, Porter 
township. On the 12th of May, 1842, he married Miss 




NELSON COKEY. 

Lucina Kinney, whose people were very early settlers in the 
township, and lived happily until Aug. 2, 1855, when death 
separated them. Mr. and Mrs. Corey were the parents of 
seven children, as follows: Sanford, born April 8, 1843, 
died July 16, 1843; Edward S., born October 1, 1844; 
Henry J., born May 26, 1846; Martha L., born May 14, 
1848 ; Horace H., born November 26, 1849 ; Almon W., 
born August 12, 1853; Willis N., born August 2, 1855. 
Mr. Corey was married, in January, 1856, to Delila Fletcher, 
daughter of one of the early settlers of the township, and 
to them were born two children, — Delcena R., November 
11, 1857, and Mary U., March 3, 1859. With this wife 
Mr. Corey lived until July 30, 1865, when death again 
entered his home and left him a widower. His children arc 
all living, except two, some being settled in Michigan and 
others farther west. Mr. Corey is an active member of the 
Protestant Methodist Church. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican. Since the death of his wife he has resided with his 
son Henry, who married Rohama Anderson, a daughter of 
one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. Corey is now sixty- 
five years of age, and has lived in Michigan forty-three 
years. He has witnessed the transition of a wilderness into 
a garden, and sees a productive and beautiful region in the 
place of a land covered with a mighty and unbroken forest. 
The history of Van Buren County would .scarcely be com- 
plete without some account of the life of Mr. Corey. 



RUSSEL V. MUNGER. 

This gentleman — a view of whose home appears in this 
volume — was born in Ohio, August 22, 1837, and came to 
Van Buren County with his father, Luke Munger, in 1839. 
When he had reached the age of twenty-one years he went 
to Minnesota, with a capital of fifty dollars, and pre-empted 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



533 



one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he re- 
mained about one year, and returned to Michigan to assist 
his father with his farm duties. In June, 1861, he sold 
his Minnesota land for five hundred dollars, and in August, 
1862, purchased forty acres on section 34, in this township 
(Porter). That was disposed of in 186-i, and he bought 
sixty acres on which he now resides, on section 28 ; to this 
he has added until his present farm consists of one hundred 
and forty-nine acres. On the 13th of August, 1865, Mr. 
Munger was married to Helen A., daughter and only child 
of Samuel and Charlotte Bartlett, who came to Michigan 
in 1856 from the State of New York. Her parents are 
residents of the township of Porter. Mr. and Mrs. Mun- 
ger are the parents of four children, as follows: Frank R., 
born November 24, 1868, died March 27, 1871 ; Charlotte 
E., born June 10, 1872 ; Berenice A., born July 23, 1874, 
died March 6, 1875 ; Alberta M., born April 20, 1878. 
Mrs. Munger was born February 8, 1849. Mr. Munger 
is a Democrat in politics, aud has held various township 
offices ; is enthusiastic and energetic in all his undertakings, 
and has been blessed with prosperity. 



MANASSEH KERN. 

The grandfather of this gentleman came from Germany 
to Pennsylvania at an early day, and settled in Lehigh 
County. His son, John Nicholas Kern, was born in that 
county in 1764, and was one of a family of ten children, — 




MANASSEH KERN. 

seven sons and three daughters. He was married to Cath- 
arine Sager, and was a fai'mer by occupation. His children 
were ten in number, as were his father's, and divided in the 
same ratio, and of these the gentleman whose name appears 
at the head of this notice was the youngest, his birth occur- 
ring in the same county in Pennsylvania, Oct. 31, 1809. 
When he was ten years old he suffered the loss of his 
father, after which he remained with his mother until he 
was eighteen, when he commenced to learn the tobacconist's 
trade, at which he worked about eighteen years. In 1840 
he was married to Miss Caroline Herlan, daughter of Jacob 



and Caroline Herlan, she being the oldest in a family of five 
children, who were all girls but one. She was born in Ger- 
many Feb. 7, 1820, and came to America with her father 
in 1832, the family settling in New York. In 1836 they 
removed to Detroit, Mich., where the daughter was mar- 
ried to Mr. Kern. For five years after their marriage Mr. 
and Mrs. Kern resided in Detroit, and in the spring of 
1846 came to Van Buren County and settled upon the 
present home, in the township of Porter, he having pur- 
chased it ten years before. It was then entirely new, not 
a spot cleared even large enough on which to erect a house. 
To his first purchase of one hundred and sixty acres one 
hundred and twenty have since been added, aggregating 
two hundred and eighty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kern are 
the parents of six children, as follows : Frances Albina, 
born Oct. 24, 1841, married John W. Alexander; Caroline 
Catherine, born Jan. 22, 1844, died Feb. 21, 1852 ; Mary 
Cornelia, born Nov. 19, 1845 ; Clara Maria, born March 
5, 1848, married Alfred Bayliss, who is a teacher at Ster- 
ling, 111., where Mr. Alexander is also living and practicing 
law; Elizabeth Warren, born Feb. 7, 1850, died Jan. 7, 
1853; Julius M., born June 10, 1853, inarried Margia, 
daughter of James Young, and now living in this township. 
Mary C. Kern, unmarried, is living at home. Mr. Kern's 
education was acquired by attending the district schools 
during the winters, his summers being spent at hard labor. 
He is not a member of any religious denomination, and is 
liberal in his views on religious subjects, but his life has 
been one of uprightness. In politics he is a Republican, 
although not an active politician. He has held the office 
of supervisor one term, and has been a justice of the peace 
for twenty years. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

SOUTH HAVEN TOW^NSHIP.* 

Boundaries, Topography, and Soil — Settlements and Settlers — Early 
Roads — Township Organization — List of Township Officers — Vil- 
lage of South Haven — Biinking — Societies and Orders — Schools — 
Religious Societies — Fruit Interests of South Haven. 

BOUNDARIES, TOPOGRAVHY, AND SOIL. 

The township contains eighteen full sections and seven 
fractional sections along the lake-shore. It is the north- 
west corner township in the county, and is bounded 
on the north by Allegan County, on the east by the 
township of Geneva, on the south by the township of 
Covert, and on the west by Lake Michigan. Along the 
shore rise high clay bluffs, ranging from thirty to fifty feet 
in height, many of them crowned with the original forests 
of hemlock and pine. From this elevation the land rises 
gradually in undulating slopes for about a mile, when a 
plateau is reached having an altitude of about one hundred 
and ten feet from the surface of the lake. This table-land 
declines towards the lake on the north and recedes from it 
on the south. 

It is watered by the Black River aud its south branch 
in the north part of the township, and a small stream that 

**" By A. N. Hungerford. 



534 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



rises in section 27 flows northerly through sections 21 and 
22, and empties into the lake. The Black River flows 
through a narrow valley near its mouth, and swampy, 
marshy lands in almost its entire course, and its dark waters 
are stained with the decay of the forests through which it 
flows. The township in its original state was heavily cov- 
ered with a heavy growth of pine, hemlock, walnut, oak, 
maple, basswood, whitewood, and other woods. 

The extract given below, is from an address delivered 
before the South Haven Pomological Society by J. E. 
Bidwell, and it gives a faithful description of the soil of 
South Haven : 

" The country adjoining the village of South Haven is 
favored by nature with the greatest conceivable variety of 
soil and exposure, including light sand and heavy clay, 
or rich sand, gravel, and clay loam, separate or mixed in 
every conceivable proportion, or all combined in the most 
desirable compound, including all necessary vegetable or 
mineral properties required by the particular appetite of 
certain plants for their peculiarly constructed organization, 
or by those exacting a portion of all covering deep slopes, 
undulating tracts, dry, level prairie, or moist bottom-lands, 
which the winds and waters of past ages have separated, or 
mingled in different proportions, so that no kind of soil or 
situation could be desired without finding it readily and at 
a reasonable price. In fact, all departments of agriculture, 
from the least even to the greatest, can be successfully car- 
ried on here, from flourishing vegetable-gardens, prosperous 
wheat-fields, and verdant meadows, to permanent orchards. 
True, there is necessarily some poor land, but the propor- 
tion of good is tenfold greater, and the very good even ten- 
fold greater than the good." 

The climate is very favorable to successful fruit-raising, 
and the attention of the people of the township is largely 
directed to that industry. 

SETTLEMENT AND SETTLERS. 
The territory to the southward, around St. Joseph, had 
been occupied by settlers years before the while man had 
invaded any part of this or adjoining townships. The first to 
explore the region was Jay R. Monroe, a native of Surrey, 
N. H., who, while still a boy, moved with his father's 
family to Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., whence in 1826 
he came to Detroit, and in company with Mr. Campau's 
men made the circuit of the lakes as an employee in the 
fur-trade. After his return he went in the employ of Gen. 
Cass and Mr. Canipau, locating lands for a few years, and 
then returned to New York. In 1830 he removed to 
Prairie Ronde, Mich., and was traveling through the State 
much of the time, examining and locating lands fur others. 
His commissions were applied to the purchase of land for 
himself He was the first to pass through what is now 
South Haven, and in 1833 he built the first house where 
South Haven now is. He was a bachelor at that time, 
and a family by the name of Thomas was placed in the 
house. While the family lived here a child was born and 
died, this being the first birth and death in the township. 
Mr. Monroe made a village plat,* and provided for a school 
lot. In 1836 he sold other lands for $6000 to Thomas 

* It is now embraced in the Hannahs plat of 1852. 



Sheldon, Charles E. Stuart, and others, and was to keep a 
family on the place for a year. A family named Fink lived 
there until November, 1836, when Henry Monroe, a brother 
of Jay R., with his wife and child, came into the house and 
remained till spring. Mr. Jay R Monroe, with Charles U. 
Cross, of Bangor, in 1835 laid out a road from South Haven 
to Paw Paw, and previously had laid out a road from South 
Haven to Prairie Ronde. After the Monroe property passed 
into other hands, nothing was done by way of improvement 
till Marvin Hannahs purchased the land laid down in the 
plat of 1852, which embraces all of the southwest quarter of 
- section 10 lying south of the river. Mr. Monroe married 
Miss Fanny Raw.son, a native of Massachusetts, Sept. 10, 
1836, and lived for nearly a year at Kalamazoo. He was 
acting as land-agent for Eastern capitalists, and continued 
his agency until it was transferred to his son Charles, who 
still retains it, and has yet lands belonging to those early 
land companies. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Monroe moved 
to lands he had taken up in the township of Lawrence, 
where he remained several years, and where were born his 
children, — Charles J., Andrew H., Isaac, Lyman S., J. 
Randolph, and one daughter (Mrs. Eunice Moore, of South 
Haven.) He became one of the largest land-owners in this 
section of country, owning at one time 80 eighty-acre lots. 
He was commissioner of the poor for twenty-five years ; 
appointed judge under the Territorial government, and was 
the adviser and friend of the early settlers. He was one of 
the first organizers of the State Agricultural Society and 
of the Van Buren County Pioneer Society. Three of his 
sons are now in the banking business at South Haven, with 
a branch bank at Bangor. Charles J. is also engaged in 
fruit-raising and as a surveyor, which occupation he fol- 
lowed from 1860 to 1868. He is acquainted with the land 
and its titles in all parts of this and adjoining townships. 

In 1838, Daniel Pierce came in from Schoolcraft with 
the first horse-team. He purchased of Mr. Monroe 160 
acres of land in the northwest quarter of section 14, where 
he now lives, and built upon it a cabin, in which he lived at 
times, though he made Kalamazoo his home. He was a 
trapper and caught many wolves, receiving the State bounty 
of $13, securing in that year (1838) 13 scalps. He owned 
a nursery at Kalamazoo, and lived here but little, using his 
hut aimply as a hunting cabin. Indians were plenty dur- 
ing the sugar season, coming up the lake in fleets of canoes 
carrying sail when the wind was favorable. . Daniel Pierce, 
now living, has seen 17 bark canoes at the mouth of the 
river at one time. A small number of Indians remained 
along the lake-shore and in the valleys of the Paw Paw 
and St. Joseph Rivers. 

A part of the sugar manufactured was sewed up with 
deer-sinews in birch-bark bags, called niokoks, and buried 
in the ground for the winter's supply. Small patches of 
corn were planted by them also, which was ready for the 
harvest on their return in the fall. 

Daniel Pierce was the only man living in the territory 
now South Haven who voted in the spring of 1838. 
Twenty-two votes were cast. 

In the fall of that year a three-masted schooner, the " La- 
porte," Captain Webster, was wrecked near to where now 
is the south pier. Clark Pierce carried the baggage of the 



1 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



535 



sailors to Paw Paw, and they went on foot. In the spring 
she was burned by the owners for the iron fastenings. 

About 1841 an effort was made to establish a mail-route 
from South Haven to Schoolcraft, and a Mr. Harrison, liv- 
ing at Gourd-Neck Prairie, took the contract to deliver the 
mail once a week. He made the trial ouce, but could not 
find the postmaster, and returned with his mail to School- 
craft. Daniel Pierce had been appointed postmaster, but 
refused to act. 

On the road from the mouth of the river (now South 
Haven) there were but few inhabitants ; one settlement of 
lawless depredators lived on the route, at a place called 
Owlsville, from the nightly visits of the inhabitants to the 
farms, hen-roosts, and pig-pens of the country round. 

In August, 1843, Edwin Forrest, the famous tragedian, 
purchased an interest iu part of what is now known as the 
Dyckman & Woodman Plat, and Isaac Willard, about the 
same time, bought where the Tubbs & Wells Mill afterwards 
stood, also in the land north of Phoenix Street, in the south- 
east fractional quarter of section 3. 

The land that formerly belonged to Mr. Monroe had 
passed into the hands of William A. Booth, Dr. Abbott, 
and others, of New York City. In June of 1845, Louis A. 
Booth, brother of William A., and agent of the company, 
Clark Pierce, with his wife and two boys, — Almon and 
Irving,- — came to the mouth of the Black River, and took 
possession of Mr. Monroe's cabin, on the bank. Mr. Booth 
and Pierce made a plan for a house, and went north about 
twenty miles to Uncle Jimmy Hall for their lumber, spend- 
ing one night in the woods. The remainder of the lumber 
needed was drawn from Breedsville. In due time the house 
was finished, and July 18, 1845, Clark Pierce and his 
family moved into it. This was the first frame house west 
of Bangor. Mr. Pierce remained here till April, and was 
then succeeded in the house by a Mr. White, with his wife 
and child. Dr. Camp, of Bangor, whose wife was a sister 
of Mrs. White, joined them. A Mr. Branch and son also 
came on from the East iu the interest of the company. 

In the winter of 1845-46, Dr. Abbott, one of the part- 
ners, visited the place, and preparations were made to build 
a mill near the mouth of the river. Workmen were em- 
ployed getting out timber, but for some reason the opera- 
tions ceased, and the timber was shipped to St. Joseph. 
Afterwards a German fiimily by the name of Shawfinch 
occupied the house, and his wife and child died there. 
From that time the house became the resort only of a few 
stragglers through the country. 

In 1849, Clark Pierce with his family, and Mr. Wood 
and wife, C. B. Gross and wife, living in what is now 
Geneva, started on horseback and with an ox-sled drawn by 
horses to the house on the lake, and there celebrated the 
Fourth of July of that year. 

In August, 1850, Mr. Joseph Sturgis, foreman of Mar- 
vin Hannahs, with a corps of assistants, consisting of Ai 
Blood, Joseph Dow, and Horace Thomas, came down the 
river from Jericho and commenced the erection of a steam 
mill on the site of what is now known as the Quaker Dock. 
Other houses were erected, which were soon occupied by 
Horace Thomas, S. B. Morehouse, and others, Mr. Sturgis 
living iu the house previously built by Mr. Pierce. 



Marvin Hannahs was a native of Litchfield, Conn., and 
a tanner. He moved to Utica, N. Y., in 1831, and in 
1837 to Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich., where he was largely 
engaged in lumbering and other pursuits. He purchased 
land in Jericho, Geneva township, and erected the first 
frame house at that place, and built a tannery. Land was 
purchased at this place about 1850, and Capt. J. H. Hen- 
dryx, now of Decatur, and Joseph Sturgis were sent to 
South Haven, the former as business manager. Mr. Han- 
nahs platted the village in 1852. His son, George Han- 
nahs, became interested with his father, and came to South 
Haven in ] 864 to reside and take charge of the property. 
He was elected the first president of Albion, and also of 
South Haven. He was in the mercantile and milling busi- 
ness for eight years, and opened a branch in Albion, which 
was carried on for a few years. 

Hon. George Hannahs was elected to the State Senate 
November, 1870 ; delegate to the Cincinnati National Re- 
publican Convention. He is a trustee of the Eastern Asy- 
lum at Pontiao. His father, Marvin Hannahs, died Feb. 
7, 1866, at Albion, where he settled in 1835. 

After Mr. Sturgis had moved to South Haven and com- 
menced operations, others soon came in. Mr. Hannahs 
had a house built, and Horace Thompson and his wife 
occupied it. In the same year Ai Blood built a large 
double house, which is still standing. He lived in Chicago, 
and did not come in until the September following. He 
was a carpenter, and was engaged afterwards in building 
lighters for Dyckman, Hall & Co., to load vessels in the lake 
outside the mouth of the river. Joseph Sturgis built a 
saw-mill, with one upright saw, on what is now Quaker 
Dock. Upon the commencement of Dyckman, Hall & 
Co.'s operations, Mr. Sturgis became one of the partners, 
his property becoming a part of the stock. Mr. Sturgis died 
in 1855. 

Stephen B. Morehouse, a native of New Jersey, came to 
South Haven in January, 1852, with wife and two daugh- 
ters, and moved first into the unoccupied house built by 
Ai Blood in the previous year. Frank Gray came a few 
days after with his wife and one child, and lived in a shanty, 
where he remained three years. 

Alpha Tubbs, with wife and daughter, and Nelson Tubbs, 
with wife and three children, came in the spring of 1852, 
and built a house and mill on the north side of the river. 
This year the Fourth of July was observed. Notice had been 
sent out to all the settlers, and about 100 gathered in to 
the feast and to celebrate the birthday of the nation. The 
exercises were held in front of Joseph Sturgis' house. 
A fawn had been shot by the young men, and was roasted 
for the occasion. The tables were set out-of-doors, and 
the day passed off pleasantly. 

A frame school-house about 18 by 24 feet was built 
near the lake in the summer of 1852, and was taught by 
Miss Ella Barnes, an adopted daughter of S. B. Morehouse. 
The pupils were seven, — Joseph Sturgis, Jr. (nicknamed 
the Judge), Julia and Harriet Morehouse, three children of 
Nelson Tubbs, and " Tip" Ormsby. 

Joseph Sturgis was appointed postmaster about 1855. 
His deputy was S. B. Morehouse, who soon succeeded to 
the postmastership. 



536 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The first religious services were held at the house of 
Joseph Sturgis, in April, 1852, by a Baptist minister, and 
a few weeks later the Rev. Mr. Doughty, a Methodist min- 
ister, preached in the dining-room of S. B. Morehouse. 
Notices were sent out to the people, and these services were 
well attended. 

December 25, 1852, a Christmas party was given at the 
house of Mr. Morehouse, at which every man, woman, and 
child in the settlement was invited. 

Mr. S. B. Morehouse purchased 80 acres on the north- 
west quarter of the northeast quarter of section 10, and in 
1854 set out three acres in fruit (mostly apples), purchasing 
his trees in Kalamazoo. During the season of 1853 he 
was out of corn, and the roads were bad and provisions 
scarce. During this state of aifairs he was awakened early 
one Sunday morning by a rap at his door, and on answering 
it he found a man there, who said he had a boat-load of 
corn (100 bushels) that he wanted to exchange for wood. 
The exchange was soon eflTected. The vessel was the 
" Petrel," with capacity for carrying 12 cords. Mr. More- 
house thus became the first to ship cord-wood from South 
Haven to Chicago. Soon after the advent of the " Petrel," 
the little schooner " Lapwing" came to this port, in com- 
mand of Capt. Mitchell, who was for several years the only 
navigator from the port of South Haven. 

July 1, 1854, the woods caught fire on Mr. Morehouse's 
farm, and in fighting it he overworked, and produced a 
sickness by which he was confined eight months, and from 
which he never entirely recovered. 

Dr. Hathaway, of Breedsville, was the first physician 
who practiced in this region, and while here on a profes- 
sional visit in 1854 was so much pleased with the country 
that he purchased two acres of Mr. Morehouse, and soon 
after erected a house and lived here, following his profession . 

The first wedding in the township was that of Leland 
Spencer and Ella Barnes, at the house of Mr. Morehouse, 
who, being a justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. 
Mr. Morehouse was supervisor of the town in 1861, and 
filled at various times other positions. He died in 1862, 
leaving a widow and two daughters, — -Mrs. Charles J. Mon- 
roe and Mrs. A. B. Chase, now of Bangor. Mrs. More- 
house is still living, and resides at Bangor. Alpha and 
Nelson Tubbs, from Climax Prairie, commenced operations 
in the spring of 1852, on the north side of the river, build- 
ing a mill and boarding-house. This mill remained till 
1861, and was destroyed by fire. The land is known as 
Tubbs' addition. About 1860 the mill was sold, and 
Nelson moved away. Alpha remained a few years longer, 
and in 1866 sold the remainder of his land and removed to 
Illinois.^ Clark and Samuel G. Sheffer came in the fall of 
this year, and settled north of the village, where they still 
live. 

Evert B. Dyekman, of Schoolcraft, Mich., visited the 
townships of Columbia and Pine Plains before 1852, and 
located about 1000 acres in those townships, attracted by 
the excellence of their pine timber. In the fall of 1852 
his son, A. S. Dyekman, was sent out to make a further 
examination of the lands, and to decide upon the most 
feasible way to market the lumber. He came on foot 
down the north side of the middle branch of South Black 



River. His only companion was a hunter known as " Lop 
Horn Loomis." Except a few Indians, no inhabitants were 
on the line between Humphreysburg and the mouth of the 
river. At the mouth of Barber Creek they passed one 
night with the Indians, and breakfasted next morning on 
venison. From there Mr. Dyekman traveled alone to the 
mouth of the river, arriving about midnight. Here he 
remained a few days, and returned to Schoolcraft, when 
arrangements were made by Evert and A. S. Dyekman, of 
Schoolcraft, and A. V. Pantland and C. H. Morrill, of Paw 
Paw, for the purchase of lands owned by James B. Murray, 
of New York City. The lands located were the west half 
of the northeast quarter of section 10, and all of the north 
half of section 2 lying .south of the river, and the north 
half of the north half of section 1. 

February 1, 1853, A. S. Dyekman and Joseph S. Wagoner 
arrived at South Haven with two wagons loaded with sup- 
plies. Mr. Wagoner was a carpenter, and the first work 
was to haul lumber from Hannahs & Sturgis' mill, and to 
erect houses. They also built a company store and a build- 
ing which became the Forest House. In March, 1853, 
Mr. Morrill retired from the firm and Mr. Sturgis became 
a partner. A large lumber business was carried on, and 
the village numbered about 200 inhabitants, mostly em- 
ployees of the different mills at the mouth of the river. 
An operation called snagging was commenced in the fall of 
1853, and was continued till about the 1st of January ; 
this consisted in clearing the middle branch of the river 
for a distance of about twenty miles, to the pine lands of 
Dyekman & Co., and was a work of great labor. 

The supplies for this little colony for the winter for 1853 
were bought in Chicago, and shipped mostly in the scow 
" Drew." She was anchored about a mile from shore, and 
her cargo was unloaded with flat-boats, taking two days 
and nights. The goods were landed safely on the beach, 
and consisted of pork, beef, lard, butter, flour, grain, and 
hay. The cargo was owned mostly by Dyekman, Sturgis 
& Co., Tubbs, McClelland & Co., and Daniel Howard, who 
was engaged in getting out wood and bark at the intersec- 
tion of the north and middle branches of the river. 

In 1857 attention having been directed to this locality 
as being favorable for fruit culture, Mr. A. S. Dyekman, 
son of Evert, planted a peach-nursery, and in 1859 set 
out four acres of peaches from this nursery near his present 
residence. Mr. Dyekman has since that time been largely 
interested in fruit, and is the most extensive fruit-grower 
in this section, having 55 to 60 acres on the home-farm, 
mostly in peaches, 400 apples, 150 pears and small fruits, 
and on the north side of the river 16 acres in peaches; up 
the river, on the south side, about 15 acres in peaches and 
small fruits. He has at the present time 8000 peach-trees. 
He planted and shipped in 1877 20,000 baskets, and in 
1879 11,000 baskets. Mr. Dyekman was president of the 
State Pomological Society in 1873, and has been among the 
foremost in the South Haven Pomological Society. 

Barney H. Dyekman and Randolph Densmore about 
1857 built a tannery on the low land northwest from the 
bridge crossing the river, which was in operation several 
years. J. H. Davis made the bricks here for the arch in 
Hannahs' mill in 1853, and afterwards started a brick- 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



537 



yard. The totel was first kept by Pennock, who 

had a wife and a family of three daughters and one son. 
The bu.siness of the hotel was largely supported by the 
milling interest of Dyckman, Hale & Co. Marshall Hale, 
of the firm, was a native of Vermont, and was interested 
as a partner with Judge Evert B. Dyckman in the purchase 
of land, at first for speculative purposes, afterwards to de- 
velop the country and realize from the lumber. He came 
here in 1833, after the completion of the .store, his family 
coming tlie next year. The firm passed through many 
changes as one after another came, but still Judge Dyck- 
man and BIr. Hale have property here together. Judge 
Dyckman is living at Schoolcraft, and Mr. Hale about 
1861 moved to the same place, and in 1872 to San Jose, 
Cal., where he is engaged in mercantile business. His son 
George has charge of the store at South Haven. 

Samuel P. Wilson, a native of Seneca Co., N. Y., came to 
South Haven in 1854, and taught school on the north side 
of the river and in the township and village for several 
years. Afterwards engaged in shipping wood and lumber, 
and in shipping on the lake. He is supervisor of the town- 
ship, and has held the position for several years. Rodney 
Hinckley in 1855 built a log cabin on the southwest cor- 
ner of fractional section 16, where T. Hoppin now lives. 
His wife was a carpet-weaver. Ho died about seven years 
later. His son Isaac lives in the village. William H. 
Schropple came in 1855, and is still living here. Charles 
and George Gibson came in 1857, and settled on section 
22, where they still own. James L. Reid came about the 
same time. 

Daniel G. Wright, a native of Onondaga Co., N. Y., on 
Nov. 19, 1855, became a partner in the firm of Dyckman, 
Hale & Co. In the spring of 1856 he went to Chicago to 
take charge of the lumber business of the firm in that city. 
He remained about five years, when he returned, and is 
still living in South Haven. L. H. Bailey, a native of 
Windsor, Vt., emigrated in 1842 to Arlington, where he 
lived eleven years, and in 1853 bought of a Mr. Howard, 
of Vermont, 120 acres, where he now lives, on the west 
half of southwest quarter of section 11, South Haven. 
In 1855-56 he set out an apple-orchard, and he now has 
1300 apple- and 1000 peach-trees. Mr. Bailey was agent 
for the Vermont Land Company, and examined and located 
land through Van Buren, Eaton, and Ingham Counties for 
them, and was through here before Mr. Sturgis settled in 
1850. 

Daniel Pierce came in first in 1836 or 1837, and bought 
IGO acres on section 14. In 1850 he went to California, 
and remained there some years, and then moved to Wis- 
consin, but returned to his farm in South Haven in 1859, 
buying 40 acres adjoining, where he still lives. 

In the fall of 1857, Peter Davis, who came in 1852, set- 
tled on the point where the Ludwig pier now is. At that 
time there was but a small clearing, but afterwards 30 acres 
were cleared, and part of the land set out to peaches. 

Uzziah Conger, of Oswego Co., N. Y., came to South 
Haven Dec. 28, 1855, and in 1856 became a member of 
Dyckman, Hale & Co. At that time the hotel and store 
were built, and the saw-mill had been built the year before 
on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 3. Mr. 
68 



Conger was with tlie firm through its changes from Dyck- 
man, Hale & Co., Hale, Wright & Co., Hale, Conger & Co., 
to its dissolution, and is now in business in the villasre. 

Aaron Eames settled on section 16 before 1860, and 
soon set out a peach-orchard. George Breed also settled 
in the same section. The first school taught in the south 
and southeast part of town was kept by Martha Grover, in 
a cabin at Maple Grove Corners, on the Monroe land, about 
1863. She had fourteen pupils. 

John Williams, a native of New York, came in 1844 to 
Washtenaw Co., Mich., and in 1861 removed to South 
Haven, locating on the east half of the east half of sec- 
tion 14, where he is still living. He is the inventor of a 
fruit evaporator that is regarded as a great improvement on 
others. 

Henry Hurlbut located about the same time in the east 
part of the town. Jefferson Archer settled earlier on sec- 
tion 14. William M. Hurlbut came into the territory then 
South Haven in 1840, and was one of the early officers, 
but did not remove to the present South Haven until 1863. 
He has represented the district in the Legislature for four 
years. 

An enterprise connected with the early history of the vil- 
lage is worthy of mention, although it failed. A Quaker by 
the name of Halleck, from New York City, came to the vil- 
lage in the year 1857 or 1858 and bought land at what is 
known as the Quaker Dock. He took down the mill, drove 
piles, and built the dock, and got out large quantities of tim- 
ber, preparatory to building a large store and warehouse. 
He had purchased a vessel in New York, and loaded it with 
goods. This vessel came round the lakes, but a heavy 
storm rising as she approached this harbor, she was driven 
past the mouth of the river, and was shipwrecked above 
St. Joseph, and the goods and machinery on board were so 
damaged as to be almost worthless. This disaster put an 
end to a project that would doubtless have inured to the 
prosperity of South Haven. Immediately after the disas- 
ter Mr. Halleck returned to New York. 

EARLY RO.iDS. 

In the year 1835 a road was opened from South Haven 
to Paw Paw by Jay R. Monroe and Charles U. Cross. The 
first road of which mention is made in the records was laid 
out Sept. 9, 1843, known as Wood's road, "commencing 
at a station on the quarter line of section 8, T. 2, R. 16 
west [now Bangor], running north to the northeast corner 
of section 5, re-surveyed by Charles U. Cross in 1846." 
The laying out of a road is recorded June 4, 1845, " com- 
mencing at the east line of T. 2 south, R. 16 west [Ban- 
gor], at the N. E. corner of section 36, running south." 
July 8, 1845, the town-line road between South Haven 
and Columbia was recorded. Young's road was recorded 
May 23, 1846, commencing at the west line of section 35, 
and running north to intersection of the Waterford road on 
the east line of section 15. The South Haven and Hart- 
ford was recorded Oct. 18, 1845, each township agreeing 
to keep the road in repair within its own territory. The 
South Haven Lake road, "commencing 140 rods west of 
the N. E. corner of section 3, T. 1 S., R. 17 west, running 
south across the river along the centre of Paw Paw street. 



538 



HISTOKY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



still south to a stake in centre of Monroe Street," dated 
May 13, 1852. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

Upon the division of the township of Lafayette into 
seven townships, in the winter of 1836-37, South Haven 
was one of the number, and was laid out to contain the 
present territory of Bangor, Columbia, Geneva, and Deer- 
field. The act organizing South Haven reads as follows : 
"That all that portion of the county of Van Buren desig- 
nated on the United States survey as township one south, 
in ranges fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen west, and township 
two south, in ranges sixteen and seventeen west, be and 
the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate 
township by the name of South Haven, and the first town- 
ship-meeting therein shall be held at the house of J. II. 
Monroe in said township." 

The early records of the township are lost, and it is not 
known who the first officers were, but with the exception 
of J. R. Monroe the residents were in what is now Bangor, 
Columbia, and Geneva : — Charles U. Cross in Bangor ; 
Silas Breed, Jonathan N. Howard, A. Bobot, Samuel Wat- 
son, and J. N. Hinckley, at Brcedsville ; Clark Pierce in 
Geneva. The offices were held, school districts laid out, and 
early improvement made in that portion of the township. 

The first records on file in the town.ship clerk's office 
commence Sept. 30, 1844, when the township board met 
at the school-house at Brcedsville, J. N. Hinckley, Horace 
Humphrey, Daniel Taylor, and Mason Wood being present. 
The accounts of the township were audited and amounted 
to $95.22. It was resolved " that the election be holden 
on the first Monday of November at the dwelling-house of 
Daniel Taylor, and on the day following at the school-house 
in Brcedsville." Pursuant to notice the township board 
met at the Mansion House of Daniel Taylor fur the purpose 
of holding a general election. The polls were opened by 
J. N. Hinckley, Horace Humphrey, Harvey JManley, Ma.son 
Wood, Daniel Taylor, and J. N. Howard. Lyman Loomis 
was chosen clerk. At the close of election on that day ad- 
journment was made to meet at the school-house on the 
following day. This record is of date Nov. 8, 1844, and 
signed J. N. Howard, Town Clerk. 

The first township election of which record is found, was 
held at the dwelling-house of Daniel Taylor, April 7, 1845, 
at which the following officert were elected : Pcrrin M. 
Northrup, Supervisor ; William M. Hurlbut, Township 
Clerk ; Mason Wood, Justice of the Peace four years ; 
Charles U. Cross, Justice of the Peace two years ; Mansel M. 
Briggs, Justice of the Peace one year ; Harvey Potter, John 
Smith, Hiel Swan, Commissioners of Highways ; Charles U. 
Cross, Township Treasurer ; IMason Wood and Charles U. 
Cross, Overseers of the Poor ; Charles U. Cross and Mansel 
M. Briggs, School Inspectors; Charles A. Taylor and 
Sherman Northrup, Constables ; Mason Wood, Sealer of 
Weights and Measures. 

A settlement was made April 30, 1845, between South 
Haven and Columbia, the latter having been set off as a 
separate township, and included the present town of 
Geneva. The Board of Supervisors of Van Buren County 
set off Bangor at their annual meeting in October, 1853, 
and the township of Deerfield (now Covert) in 185G. 



LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 
The supervisors, clerks, treasurers, justices of the peace, 
and school inspectors of South Haven, from 1846 to 1879, 
inclusive, have been as follows : 

SLTERVISORS. 

lSi6,PerrinM. Northrup; 1S47-4S, Willi.am H. Hurlbut ; 1849, Jesse 
Ball; 1S50, William H. Hurlbut; 1851-52, Mansel M. Briggs; 
185.'!, William H. Hurlbut; 1854, William B. Ilathaw.iy ; 1855- 
-56, Kandolpb Dcnsmore; 1S57, Aaron S. Dyckman ; 1858, 
Barney H. Dyck man; 1859. Randolph Densmore; 1860, AaronS. 
Dyckman; 1S6I, Stephen B. Morehouse; 1862, Kirk W. Noyes; 
186.3, George B. Poraeroy ; 1864, John Andrews; 1865-66, Wil- 
liam H. Hurlbut ; 1867-70, Kirk W. Noyes; 1871-72, Charles J. 
Monroe; 1873-74, Albert Thompson; 1875-79, Samuel P. Wil- 

TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 

1846, William II. Hurlbut; 1847-48, Jesse Ball; 1849, Osear R. 
Southard; 1850, John L. Northrup; 1851-52, James D. Kings- 
ton; 1853. Pcrrin M. Northrup; 1854-56. Stephen B. Morehouse; 
1857, Kirk W. Noyes; 1858-59, Edwin Densmore; 1860, Samuel 
A. Tripp; 1861, Edward H. Lounsbury ; 1862, George B. Pome- 
roy; 1863-68, Elisha B. Moon; 1869-70, William E. Stewart; 
1871, Elisha B. Moon: 1872-78. Augustus B. Chase; 1879, El- 
ston Hewson. 

TREASUREKS. 

1846-47, Perrin M. Northrup; 1848-49, Mansel M. Briggs; 1850, 
David T. Taylor: 1851-52, Mason Wood; 1853, Mansel M. 
Briggs; 1854, Amos J. Eggleston ; 1855, Horace S. Thomas; 
1856, John F. Withey ; 1857-58, William B. Hathaway; 1859- 
60, James P. Williams; 1861-62, George H. Bradley; 1863, 
Horace S. Thomas; 1864-67, S. P.Wilson; 1868-69, Joseph B. 
Hurlbut; 1870-72, Charles Delamere; 1873-74, Peter Davis; 
1875, Milton H. Rice; 1876-77, Alwyn M. Prouty ; 1878-79, 
George B. Pomeroy. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

1846, Mansel M. Briggs, Jesse B.all ; 1847, Charles U.Cross; 1848, 
Charles U. Cross, Stern L. Ripley; 1849, James B. Croft; 1850, 
Mansel M. Briggs; 1851, Ai Blood : 1852, Stephen B. Morehouse, 
Daniel Van Auken, Adolphus Brown ; 1853, Daniel T. Fo.x ; 1854, 
Alpha Tubbs, Benoni Young, and Charles B. De Aruiond; 1855, 
James R. Reed : 1856, Stephen B. Morehouse, Horace S. Thomas, 
William B. Hathaway; 1857, Samuel Merry; 1858, Randolph 
Densmore, Wilbur Hale: 1859, Joseph S. Wagoner; 1860, Kirk 
W. Noyes^ Enoch Conger, Rossiter Hoppin ; 1861, Samuel Fol- 
lett; 1862, Wm. H. Hurlbut; 1863, Joseph S.AVagoner, Richard 
L. Bonfoey ; 1864, James Calkins, A. N. Moulton ; 1865, Calvin 
Fletcher; 1806, George H. Bradley; 1867, Joseph B. Hurlbut, 
Augustus Voorhees; 1868, D. M. Phillips, William P. Bryan; 
1869, Alonzo II. Chandler; 1870, Calvin Fletcher, William II. 
Hurlbut: 1871, George W. Bycrs, Alonzo M. Haynes, William P. 
Bryan: 1872, William P. Bryan, Uzziah Conger; 187.'!, Uzziah 
Conger; 1874, Calvin Fletcher; 1875, George W. Byers ; 1876, 
Benjamin Tultle; 1877, Edward M. Cook; 1878, George W. Byers, 
Edward M. Cook, Benjamin M. Tuttle, Calvin Fletcher; 1879, 
Uzziab Conger. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

1846, John L. Northrup ; 1847, William H. Hurlbut ; 1848, Charles 
U. Cross; 1849, William 11. Hurlbut; 1850, Ch.arlcs U. Cro.ss ; 
1851, Mansell M. Briggs; 1852, Charles V. Cross; 1853, William 
H. Hurlbut ; 1854, Samuel F. Foster, Aaron S. Dyckman ; 1855, 
William B. Hathaway ; 1856, Samuel F. Foster; 1857, Samuel 
A. Tripp; 1858, Barton C. Palmer; 1859, Nathaniel Grover; 
1860, James Cook ; 1801, Daniel G. Wright, Nathaniel Grover; 
1862, Elisha Moon; 1863, Samuel Follett ; 1864, A. S. Dyckman, 
S. A. Tripp; 1865, B. L. Andrus, D. G. AVright ; 1866, E. L. 
Andrus, William S. Burton; 1867, A. S. Dyckman ; 1868, C. J. 
Monroe; 1869, E. B. Moon ; 1870-71, Charles J. Monroe: 1872, 
Benjamin F. Ileckert; 1873, C. J. Monroe; 1874, William H. 
Wilco.x; 1875, John N. Foster; 1876-78, Aaron S. Dyckman; 
1879, Joseph Lannin. 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



539 



SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 
1875, Joseph Anderson ; 1S76, Charles J. Monroe ; 1877-78, Charles 
It. Pleas.Tnts; 1879, Charles J. Monroe. 

The volunteer bounty fund in 1865 was raised hy tax, 
and amounted to $3080.27. In 186li the amount raised 
was $1701.25; 1867, balance of amount, $18.27 ; making 
a total of $4799.79. Incidentals increase this amount to 

$5387.17. 

VILLAGE OF SOUTH HAVEN. 

The village of South Haven was incorporated by act 
passed in January, 1869, and an organization was effected, 
but it was found so imperfect that the village was rein- 
corporated in 1871, under the corporate name of the " Vil- 
lage of South Haven," with a president, treasurer, three trus- 
tees, and an assessor. The territory embraced all of section 
10, fractional sections 9 and 3, and a strip of land 80 rods 
wide on the west part of section 2, and the northwest 
quarter of the northwest quarter of section 11. 

The first election under the reincorporation was held May 
10, 1869. The following is a list of presidents, clerks, 
treasurers, and trustees from that time to the present : 

PRESIDENTS. 
1869-70, George Hannahs; 1871-72, Foster I. Parks; 1873, Barney 
U. Dyokman ; 1874, Calvin Fletcher; 1875-77, George Hannahs; 
1878, Samuel A. Tripp; 1879, Chase H. Dickinson. 

CLERKS. 
1869-70, Alonzo M. Haynes; 1871, H. H. Hunter; 1872-73, George 
T. Rogers ; 1874-79, Henry E. Dewey. 

TREASURERS. 

1869, William H.Andrews; 1870, Eugene D. Conger ; 1871-79, Alwyn 
M. Prouty. 

TRUSTEES. 

1869, Daniel Howard, Albert Thompson, Levi R. Brown, George L. 
Scaver, William P. Bryan, and Barney H. Dyokman ; 1870, Elijah 
Rnthbone, Calvin Fletcher, Orvis C. Lathrop ; 1871, Darius E. 
Comstock, Daniel G. Wright, Timothy Bishop ; 1872, B. F. Heck- 
ert, Uzziah Conger, A. S. Dyokman; 1873, Hiland W. Sweet, 
William M. Patton, William P. Bryan; 1874, David R.Jones, 
William F. Smith, B. F. Heckert; 1875, James E. GunsoIIy, Mar- 
shall J. Dickinson, Charles Delamen; 1876, Daniel G. Wright, 
George N. Hale, Humphrey Cain ; 1877, Charles Delamere, George 
B. Pomeroy, John Maekey ; 1878, Daniel G. Wright, Humphrey 
Cain, William H. Thompson; 1879, John Maekey, George B, 
Pomeroy, George N. Hale. 

Village Plats. — A village plat was laid out by J. R. 
Monroe in 1834, but the place declined, and the plat re- 
mained a waste of wild land. 

The first plat of the present village was made by Marvin 
Hannahs, and bears date Feb. 18, 1852. It embraced the 
northwest quarter of section 10, lying south of the river, 
and that portion of the southwest quarter of section 3 lying 
south and west of the river. 

The subsequent additions to the village plat have been as 
follows: Tubbs' addition on section 3, along the lake-shore; 
Dyckman, Hale & Co.'s addition, 80 acres, northwest quarter 
of northeast quarter of section 10; Hale, Conger & Co.'s 
addition, 190 acres, comprising all that portion of section 
3 lying east and south of river in section 3 ; Hale's survey 
of about 40 acres on the southwest quarter of the south- 
west quarter of section 2 ; Dyckman & Woodman's addi- 
tion, comprising all of the southwest quarter of section 3 
west of the river; and Elkenburgh's addition, south of the 



original plat, comprising the west half of the southwest 
quarter of section 10. 

The location and advantages of South Haven are well 
given in an address of J. E. Bidwell, delivered in February, 
1873, from which the following is quoted: "Commercially, 
South Haven is favorably located at the mouth of Black 
River, — whose dark waters are stained with the dissolution 
of mineral deposits and the decay of original forests and 
their annual foliage, replaced with thriftier trees in great 
variety, — from which many vessels are now annually laden 
with rich cargoes of choice lumber, wood, and timber, con- 
sisting principally of beech, whitewood, walnut, cherry, oak, 
maple, pine, and basswood, and conveyed aoro.ss the lake to 
Chicago and other lake cities, to finish and warm their beau- 
tiful cottages and splendid mansions, their palatial stores and 
other commercial buildings, their numerous lines of railway 
and vessels, — all assisting the growth and prosperity of our 
great Northwest. South Haven is also the terminus of the 
Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad, connecting a few 
miles out at Grand Junction, witli the Michigan Lake 
Shore Railroad, and at Kalamazoo, forty miles distant, with 
the Michigan Central and other important lines of railway, 
pointing in every direction. South Haven is also connected 
by steamer and vessel with Chicago, sixty-eight miles dis- 
tant, southwest, and Milwaukee, ninety miles acro.ss the lake, 
northwest, connecting with steamers for Detroit, Cleveland, 
and Bufialo eastward." 

The village now contains a population of about 1600, 
with five churches (Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, 
Reformed, and Catholic), two hotels, post-office, American 
Express Company, telegraph-office, deputy collector of cus- 
toms, light-house, railroad depot at the terminus of the 
South Haven Division of the Michigan Central, office of 
the South Haven Sentinel, opera-house, bank. Lake Shore 
Nursery, three warehouses, seven general stores, two hard- 
ware-.stores, three drug-stores, two tailors' stores, four boot- 
and shoe-stores, one clothing-store, two jewelers' stores, four 
milliners' stores, two photograph-galleries, one fruit-package- 
factory, one fruit-evaporator, two steam saw-mills, one grist- 
mill, one tannery, one iron-foundry, one wooden-bowl-fac- 
tory, one brick-yard, one planing-mill, one flour- and feed- 
store, three furniture-stores, two markets, one cooper-shop, 
one harness-shop, four blacksmith- and wagon-shops, two 
insurance-offices, two dentists, three physicians, three law- 
yers, one master-builder. 

BANKING. 

First National Bank. — A private bank was started in 
January, 1868, by Boardman & Penniman, which firm was 
succeeded by S. B. Boardman, in May, 1868, and by S. B. 
Boardman & Co., Jan. 1, 1869. On the 1st of May, 
1870, the Bank of South Haven was organized by S. B. 
Boardman and Charles J. Monroe, and July 1, 1871, it 
was chartered as the First National Bank of South Haven, 
with a capital of $50,000. Silas B. Boardman, Presi- 
dent ; George Hannahs, Vice-President ; Charles J. Monroe, 
Cashier. 

Monroe s Bank at Bangor is under the same manage- 
ment as the First National Bank of South Haven. C. J. 
Monroe, President; S. B. Boardman, Vice-President ; A. 
B. Chase, Cashier. 



540 



HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

Literary Cluh. — This society was formed in the winter 
of 1857-58, with S. B. Morehouse as President, A. S. Dyck- 
man, Secretary, and numbering about 15 members. The 
society met once a week at the houses of the different mem- 
bers. Miscellaneous reading, discussions, reading of origi- 
nal papers, and music were tlie exercises. Meetings con- 
tinued till about 1866, when they declined. About 1869 
an unsuccessful effort was made to revive the society. 

A festival was held at Masonic Hall, Feb. 22, 1876, at 
which meeting it was decided to again revive the club. 
Meetings from that time have been held weekly. About 
1870 a library association was organized and incorporated. 
Effort is now being made to unite the club and association 
as one society under incorporation. Under the auspices of 
the club lecturers from abroad are obtained. The organiza- 
tion of the society in the early history of the village did much 
to elevate the tastes of its inhabitants, and a similar effect 
has resulted from its revival. 

Star of the Lake Lodge, Ko. 158, F. and A. J/.— This 
lodge was chartered Jan. 19, 1865, with the following offi- 
cers : Liberty H. Bailey, W. M. ; Calvin Fletcher, S. W. ; 
Araba N. Moulton, J. W. The officers for 1879 are L. A. 
Leighton, W. M. ; Jerry Crowley, S. W. ; Sidney Holmes, 
J. W. The present membership is 120. 

Soulh Haven Chapter, F. and A. 31., A'o. 58. — This 
chapter was instituted Jan. 7, 1868, with L. H. Bailey 
as High Priest ; George L. Seaver, King ; Calvin Fletcher, 
Scribe. The present officers are Marshall J. Dixon, High 
Priest ; S. P. Wilson, King ; John Sandlaun, Scribe. The 
present membership is 58. 

Council, No. 45, R. A. M. — A dispensation was granted 
Dec. 4, 1875, with L. H. Baiiey as Thrice Illustrious Mas- 
ter ; Henry E. Dewey, Deputy Master ; and Comp. Mar- 
shall J. Dixon, Principal Conductor of Work. The present 
officers are Marshall J. Dixon, Thrice Illustrious Master ; 
H. E. Dewey, Deputy Master ; George L. Seaver, Scribe. 

Neptune Lodge, No. 297, I. 0. 6. i*:— The lodge was 
instituted July 18, 1877, with the following as charter 
members ; William E. Stewart, John M. West, Robert A. 
Douglas, David E. Histed, Charles S. Sharon, Charles H. 
AVigglesworth, Albert Cross, and B. A. Cross. The present 
membership is 45, and the present officers are Albert Cross, 
N. G. ; George Hannahs, Jr., V. G. ; Frank A. Keazie, 
Recording Sec. ; N. K. Jillson, Permanent Sec. ; A. D. 
Healy, Treas. 

Foniona Grange, No. 219, P. of H. — A dispensation 
was granted to this grange Jan. 26, 1874, and charter 
granted July 6, 1874. 

Post- Offices and Postmasters. — The first post-office was 
established in South Haven about 1852. Joseph Sturges 
was the first appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by 
S. B. Morehouse, B. H. Dyckman, Daniel G. Wright, B. 
II. Dyckman, and Wm. E. Stewart, the present incumbent. 

SCHOOLS. 

In the first platting of the village of South Haven a lot 

was set apart for school purposes. But the first account of 

any school being held in the territory of the township dates 

in 1837. A house was built and scliool taught by Lorenzo 



Cate in that part of South Haven now the township of 
Columbia. In 1845 a school was taught by Miss Mehitable 
Northrop. No account is to be found of a school being 
kept at that early day in what is now South Haven. 
School records were commenced Jan. 31, 1845, and the 
first entry is as follows : 

"School District No. 1, Town 1 South, Range 15 West 
[now Columbia], to contain the following Sections, viz.. 
Sections No. 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33. This Dis- 
trict has become a legally organized School District under 
Section 11 of an act relating to Common or Primary 
Schools. 

"School District No. 2, Town 2 South, Range 16 West 
[now Bangor], contains the following Sections: Nos. 1, 2, 
3, 10, ll,l2, 13, 14, and 15. 

" Harvey JIanley, ") 
J. N. Howard, [" School Inspectors." 

Wm. N. Hurlbut, J 

March 24, 1845, School District No. 2 was reformed to 
contain the following sections: Nos. 1, 12, and 13, in town 
2 south, range 16 west (Bangor), and sections Nos. 6, 7, 
and 18, town 2 south, range 15 west (Arlington), and to 
be known as District No. 2 of South Haven and Arlington. 

Between the time of the meeting of the inspectors, 
March 24, 1845, and the meeting of May 3d, given below, 
the township of Columbia had been organized. " The Board 
of School Inspectors met, pursuant to notice, at the dwell- 
ing-house of 0. S. Brown, and proceeded to examine Eliza 
Hoppin in regard to her qualifications for teaching a primary 
school, and gave her a certificate." 

September 13th of the same year fractional school dis- 
trict No. 1 was formed of South Haven and Arlington, and 
contained section 25, the west half of section 36, and south- 
east half of section 24, in town 2 south, range 16 west 
(Bangor). 

At the same time was formed district No. 1 of South 
Haven, containing sections No. 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of 
town 2 south, range 16 west (Bangor). At a meeting 
held May 2, 1846, William N. Hurlbut was appointed 
librarian. 

A fractional school district was formed of South Haven 
and Hartford, and March 17, 1851, there was apportioned 
to school district No. 1. |6.54y*j ; to fractional district No. 
1 of South Haven and Hartford, $2.43 ; to fiactional dis- 
trict No. 1 of South Haven and Arlington, 75 cents ; and 
to district No. 2, $2.43. At this meeting district No. 3 
was formed in township 1 south, range 17 west (now South 
Haven), and contained sections Nos. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 
14, and 15, and a district, to be known as district No. 4, 
was set off from district No. 3, and comprised sections Nos. 
2, 3, 10, 11, 14, and 15. 

June 11, 1853, the school inspectors of the township of 
South Haven and Ganges (Allegan County) met pursuant 
to notice and divided district No. 4 as follows : " So much 
of the territory as is enclosed by the base line, South Black 
River and Lake Michigan, be united with fractional section 
35, and the whole of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 17 
West; also Section 31 and south half of Section 30, Town 
1 North, Range 16 West, to form a Union School District, 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



541 



to be known aucl distinguislied as Fractional District No. 
One of the townships of South Haven and Ganges." 

It is shown that no district was hiid out in what is now 
the township of South Haven until March 17, 18.51, when 
one was laid out, which included the nine north sections of 
the townships, and was known as district No. 3. This dis- 
trict was divided several times before 1854. 

Bangor and Deerfield had been set off into separate town- 
ships from 1853 to 1851, and the inspectors' record for 
1851 shows that the board met at the olEce of the town 
clerk April 15, 1854. Present: A. S. Dyckman, Samuel 
F. Foster, and S. B. Morehouse. Prior to this time no 
names of residents in the present township appear among 
the officers. 

May 2, 1857, a new school district was formed, known 
as No. 3, and embraced of territory not before laid out sec- 
tions 23 and 24, and a strip 160 rods wide on the north 
part of sections 25 and 26, also section 1 and that part of 
2 lying south of Black River, and the whole of sections 
11, 12, 13, and 14. This district was enlarged May 26th 
of the same year, and embraced in addition, a strip 160 
rods wide on the north part of sections 27 and 28 to the 
lake, and northerly along the lake to the mouth of Black 
River, and on the south side of the river to the intersection 
of sections 2 and 3. 

Many changes were made in the districts, but no new 
territory added until Jan. 30, 1864, when that portion of 
sections 27 and 28 not before embraced was included in a 
district, and on May 5, 1865, new territory was added to 
the district so as to comprise that portion of sections 25 and 
26 not previously embraced, also the north half of sections 
35 and 36. The township was redistricted Feb. 20, 1874. 

A statement of the condition of the schools of the town- 
ship in 1879 is shown by the subjoined report for 1879 : 

SCHOOL REPOKT FOR 1879. 



Number of Number of 
Cliildrcn be- Frai 



2U Yeai 
37S 



No. 1.. 

No. 2.. 56 

No. 3.. 4S 

No. 4.. 90 

No. 5.. 40 

No. 6.. 22 

Totals. 634 



Seating 
Capacity. 



320 
50 



6 



$5000 
1200 

700 
1000 
1000 

200 



550 S9100 11 



180 
112 



$1408 



nECEIPTS. 

,,,, Prim.^l■y- District Raised Total Ri 

' " Scliool Taxes for from otiier source 

Fund, all Purposes. Sources. tlio Year. 

No. 1 $292.12 $458.75 $203.92 $1900.00 $123.66 $3054.45 

No. 2 130.97 55.77 29.81 30.00 516.55 

No. 3 

No. 4 93.05 47.18 191.17 332.00 

No. 5 12.51 53.00 19.26 157.00 241.77 

No. C 9.90 40.50 9.61 142.50 1.21 214.72 



for 



Totals... $445.50 $701.67 $316.78 $2390.67 $154.87 $4359.49 



District. Paid Teachers, 



EXPENDITURES. 
For all other , 



mount on Total Expendi- 
nd Sept. 1, ture during the 
1870. Year.* 



No. 1 S18S8.00 

No. 2 

No. 3 

No. 4 

No. 5 

No. 6 



275.00 

"ii^oo 

128.00 
Totals $2403.00 



$427.82 
66.09 



15.00 
25.00 
64.63 

$598.54 



S73S.63 
175.46 
151.51 



11.09 
$1077.46 



$3054.45 
516.55 



203.72 
S434S.49 



* Including amount on hand. 



The school directors for 1879 were Calvin Fletcher, H. 
M. Avery, Charles Gibson, J. J. Moulthrop, J. F. Hopkins, 
L. K. Jillson. 

Following is a list of persons examined by, and who re- 
ceived certificates from, the school inspectors down to the 
year 1867 : 

Eliza Hoppin, May 3, 1845. 

Mehitable Northrup, May 2, 1846. 

Eliza Camp, July 11, 1847. 

Joseph Ilurlbut, Nov. 4, 1851. 

Hannah Hawks, March, 1852. 

Amanda Haynos and M.ary McKnight, July 10, 1852. 

Lesbia E. Fox, April 9, 1853. 

Lucinda H.aynes, June 11, 1853. 

Sarah E. Reynolds, Aug. 12, 1853. 

Samuel Follctt, Nov. 18, 1854. 

Samuel P. Wilson, Dec. 1, 1854. 

Miss E. J. Eaton, April 14, 1855. 

Austin Harman, Dec. 4, 1855. 

Samuel A.Tripp, April 22, 1856. 

Edward H. Lounsbury, Oct. IS, 1856. 

Angelino Foster, May 2, 1857. 

A. D. Taylor, April 10, 1858. 

Sarah Dow, April 17, 1858. 

A. S. Dyckman, Nov. 6, 1858. 

Mrs. H. Bradley, Dec. 3, 1858. 

Mrs. E. P. H. Lee, April IS, 1859. 

Frances Hale, Jan. 21, 1860. 

Harriet Morehouse, M.arch 31, 1860. 

Miss Frank Wright and Miss Miiry Potter, April 4, 1860. 

Ella Conger and Elisha Moon, Nov. 3, 1860. 

Ruth Hunt, May 21, 1861. 

Julia Morehoiise, April 12, 1862. 

— - Nelson, April 12, 1862. 

Eliza Longwell, Nov. 18, 1862. 

Anna McDowell, Dec. 28, 1S62. 

Charles J. Monroe, Sept. 19. 1863. 

Martha E. Grover, Nov. 14, 1863. 

Mrs. Frances W. Moon, Emma Brent, Ann McNitt, Ai-ril 30, 1864. 

Julia A. Church, May 7, 1864. 

A. J. Dyer and Anna McDonald, Nov. 9, 1864. 

Theodore Iloppin and Mrs. Edward Napier, Nov. 14, 1864. Mr. 
Hoppin to teach in the principal department of the union school. 

Mrs. N. Phelps, same date. 

Miss Lesbia Warner and Miss Orpha Williams, April 29, 1865. 

Miss J. Van Dyck, May 25, 1865. 

Miss Ann Atwater, May 27, 1805. 

Hattie Morehouse, Louisa Wood, Georgie S. Williams, Jane Wright, 
and Mrs. P. C. Napier, April 12, 1866. 

Helen Briggs, May 8, 1866. 

Nathaniel Earl, H. Farnham, Mrs. S. A. Simmons, Nov. 3, 1866. 

Mary L. Bryant, Julia Morehouse, Carrie Grover, April 13, 1867. 

Ellen Horr and Lesbia Warner, April 27, 1867. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
The Congregational Church. — An ecclesiastical council 
was held at South Haven July 2, 1856, composed of the 
following persons : Rev. A. H. Reed, American Home Mis- 
sionary Agent; Rev. T. Jones, Galesburg ; Rev. Edward 
Taylor, Kalarauzoo ; Rev. A. llowe, Lawrence ; and Deacon 
Mills, of Galesburg. The First Congregational Church of 
South Haven was organized at that meeting, with the fol- 
lowing-named persons as constituent members, nine of 
whom presented letters from other churches, viz. : Joseph 
Wagoner, from Congregational Church of Kalamazoo ; Mrs. 
T. McDowell, from Congregational Church, Jamestown, 
N. Y. ; Mrs. Joseph Dow, Samuel F. Foster, Mrs. Jane 
Foster, Miss Angeline Foster, and Mr. H. C. Wells; 
Mrs. L. Wells, from Plymouth Congregational Church of 
Chicago ; George W. Wallace, from Congregational Church, 



542 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Bradford, Vt. ; Dr. Charles M. Lee, from church at Phoenix, 
N. Y. Dr. Charles M. Lee was elected deacon, and Samuel 
F. Foster clerk. 

Preaching was held at the school-house and at the hall 
of the Forest House (now Pacific) during the winter. 

June 14, 1857, the Rev. Nathaniel Grover was ordained 
as pastor of the church, and remained in charge until his 
death, May 10, 1863. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
William Pattinson, who commenced his labors in November 
of the same 3-ear, and closed them in August, 18G5. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. David Wirt. Under his charge 
a chapel was built, and dedicated Dec. 19, 1867, the 
Rev. E. Andrews, of Allegan, preaching the dedication 
sermon. The Rev. Joseph Anderson accepted a call Sept. 
13, 1869, and remained till Nov. 19, 1871, when he re- 
signed. He afterwards preached about six months in 1872. 

The present pastor, the Rev. E. A. Paddock, was called 
to the pastorate Sept. 3, 1876. A church building was 
erected on Phoenix Street, at a cost of §6000. A town 
clock was placed in the tower, at a cost of §1000. The 
dedication services were held Nov. 18, 1878. The sermon 
was preached by the Rev. H. N. Burton, of Kalamazoo. 
The church has a present membership of 160. A Sunday- 
school with about 200 pupils is in connection, of which the 
pastor is superintendent. 

First Baptist Church. — Aug. 22, 1846, pursuant to 
notice, the following-named persons met for the purpose of 
organizing a Baptist Church: E. D. Farnham, A. C. Merritt, 
G. H. Clark, Mrs. Harriet James, J. H. Farnham, C. H. 
Wigglesworth, Mrs. A. J. Wigglesworth, Thomas W. 
Merritt, Mrs. Hannah D. Merritt, and S. A. Simmons. E. 

D. Farnham presided. It was resolved to hold Sunday 
services, and the hall of Pomeroy & Worthington was 
secured for that purpose. A. C. Merritt, a resident of the 
locality and an ordained minister, preached alternately with 
Dr. William Hewson. Five trustees were chosen Aug. 28, 
1867, and at this meeting it was " resolved that this church 
be known as the First Baptist Church of South Haven." 

E. D. Farnham was chosen deacon. 

After the erection of the Congregational chapel, services 
were held for some time on Sunday afternoons, but finally 
discontinued on account of the ill health of Dr. Hewson. 
Mr. George Hannahs presented the society with a deed of 
two lots where the church now stands. The board of trus- 
tees were appointed a building committee April 7, 1869. 
The church was visited by the Rev. C. Johnson, of Lan- 
sing, then superintendent of State Reform School, who 
offered them $200 towards building a church edifice. Sub- 
scriptions were then taken up, and the church built on the 
present site, at a cost of $2102.96. 

Nov. 7, 1870, it was resolved to call a council to recognize 
the church, and letters missive were sent to the churches of 
Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, Keeler, Watervliet, 
Plainville, and Cheshire, and to the Rev. C. Johnson and 
the Rev. Mr. Mather, Missionary Agent. At this meeting 
32 persons presented letters from other churches to become ' 
constituent members. Dr. Hewson, A. C. Merritt, and 
C. H. Wigglesworth were appointed to represent them in 
the council. 

The council met on Saturday, Nov. 19, 1870, when the 



church was regularly constituted, and the next day (No- 
vember 20th) the church edifice was dedicated. The 
morning sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Mather, 
and the evening sermon by the Rev. C. Johnson. 

The church has at present about 70 members, and a 
Sunday-school of 60 pupils, of which Charles H. Pleasants 
is superintendent. 

A Uiiiversalist Society was organized in South Haven 
about 1803, when the Rev. W. N. Burton was living there, 
but it declined upon his leaving, in 1868. He is now living 
in Boston. 

A Church of the United Brethren was also organized, and 
a church edifice was built that was sold to the Catholics in 
1877, and the society declined. 

Episcopal Church. — A call, signed by E. Rathbone, 
Calvin Fletcher, Marshall D. Talcott, Joseph Lanning, 
and Charles Rathbone, was extended to those interested in 
the formation of an Episcopal society, April 5, 1870, for a 
meeting to be held April ISth, at which time an organiza- 
tion was perfected. C. Fletcher, E. Rathbone, Joseph 
Lanning, George Hale, C. Delamere were chosen vestr\'men. 
The Rev. J. B. Dooley became their rector. Services are 
held in Grange Hall. The church is now supplied occa- 
sionally by the Rev. G. P. Shetky, rector of St. Mark's 
Church of Paw Paw. 

Reformed Church of America. — This society was organ- 
ized with 12 members, April 18, 1872, and was first under 
the p.istoral charge of the Rev. Kickentwelt, suc- 
ceeded by the Revs. H. K. Boer and D. G. Dangremond, 
who is the present pastor. The church edifice was erected 
in 1872. The society now has a membership of 42, and a 
Sunday-school in connection, of which C. Van Brussel is 
superintendent, has 25 pupils. 

Catholic Church. — This church was organized in Janu- 
ary, 1877, with five families, under the care of Father 
Tyson, of St. Joseph, under whose charge it still remains. 
Services are held once in three months. The edifice of the 
United Brethren was purchased soon after the organization. 

Methodist Church. — The earliest knowledge of any 
preaching by members of this denomination was in May, 
1852, when the Rev. Mr. Doughty preached in the house 
of S. B. Morehouse. About 1855 the Rev. Mr. Colwell 
came on the circuit. A class was then formed, in which 
Jared P. Breed, Sarah, his wife, and Jesse L. Lane were 
among the early members. From that time until 1865 but 
little information is obtained, except that the circuit preach- 
ers, Pendlan, Van Wyck, and Berry, were here occasion- 
ally. The pastors from that time have been the Revs. 
William M. Paddock, E. L. Kellogg, J. W. H. Carlisle, E. 
H. McChesney, H. H. Parker, W. A. Hunsberger, and N. 
D. Carroll, the present pastor. The present membership 
is 160. Connected with the church is a Sunday-school of 
80 pupils ; J. J. Atherly superintendent. 

Worship was first held in the school-house. In 1867 a 
church building was erected, which was destroyed by fire 
in 1871, when the present edifice was erected. 

FRUIT INTERESTS OF SOUTH HAVEN. 
The interest in fruit culture in this township began soon 
after the actual settlers took possession of the land. The 



TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH HAVEN. 



543 



first to venture in this untried field was Stephen B. More- 
house, who came here for that purpose. It was not, how- 
ever, entirely an experiment, for the success that had 
crowned the efforts of Eleazer Morton and George Par- 
raelee, of Benton Harbor, and Gaius Bough ton, B. C. 
Hoyt, and others, of St. Joseph, was a guarantee of suc- 
cess in this locality, it being under the same thermal influ- 
ence. 

Mr. Morehouse, after getting his land in proper condi- 
tion, purchased trees in Kalamazoo, and planted an orchard 
of three acres, mostly apples. Randolph Densmore, about 
the same time, set out a small orchard adjoining that of 
Mr. Morehouse. These orchards were within the present 
village plat. James L. Keid, about 1857, planted an 
orchard on the lake-shore, on section IG. This was 
afterwards enlarged by Thomas Hoppin. About the same 
time A. S. Dycknian planted an orchard of four acres of 
peach-trees, and in 1858 the first vineyards were planted. 
Mr. Dyckman set out one acre, and Orris Church one and 
a half acres, and in 1864 Aaron Eames set out the Dela- 
ware grape largely, having planted orchards much earlier. 
Slowly, but surely, these pioneers in fruit culture felt their 
way, realizing every year by the wider experience gained, 
and the results which followed their efforts, that the lands 
of South Haven were well adapted to successful and con- 
tinuous fruit-raising. 

A pomological society was organized in January, 1871, 
and it has been instrumental in promoting a general in- 
terest in fruit culture of all kinds. The members of this 
society have been prominent in the State society, it having 
furnished two presidents, — A. S. Dyckman and T. T. 
Lyon, its present president, the latter of whom is widely 
known throughout this and other States as a contributor in 
all departments of horticulture and pomology. 

A meeting of the State Pomological Society was held at 
Pomological Hall, at South Haven, June 19, 20, and 21, 
1877, and to this society is the State indebted, to a certain 
extent, for the law authorizing a commissioner to destroy 
peach-trees affected with the "yellows," and the seizure of 
all fruit affected by it. Upon the first appearance of the 
dreaded disease at St. Joseph this society appointed a cura- 
mittee, who acted with the concurrence of the fruit-growers 
of the vicinity, and destroyed all trees found affected. In 
the winter of 1874-75 the society presented a petition for 
a law having the above provision applicable to Van Buren, 
Allegan, and Ottawa Counties, which law was passed. 

The. facilities of South Haven for marketing are now 
unsurpassed, the port being but eight hours from Chicago 
by steamer, and connected with the main line of the Michi- 
gan Central by a branch from Kalamazoo. The exports of 
fruit for 1879 are given in another place. 

South Haven Pomological Society. — In December, 1870, 
a number of fruit-growers mot at South Haven to consult 
on the propriety of organizing a society that would draw 
more closely together those who were interested in the cul- 
tivation of fruit, and by an interchange of thought enlarge 
their general knowledge of the best means and methods for 
the successful prosecution of the business. This meeting 
resulted in an organization formed in January, 1871, when 
the following officers were elected : President, Norman 



Phillips ; Vice-President. C. H. Wigglesworth ; Secretary, 
C. T. Bryant ; Treasurer, C. J. Monroe. Succeeding offi- 
cers of the society have been as follows: 1874, President, 
Norman Phillips ; Secretary, C. T. Bryant ; Treasurer, C. J. 
Monroe. 1875, President, T. T. Lyon ; Secretary, H. E. 
Bidwell ; Treasurer, C. J. Monroe. 1876, President, T. T. 
Lyon ; Secretary, H. E. Bidwell ; Treasurer, C. H. Wig- 
glesworth. 1877, President, H. E. Bidwell ; Secretary, A. 
S. Galley. 1878, President, William H. Hurlbut ; Secre- 
tary, J. G. Ramsdell; Treasurer, H. Chatfield. 1879, 
President, C. H. Wigglesworth ; Secretary, J. G. Ramsdell. 
The society has steadily increased in numbers and in- 
terest. Meetings are held weekly, and discussions are held 
on the diflfererent questions that are constantly arising. 
The society adopted a trade-mark, under which members 
ship their fruit, thus holding the members responsible for 
the credit of the society. Exhibits of fruit from the 
society were sent to the Vienna Exposition, for which was 
received a bronze medal ; also at the Centennial Exhibition 
in 1876 and at Chicago, where they took more prizes than 
any other society. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



WILLIAM H. HURLBUT. 

William Harrison and Wealthy (^Cross) Hurlbut were 
married Jan. 4, 181G, and were the parents of the follow- 
ing children : William H. (the subject of this sketch), born 
Aug. 25, 1819 ; Charles B., born Jan. 15, 1826; George, 
born June 14, 1828; Joseph, born Dec. 25, 1830; and 
Albert, born Dec. 4, 1842. 

William Harrison was a native of the town of Richland, 
Oswego Co., N. Y. When he was four years of age his 
parents removed to St. Hyacinth District, Canada, remain- 
ing there about eight years, and it was there that Charles 
B. and George were born. About 1830 they moved to and 
made St. Lawrence County their home, where Joseph B. 
was born ; and in 1833 returned to Richland, where Al- 
bert was born. After arriving at the age of sixteen, young 
Hurlbut, with the consent and blessing of his parents (that 
being all they had to give him), a cash capital of seventy- 
five cents in his pocket, and worldly effects to the extent of 
one shirt tied up in a cotton handkerchief, left the paternal 
home to make his fortune. About sunset of the third day, 
tired and foot-sore, and with but five cents in money left, 
he found himself a stranger in the pleasant village of Ham- 
ilton, N. Y. Here he succeeded in obtaining employment 
with Samuel Payne, Sr., deacon of the First Baptist Church, 
and one of the founders of the Baptist Theological Semi- 
nary of Hamilton. For nearly five years young Hurlbut 
remained with the deacon, working for wages summers 
and doir(g chores for his board and attending school in the 
village winters. 

In the fall of 1840, with his carefully-hoarded savings 
in his wallet, his effects packed in one small trunk, and with 
the fatherly counsel and blessing of the good deacon, he 
started for the "far West," which at that time meant any- 
where beyond Lake Erie. 



544 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



In October, 1840, he arrived in Van Buren Co., Mich. 
(then an ahnost unbroken wilderness), with barely money 
sufficient to enter eighty acres of wild land, which so far 
had been the height of his boyish ambition. 

He located on section 11 of what is now the town of 
Bangor, but then known as South Haven. 

Here Hurlbut pursued a bachelor life, spending his sum- 
mers mostly in chopping, either ou his land or in cutting 
roads, and teaching district school winters in a neighboring 
township until 1845, meanwhile having exchanged his 
eighty acres with improvements for a wild one-hundred-and- 
sixty-acre tract on section 13 of the same township, in- 
curring in the transaction an indebtedness of four hundred 
dollars. 

In May, 1845, ho was united in marriage with Fanny, 
daughter of Robert Christie, of Lawrence, she bravely con- 
senting to settle in the woods, and with her companion to 
share all the labors and privations of pioneer life ; and it is 
only justice to say that with fortitude and cheerfulness she 
has borne her full share of the trials and vicissitudes to be 
encountered in rearing a family on the frontiers of civiliza- 
tion, and in helping to build up a home in the wilderness. 

Immediately after marriage Mr. and Jlrs. Hurlbut set- 
tled down in a hastily-constructed board cabin in the woods, 
erected near where now stands the old homestead, having 
at that time no neighbor within half a mile, no clearing in 
sight, and no road, save a blazed sled-track through the 
■woods. Here in earnest commenced the second stage of life's 
battle, and it is now the testimony of both that whatever 
of success has attended their efforts may be credited in 
no small degree to the firm resolution with which they 
started out — rigidly adhered to — never to run into debt. 

From 184G to 18G1 he was prominently identified with 
all the public enterprises and improvements introduced into 
this portion of the county, and officially connected with 
town and county during that period. He assisted in build- 
ing the first school-house in Bangor and the first saw-mill, 
eventually becoming half owner. 

In 1850 he was elected register of deeds for Van Buren 
County, which position he held two years. 

His good judgment and sterling integrity had secured 
liim a position high in the estimation of the people, whose 
voluntary suffrages had throughout this period almost con- 
tinually kept him employed in some official capacity, and 
in 1868, by a large majority, he was elected to represent 
his district in the State Legislature. He was re-elected in 
1870. This position he filled with his usual ability and 
fidelity. 

In December, 1861, he removed to South Haven, and 
in the spring of 18G2 erected his present residence, a view 
of which, together with his old home, appear on another 
page. Mr. Hurlbut's knowledge of pioneer life is of a 
practical nature. Besides his Bangor farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres, he has also cleared one hundred and twenty 
acres here, on which he has a peach orchard of thirty 
acres. 

Mr. Hurlbut's family consists of his wife and five chil- 
dren, viz. : Janet, Caroline, Jane, Irene, and Frank, all of 
whom live in this vicinity. 

In politics he was a Democrat up to the organization of 



the Republican party, when he became identified with it, 
and so continued until 1876, when he united with the 
National or Greenba'^k party. 

Coming here with but small capital, he has by industry 
and competent management acquired considerable property, 
and by his ability and integrity established for himself an 
enviable reputation ; while he has so discharged the duties 
of the positions of honor and trust that have been be- 
stowed upon him as to merit and receive the confidence 
and approbation of all. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 



"WAVERLY TOWNSHIP.* 



General Description of the Township — Pioneer Settlers and Early 
Events — Township Organization and List of Officers — Post-Offioos 
— Religious — Educational. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Town 2 south, range 14 west, now known as Waverly, 
was originally a portion of the township of Clinch, created 
in 1837, when Van Buren County was divided into seven 
townships. Waverly "s boundaries are : Bloomingdale on the 
north, Paw Paw on the south, Almena on the east, and 
Arlington on the west. When organized, Waverly con- 
tained thirty-six full sections, but one and a half sections 
in the southwest corner have been since set off to Paw 
Paw township, for the greater convenience of the people 
living in that part of the territory. 

There is a large swamp in the southwest, and swamp- 
lands are observable in numerous portions of the town. 
Generally the character of the soil is heavy, and as to the 
production of wheat, it ranks very high. It is said that 
40 bushels per acre have been grown in some cases, and 
that 25 bushels may be regarded as far from rare. Heavily- 
timbered lands are plentiful, as are also water-courses. In 
the south the Paw Paw River flows westward, and here 
and there numerous smaller streams are found, although in 
no case are the streams rapid enough to furnish water- 
power. Apart from the saw-mili interest there are no 
manufactures. There is a post-office, called Glendale, but 
no village, nor is there within the limits of the township a 
church building. The interests of agriculture are the sole 
dependence of the people, and they are valuable enough to 
make the community a prosperous one. 

PIONEER SETTLERS AND EARLY EVENTS. 
In 1837 Bloomingdale and Waverly received their first 
settlers simultaneously, and received them from the same 
family. In the fall of 1836, Mallory H. Myers, Merlin SI. 
Myers, Reuben J. Myers, William H. H. Blyers, and their 
mother, with two sisters, migrated westward to White 
Pigeon, Mich., and there determined to remain temporarily. 
In the spring of 1837, Mallory, Reuben, and William 
started upon a land-looking tour, and fancying some land 
in the township of Clinch, concluded to locate there, — Reu- 
ben selecting a tract on section 2, in the present town of 
Waverly, and his two brothers locating farms in what is 
now Bloomingdale. The rest of the family coming directly 

■^ By I>avid Schwartz, 



TOWNSHIP OF WAVEKLY. 



545 



.Vom White Pigeon, they all lived together in a cabin built 
on M;illiiiy's place. Reuben began at once, however, to clear 
his land in Waverly, and in the fall of 1838 he erected a 
comfortable log cabin, into which he moved with one of his 
sisters, who kept house for him until some time in 1839, 
when James Scott, a shingle-maker employed in the 
neighborhood, courted and married Miss Myers, and took 
her away to Decatur. Reuben and his sister had been the 
first and only settlers in the town, and when she left, Reu- 
ben was the solitary white inhabitant, although he had 
neighbors in the adjoining towns of Bloomingdale and Al- 
mena (both being then a portion of Clinch). 

In 1839, Merwin Myers came over from Bloomingdale 
to keep Reuben company, and located on section 1, where 
he lived until 1857, when he removed to Illinois, his present 
home. Reuben Myers has always lived in Waverly since 
he first settled there. He has his home now on section 11. 

In that same year there were settlements in the southern 
portion of the township by Loren Hurlbut and Jacob Finch, 
both of whom located on section 35. Hurlbut died in Paw 
Paw in 1877. Finch moved to the far West after a not 
very extended residence in Waverly. 

When Isaac Brown moved into Waverly from Washte- 
naw County, in 1839, and settled upon section 13, there was 
no settler within two and a half miles of him. He lived 
there until shortly after 1860, when he moved to Paw Paw, 
where he died in 1865. Mr. Brown's son, John D., born 
in 1839, was the first person born in Waverly. He now 
lives in Bangor, where also resides Isaac Brown's widow, 
aged eighty-seven. 

Zeri Taylor located upon section 13 in 1839, and Brown 
was therefore not left long without a neighbor. Taylor de- 
parted, however, after a few years' stay, but whither he went 
cannot be stated. 

Rezin Bell came to Michigan in 1833 and made his 
home in Adrian, but left there in 1837 for Van Buren 
County, and although he located land in Waverly in that 
year on section 2, he lived in Almena two years before be- 
coming a permanent resident of Waverly. He moved to 
Bloomingdale in 1854, and died there in 1865. When he 
came to Van Buren County he had five children, of whom 
only one is now living. 

In 1839, William Murch, a young man from Nes York, 
came to the town, and located land upon section 2 ; but de- 
voting the next twelve months to laboring for others, he did 
not effect a permanent settlement until 1840, when he mar- 
ried one of Reuben Myers' sisters. The marriage was solem- 
nized at the house of Mallory H. Myers, in Bloomingdale, by 
Elder Junia Warner, of Almena, and may be regarded as 
the first marriage among the Waverly settlers, although the 
ceremony was performed across the line in Almena. The 
marriage of Scott to one of Mrs. Myers' daughters took 
place in 1839, but in that case only one of the contracting 
parties belonged in Waverly. 

In the same year of 1840 a six-year-old son of Rezin 
Bell, named Josiah, fell sick and died. That death was 
the first in the township. There was then no public burial- 
ground in Waverly, and the lad was accordingly buried near 
Elder Warner's house, in Almena. 

Leonard Lull bought land on section 2 in 1840, but did 
69 



not effect a permanent settlement, although he was in and 
out of the town for a few years. Philo Herron came from 
New York in 1841, and settled upon the northeast corner 
of section 3. Subsequently, however, he moved to Pine 
Grove, where he died. Almon B. Covey and his brother 
Amon, after Remaining a short time in Almena, located in 
1841 upon section 12, in Waverly. Amon married after 
a while and moved to Almena. Almon became ultimately 
a resident of Arlington, where he died in 1878. 

Jonah Austin, a New Yorker, was a settler in Oakland 
Co., Mich., in 1836, and after a residence there of six 
years moved to Waverly, where he had bought 160 acres 
on section 24, — the land being now occupied by his sons 
Alexander and Jasper. The elder Austin died on his place 
in 1869. 

John Scott, one of the best known of Waverly's citizens, 
came hither from Monroe Co., N. Y., in September, 1843, 
having bought 80 acres on section 6, of Mr. McVean, be- 
fore he started. While preparing his own place for habita- 
tion he lived with his family at Ashbel Herron's, four and 
a half miles ea.st, and with the assistance of the Herrons 
he put up a log cabin 18 by 24 feet. The lumber and 
shingles for floor and roof he hauled from Porter's mill, 
in Allegan County, thirteen miles distant. Between him 
and the Paw Paw River on the south there was no settler, 
and on the east his neare.st neighbor was Philo Herron, 
living three and a half miles away. When Mr. Scott fin- 
ished the construction of his log cabin he had only 18 cents 
in cash at his command, "but," says he, "I never borrowed 
any trouble, never went hungry, and never had any com- 
plaint to make touching the general character of my expe- 
rience. I have always kept up a stout heart and so have 
prospered.'' In that heavily-timbered region roads were 
luxuries and exceedingly difficult of attainment. Mr. 
Scott's journeys on foot were easily made over Indian 
trails, but traveling by wagon was a different affair. Then 
he had to cut his way before him, and cutting out a road 
was a tedious business. Still, it was necessary to do that 
or stop at home, and stopping at home when mill or mai'ket 
were necessaries was not to be thought of. Paw Paw was 
the market and mill point, and tramping over the weari- 
some way on foot, with grist on back, was a common task, 
while it was not unfrequently a dangerous one, especially 
as the only bridge over the Paw Paw was a fallen tree, and 
across it the trip was sometimes necessarily made after 
dark. 

Joseph Cox, of Monroe Co., N. Y., came also in 1843, 
and became a settler upon 160 acres in section 22, entered 
previously by his father. In 1849, Cox joined the gold- 
seekers and set out for California, but, dying en route, his 
bones were left to bleach upon the Plains. 

Upon section 12, in 1843, James C. and Eben Armstrong 
were the pioneers, and with their cheering presence encour- 
aged the little band of struggling settlers. James died in 
the town. Eben is now a resident of Bloomingdale. Daniel 
Relyea located upon section 2 in 1843, but died there in 
the following, year. 

The year 1844 brought Isaac Spaulding as a settler. He 
was a pioneer in Lenawee County in 1834, and ten years 
afterwards located land on section 21, in Waverly. For a 



546 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



year be divided his time between clearing bis land and 
working in Breedsville at bis trade as a tanner. In 1845 
be settled permanently upon his Waverly land, and remov- 
ing subsequently to section 16, he lived there until Novem- 
ber, 1879, when bis home was destroyed by fire. When 
Mr. Spaulding built his first house in Waverly he had to 
draw his lumber from Brush Creek, and having in the 
journey to go around streams over which there were no 
bridges, the trip to the saw-mill and back covered fully 
thirty miles. Besides all that, he bad to cut out the road 
in many places, and taken altogether the task was a severe 
one. The deer injured his wheat crops so much that he built 
about his wheat-field a rail-fence eight feet high, which was 
the admiration of his brother settlers. 

Peter T. Valleau, fiimiliarly known as Uncle Peter, was a 
settler in 1844, upon section 22. He was an eccentric old 
gentleman, with many kindly traits, and passed bis de- 
clining years at the home of his son Theodore, upon section 
2, where the latter located in 1858. In 1844, also, John 
Reed joined the army of settlers, and where he then located, 
upon section 24, he still lives. 

Hubbard Westcott and T. W. Thayer came in 1845. 
Westcott settled on section 21, but moved subsequently to 
Tecumseh, where he died. Thayer lived with his father in 
Bloomingdale until 1845, when he married Polly, a sister 
of Elisha Marble (a settler in Waverly in 1843), and 
located a farm upon section 1 , in Waverly, which is still his 
home. 

Reuben Mather, one of Waverly's early settlers, occu- 
pies a farm originally settled in 1848 by Charles Rogers, 
who died on the place in 1854. 

Orlando H. Newcomb, a comer to Waverly in 1850, 
moved with bis father to Almena in 1836, settled after- 
wards in Bloomingdale, where he engaged in milling with 
Mallory Myers, and in 1850 settled upon section 12, in 
Waverly, where he died in 1873, and where his widow still 
resides. 0. M. Alger, who moved from Ohio to Michigan 
in 1846, lived on Prairie Ronde a year, and then settled in 
Antwerp, whence in 1851 he migrated to Waverly. He 
died in 1876, leaving a widow, who, with her son, lives on 
the old homestead on section 3. 

The year 1852 brought quite a number of settlers, promi- 
nent among whom were George Carr, 0. A. Breck, the Shaw 
and Rogers families, and J. L. Fox. Carr, a New Yorker, 
made his home upon section 23, where be had bought some 
wild land of E. 0. Briggs. His sons, William H. and 
Jacob, now live on the farm settled by their father, whose 
present home is on section 27. 

Joseph Rogers, a bachelor, and William, his brother, a 
man of family, came from Wayne County, and bought a 
farm on section 27. There William died in 1878, and 
there Joseph is still a resident. J. L. Fox came from Kent 
Co., Mich., and selected a home on section 15, where be 
has since remained. From Wayne Co., Mich., came Rich- 
mond and W. B. Shaw. The former lived a while upon 
section 21, and then moved out of the town. The latter 
yet lives on section 22, where he located in 1852. 

Orson A. Breck was a young bachelor when he came 
from Wayne Co., N. Y., to Waverly in 1852, and took 
quarters with his uncle, Isaac Spaulding, with whom he lived 



two years. In 1854, young Breck married a daughter of 
Samuel Rogers (living with his sons on section 27), who 
died in Waverly in 1873, aged eighty-seven. Previous to 
his marriage Breck bad entered land on section 17, where 
he now lives. When be made a settlement there, in 1854, 
he was the first inhabitant of what was soon afterwards or- 
ganized as school district No. 8. Following Breck into 
that district the settlers were Benjamin Smith, Zeri Skin- 
ner, B. G. Stanley, John McKnight, and others. 

The voters in Waverly in 1852 numbered about 30, and 
included the following : Reuben J. Myers, Merlin M. Myers, 
Theodore W. Valleau, Almon B. Covey, 0. H. Newcomb, 
Henry Whelpley, Dr. Babbitt, Philo Herron, Daniel Brown, 
N. H. Whitford, John Scott, Benijah Davis, Isaac Spalding, 
Hubbard Westcott, Charles Rogers, Ephraim Butterfield, 

Young, Jonah Austin, Ja.sper Austin, George Austin, 

James Armstrong, William Murch, Orra Brown, Cyrenus 
Brown, Isaac Brown, John Smith, Edwin Smith, George 
P. Smith, Loren Hurlbut, Rezin Bell, Ebenezer Arm- 
strong, and L. W. Thayer. 

The year 1854 was enlivened by what is still remem- 
bered as the famous " School-House War," which sprang 
from the incidents attendant upon the organization of 
school district No. 8, and efforts to fix upon a permanent 
location for the school-house. Upon the first discussion 
touching the school-house site there appeared to be con- 
flicting opinions, some wanting it in one place and some 
in another ; but the party headed by Benjamin Smith car- 
ried the day, and decreed that the school-house should be 
built upon Smith's place, near the big swamp. Smith was, 
however, so ridiculed for wanting the school-house located 
in a swamp that he pressed for a change of site, and agreed 
to have it built on Joseph Skinner's farm, to the north ; but 
insisted subsequently that the district should make a road 
through Skinner's farm for the convenience of bis (Smith's) 
children, so that in going to school they might make a 
short cut of it. This the district declined to do, whereupon 
Smith gathered his party, and revoking the decision which 
placed the site on Skinner's farm, effected another change, 
whereby the location was fixed upon Breck's form. To 
this move Smith's wife raised her voice in emphatic protest 
and declared that " that .school-house shouldn't stand one 
inch upon Breck's farm" if she could help it. Smith being 
therefore directed by his good dame to see to it promptly, 
and " keep that school-house away from Breck's," called his 
henchmen in council and ordered another change of base, 
the Smith party, it may be well to observe, possessing a 
ruling majority in the district. A fourth site was accord- 
ingly selected upon Bailey Stanley's farm, a little south of 
the sawmill, and for the first time in the course of the con- 
troversy active measures were taken towards the erection of 
a building. Indeed, the frame was raised, and everybody 
supposed, of course, that trouble was at an end, and that 
the district was at last to have a school-bouse. Unhappily, 
the people reckoned without their host. About the time 
of the completion of the frame Bailey Stanley fell out with 
Benjamin Smith, and most positively declared that the 
school-house should not stand upon his land, for he would 
never execute a deed. Appealed to by the community, 
he remained firmly obstinate, and so there was nothing to 



TOWNSHIP OF WAVERLY. 



547 



do but to take the frame down, look for another location, 
and trust to Providence. The fifth attempt to locate the 
school permanently, resulted in a complete success, and thus 
far it has been allowed to remain undisturbed upon its 
present site, north of Jones' saw-mill. 

During the progress of the conflict a great deal of bad 
blood was generated, and party feeling ran high upon the 
questions of "Smith" and "anti-Smith." So fierce was 
the faction fever that at one stage the anti-Smithites would 
raid the fences of the Smithites at night, and turn cattle 
into the growing crops, jrhile in turn the Smithites would 
retaliate with similar measures, and as a cap to the climax, 
personal discussion over the matter not infrequently led to 
personal fistic encounters, although most reports agree in 
saying that no blood was shed. 

In 1853, Eli Bush, of Ohio, came with his family, in 
company with the family of Henry Kingsbury, and made 
a settlement on section 2, where he now lives. While 
building his cabin he lived with S. N. Root, who had come 
a short time previously, and located upon section 1, his 
present home. Kingsbury stopped a short time only before 
removing to Lawton. Even at that late day, the region in 
which Mr. Bush settled was a forest wild, although he had 
neighbors moderately near at hand. C. W. Gilman, now 
living near Mr. Bush, although a late coTuer in Waverly, was 
one of the early residents of Antwerp, in which his father 
was one of the pioneer advance-guard. 

John Merchant, now living in Waverly, upon section 15, 
where he located in 1854, was one of the pioneers of Hills- 
dale County. Jacob Hungerford was a settler in Cass 
County in 1837, and now lives upon section 26, in Waverly. 
L. W. Simmons came in 1858, and occupied a place earlier 
owned by Jesse V. Stevens, now a resident on section 13, 
while among other prominent early settlers may be men- 
tioned Charles Stanley, A. G. Dayton, S. L. Abernethy, 
F. M. and P. T. Streator, H. H. Jennings, C. W. Butter- 
field, T. L. Niles, and F. W. Dibble. 

The first burial-ground was laid out in the fall of 1857, 
north of Jones' saw-mill. The first burial in the inclosure 
was that of Charles Rogers, whose body was taken up from 
the Rogers farm and transferred, as were also, soon after, 
the bodies of others previously interred in family grounds. 
In 1858 the cemetery on section 23 was laid out, the 
two grounds named being now the only ones in the town- 
ship. 

The pioneer saw-mill was built by William Heald, in 
1861, on section 16. This mill — now carried on by S. H. 
Jones— and the one owned by S. W. Fisk are the only 
mills of any kind in Waverly. 

The swamp known as the " Huckleberry Marsh" did not 
invite settlements to its neighborhood at a very early date, 
but in 1854 the neighborhood west of the school section 
began to receive population, although the growth thereof 
was exceedingly slow. Latterly there have been indica- 
tions of speedy eflForts looking to the reclamation of the 
swamp lands in the southwest, and as a result of the suc- 
cess of such a move, the town must gain considerable valu- 
able land which is now almost worthless. 

But few wolf stories are told by Waverly's early settlers, 
but it is related that William Murch, while traveling to 



Breedsville, encountered a pack of wolves, and taking to a 
tree, Tas kept there a prisoner all night in a driving snow- 
storm. Fearful that he might fall asleep, and thus fall 
down into the jaws of the hungry beasts, he bound himself 
firmly to the tree with his handkerchief, which, luckily, 
kept him safe, for he did fall asleep, and might have fallen 
to his death had he not been bound. 

Mill conveniences to a majority of the early settlers were 
easily accessible at Paw Paw, and so they were better ofl' 
than many neighboring townships. 

The number of voters in Waverly in 1842 was but 13. 
In 1849, there was an increase to 27 ; in 1852, to 30 ; in 
1856, to 73; and in 1861, to 134. In 1869 the town 
enjoyed its greatest prosperity as to population, and had 
then 315 voters. At this time (January, 1880) the voters 
number 250. 

The first frame house built in Waverly was erected in 
1846, by J. C. Armstrong, and is now occupied as the resi- 
dence of Nelson Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong, who, it may 
be observed, was the pioneer carpenter of the town, built 
also the first frame barn. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND LIST OF OFFICERS. 

When Van Buren County was divided into seven towns, 
under the act approved March 11, 1837, Clinch township 
(one of the seven) embraced the territory now included 
within Waverly, Almena, Bloomingdale, and Pine Grove. 
In 1842 the town was divided into two equal parts, that on 
the west being called Waverly (including the present towns 
of Bloomingdale and Waverly), and that on the east 
Almena. F. C. Annable, of Almena, then a member of 
the Legislature, presented the petition for the division, and 
named both towns, christening Waverly in honor of the 
novelist Sir Walter Scott, whom he much admired. 

The first meeting of the electors of Waverly after the 
division, was held April 4, 1842, when the aggregate vote 
was but 13. In 1845, Waverly was divided, the northern 
half being set off' as Bloomingdale, while the southern por- 
tion retained the old name. 

Subjoined is a list of those elected as supervisor, clerk, 
treasurer, and justice of the peace since 1842 : 

1842.— Supervisor, M. H. Mjers; Clerk, W. H. H." Myers; Treasurer, 

W. H. H. Myers; Justices of the Peace, Ashbel Herron, 

Isaac Brown, A. B. Covey, M. H. Myers. 
1843.— Supervisor, M. H. Myers; Clerk, W. H. H. Myers; Treasurer, 

W. H. H. Myers; Justice of the Peace, Harvilaud Thayer. 
1844.— Supervisor, W. H. H. Myers; Clerk, M. H. Myers; Treasurer, 

M. H. Myers; Justice of the Peace, A. B. Covey. 
1845.— Supervisor, R. J. Myers; Clerk, E. Marble; Treasurer, Rezin 

Bell; Justice of the Peace, Isaac Brown. 
1846. — Supervisor, Joseph Cox; Clerk, Isaac Brown; Treasurer, E. 

Marble; Justice of the Peace, Lorin Hulbert. 
1847.— Supervisor, R. J. Myers; Clerk, M. II. Myers; Treasurer, E. 

Armstrong ; Justice of the Peace, Philo Herron. 
1848. — Supervisor, Isaac Brown; Clerk, M. H. Myers; Treasurer, E. 

Armstrong; Justice of the Peace, William Murch. 
1849. — Supervisor, Wm. Murch; Clerk, M. M. Myers; Treasurer, E. 

Armstrong; Justice of the Peace, George P. Smith. 
1850. — Supervisor, E. Armstrong; Clerk, E. A. Smith; Treasurer, J. 

C. Armstrong; Justice of the Peace, A. A. Holly. 
1851. — Supervisor, William Murch; Clerk, Isaac Brown; Treasurer, 

George P. Smith ; Justice of the Peace, Philo Herron. 
1852.— Supervisor, William Murch: Clerk, E. A. Smith; Treasurer, 

George P. Smith ; Justice of the Peace, L. W. Thayer. 



548 



HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1853. — Supervisor, George P. Smith; Clerk, J. L. Fox; Treasurer, 

Rezin Bell; Justice of the Peace, G. W. Glidden. 
1854. — Supervisor, George P. Smith; Clerlt, J. L. Fox; Treasurer, 

William Murch ; Justice of the Peace, H. Kingsbury, 
1855. — Supervisor, William Murch; Clerli, M. M. Myers; Treasurer, 

0, H. Newcomb: Justice of the Peace, H. Caldwell. 
1856. — Supervisor, H. Caldwell; Clerk, Josiah Hopkins: Treasurer, 

0. H. Newcomb; Justice of tiie Peace, E. Decker, 
1857, — Supervisor, R, J. Myers; Clerk, Josiah Hopkins; Treasurer, 

0, H, Newcomb; Justice of the Peace, Amos Wood, 
1858, — Supervisor, R, J. Myers; Clerk, Josiah Hopkins; Treasurer, 

A, B. Covey; Justice of the Peace, N, A, Whitford. 
1859. — Supervisor, R, J. Myers; Clerk, Josiah Hopkins; Treasurer, 

N, A, Whitford ; Justice of the Peace, Zeri Skinner, 
1860. — Supervisor, R, J, Myers; Clerk, J, L, Fox; Treasurer, N, A, 

Whitford ; Justice of the Peace, B, J, Stanley, 
1861, — Supervisor, R, J, Myers; Clerk, D, H, Smith; Treasurer, N, 

A, Whitford ; Justice of the Peace, G, W, Glidden. 
1862,— Supervisor, R. J, Myers; Clerk, D, H. Smith; Treasurer, A, 

Niles; Justice of the Peace, William Murch, 
1863. — Supervisor, D. H. Smith; Clerk, J. Hopkins; Treasurer, A. 

Niles ; Justice of the Peace, B, J, Stanley, 
1864,— Supervisor, D. H. Smith; Clerk, P, T. Streator; Treasurer, A. 

Niles; Justice of the Peace, J, E, Showerman, 
1865, — Supervisor, R, J, Myers; Clerk, P. T, Streator; Treasurer, 

J. E. Showerman ; Justice of the Peace, L, Hurlbut, 
1866,— Supervisor, C, W, Butterfield ; Clerk, E, D, Nash ; Treasurer, 

A, Niles; Justice of the Peace, George Edgell, 
1867,— Supervisor, C. W. Butterfield; Clerk, G. H, Bennett; Treas- 
urer, A, Niles ; Justice of the Peace, S, Randall, 
1868,— Supervisor, P, T, Streator; Clerk, G, H, Bennett; Treasurer, 

R, Mather; Justice of the Peace, Cyrus Smith. 
1869. — Supervisor, P. T. Streator ; Clerk, William D. Lane ; Treasurer, 

R. Mather; Justice of the Peace, C, W. Whipple, 
1870,— Supervisor, P, T, Streator; Clerk, William D, Lane; Treasurer, 

R, Mather ; Justice of the Peace, George Edgell, 
1871. — Supervisor, P. T. Streator; Clerk, AVlliiam D. Lane; Treasurer, 

R. Mather; Justice of the Peace, M. J. Blakeman, 
1872,— Supervisor, P, T, Streator; Clerk, William D, Lane; Treasurer, 

R. Mather; Justice of the Peace, William M, Green. 
1873.— Supervisor, P.T. Streator; Clerk, William D. Lane; Treasurer, 

R, Mather; Justice of the Peace, H. H. Skinner, 
1874, — Supervisor, P, T. Streator; Clerk, 0. A. Breck ; Treasurer, R. 

Mather ; Justice of the Peace, George Edgel. 
1875.— Supervisor, P, T, Streator ; Clerk, William D. Lane ; Treasurer, 

R, Mather; Justice of the Peace, C, A, Fox, 
1876.— Supervisor, P, T. Streator; Clerk, S, E. Qua; Treasurer, B, 

Smith; Justice of the Peace, A, Nixon, 
1877.— Supervisor, P. T. Streator; Clerk, W. D. Lane; Treasurer, A. 

J. Rich; Justice of the Peace, M. J, Blakeman. 
1878. — Supervisor, M. J. Blakeman; Clerk, 0. S. Rodenbaugh; 

Treasurer, D. Dillon; Justice of the Peace, Geo. Edgel. 
1879.— Supervisor, ■ M. J. Blakeman; Clerk, 0. S, Rodenbaugh; 

Treasurer, D, Dillon ; Justice of the Peace, Chas, A, Fox, 

Waverly's population in 1874 was 1104, and in 1879 
its assessed valuation was $347,625, 

POST-OFFICES, 
The post-office of Glendale was originally known as 
Lemont, having been so named in 18G8, by Bailey Stanley, 
after a hymn-book tune of which he was exceedingly fond. 
William D, Lane was appointed the first postmaster in 
1868, and in connection with the post-office he kept a store 
south of Jones' saw-mill. His successor in 1875 was 
Orson A. Breck, who resigned in 1878, and was succeeded 
by Oscar Rodenbaugh, the present incumbent. During 
Lane's term the name of the office was changed to Glen- 
dale because there happened to be in Ottawa County a post- 
office known as Lament, and frequent miscarriages of mail 
resulted. Mail service to and from Glendale is now per- 
formed twice a week between that office and Paw Paw by 



way of Waverly post-office. The latter office, oriiriiiiilly 
established in Waverly township, wiis in ISTI transferred 
to Almena. its present location. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Waverly has not, nor has it ever had, a church building 
within its limits, and at this time has but one religious 
organization, viz , a Methodist Episcopal class. A Free- 
Will Baptist Church was organized in the town as early as 
1843, but although still known as the Waverly Church, 
its place of worship is in Almena township, where a 
church was built in 1866. A Methodist Episcopal class 
was organized in Waverly in 1842, and worship was at 
first held in the town-line school-house on section 2, Other 
places were subsequently used for services, but after a time 
the class became much reduced in membership and was 
merged into the class now called the Glendale class. This 
latter was organized in 1858 as the Waverly class at the 
Spaulding school-house, and contained among its members 
Mr, and Mrs, Decker and their three daughters, Mr, and 
Mrs. 0. A. Breck, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Spaulding, Bailey 
Stanley and wile, Mrs. Sarah McKnight, Mr. and Mrs. 
Benjamin Smith, Joseph Skinner, and Henry Manee and 
wife. Of the foregoing, the only ones now members are 
Mrs. McKnight and Isaac Spaulding. 

Elder Caldwell, of Breedsville, who organized the class, 
had previously conducted spirited revival meetings in W;i- 
verly, and subsequent to the organization preached one 
year. Bailey Stanley was the first class-leader. The pas- 
tor following Elder Caldwell was Rev. Mr. Tuttle, and after 
him came Rev. Charles Fisher, who is again, after an ab- 
sence of eighteen years, serving the church as pastor. A 
removal of the place of worship to the Breck school-house, 
the present location, led to a change of name to that of 
" Glendale class." 

This class, which was at first in the Kalamazoo district, 
was subsequently changed to the Niles district, and later 
returned to the Kalamazoo district, in which it now is. 
Since 1858 worship has been enjoyed pretty regularly once 
every two weeks. The membership is now about 20. The 
class-leader is Lucius Rogers, 

EDUCATIONAL, 

The children of Waverly's earliest pioneers gathered the 
rudiments of learning in a school-house located just north 
of what is now the line between Bloomingdale and Wa- 
verly. The first public school-house in Waverly as it 
now stands was built in 1844. The town-line school 
already spoken of was taught in 1838, and had then eight 
scholars, with W. II. H. Myers for its teacher. The second 
teacher was Sarah, a sister of Mr. Myers. The school 
report for the year ending Sept. 30, 1879, showed the con- 
dition of Waverly's public schools to be as follows : 

Number of districts (whole, 5; fractional, 3) 8 

" " children of school age 420 

Average attendance ' 365 

Value of school property $3300 

Amount of teachers' wages $1270 

The school directors for 1879 were M. J. Harmon, N. 
Merchant, W. W. Scott, P, Bummell, C, E. RiLson, G. 
Spencer, M. Anton, R. J. Myers, 



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